Sacalin Island, Lagoon & the Epava Tuzla Shipwreck in Romania

Sacalin Island and lagoon in Romania are stunning places to visit and watch a diverse selection of birds. Visitors to the Ciotica area overlooking the lagoon can also enjoy tranquillity, watch wild horses, or look out to the Sacalinu Lagoon.

We travelled by boat to see the lagoon at the far end of the island, called Ciotica. The journey took us via the small channels from Saint George rather than along the coast. This route was because of the waves and also the strong current from the River Danube.

On a second trip to the lagoon, we approached via a different channel and then crossed it by boat. The trip was a tricky one, as the lagoon is very shallow, 30cm in parts.

The journey to the island is stunning. Visitors will see lots of wild birds and wetland fauna, including some pretty flowering lily pads. The highlight of the wildlife is a pelican colony or two, along with lots of egrets, swans, and other fishing birds.

Map of the Sacalin Lagoon area

About Sacalin Island in Romania

Sacalin Island is a newly formed island in the Black Sea, off the Romanian coast. It is near the Danube Delta, off the Sfântu Gheorghe branch (Saint George). Initially, it comprised two smaller islands, Sacalinu Mare and Sacalinu Mic. In time, however, the two merged into one continuous landmass. The Romanian government has declared the area an ecological reserve and permits no settlement on the island.

The Lagoon

Laguna Sacalin is a lovely lagoon between the islands and the mainland. The lagoon is rather shallow with reeds throughout and can be a pain to navigate for first-time visitors. However, many experienced tour guides to the area know it like the back of their hands.

The access route to the lagoon is usually via Garla Turceasca, a wild canal that, towards the end, has lots of pelicans to see.

Throughout the lagoon, there are flocks of wild birds, including cormorants, herons, white-tailed eagles, and more. It is rather big and takes a while to cross, even when travelling slowly because of the shallows. Most boat tours to the lagoon include a crossing to reach the famous Epava Tuzla shipwreck.

Epava Tuzla Shipwreck

The Epava Tuzla is a shipwreck and tourist attraction in the lagoon close to Sacalin Island. Epava Tuzla is the wreckage of a tugboat that failed in 1983 on the Sakhalin Peninsula.

This is in a natural area protected by law in Romania and home to hundreds of rare animal species. Since the shipwreck, the wreck has become a nesting site for several rare bird species within the reserve’s territory. This includes the silver gull, the little cormorant and the curly pelican. Also nearby is a swan moulting area; juvenile wild sturgeon develop until age 1. Also, you might get lucky and see some dolphins that visit the area.

This is a lovely place to visit, and the wreck contrasts with nature to make a splendid view and photographs. The currents around the Epava Tuzla draw boats into the wreck. You can see how the seawater is slowly eroding the boat.

Ciotica in Romania

Coitica is a beautiful area with marshes and a beach overlooking the lagoon. To reach Coitica, follow the Canalul Zaton-Buhaz channel from Sfantu Gheorghe, then turn onto the Canalul Coitica.

Coitica is where the channel meets the sea/lagoon. It is a brilliant spot to park up the boat and have a wander along the banks. Getting off the boat here sometimes involves wading through rather swampy water.

This area has fantastic wildlife to see, including colourful wildflowers. The reeds at the edge are a great place to see frogs, insects, including dragonflies, and other wild animals.

This Area of The Danube Delta

The Danube Delta is absolutely gorgeous and also a haven for wildlife. Birds are the biggest draw here, making it a perfect destination for birdwatchers. There are tours to spot special species; however, in the main, birds will find you.

One highlight of the area in early summer is the flowering water lilies in the various channels and along the edges of the lakes. There are two prevalent types, one species being white and the other yellow.

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Book a Boat Tour

There are many options for tours of Sacalin, the shipwreck, and the rest of the biosphere reserve. Some are available from the villages in the area; signs advertise them.

You can also plan and book day trips or multi-day tours from either Bucharest or Tulcea. These cover some of the nicest parts of the Danube Delta region and have experienced tour guides.