

Danube Delta & Carpathians · 10 Days
10 April 2027
From €2690€2390

The Danube Delta doesn’t reveal itself to just anyone. Here, birds arrive on their own, light flows softly over reeds, and silence speaks louder than hurried guides. This isn’t a tour. It’s an ethical nature expedition — for those who know how to wait and truly observe.
Ethical birdwatching and nature photography experience in Romania's wild heart
Danube DeltaDanube Delta Birdwatching · 4 DaysSilent waters, vivid wings, and wild light.
Whether you enjoy wildlife photography, birdwatching or a slower pace in nature, our tours combine local knowledge, patient observation and respect for wildlife.
From the mirrored canals of the Danube Delta to the sun-baked Dobrogea steppes, this Romania tour immerses you in wild nature. Designed for silent, patient photographers seeking real wildlife encounters, it’s not just a photo trip—it’s true nature immersion.
One wild world. One journey. Endless images.
This five-day, four-night tour focuses on the birds, wildlife and wetland landscapes of the Danube Delta.
Led by Florin Stavarache—local guide, ornithologist, and photographer—this tour follows the Just Wildlife Tours philosophy: small groups, ethical wildlife photography, authentic experiences, away from mass tourism.
4 days / 3 nights
5 August 2026
8 participants
April – September (recommended)
Easy to moderate
Comfortable 3-4 ★ hotels/guesthouses, all rooms en suite
Birdwatching from a low-profile boat, combined with short walks; mobile blinds/hides may be used when appropriate.
€890€590
Deposit: Ask your guide for payment arrangements.
Balance: due 90 days before departure.
Departure endedWhy choose this Danube Delta birdwatching tour with Just Wildlife Tours?
Birdwatching-first, not sightseeing
This tour is designed around the only thing that truly matters in birdwatching: the right moment.
We do not rush from one place to another just to tick locations on a map. We follow the birds, the light, the weather, the water level and the rhythm of the Delta. Every day is planned with flexibility, because in the Danube Delta the best encounters often happen when you slow down and let nature guide the experience.
Small group – maximum 8 participants
A small group means more silence, more space and a better connection with nature.
With a maximum of 8 participants, the experience remains personal, relaxed and focused. There are no crowded boats, no rushed stops and no pressure. Just time to watch, listen, observe and enjoy the birds in their natural habitat.
Low-profile birdwatching boat
We use a stable, low-profile boat that allows us to explore the lakes, channels and reedbeds of the Danube Delta quietly and comfortably.
This gives us excellent opportunities to observe pelicans, herons, egrets, glossy ibis, spoonbills, kingfishers, terns, raptors and many other wetland species from a respectful distance. The boat is ideal for birdwatching, photography and slow exploration, offering intimate views close to the water level without disturbing the wildlife.
Local expertise, real connection
You will be guided by Florin, a local ornithologist, wildlife photographer and nature guide who grew up with these waters, channels and wild places.
With decades of field experience in the Danube Delta, Florin will help you understand not only what you see, but also why it happens: bird behaviour, habitats, seasonal movements, feeding areas and the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.
Between birdwatching sessions, there is time to rest, talk about birds, understand habitats and discuss photography if you bring a camera.
Ethical birdwatching and wildlife observation
This tour is based on respect for nature.
There is no chasing, no stress for birds, no forced encounters and no disturbance of nesting or feeding areas. We read the light, the wind and the behaviour of the birds, working with what nature offers.
The goal is to experience the Danube Delta in a quiet, responsible and authentic way.
From sightings to understanding
You do not return home only with a list of species.
You return with memories, stories and a deeper understanding of the Danube Delta: how birds use the channels and lakes, how the reedbeds change through the day, how light, silence and patience can transform a simple observation into a real wildlife encounter.
This is a dedicated 4-day Danube Delta birdwatching tour, with optional photography opportunities. The schedule, pace and logistics are designed for bird lovers who want to slow down and discover the wild side of Romania’s Danube Delta.
