Danube Delta Ferries/Hydrofoils
Unfortunately (or fortunately depending on your disposition)
the water transport situation in the Delta can be a bit frustrating.
Poorly timed ferries run on ever-changing, perplexing schedules. I'm
listing the ferry/hydrofoil schedule below as of summer 2006, but it's
best to check the web site listed for last second changes.
Or just hire a row boat, piloted by a local fisherman,
which is the only way to penetrate the delta’s exotic backwaters.
Navrom Ferries
Tel. +40 (0) 511 553
www.navrom.x3m.ro
(Romanian only)
Navrom operates passenger ferries year-round (though with devilish infrequency
outside high season) to towns and villages in the delta. It also runs
its own tours on weekends. Ferry tickets are sold at Tulcea’s
Navrom terminal from 11.30am to 1.30pm. In summer the queues are long,
so get in the correct line early (each window sells tickets to a different
destination). There are also ticket counters on the ferries themselves.
On Saturdays there are tours to Sulina leaving at 8am
and returning at 8pm (4.80 euros). Sundays, tour running the same hours
sail to Sfantu Gheorghe (4.80 euros). These day trips allow you to see
the landscape, but true exploring is fleeting.
Tulcea to Sulina
There are now both fast and slow ferries to Sulina from Tulcea. Again,
schedules change frequently, so check the web site for current information.
If you intend to return on the fast ferry, it’s best to buy a
return ticket when boarding in Tulcea, as it’s often sold out.
Otherwise there’s always space – and extended time with
your thoughts - on the slow ferry.
Slow ferries depart at 1.30pm on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays
(5.20 euros, 4 hours), returning at 7am on Tuesdays/Thursdays/Sundays.
The fast ferry leaves Tulcea at 1.30pm on Tuesdays/Thursdays/Saturdays
(10 euros, 1 1/2 hours) returning at 7am on Mondays/Wednesdays/Fridays.
The Tulcea-Sulina ferries stop at Partizani, Maliuc, Gorgova and Crisan
(2.65 euros) on the way. To get to Mila 23 and Caraorman, disembark
at Crisan and catch a local boat.
Tulcea to Sfantu Gheorghe
The slow ferry to Sfantu Gheorghe departs from Tulcea at 1.30pm on Tuesdays
and Fridays (5.75 euros, 5 1\2 hours), returning at 7am on Wednesdays
and Sundays.
The fast ferry departs Tulcea at 1.30pm on Mondays and Wednesdays (10.50
euros, 2 hours), returning at 7am on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
These boats stop at Balteni de Jos, Mahmudia and Murighiol.
Tulcea to Periprava
Ferries to Periprava from Tulcea depart at 1.30pm on Mondays/Wednesdays/Thursdays
and Fridays (five euros, four hours), stopping at Chilia Veche.
Return ferries leave Periprava at 6am on Tuesdays/Thursdays/Fridays
and Sundays.
Hydrofoils
Hydrofoils to Sulina (1 1\2 hours, 5.25 euros) depart from Tulcea’s
AFDJ Galatia terminal, next to the floating ambulance, every day at
2pm. They stop in Maliuc (1.80 euros) and Crisan (2.65 euros) on the
way. The return trip is at 7pm. Purchase tickets on board.
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Delta
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