Five-Day Danube Delta Birdwatching with Bunica Maria
A four-night guesthouse stay with three approximately six-hour boat trips to explore the Delta’s lakes, reed beds and channels.
About this tour
Spend three successive days discovering Delta waterways from a comfortable base in Mahmudia. This five-day programme includes four nights with Bunica Maria and three guided boat excursions of about six hours each.
The extra excursion offers time to explore new lake and channel areas, with the later route discussed during your stay. An English-speaking birding guide accompanies the boat trips, looking for pelicans, White-tailed Eagles, herons, kingfishers and other waterbirds. Both open wetland and narrow reed-lined passages shape the experience.
Home-cooked meals at the family guesthouse punctuate the days on the water. After the first excursion, an optional walk at Bestepe Hill provides views over the Delta and its steppe surroundings. The pace leaves room to enjoy the setting and discuss the following day’s birding with your hosts.
Planning a wider trip? Read our birdwatching guide to Romania.
Birds you can spot
Alcedo atthis
target
Pelecanus crispus
target
Plegadis falcinellus
target
Pelecanus onocrotalus
target
Ardea purpurea
target
Microcarbo pygmaeus
target
Ardeola ralloides
target
Haliaeetus albicilla
target
Organizer
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome evening in Mahmudia
Arrive at Bunica Maria and settle in before dinner. A walk around the village and Danube shore is possible, followed by a briefing on safe and considerate behaviour during the boat outings.
Day 2
Begin exploring by boat
After breakfast, take the short walk to the mooring and head out for approximately six hours. Search for pelicans, herons, eagles and ibises before returning for lunch. The afternoon can include an optional visit to Bestepe Hill, with time afterwards to discuss the next outing.
Day 3
Explore another part of the Delta
Set off after breakfast towards different lakes and sheltered channels. Spend about six hours birding before lunch at the guesthouse. Discuss which habitats have interested you most as you plan the final boat day with your hosts.
Day 4
A third day among lakes and channels
Continue the exploration with a further six-hour boat trip to new areas of the Delta. Watch the changing water and reed habitats for birds, then return for lunch and the final evening at Bunica Maria.
Day 5
Breakfast before leaving
Take breakfast at the end of your four-night stay. Depart after three days of guided excursions through the Delta’s waterways.
Locations & map
- Mahmudia and the Danube Delta - Romania
Availability & pricing
Availability: Available on request
Price: Price on request
Included
- 4 nights at the family guesthouse
- English-speaking guide on boat excursions
- Boat trips described in the itinerary
- Meals during the programme
- Danube Delta reserve entrance fees
- Applicable taxes
- Personal bird checklists
- Water and coffee during excursions
Not included
- Flights
- Airport transfers
- Travel and medical insurance
- Drinks at the guesthouse
- Tips
- Optional extensions
- Personal binoculars and telescopes
Transport & stays
- Passenger boat Guided Delta excursions; airport transfers cost extra.
Accommodations
- Bunica Maria guesthouse (days 1-4)
Send inquiry
Ask about this tour before booking. Your preferred date is optional and availability will be confirmed after your inquiry.