Every day is planned around birds, light, weather and real wildlife behaviour. We do not follow a rigid checklist. We adapt the route according to what is happening in the field.
The goal is to offer a relaxed but rich birdwatching experience, with enough time to observe behaviour, understand habitats and enjoy the atmosphere of the Delta.
Danube Delta - Europe's great wetland
Main subjects
• Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans
• Squacco, Night, Purple and Grey Herons
• Little Bitterns
• Little and Great Egrets
• Pygmy Cormorants and Great Cormorants
• Glossy Ibises and Spoonbills
• Kingfishers, terns and gulls
• White-tailed Eagles and other raptors
• Warblers and reedbed species
• With luck: otters, golden jackals, raccoon dogs, muskrats or European mink
Birdwatching approach
• Early morning birdwatching sessions when birds are most active
• Slow navigation through channels, lakes and reedbeds
• Routes adapted in real time according to bird activity
• Quiet observation with no disturbance to nesting or feeding birds
• Time for identification, behaviour interpretation and photography
Photo approach
• Opportunities for birds in habitat, flight shots, reflections and behaviour
• Low-angle perspectives from the boat when conditions allow
• Ethical approach, no baiting and no pressure on wildlife
• Optional environmental storytelling: villages, fishermen, channels, reeds and calm-water reflections
We move quietly, engine off whenever possible, keeping the Delta peaceful and the birdwatching experience ethical.
During this tour, we visit several areas that look incredible from above: labyrinths of channels, patchwork lakes, reedbeds, dunes, and dry hills. These landscapes of the Danube Delta offer exceptional opportunities for drone photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Drone photography is possible only where current rules, permissions and conditions allow it. Check with us before travelling and avoid flying near sensitive wildlife or restricted airspace.
If you plan to bring a drone, contact us before the trip so we can discuss restrictions and whether any suitable opportunities are available.
Check the applicable operator-registration, pilot-competency and local permission requirements before flying. Requirements depend on the drone, the operation and the location.
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Discover how each day unfolds.
Meet the group at Tulcea Harbour – “Ivan Patzaichin” Promenade at 3:00 PM. We then start the boat transfer from Tulcea to Maliuc / Mila 23, one of the most authentic areas of the Danube Delta.
The transfer is not just transport. We move at a relaxed pace through one of the most beautiful parts of the Delta, searching for birds along the way. Depending on the season, light and bird activity, we may already see pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers, raptors and other wetland species.
On the way, you will get your first taste of the Delta: quiet channels, reedbeds, open water, fishermen, birds in flight and the warm evening light over the water.
During the transfer, we will also discuss the program for the following days, boat rules, safety details and the particularities of birdwatching in the Danube Delta.
Arrival in the evening, check-in at the guesthouse, dinner and overnight.
This day is dedicated to the classic habitats of the Danube Delta: lakes, channels, reedbeds, floating vegetation and feeding areas used by many bird species.
We start early, close to sunrise, when the Delta is at its most alive. The light is soft, the water is often calm, and the first birds begin to move between feeding and resting areas.
The exact route will be chosen according to weather, wind, water level and fresh information about bird activity. In the Delta, flexibility is very important, because the best moments often depend on what nature offers that day.
We may explore open lakes, narrow channels, reed edges and quiet corners where we can observe species such as:
• Dalmatian Pelican
• Great White Pelican
• Pygmy Cormorant
• Great Cormorant
• Squacco Heron
• Purple Heron
• Grey Heron
• Night Heron
• Little Egret
• Great Egret
• Glossy Ibis
• Spoonbill
• White-tailed Eagle
• Marsh Harrier
• Kingfisher
• terns, gulls and many other wetland species
For photographers, the boat offers excellent opportunities for birds in habitat, reflections, flight shots and natural behaviour. We always move quietly and respectfully, without disturbing the birds.
Breakfast and dinner are served at the guesthouse. Lunch is optional and can be arranged during the day, depending on the route. Overnight in Maliuc/Mila 23.
