Danube Delta
Danube Delta
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
479 reviews
Excellent
343
Very good
86
Average
34
Poor
15
Terrible
1
Cristian S
Bucharest, Romania68 contributions
Sep 2022
If you love fishing, viewing birds, and the wild environment, this is a very good choice. It is not cheap, usually, each speed boat trip will cost 20 USD/ person. The food is also not cheap and there will not be a lot of options.
Written September 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
geomang
Malta521 contributions
Jul 2022
I went with Ibis tours on the Danube delta and chose them because their website was very informative and gave a detailed explanation of the trip. Although we weren't many people on this particular trip on the day, due to some unknown and unusual occurrence, it was still held and we ended up being on a private tour which we enjoyed to the full . Cristian was a perfect guide and gave us so much information. The boat travelled at slow speed (compared to others) to give you time to take in the view and notice the wildlife. The shade of the boat was very useful and when the tour finished 7 hours later it was hardly noticeable how time had flown by, such was the fun that I had. I actually also went on a speedboat tour with another company and can't choose which was better as they are so different although they are both exploring the Danube delta which is a must for at least once in your lifetime.
Written August 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jkotor
95 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Went from Bucharest to Tulcea and took private boat with guide through the Delta. First, riding through the Delta was pleasant,but seeing wildlife was terrible. I see more birds at home lake Geneva or Florida. A handful of birds. The guide said that the route for tourists has so many boats speeding through it,that the birds go somewhere else. Researching the internet, I found out that many years ago there were birds but now not much. The lunch with a local fishing family is really a lunch stop that all the boats stop at. It's expensive for fish soup and fried carp.
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiberiu_Baranyi
Timisoara, Romania17,107 contributions
Jun 2021
As an angler for me the Danube Delta is the "non plus ultra" in terms of sports fishing and I go back there as often as I can ... it is 900 km from where I live so it is quite a trip, but once you got there you realize why it is worth to spend 12 hours in the car driving there. And I go twice/year for the past 5 years ... this was my 9th trip in a row.
It is very difficult to try to put into words the beauty of the Delta, it is not something that can be easily captured, for me is mostly about 2 things , the fishing and the people you are spending your time with while you are there.
The beauty of nature is stunning - the mix of canals, floating rush islands, home to so many birds, the fish splashing around ... well all this you have to see and experience for yourself. I will not "re-write" the reviews I made about this place I will simply say: GO AND SEE for yourself.
It is very difficult to try to put into words the beauty of the Delta, it is not something that can be easily captured, for me is mostly about 2 things , the fishing and the people you are spending your time with while you are there.
The beauty of nature is stunning - the mix of canals, floating rush islands, home to so many birds, the fish splashing around ... well all this you have to see and experience for yourself. I will not "re-write" the reviews I made about this place I will simply say: GO AND SEE for yourself.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Natasha J
Bucharest, Romania114 contributions
Jun 2022
10 hour boat turn turned into 12 with many stops, tons of sights to see and an incredible guide. Lunch stop in Letea even included a vegan plate for me & my husband. Excellent day of exploration.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
diangeltravel
Phoenix, AZ1,166 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
The most beautiful part was of Romania. I stayed in Crisan at Stuffino Crisan family owned location. I cannot say but great words both about these people and the entire area. If feels surreal, unique place in Europe , flora and fauna like nowhere else.
Written September 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
E. - A.
New York City, NY373 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
A beautiful place, you shoul go and visit it. I think this is one of the most beautiful places from Romania. I ate very good there, the fish is delicious. The people are vey kind. You won't regret this experience!
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiberiu_Baranyi
Timisoara, Romania17,107 contributions
Sep 2020
If you were in the Danube Delta - you will return as often as you can (for me its 2/year) - if you never been to the Delta you shall place it on the top of your list for the upcoming year/years.
It is a truly magical place - mostly untouched by the hand of men - with small fishermen villages scattered in the seas of rush and reed. People are warm and serene with a certain sobriety that comes from the centuries of hard work to earn a leaving on the waters of Delta.
