A next-level photo adventure to the Danube Delta
This is the Danube Delta as few get to see it, up close, quiet and through the lens of pure wildlife photography. Over 7d/6n, you’ll experience one of Europe’s last true wildernesses with a camera in hand and nature all around. The program includes 5 full days of photography:
3 days based in Mila23, exploring the labyrinth of channels, lakes and reedbeds by boat, flexible, silent and always on the lookout for subjects worth capturing.
2 days at Ultima Frontiera, a private reserve in the northern Danube Delta, offering exclusive access to professional-level hides designed for responsible wildlife photography.
Days 1 & 7: Arrival, transfer & departure logistics
Ultima Frontiera is now managed by Rewilding Europe and operates under strict conservation rules to protect the wildlife and habitats of the Danube Delta. By participating in this tour, you’re not just taking photos, you're also supporting long-term nature conservation efforts in one of Europe’s most biodiverse regions.
With a maximum of 4 participants, the tour is personal, adaptable and fully guided to help you get the best out of every opportunity.
Guided by Discover Danube Delta’s expert team.
Details
CountryRomania
Duration (in days)
Itinerary
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Transfer to Mila23
Meeting point: Port Aval - Tulcea, 15:30 (departure at 16:00).
Boat transfer to Mila23 (2-2.5 hours) via scenic small canals, perfect for photography.
Evening check-in at a guesthouse, followed by a traditional fish-based dinner.
Discussion on Danube Delta photography, rules and tour schedule.
Days 2-3: Full Photography Sessions
Early morning session (before sunrise): Capture birds in golden light (5-6 hours).
Midday break at the guesthouse for rest, photo review, and lunch (optional).
Evening session (4 hours before sunset): Explore new routes for wildlife and landscape shots.
Daily itineraries are adjusted based on weather, water levels and bird activity.
Return to the guesthouse for dinner.
Day 4: Letea Photo Session and transfer to Ultima Frontiera
Early morning session (before sunrise): Capture birds in golden light (4-5 hours).
Breakfast then departure to Letea. Birds (subject of water level) and wild horses photo session. Lunch in Letea Village then transfer by car to Ultima Frontiera (Periprava). Accommodation and dinner here.
Days 5 and 6:
Your two full days at Ultima Frontiera are also dedicated entirely to photography. There is no fixed schedule imposed, you are free to organize your time as you wish, choosing the hides that best suit your interests or following the guide’s recommendations.
Each morning starts early, often before sunrise, when the light is soft and wildlife activity is at its peak. You can choose to be set in the hide by the guide, who will drive you to your selected hide or you can opt for more independence by using an electric cart, available for those comfortable driving on their own.
Once you're in the field, the time is yours. Stay as long as you want in one place or move between hides if conditions allow.
Meals are the only structured moments of the day, the guide will let you know in advance when it’s time for lunch or dinner and everyone gathers at the restaurant to enjoy a well-deserved break, good food and maybe share a few stories from the morning’s action.
Throughout your stay, the guide is available for support, whether you need advice on species behavior, help with gear or just a quick ride from one hide to another. The rest is up to you.
Day 7: Transfer to Tulcea
After breakfast, you'll have the boat transfer to Tulcea.
What's Included?
Price includes:
Professional guide, photographer (English language);
Accommodation in a comfortable local guesthouse, in single/double rooms for 3 nights in Mila23 and in Ultima Frontiera Resort for 3 nights;
Full board;
Transfers on water from Tulcea to Mila 23, Ultima Frontiera and return;
2 days boat photo sessions + 1 day boat and Letea photo session + 2 days in Ultima Frontiera hides;
Fees for visiting the Danube Delta.
Not included:
Beverages, other than water
Any kind of insurance (travel, personal 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.
Airport transfer:
1-6 persons – Bucharest 300 euro; Constanta 200 euro/car/one way
How your experience helps rewilding efforts
We let wildlife stay wild
On our photo tours, we never chase birds or animals just to get a shot. Great images come from natural behavior, and that only happens when wildlife feels safe and undisturbed.
We don’t use food, lures, or any artificial attractants. If we use song playback, we do it only once or twice, with great care, to avoid disturbing the birds. Patience beats pressure every single time.
Ethical, honest, unforgettable
We’re here to create real moments, not staged scenes. You go home with authentic photos, and the Delta remains exactly as you found it. That’s how we keep our tours honest, ethical, and truly memorable.
By respecting wildlife and avoiding disturbance, we help maintain natural behavior patterns, one of the most important principles in any conservation effort.
Your photos amplify awareness
Your images travel far beyond the Danube Delta, online, among friends, within nature communities. This raises awareness about why these habitats matter and why they must stay protected.
Your visit supports conservation
A part of what you invest in these tours stays in local communities, guides, and projects that protect habitats. A healthy local economy often means stronger protection for the wild areas we explore.
You contribute to nature monitoring
Your observations and photos, when shared with the right projects, provide valuable data about species presence, abundance, or behavior. Even without trying, you become a part of ongoing conservation work.
You help promote responsible tourism
By choosing ethical wildlife photography, you help set higher standards in the industry. More demand for responsible tours = fewer operators who cut corners.
Supporting Local Communities
We believe in sustainable tourism that benefits both nature and people. Our guides, boat drivers, and accommodations are all genuine locals, ensuring an authentic experience while directly supporting the community. By choosing local services, we help develop eco-friendly tourism, create opportunities, and encourage sustainable activities that preserve both culture and the natural environment.
Dates & Duration
Duration: 7d/6n
Departures for 2026 season:
April 23
May 14
May 28
June 11
July 23
August 27
September 10
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 carry your gear about 50 meters, and to step in and out of the boat safely.
Once you're on board, it’s all smooth sailing — literally. You sit, relax, and photograph.
Group size
Small group – max. 4 photographers per boat
What to Bring
📷 Photography Gear: Minimum 300mm lens (teleconverter recommended), wide-angle for landscapes.
💾 Storage & Power: Extra memory cards and batteries (no charging during morning sessions).
🎒 Equipment Protection: Waterproof/rainproof camera bag.
🎚️ Tripod/Monopod: Optional but useful.
🌦️ Clothing: Long-sleeved shirts, trousers, sun hat, neutral colors (avoid red, white, yellow, blue).
🦟 Essentials: Insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, raincoat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Tours – FAQ
1. What’s the difficulty level?
Easy. You just need to be able to carry your gear about 50 meters and step in/out of the boat. The rest of the time, you’re seated and photographing from the boat.
2. Do I need professional equipment?
No. Any camera with a decent zoom works. Of course, long lenses help, but they’re not mandatory.
3. Are the tours suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. We welcome all skill levels — from first-time wildlife shooters to seasoned pros.
4. Will the guide help me with photography?
Yes. We’ll share tips on light, angles, behavior, and best practices for ethical wildlife photography.
5. How many hours do we spend on the water?
Usually 8-9 hours a day with breaks planned depending on wildlife activity and weather.
6. Is the tour safe?
Yes. We use stable, low-speed boats designed for photography, and we adjust routes for weather and water levels.
7. What about bad weather?
We adapt. Sometimes we change timing or route, but we always aim to maximize photography time safely.
8. Can I bring a tripod?
You can, but most photographers prefer beanbags or handheld shooting from the boat.
9. Do you offer private tours?
Yes. Private and customized tours are available on request.
10. How ethical are your tours?
Very. We don’t chase animals, don’t use food attractors, and use sound playback rarely and responsibly. Natural behavior always comes first.
This experience involves
Wildlife photography
Educational experience
River or wetland boat trip
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.
Danube Delta Wildlife Photo Tour: Mila 23 & Ultima Frontiera