Today we discover a completely different side of the Danube Delta: Letea.
Letea is not only about water and reeds. It is a special mix of sandy landscapes, old forest, saltmarsh areas, traditional houses, open habitats and wild horses. This makes it one of the most interesting areas in the Delta for both birdwatching and photography.
We travel by boat toward the Letea area, birdwatching along the route. Depending on the season, we may see pelicans, herons, egrets, cormorants, terns, raptors and other species using the waterways between Mila 23 and Letea.
In Letea, we continue by safari-style vehicle, which allows us to explore the sandy habitats, village surroundings, forest edges and saltmarsh areas.
Spring and early summer can be very productive here. Depending on water levels and migration, the Letea area may offer good chances for:
• Collared Pratincole
• Kentish Plover
• Avocet
• Black-winged Stilt
• various waders during migration
• Red-footed Falcon
• Hoopoe
• Bee-eater
• Roller
• Red-backed Shrike
• Lesser Grey Shrike
• other birds of open sandy habitats
We will also explore the surroundings of Letea Forest, a strictly protected area known for old oak trees, sand dunes and unusual vegetation, including Greek liana and other special plants. In April and May, some orchid species may also be present.
Besides birds, Letea offers beautiful opportunities to observe and photograph traditional village life: sandy streets, reed-roofed houses, horses, local details and the quiet atmosphere of one of the most isolated villages in the Delta.
If conditions allow, we will also look for the famous wild horses of Letea and observe them responsibly, without disturbing their natural behaviour. Return to Maliuc/Mila 23 for dinner and overnight.
We enjoy a last morning photo session in the Danube Delta, often in beautiful soft light on the way back to Tulcea. Keep your camera ready — some of the best encounters happen when you least expect them.
Around midday, we arrive in Tulcea, where our tour ends.
You leave with memory cards full of images — and, more importantly, with a deeper connection to the Danube Delta and its wild inhabitants.

Biologist, ornithologist, local guide, and wildlife photographer with over 20 years of experience in the Danube Delta.
Florin combines local knowledge with more than 20 years of field experience. He plans each outing around light, habitat and wildlife activity, with time to pause, observe and learn.
All boat transport in the Danube Delta
Accommodation in en-suite rooms at 3–4-star guesthouses or hotels
Assistance from an expert local guide and professional photographer throughout the trip
Breakfast and dinner at the accommodation
Bottled water during the day
All ground transport by minibus or car
All entrance and access fees
Bird checklist
Single Room Supplement (€100)
Flights to and from Bucharest
Cancellation insurance
Health insurance (mandatory)
Alcoholic drinks and any other drinks not included with meals
Optional lunches (€15–25, payable locally in cash in RON or EUR)
Tips for guides, drivers and boat crew
Personal expenses
Any drone permits or registration fees required if you choose to fly
Discover the wildlife and landscapes from our own tours.
Recommended birdwatching gear
Bring waterproof and/or non-slip sandals or shoes, a windproof jacket, a sun hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
Optional camera gear (not a dedicated photo tour)
Drone note:
Drone use is permitted only with authorisation and following ethical photography guidelines within protected areas. A valid European permit is required.
The tour starts and ends at Tulcea Harbour – “Ivan Patzaichin” Promenade.
Please meet the group there at 3:00 PM on Day 1. The tour ends at around 11:30 AM–12:00 noon on Day 4.
Not at all. The tour is designed for both experienced birdwatchers and enthusiastic beginners who want to improve in the field. Guidance is available throughout the trip, and the small group format makes it easy to adapt advice to each participant’s level.
Binoculars are essential. A spotting scope is optional but useful. Waterproof walking shoes, weather layers, sun protection, and insect repellent are strongly recommended.
The tour is rated easy. Most of the time is spent on the boat, with only short walks and simple transfers on land. Early mornings are part of the experience, but overall the tour is comfortable and suitable for most guests with a normal level of mobility.