I'm going for angling - for any angler this can be a true "El Dorado" , of course don't expect monsters - however from time to time surprises can occur - but if you want to have a good time for sure you can. The local fishermen can be hired as guides also - but you have to keep in mind they are used to nets not rod and reel so the productive spots you need to discover yourself.
If you are not interested in fishing - well there are a myriad of birds - swans, pelicans, White-tail Eagles , etc. so for bird watchers it is also the greatest place in Europe to be!
Landscapes - the waterways of the Delta - the channels are beautiful , the lakes with the yellow and white water lily's are simply beautiful and the 2 mystical place the woods of "Caraorman" (with the wild donkeys on the streets of the village) and "Letea" (with its wild horses roaming free the sandy dunes around the forest) definitely worth visiting.
And not least - you will eat fresh water fish (for the majority of you this could be a premier, however I assure you this people know how to prepare it!).
Go and see for yourself ... it is so much more to it that I can put in words here.
It is a truly magical place - mostly untouched by the hand of men - with small fishermen villages scattered in the seas of rush and reed. People are warm and serene with a certain sobriety that comes from the centuries of hard work to earn a leaving on the waters of Delta.
I'm going for angling - for any angler this can be a true "El Dorado" , of course don't expect monsters - however from time to time surprises can occur - but if you want to have a good time for sure you can. The local fishermen can be hired as guides also - but you have to keep in mind they are used to nets not rod and reel so the productive spots you need to discover yourself.
If you are not interested in fishing - well there are a myriad of birds - swans, pelicans, White-tail Eagles , etc. so for bird watchers it is also the greatest place in Europe to be!
Landscapes - the waterways of the Delta - the channels are beautiful , the lakes with the yellow and white water lily's are simply beautiful and the 2 mystical place the woods of "Caraorman" (with the wild donkeys on the streets of the village) and "Letea" (with its wild horses roaming free the sandy dunes around the forest) definitely worth visiting.
And not least - you will eat fresh water fish (for the majority of you this could be a premier, however I assure you this people know how to prepare it!).
Go and see for yourself ... it is so much more to it that I can put in words here.
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiberiu_Baranyi
Timisoara, Romania17,107 contributions
Jun 2022
Indeed one of my favorite place in Romania - and sports fishing heaven (at least from my perspective) , not because of huge fish - those are almost history , but because of the density and variety of species that can attack your lures. That is the reason that in the past 7 years I went there twice per year (even during the C-19 pandemics it was one of the "safest" and most isolated place where you could enjoy nature and forget about the troubles that shook the world).
What can I say that I did not said already in my previous reviews - well here are some thoughts:
- UNESCO work heritage place!
- if you love angling, you should get there at least once in your life.
- if you don't care about sports fishing you should go nonetheless to discover one of the (mostly) untouched (by humans) places in Europe.
- it is the home for more the 360 species of birds and some 45 species of fish.
- the locals cook fresh water fish like carp, perch, pike, wells catfish in ways you've never eaten and you shall not find anywhere else ... and believe me the taste is excellent and even if you typically don't eat these fish or you consider them to be not "edible" , I can tell you , the locals will prove you wrong.
- Letea Forest - the most northern sub-tropical forest in Europe is to be found here.
- the wild horses of the Delta - if you like the Romanian mustangs are grazing peacefully here. (they were released to the wilderness after 1989 and now the have breed that groups of 10th and even hundreds can be seen).
- Caraorman forest - in the village of Caraorman - a few ron is the entrance fee , in the range of 1 euro or so for an adult - not Crisan - you will sea Oak trees several hundred years old.
Now, to cut it short go - go and check it for yourself (you could also read my previous reviews of the Delta for a more complete picture and more details) - disappointment excluded! (it surely is 1 of those places you want to put on your Bucket List! )
What can I say that I did not said already in my previous reviews - well here are some thoughts:
- UNESCO work heritage place!
- if you love angling, you should get there at least once in your life.
- if you don't care about sports fishing you should go nonetheless to discover one of the (mostly) untouched (by humans) places in Europe.
