Wildlife watching in Danube Delta

The Danube Delta is where Europe's second-longest river fans out into the Black Sea across a vast maze of reeds, channels and floating islands — a UNESCO biosphere reserve and one of the great bird sanctuaries of the continent. Over three hundred species pass through, and it holds Europe's biggest colonies of pelicans, both great white and the rarer Dalmatian, wheeling over the water in numbers that stop you talking.

You explore it by boat from Tulcea, threading narrow channels between walls of reed with a guide who knows where the colonies gather, and the sheer density of birdlife — herons, egrets, cormorants, terns, and the pelicans above all — is unlike anywhere else in Europe. It's a slow, quiet, watchful kind of trip, all glide and drift.

Spring migration, around April and May, is the peak, though the delta rewards a visit right through summer. Go with a good local guide and a decent pair of binoculars, and let the boat set an unhurried pace.

Where Europe's second-longest river fans out into the Black Sea across a vast maze of reeds, channels and floating islands — a UNESCO biosphere reserve and one of the continent's great bird sanctuaries.

Over three hundred species pass through, and it holds Europe's biggest colonies of pelicans, both great white and the rarer Dalmatian, wheeling over the water in numbers that stop you talking.

You explore by boat from Tulcea, threading narrow channels between walls of reed with a guide who knows where the colonies gather. The density of birdlife — herons, egrets, cormorants, terns, and the pelicans above all — is unlike anywhere else in Europe. It is a slow, quiet, watchful trip.

Book a small-boat tour with a local guide from Tulcea, the gateway town — everything here happens from a boat, and the villages are reached by water and nothing else. No walking, equipment or expertise is required to enjoy it, so it suits all ages and complete beginners.

Spring migration, around April and May, is the peak for pelicans, though the delta rewards a visit right through summer into October. Bring a decent pair of binoculars and sun protection for the open water.

Let the boat set an unhurried pace, and choose a guide who knows where the colonies are gathering that week.