Most days include two main field sessions: an early-morning session and an afternoon/evening session. Between sessions, there is time for breakfast, rest, reviewing images, or simply enjoying the quiet rhythm of the Delta. The program remains flexible and adapts to light and wildlife activity.
Weather and wildlife are always part of real nature travel, so no exact sightings can ever be guaranteed. However, the itinerary is flexible, and routes are adapted in real time based on wind, light, water conditions, and bird behaviour to maximize opportunities while keeping the experience ethical and enjoyable.
May to early July is typically warm to hot (often 27–33°C during the day). Bring layers for cool pre-dawn starts, plus sun protection for Dobrogea and a windproof jacket for fast boat rides in the Delta. Insect repellent is recommended.
Yes. We have a small selection of Canon-compatible gear available for rent during the tour, subject to availability. Please request it in advance so we can reserve it.
Yes. In addition to our in-house Canon gear, we can often arrange rentals through our partners (Canon Romania, Nikon Romania, Sony Romania). Availability depends on your requested model and dates, so please ask when you book.
Read our booking terms and conditions before making your reservation.
The itinerary is kept here for reference. Explore our current departures for your next expedition.
Experiences shared by our guests on Google.
As a wildlife photographer and lover of wildlife this tour was a little slice of heaven! Florins incredible knowledge , passion and experience of the Romanian Danube Delta and its wildlife, flora and fauna makes him an exceptional tour leader.
I loved staying in the island lodges and being up and out on the boat at sunrise and sunset , camera in hand ,completely immersed in nature.
There is something truly magical about experiencing this extraordinary place often described as 'The Amazon of Europe'
If the Danube Delta calls you , Call Florin! An unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend .Read on Google Maps I had a very special time in the Danube Delta, thanks also to Florin, who was always keen to go out super early for the soft morning lights and who also enjoys photography thoroughly. I was so lucky to see a swimming badger and get beautiful sightings of racoon dogs. I enjoyed the diversity of lights and colors, the frogs, the vastness and feeling of being almost alone in this special place, and of course the birds. Thanks !Read on Google Maps We had a wonderful and very varied tour with Florin through the Danube Delta. We especially appreciated how he responded to our wishes, took his time and shared so much of his knowledge about the wildlife and nature of the Delta.
We saw many different animals and had plenty of opportunities to take photos, but we also had time to simply enjoy the silence and listen to the sounds of nature and the birds.
We were especially impressed by Florin’s knowledge of the Delta and how easily he navigated through this incredible landscape.
We enjoyed every part of the tour, felt very comfortable throughout the day and would definitely book another tour with Florin. Thank you for this wonderful experience!Read on Google Maps For me, as a bird lover, the Danube Delta is one of my favorite vacation destinations. I have been there twice this year, both times with Florin Stavarache as my guide.
Florin knows the lakes and canals very well, has a great ability to spot and identify birds and an ethical approach to them. In addition, and last but not least, he is a fair and trustworthy man. Thank you once again for the tour, Florine!Translated by GoogleRead on Google Maps Florin is really a professional guide. But I must worn you. Once you make a photo tour with him you will want to come again. I went with him 5 times and if you see my pictures maybe you can understand why. But this is just one part. The nature, the food, everything arranged by Florin.Read on Google Maps I'm writing this recommendation after sharing an unforgettable experience this past August in the Danube Delta with Florin Stavarache, and I can only describe his work as impeccable. Florin is not only an extraordinary guide, but also a wonderful person and a top-notch professional.
From the very first moment, he makes everything easy, comfortable, and seamless, taking care of every detail to ensure your experience is unforgettable. His background as a biologist gives him an in-depth knowledge of his country, its biodiversity, and the secrets of its ecosystem. Furthermore, his skill as a photographer makes all the difference for any visitor: for nature lovers, animal enthusiasts, and birdwatchers, he is simply the perfect guide.
He attends to every detail to ensure your stay is perfect and that you feel comfortable at all times. His help in finding the best compositions and dynamics is invaluable; in fact, I even told him in person, "Florin, you practically put the birds on my shoulder!"
