Chilia Channel Mouth
Chilia arm mouth · Kiliya arm anchorage
45°27.1'N 29°42.9'E
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
silt
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Excellent
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for a river mouth anchorage in excellent silt holding. The south bank of the Chilia arm provides shelter from north. Critical to maintain position on the Romanian (south) side — the Ukrainian border is the channel centre line.
About This Anchorage
The Chilia Channel mouth is the northernmost point of Romania's Danube Delta coast, and the least visited of the three delta arms. The Chilia is the largest and most northerly arm, carrying about 57% of the Danube's total water volume, and its mouth is the most active in terms of sediment deposition — the delta is advancing fastest here, with measurable land growth visible on satellite imagery. The Chilia arm runs along the Romanian-Ukrainian border, with the channel centre line forming the international boundary — the north bank belongs to Ukraine. The southern bank, accessible from the Romanian side, provides an extraordinary anchorage in the remote outer delta, with the full force of the Danube's largest arm visible in the turbid, fast-moving water. This is the least-visited point on Romania's entire Black Sea coast — the sense of being at the edge of the continent, where Europe's second-longest river completes its journey to the sea, is profound.
Protected From
N · W · NW
Exposed To
E · NE · S
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free; ARBDD permit required
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- ARBDD Danube Delta navigation permit required. Border Police checkpoint may be active in this sensitive border area — carry all documentation.
Restrictions: CRITICAL: Stay on Romanian (south) side of channel — north bank is Ukraine. Romanian-Ukrainian border is the channel centre line. Border Police present in this area.
Hazards
- !CRITICAL: International border in channel — north bank is Ukraine. Do not cross border.
- !Strong river current from Chilia arm — can exceed 3 knots; anchor securely with extra scope
- !Very remote — assistance hours away; self-sufficiency essential
- !Danube plume extremely concentrated here — very turbid water
Skipper's Tips
- →The largest Danube outflow in the entire delta system is visible here — a powerful geographical experience
- →Border Police may check documents — carry all vessel and personal documentation
- →One of the most remote anchorages accessible by sailing vessel in Romania
- →The Chilia arm is not navigable by yachts upstream due to the river current and border complexity
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Sulina (25nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
June–September in settled conditions. Spring flood (April–May) brings higher river flow and stronger currents — not recommended for anchoring.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 70m
On Romania's remote northern Black Sea coast, far from services and exposed to NE winds, a well-set anchor and a reliable alarm are essential. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously while you rest.
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