Gorgova Lake
Lacul Gorgova · Gorgova delta lake
45°07.2'N 29°13.2'E
Depth
2–4m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
40m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
40m
40m for a fully sheltered delta lake. Perfect holding in deep silt. The main concern is mosquitoes and shallow draft channels — ensure ARBDD permit is current and channels confirmed navigable.
About This Anchorage
Gorgova Lake lies deep in the interior of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve — a large, shallow lake surrounded entirely by reed beds, willow galleries, and the extraordinary birdlife of Europe's largest surviving wetland. Reaching Gorgova requires navigating secondary delta channels (draft restrictions typically 0.8–1.2m) and is therefore accessible to shallow-draft vessels only. But for those with appropriate vessels, Gorgova offers an experience unlike anything else in European sailing: absolute silence, broken only by the calls of thousands of birds, with the open lake stretching to reed-fringed horizons in every direction. White and Dalmatian pelicans, spoonbills, herons, egrets, cormorants, and dozens of duck species share the lake. Night aboard in the delta lakes — with the Milky Way overhead, frogs in concert, and no light pollution — is genuinely transcendent.
Protected From
N · S · E · W
Exposed To
None (fully sheltered)
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free; ARBDD permit required
- Permit required
- Yes — ARBDD Delta Permit
- Permit details
- ARBDD delta permit required. Some areas of Gorgova Lake are strict nature reserves — check current access restrictions with ARBDD before entering.
Restrictions: Strict nature reserve buffer zones around nesting colonies. No landing in restricted areas. Speed limits in all approach channels.
Hazards
- !Access channels shallow — draft over 1.0m may be unable to reach lake
- !Mosquitoes extremely active in delta — repellent and screens essential
- !Completely remote — no emergency services within hours
Skipper's Tips
- →Delta lakes are shallow — use a lead line as well as sounder in approach channels
- →ARBDD permit must be carried on board and shown on demand at any checkpoint
- →The dawn birdlife at Gorgova Lake is one of the great natural experiences in Europe
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Crișan or Mila 23 (15nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
May–June for peak birdlife including breeding colonies. August–September for warm water and easier access as spring flood recedes.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 40m
In the Danube Delta's river channels, commercial barge wakes and Danube current can disturb a lightly set anchor in soft silt. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously in this extraordinary wilderness.
Download Free for iOS