Florin is a true expert at what he does, a completely trustworthy professional (100% recommended) and a sure bet for anyone wanting to explore Romania without any hassle. We only visited the Danube Delta with him, but I'm certain that any future trip to Romania will be with him.
I recommend him without reservation.
Here are some of the photos I had the opportunity to take thanks to Florin.Translated by GoogleRead on Google Maps We were lucky enough to visit the Delta this summer. The best part was the time we spent with Florin. Besides the perfect logistics and organization, we explored the Delta with the best guide we could have asked for. He tailored the trip to our needs, allowing us to take all the time we needed for a photo, to see a bird or a flower… with endless patience. It's clear he has extensive experience and knowledge of the Delta and its natural environment, and he knows every corner, the birds, their habits… What's more, he clearly enjoys his work and sharing it with us. We're already thinking about going back!Translated by GoogleRead on Google Maps Florin put together the most incredible bespoke 10-day tour for us and our baby, taking us through the Carpathian Mountains and the Danube Delta. It was an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
We had the opportunity to see more than 90 bird species, including the magnificent white-tailed eagle and the red footed falcon. We also visited a hide in the Carpathians to see the European brown bears.
Our days in the Danube Delta were particularly magical. We will never forget watching hundreds of white pelicans circling high above us, riding the thermals together in a mesmerising spectacle.
Every detail of the trip had clearly been thoughtfully planned. The accommodation Florin chose was clean, comfortable and spacious, which was especially important when travelling with a baby, and the staff everywhere we stayed went out of their way to make us feel welcome.
Florin himself is absolutely wonderful: kind, open, relatable and incredibly humble. His knowledge of Romania’s wildlife and natural landscapes is exceptional, but what really stands out is his genuine passion for nature and his enthusiasm for sharing it with others. Travelling with him felt relaxed and personal, and he was brilliant at adapting the trip to make it work for us as a family with a young baby.
This was such a special way to experience Romania, and we came away with memories we will treasure for years. When we return, there is no question that we will be asking Florin to show us more of his beautiful country.Read on Google Maps Everything was truly excellent! Florin arranged a personalized experience that perfectly matched our needs. We saw all our target birds at our own pace and were able to spend as much time as we wanted at each location, even taking breaks whenever we felt like it.
Florin is an incredibly experienced guide. He has been exploring the channels and birdlife of the Danube Delta since childhood, and you can really feel both his passion and his deep connection with this unique place as he guides you with his own boat. Having worked with the BBC and being a talented wildlife photographer himself, he knows exactly how to position the boat to give you the best opportunities for photography, or simply to enjoy the birds from the best possible angle.
He also arranged our accommodation and meals, which turned into an authentic traditional experience that we will never forget. On top of that, he speaks flawless English and Italian.
We visited in August, but we are already planning to come back in another season to experience different birds, landscapes, and colours. We would not hesitate to book another tour with Florin.Read on Google Maps We had a fantastic time with Florin in the Danube Delta! He showed us so much, explained everything with incredible knowledge and enthusiasm, and made sure we experienced an amazing diversity of birdlife. We were able to see an incredible number of different bird species in just a single day, making it an unforgettable experience.
If you’re interested in birds, wildlife, or simply exploring the beauty of the Danube Delta, we couldn’t recommend Florin more highly. He is an outstanding guide, passionate, knowledgeable, and great company throughout the tour. A perfect way to experience this unique place. Highly recommended!Read on Google Maps I met Florin through his website and booked a tour of the Danube Delta with him. I can say without hesitation that I was extremely satisfied with the experience.
Florin is a special person: cheerful, friendly, and incredibly knowledgeable. His knowledge of the Delta and the many species that inhabit it is truly impressive. Thanks to him, I was fortunate enough to observe the true queen of the Delta, the white-tailed eagle, as well as many other animals, including magnificent pelicans, which I had never had the opportunity to see in person.