- it is the home for more the 360 species of birds and some 45 species of fish.
- the locals cook fresh water fish like carp, perch, pike, wells catfish in ways you've never eaten and you shall not find anywhere else ... and believe me the taste is excellent and even if you typically don't eat these fish or you consider them to be not "edible" , I can tell you , the locals will prove you wrong.
- Letea Forest - the most northern sub-tropical forest in Europe is to be found here.
- the wild horses of the Delta - if you like the Romanian mustangs are grazing peacefully here. (they were released to the wilderness after 1989 and now the have breed that groups of 10th and even hundreds can be seen).
- Caraorman forest - in the village of Caraorman - a few ron is the entrance fee , in the range of 1 euro or so for an adult - not Crisan - you will sea Oak trees several hundred years old.
Now, to cut it short go - go and check it for yourself (you could also read my previous reviews of the Delta for a more complete picture and more details) - disappointment excluded! (it surely is 1 of those places you want to put on your Bucket List! )
Written July 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
V.
1,089 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
I plan on writing a more comprehensive review, in order to help the people who intend to visit the Danube Delta.
1. DO visit the Delta! It's like nothing you have ever seen before. A beautiful display of wildlife, from rare birds to beautiful greenery and neverending lakes and channels. You won't regret this experience, it's a vacation that will surely be different from your other ones.
2. The reason I only gave 4 stars to the Delta is not the reservation itself, but the services, which I unfortunately found rather unprofessional. We were in Tulcea for 2 and a half days, but the main problem is that, because most people come here for a single day, all of the touring companies leaving from Tulcea offer the same tour (Tulcea - nearby lakes Nebunu, Meșter - Mila 23 village - Letea forest) or shorter versions of this tour (or versions with slower boats). Some companies do offer other tours, but they don't actually make those tours unless they can fill up a boat with people willing to do it, so either you are 6-7 people, or you have the luck to have other tourists wanting the same tour as you. We didn't have this luck, unfortunately.
There is one more tour some companies do from Tulcea, a trip to Sulina, which may be interesting (we didn't do this tour), but for wildlife lovers is not worth it, as the main channel (Sulina) is quite boring. So, my two pieces of advice:
A. DON'T stay more than one day in Tulcea, as you don't have more than one tour option and the city itself is quite boring. There are some interesting museums, but they are not must-sees, just a good way to spend your spare time.
B. Get a tour that will take you on the smaller channels (like Mila 36, Sireasa, Șontea) as much as possible in order to see the wildlife and get a taste of the Delta.
3. The tour we did (Tulcea - Mila 23 - Letea Forest) was astonishing. We did the whole tour with Safca Tours and a shorter version of it with Corabia Piraților. We found Safca Tours to be the more professional company: better organized, more careful and more informative. Our tour guide (who is also the main contact person), Ciprian, was funny and very helpful. He showed us rare birds and explained a lot of interesting facts about the delta. The cruise itself was great, he let us sit on the deck as well, which was a great experience, while always paying attention so that everyone feels good and has a memorable experience. If generally the services in the delta are the reason I only gave 4 stars to the Danube Delta, Safca tours is the reason I didn't give 3 stars to the reservation.
The sights on the tour were unbelievable. The lakes and the wildlife was beautiful and the village of Mila 23 very charming, with its old blue and white houses and fully pedestrian. The Letea forest safari was very interesting, as this is a place where the delta vegetation meets sandy areas, making up for an unforgettable setting. It's worth taking this tour, nothing you have ever seen before.
4. Don't worry if you have not planned your trip carefully, you can always find tours right away in the harbour of Tulcea (and in other towns/villages in the delta as well, I suppose). However, some companies, like Safca Tours, have websites and facebook pages where you can reserve early, so as to secure the trip. I highly recommend you to do this. There is nothing like the comfort a reservation gives you!
5. I can't tell you if it would have been better to get accommodation elsewhere than in Tulcea (perhaps you can make a combination, one day in Tulcea, the rest in other places), but it's important to know that from other locations (such as Sulina, Murghiol, etc.), you can take other tours, which will lead you to other interesting sights. From what I've understood, most accommodation spots in the villages in the Delta offer themselves trips to neighbouring attractions, so one should do a more comprehensive search before booking a place. If you do stay in Tulcea, I recommend Hotel Insula.
