PRIVATE 8h tour: Mila23 and SULINA – the end of the Danube

Explore the Danube Delta’s Final Reach: Mila23 and Sulina

This private 8-hour tour from Tulcea, Romania, offers an intimate journey to the Danube River’s last stop before it flows into the Black Sea. Priced at $752.44 per group (up to 6 people), this experience provides a personalized way to witness the natural beauty and unique villages at the delta’s edge. The tour includes a boat ride, visits to Mila 23 and Sulina, and optional local lunch options, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an authentic and relaxed day on the water.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its private vessel, ensuring a flexible schedule, comfortable pacing, and personalized attention. It’s perfect for small groups, families, or friends who want a detailed exploration of this remote part of Romania’s Danube Delta. The 7 to 8-hour duration allows enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed, although it’s worth considering the weather because the experience depends heavily on clear days.

Key Points

• Private boat tour for up to 6 people offers intimacy and flexibility.
• Duration of approximately 8 hours provides ample time to explore Mila23, Sulina, and the delta’s natural sights.
• Cost of $752.44 per group makes it a premium, personalized experience.
• Stops include Mila 23, a traditional fishing village, and Sulina, where the Danube meets the Black Sea.
• Optional Romanian fish lunch available in Mila 23 for an extra 50 lei per person.
• Highlights include birdwatching in the micro-delta and viewing the man-made and natural exits into the Black Sea.

Starting Point and Ease of Access in Tulcea

This tour begins at Safca Delta Tours located near the Waterfront Tulcea, close to the Sindicate House. The meeting point is accessible by public transportation, and the tour includes admission tickets for stops like Mila 23. The boardings happen about 15 minutes before departure, giving ample time to settle in and prepare for a full day on the water.

Since the experience is private, your group will be the only participants, allowing for a more relaxed and tailored outing. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, simplifying logistics and planning.

Navigating the Stops: Mila23 and Local Village Life

The first significant stop is Mila 23, a village well-known for its fishermen’s houses and traditional atmosphere. Here, visitors can explore old houses, observe local fishing practices, and enjoy a short break with the option of visiting a local guesthouse for a fish lunch. This stop lasts about one hour and is free of admission charges.

The village offers a glimpse into local life on the delta’s edge, making it a valued part of the tour. For those interested in authentic culinary experiences, the traditional fish lunch in Mila 23 is available for an extra 50 lei per person, adding a flavorful taste of regional cuisine.

Visiting Sulina: The Danube’s Exit into the Black Sea

The highlight of Sulina is its role as the final outlet of the Danube River, where it meets the Black Sea. The tour offers two options for viewing this natural site:

• The Musura Bay, where the Danube forms a micro-delta with abundant birdlife and scenic landscapes.
• The man-made light house, if weather conditions allow and winds are not too strong, offering a closer look at the channel exit.

Depending on seasonal conditions, the tour may include a close approach to the beach in summer months—up to 300 meters from the shoreline—particularly in July, August, and September. The Sulina stop lasts approximately two hours and is free of charge, with flexibility depending on weather and sea conditions.

The Danube Delta’s Natural and Man-Made Exits

The tour emphasizes the diversity of the delta’s outlets into the Black Sea. Besides the natural Musura Bay, the man-made channel is visible if weather permits, offering insight into how the delta’s waterways connect with the sea. This area is not only scenic but also an important habitat for birdwatching and nature observation.

In some seasons, the boat can go close to the beach—a rare opportunity in this relatively remote landscape. The two-hour sightseeing segment showcases the micro-delta environment, with opportunities to see local bird species and enjoy the peaceful scenery.

The Danube’s End: Mila23 and the Black Sea

The final leg of the journey takes the boat into the heart of the Danube Delta. The focus is on Mila23, a village that marks where the Danube’s waters disappear into the sea. Visitors get to see how the river’s waters feed into the Black Sea while observing the unique landscape created by the micro-delta formation.

This part of the tour offers a full-day immersion into delta life and the natural environment. While admission to the delta itself is not included, the boat ride provides the best vantage point for appreciating the delta’s intricate waterways and ecological significance.

Practicalities and Optional Extras

The boat ride itself is the core of this experience, offering a relaxed and scenic journey through channels and villages. While the lunch in Mila 23 is not included in the base price, it is available as an additional option, allowing for a local fish meal that enhances the authenticity of the experience.

The tour operates under the guidance of SAFCA DELTA TOURS, with confirmation within 48 hours, contingent on weather conditions. Because the tour depends on good weather, cancellations due to poor weather are possible, but a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This private tour is best suited for those who value personalized attention, flexibility, and a slow-paced exploration of the Danube Delta. The small group size allows for a more intimate experience, ideal for families, couples, or small groups who want to learn about local life, birdwatch, and experience the delta’s natural beauty without a large tour crowd.

The option to include a traditional lunch adds a culinary dimension, making it appealing for those wanting a taste of regional cuisine. Travelers interested in nature, birdwatching, or river landscapes will find this tour particularly rewarding.

The Sum Up: A Personal Journey to the Danube’s End

The 8-hour private tour from Tulcea to Mila23 and Sulina offers a deliberate, personal way to experience the end of the Danube before it touches the Black Sea. Its main strengths are the private vessel, flexible itinerary, and authentic stops at Mila 23 and Sulina, making it a standout option for those who appreciate a relaxed pace and local insights.

While it’s a premium experience at over $750 per group, the personalized service and scenic exclusivity justify the cost. The tour is most suitable for travelers who want to learn about delta life, observe bird habitats, and see the outlets of the Danube in comfort. Weather conditions can influence the experience, so good planning for sunny days enhances the overall enjoyment.

This private Danube Delta tour combines natural beauty, cultural interest, and personalized service in a way that makes it a memorable part of any trip to Tulcea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The boat ride and admission tickets for stops like Mila 23 are included. Lunch in Mila 23 can be added for 50 lei per person.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, providing enough time to explore Mila 23, Sulina, and enjoy the delta scenery.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at Safca Delta Tours near the Waterfront Tulcea, close to the Sindicate House.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?
The tour is most suitable for most travelers, but specific mobility needs were not detailed, so it’s best to inquire directly with the provider.

Can I cancel or reschedule if the weather is bad?
Yes, if weather conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled, and a full refund or alternative date is offered.

Is the tour refundable?
No, the experience is non-refundable unless canceled due to weather.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is private for up to 6 people, ensuring an exclusive experience.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and perhaps binoculars for birdwatching are recommended.

Is the guide knowledgeable?
Yes, guides are experienced and very professional, with a strong knowledge of local fauna and the area.

What should I expect at Sulina?
You will see the natural and man-made exits of the Danube into the Black Sea, with opportunities to observe birdlife and scenic landscapes.