In addition to the extraordinary fauna, the Delta offers breathtaking landscapes, with breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. It was an authentic and unforgettable experience, which I recommend to anyone who loves nature and birdwatching.
I will definitely return for a new adventure in the Delta and will take another tour with Florin, who proved to be an exceptional guide in every way.
Thank you so much for this wonderful experience!Translated by GoogleRead on Google Maps I have been a returning birder and bird photographer to the Danube Delta for many years, and this June I probably enjoyed my best photographic tour ever with Florin.
Florin is an outstanding guide who knows the Delta inside out. As a biologist, an excellent birder, and an accomplished photographer himself, he has a unique understanding of both the wildlife and the expectations of his clients. He always knows where to go, when to be there, and how to maximize opportunities for observing and photographing birds in the best possible conditions.
What impressed me most was his ability to tailor the tour to the interests and needs of the participants, whether they are dedicated birders, wildlife photographers, or simply nature enthusiasts. His knowledge, professionalism, enthusiasm, and attention to detail ensured that every day in the field was both productive and enjoyable.
I can wholeheartedly recommend Florin's tours to anyone interested in discovering the incredible birdlife and natural beauty of the Danube Delta. I am confident that you will not be disappointed.Read on Google Maps Florin was the most remarkable guide during our stay on the Danube. We wanted a respectful and naturalist approach to the area (we are passionate about ornithology), and Florin more than met our expectations. His knowledge is excellent; the slightest bird song allows him to identify the species we were hoping to see. He is attentive and discreet, yet always answers our questions in detail. Sharing moments on the boat and on land (Letea Forest, Mila 23) were wonderful experiences that we will never forget. If you want a naturalist approach to the Delta, Florin is the one to contact!Translated by GoogleRead on Google Maps This is the second consecutive year that I have been to the Danube Delta and I can't wait to return in 2027. I have rediscovered the delta in a different way, nature gives you the feeling that it reveals other landscapes than you already knew, with sunrises and sunsets that are more and more spectacular, and not to mention its creatures. I could not have discovered and admired all this without a wonderful guide and friend, a good connoisseur of the Danube Delta...a true professional and a great lover of nature. He is Florin Stavarache, I am glad to know him and he is with us on our wonderful escapades in the Danube Delta.Translated by GoogleRead on Google Maps Had a super fantastic time with Florin as our guide. Its clear he is extremely skilled and knowledgeable about birds. As a former Ontario birder and now amateur birder in the Netherlands, I cannot recommend his tours enough for a truly authentic birding experience!Read on Google Maps For me, the Danube Delta is the most beautiful adventure of life, especially if you love nature and are passionate about wildlife photography.....and if in this beautiful adventure you are accompanied by a good connoisseur of the place and a great nature lover like Florin Stavarache, everything becomes magical, unforgettable. We will definitely return to this dream place and Florin will definitely be our partner. Thank youTranslated by GoogleRead on Google Maps A fantastic boat tour of the Delta with up-close animal encounters and expert guiding. Florin is an extremely knowledgeable environmental scientist specializing in ornithology and well versed in broader Delta ecology. He was excellent in species identification and explanations of animal behaviors. I was impressed with how he was able to approach various species closely without disturbing them. Florin is a wonderful empathetic man, able to listen and respond to questions with knowledge and detail. This tour was truly an unforgettable experience.Read on Google Maps Florin is a friendly and attentive guide who listens carefully to the participants on his trips. He's also very skilled in ornithology and was able to find us numerous opportunities to photograph rare birds. A wonderful adventure that we definitely plan to repeat with him.Translated by GoogleRead on Google Maps Impeccable organization. A competent, friendly, and helpful guide. An adventure to remember for a long time...Translated by GoogleRead on Google Maps This photoshoot captured not only beautiful images, but also silence, wonder, and deep respect for nature of the Danube Delta. A truly unforgettable experience that touches the soul. Florin was amazing throughout the experience, guiding us with care and showing us many secret places, representing all of the bird species observed that made the journey even more special.Read on Google Maps