6. DO NOT litter. Please. I've seen garbage in the beautiful greenery and it is utterly heartbreaking. Don't do it.
7. There are tours with slower boats and tours with faster boats. You should get one which suits your wishes. Slower boats are nicer because you get to see the landscape in a more relaxing manner, while faster boats are nicer because you can see more of the secrets of the delta nature. You choose, but beware that the boat, slow or fast, is not too large, so as to be able to enter the smaller channels (some smaller channels are still quite large, but some, like ones heading to Letea Forest, which were the most amazing, as they were sandy, were very narrow and shallow).
8. Have fun!
1. DO visit the Delta! It's like nothing you have ever seen before. A beautiful display of wildlife, from rare birds to beautiful greenery and neverending lakes and channels. You won't regret this experience, it's a vacation that will surely be different from your other ones.
2. The reason I only gave 4 stars to the Delta is not the reservation itself, but the services, which I unfortunately found rather unprofessional. We were in Tulcea for 2 and a half days, but the main problem is that, because most people come here for a single day, all of the touring companies leaving from Tulcea offer the same tour (Tulcea - nearby lakes Nebunu, Meșter - Mila 23 village - Letea forest) or shorter versions of this tour (or versions with slower boats). Some companies do offer other tours, but they don't actually make those tours unless they can fill up a boat with people willing to do it, so either you are 6-7 people, or you have the luck to have other tourists wanting the same tour as you. We didn't have this luck, unfortunately.
There is one more tour some companies do from Tulcea, a trip to Sulina, which may be interesting (we didn't do this tour), but for wildlife lovers is not worth it, as the main channel (Sulina) is quite boring. So, my two pieces of advice:
A. DON'T stay more than one day in Tulcea, as you don't have more than one tour option and the city itself is quite boring. There are some interesting museums, but they are not must-sees, just a good way to spend your spare time.
B. Get a tour that will take you on the smaller channels (like Mila 36, Sireasa, Șontea) as much as possible in order to see the wildlife and get a taste of the Delta.
3. The tour we did (Tulcea - Mila 23 - Letea Forest) was astonishing. We did the whole tour with Safca Tours and a shorter version of it with Corabia Piraților. We found Safca Tours to be the more professional company: better organized, more careful and more informative. Our tour guide (who is also the main contact person), Ciprian, was funny and very helpful. He showed us rare birds and explained a lot of interesting facts about the delta. The cruise itself was great, he let us sit on the deck as well, which was a great experience, while always paying attention so that everyone feels good and has a memorable experience. If generally the services in the delta are the reason I only gave 4 stars to the Danube Delta, Safca tours is the reason I didn't give 3 stars to the reservation.
The sights on the tour were unbelievable. The lakes and the wildlife was beautiful and the village of Mila 23 very charming, with its old blue and white houses and fully pedestrian. The Letea forest safari was very interesting, as this is a place where the delta vegetation meets sandy areas, making up for an unforgettable setting. It's worth taking this tour, nothing you have ever seen before.
4. Don't worry if you have not planned your trip carefully, you can always find tours right away in the harbour of Tulcea (and in other towns/villages in the delta as well, I suppose). However, some companies, like Safca Tours, have websites and facebook pages where you can reserve early, so as to secure the trip. I highly recommend you to do this. There is nothing like the comfort a reservation gives you!
5. I can't tell you if it would have been better to get accommodation elsewhere than in Tulcea (perhaps you can make a combination, one day in Tulcea, the rest in other places), but it's important to know that from other locations (such as Sulina, Murghiol, etc.), you can take other tours, which will lead you to other interesting sights. From what I've understood, most accommodation spots in the villages in the Delta offer themselves trips to neighbouring attractions, so one should do a more comprehensive search before booking a place. If you do stay in Tulcea, I recommend Hotel Insula.
