Explore the Richest Birding Destination in Romania with Expert Guidance
This is our exclusive Small Group Birdwatching Tour to the Danube Delta, a 5-day, 4-night program featuring 3 full days of guided birding in the best spots of the region. The tour is designed for passionate birdwatchers, with a maximum of 8 participants per group, ensuring an intimate and immersive experience. A professional birdwatching guide will lead the expedition, helping you spot and identify a diverse range of bird species across different habitats.
Birdwatching Highlights
Day on the lakes – Focus on waterbirds.
Day at Letea – Explore water, forest, and saltwater bird habitats.
Day at Caraorman – Observe shore and freshwater birds.
Expert guidance – Led by a top professional birdwatching guide.
Early morning trips – Maximizing birdwatching opportunities by starting at sunrise.
The tour is designed for birdwatchers of all levels.
Accommodation is in a comfortable guesthouse, offering an authentic experience in the heart of the Danube Delta.
Weather Considerations: Pack accordingly for early mornings and possible weather changes.
What's Included?
✅ Water transfers from Tulcea to Mila 23 and back
✅ 4 nights of accommodation at a 3-star guesthouse in Mila 23 Village, centrally located in the Danube Delta
✅ Half board (Breakfasts & Dinners)
✅ 3 full days of boat tours dedicated to birding
✅ Professional birdwatching guide with extensive local knowledge
Birdwatching tours
To figure out what species you can find here every month, please check our list and create your target list. Download the list from here: Birds list of Dobrogea and the Danube Delta
Join us for an unforgettable birdwatching adventure in one of Europe’s most spectacular natural reserves!
Details
CountryRomania
Duration (in days)
Approved by Rewilding Europe and member of a rewilding businesses network?Yes (Rewilding Europe approved)
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Transfer to Mila 23
15:30 – Meet at the boarding point in Port Tulcea Aval.
16:00 – Depart by boat towards Mila 23 Village (transfer takes approximately 2–2.5 hours)
Enjoy the journey – Birdwatching starts immediately! The route passes through some of the most beautiful areas of the Danube Delta.
Evening – Arrive at the guesthouse and enjoy a delicious home-cooked dinner.
Parking: Private parking available in the port at €6/day/car (not included in tour price).
Days 2, 3, and 4 – Birdwatching Excursions
Sunrise boat tour (starts at sunrise) – an excellent time to spot active bird species.
Breakfast at the guesthouse.
Full-day birdwatching tour to a different habitat each day:
Day 2: Lakes & Waterbirds
Day 3: Letea – Water, Forest & Saltwater Birds
Day 4: Caraorman – Shore & Freshwater Birds
Dinner at the guesthouse.
Optional: Lunches can be arranged during excursions (not included). The guide will provide details daily.
Day 5 – Departure
08:30 – Breakfast
09:30 – Transfer back to Tulcea
12:00 – Estimated arrival in Tulcea
The return trip will follow a similar scenic route, giving you a final chance to spot more birds along the way.
What's Included?
Included in this price:
Specialized Birding Guide (English language)
Accommodation at 3* guesthouse, in double room, for 4 nights
Half board (dinner on the first day, breakfast and dinner for days 2, 3 and 4, breakfast on day 5)
3 days guided birding boat tours
The transfers on water from Tulcea to Mila23 and back
Fees for visiting the Danube Delta
Optionally:
Lunch meal – the price is 16-20 euro/pers at each guesthouse or in Letea Village (payment directly in cash to the guesthouse)
Bucharest (including Airport) transfers – 300 euro/car/one way for 1-6 persons
The price does not include:
Beverages, other than water
Lunch meal
Insurance of any kind (travel, goods, etc.)
Cancellation policy
More then 90 days before the program you can postpone the trip (you will receive a voucher available 2 years).
Less then 90 days before the trip, the deposit is non refundable.
Children policy:
Minimum age to participate is 12
Children over 12 years are charged as adults
Responsibility of children’s supervision during trips belong to parents
All children will wear life jackets during boat trips
How your experience helps rewilding efforts
Nature comes first in everything we do. Our tours are designed to minimize impact and protect the delicate ecosystem of the Danube Delta, ensuring that its rich biodiversity thrives for generations to come.
Wildlife & Birdwatching Conduct
We do not chase birds or animals for a better view or photo.
We always prioritize natural behavior over “perfect shots.”
No feeding, no lures, no attractants.
Playback is used rarely (1–2 times, if at all) and never around sensitive species, nests, or stressed birds.
We keep a respectful distance and avoid blocking flight paths or movement.
We stay on established routes and avoid disturbing vegetation or habitat.
During Tours
We move slowly and quietly, both with the boat and ourselves.
We limit our time around any individual bird to avoid pressure.
Group size is kept small for minimal disturbance.
Guides are trained to prioritize wildlife well-being over sightings.
