Danube Delta

The Danube Delta is formed where the Danube branches into three distributaries, Sulina, Chilia and Stantul Gheorghe, prior to flowing into the Black Sea. It has an area of 4,160 sq km, 83% is in Romania, the remainder in Ukraine. A low alluvial plain, it consists of marshes, small streams and lakes which support abundant fish and bird life including the Dalmation Pelican, the world's largest.

There are two main centers from which to explore the Delta, Tulcea and Sulina. Tulcea is larger, about 90,000 pop, but is on the Delta periphery. Sulina, though much smaller, 3700 pop, is deep in the Delta, near the Black Sea. I chose Sulina.

Tulcea can be reached by road and rail. However to get to Sulina you will need to take a water taxi from Tulcea. They are not taxis in the sense that they can be flagged down at anytime. Its a service that runs at specific times each day.

Companies offering tours into the Delta are located along the river bank. Many of them need to be initially contacted by phone to make a booking.