6. DO NOT litter. Please. I've seen garbage in the beautiful greenery and it is utterly heartbreaking. Don't do it.
7. There are tours with slower boats and tours with faster boats. You should get one which suits your wishes. Slower boats are nicer because you get to see the landscape in a more relaxing manner, while faster boats are nicer because you can see more of the secrets of the delta nature. You choose, but beware that the boat, slow or fast, is not too large, so as to be able to enter the smaller channels (some smaller channels are still quite large, but some, like ones heading to Letea Forest, which were the most amazing, as they were sandy, were very narrow and shallow).
8. Have fun!
Written May 2, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
I am traveling in October to Romania. I have following question:
1. Is this a good season to visit Danube Delta?
2. I checked online about the Danube tour [4 hours] and it will cost 100 EUR per person. Is it really that expensive?
Written August 30, 2023
Hi, we are looking at Danube river trip including the Danube Delta. What is the best time of year to see wildlife in the Delta?
Thanks.
Written December 11, 2020
I would recommend late spring early summer ...may - june period
Written December 11, 2020
Buonasera, dove mi consigliate di alloggiare?ho letto che ci sono traghetti che partono da tulcea, e poi?una volta arrivati nella riserva cosa fare?siamo in due, viaggiamo la soli...
Written June 21, 2019
We are going to the Delta in a couple of weeks. Are we likely to see many species of birds at this time?
Written May 3, 2019
The white pelican, cormorant, mute swan, whiskered tern, grey heron, and others are abundant. Some rarer birds maybe seen if you have a birding trip.
Written July 22, 2019
Hallo Lisa B, heb je commentaar gelezen op je reis naar Roemenie/Donaudelta. Wij zouden dit ook graag doen, maar liefst een kort verblijf omdat we een reis door gans Roemenie doen. Zijn jullie daar langer dan 1 dag geweest ? Is het doenbaar voor 1 dag ? Wij gaan midden mei. Wat zijn ongeveer de kosten voor de bootreis ? Met dank bij voorbaat, mvg Gilberte M.
Written April 14, 2019
Hello. You can drop us a mesaage at SAFCA delta tours and we cab offer you a tour.
Thank you
Written April 15, 2019
Hello, does anyone know if a private boat tour can be booked on the day for a simple half day tour? It will need to accept dogs as well. I understand the group tours do not accept dogs. Thank you.
Written August 4, 2018
I´m positive it can be arranged. I would ask the accommodation landlords, they will know somebody. We paid 400 RON for a whole day trip, a small boat with 2 people + a guide. We also paid for his lunch, but he did make our tour exceptional so we ended up hiring him for two days.
Written August 6, 2018
Kann man in Tulcea direkt am gleichen Tag eine Bootstour (Tages- oder ca 5 Stundentour) mieten?
Sind dort viele Anbieter vor Ort? Oder muss man in Voraus buchen
Vielen Dank im Voraus
Written July 11, 2018
Dear Fellow travelers,
We ( 4 adults) plan to visit the area in early July. We plan to rent a car in Bucharest. Interested in fishing and sightseeing.
Please tell me in your opinion where would be the best place to stay?
Can we find a house to rent with a boat or just stay at the hotel and hire someone with a boat for fishing?
thank you in advance for your advice.
Written February 23, 2018
Danube Delta is a great and unforgettable experience. I would definitely choose a hotel, with full service regarding transportation and fishing. For Bucharest accommodation, I would recommend a hotel in the center of the city, like Continental Hotel (lovely and elegant) boutique hotel)or Novotel Hotel, which are located on a nice promenade called Calea Victoriei. Enjoy yr time!
Written March 1, 2018
rdshellhorn
Denver, Colorado
how can i make sure i get an english speaking guide
Written January 17, 2018
I do not know whether it is certain, but I think that it is good to find a tour of English at a tour company in Tulcea.
Written January 19, 2018
Hi,
What's the best place to stay for 2 or 3 nights to discover the danube delta. I would like to rent a kayak and explore it myself. I prefer sleeping on a camping with my tent. Thanks in advance.
Written August 3, 2017
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