Conservation Efforts
Your participation supports local conservation partners and monitoring projects.
Ethical birding and photography help maintain healthy, undisturbed behavior, essential for long-term ecosystem stability.
Many observations from our tours contribute to ongoing monitoring: arrival dates, unusual sightings, population trends. Every checklist becomes a piece of the conservation puzzle.
We promote responsible nature tourism that benefits local communities and habitats.
Dates & Duration
Duration: 5d/4n
Departure dates for 2026 season:
April 16
May 7
May 21
June 4
June 18
July 9
August 6
September 17
October 1
Seasonal Availability
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Languages spoken
English
Romanian
Difficulty
Our photo tours are easy. You just need to be able to step in and out of the boat safely.
Once you're on board, it’s all smooth sailing — literally. You sit, relax, and watch birds.
Group size
Small group – max. 8 birders per boat
What to Bring
Essential Gear
Binoculars – at least 8x42 for comfortable spotting. Don’t have one? We can lend you one, just let us know at booking.
Field guide in your language/ app – for identifying species in the field.
Camera – if you want to photograph birds (with telephoto lens if possible).
Clothing
Neutral or earth-colored clothing – avoid bright colors that may disturb birds.
Hat & sunglasses – protection from sun.
Comfortable waterproof shoes – for wet or muddy areas.
Light rain jacket / windbreaker – for unpredictable weather.
Optional Extras
Insect repellent – mainly for your peace of mind, so you feel completely relaxed during the tour.
Snacks & water bottle – stay hydrated and energized.
Small backpack – to carry gear comfortably.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Birdwatching Tours – FAQ
1. What is the difficulty level of the tours?
Our tours are easy. You only need to walk short distances (up to 50 m) from accommodation to the boat and back, and to get in and out of the boat. Most of the time, you’ll be seated and observing birds.
2. Do I need my own binoculars?
Not necessarily! We recommend binoculars (at least 8x42), but if you don’t have one, we can lend it to you—just let us know when booking.
3. What should I wear?
Neutral or earth-colored clothing is best. Comfortable waterproof shoes and a light rain jacket are recommended. Hats and sunglasses help with sun protection.
4. Will I need a camera or spotting scope?
A camera is optional, but recommended for photography enthusiasts. A spotting scope is helpful for distant birds but not required. Our guide will have one for the group.
5. Are meals included?
Half board is included (breakfast and dinner).
6. How do your tours respect nature?
We never chase birds or use feed to attract them. Our approach is ethical and non-intrusive, ensuring natural behavior. Any playback sounds are used minimally, only once or twice, without stressing the birds.
7. Can beginners join?
Absolutely! Our tours are suitable for all experience levels, from first-time birders to seasoned enthusiasts. Guides provide support and tips throughout.
8. How does joining the tour help conservation?
By participating, you support ethical wildlife tourism, help raise awareness, and contribute to local conservation initiatives. Observations made during tours can also support research and monitoring efforts.
This experience involves
Birdwatching
Educational experience
Herbivores in this landscape
Wild horse
Roe deer
European rabbit
Carnivores in this landscape
Wildcat
Goldon jackal
Scavengers and other large birds in this landscape
I’m Iliuta Goean, a nature and wildlife photographer, birdwatcher and founder of Discover Danube Delta. Since 2004, I’ve been organizing photography, birding and nature enthusiast tours in the Danube Delta, one of Europe’s most remarkable wild areas. Starting in 2012, my work expanded across borders, into Bulgaria and Greece, where I continue to guide visitors in exploring and understanding nature through respectful observation.
Originally from Bucharest, I left the “comfort” of an office life to live closer to what truly matters to me, the wilderness. Today, my home is the Danube Delta, where I spend my days observing, photographing and sharing the magic of wildlife with others.
My goal is simple: to help people reconnect with nature and to pass on a clean, healthy environment to my children. Every tour, photo and conversation is an opportunity to inspire respect, awareness and genuine care for the natural world.
I’m Iliuta Goean, a nature and wildlife photographer, birdwatcher and founder of Discover Danube Delta. Since 2004, I’ve been organizing photography, birding and nature enthusiast tours in the Danube Delta, one of Europe’s most remarkable wild areas. Starting in 2012, my work expanded across borders, into Bulgaria and Greece, where I continue to guide visitors in exploring and understanding nature through respectful observation.
Originally from Bucharest, I left the “comfort” of an office life to live closer to what truly matters to me, the wilderness. Today, my home is the Danube Delta, where I spend my days observing, photographing and sharing the magic of wildlife with others.
My goal is simple: to help people reconnect with nature and to pass on a clean, healthy environment to my children. Every tour, photo and conversation is an opportunity to inspire respect, awareness and genuine care for the natural world.
Birdwatching Tour to the Danube Delta (5 days, 4 nights)
