Sacalin Island Approach
Insula Sacalin anchorage · Outer delta island
44°58.3'N 29°40.8'E
Depth
2–5m
Bottom
sand
Alarm Radius
70m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
70m
70m for the sheltered western side. Unusually, this island provides protection from the east/northeast — making it valuable in the NE wind conditions that make other coastal anchorages uncomfortable. Very shallow approach — draft under 1.5m recommended.
About This Anchorage
Sacalin Island (Insula Sacalin) is a young barrier island at the outer edge of the Danube Delta, still actively growing through sediment deposition from the delta. The island is of scientific interest as a textbook example of coastal island formation — its growth rate and shape change measurably from year to year as the Danube continues to extend its delta into the Black Sea. The western side of the island, sheltered from the predominant NE Black Sea winds, provides an anchorage that is genuinely unusual on this coast — one that is comfortable in the NE conditions that make most Romanian coastal anchorages untenable. The island is a significant bird breeding site, with cormorant, heron, and tern colonies in summer. The approach requires careful depth sounding — the shallow delta margins extend well out from the island. Navigation in the outer delta zone requires an ARBDD permit.
Protected From
E · NE
Exposed To
W · SW · N
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free; ARBDD permit required for delta zone
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- ARBDD Danube Delta navigation permit covers this outer delta zone.
Restrictions: Bird breeding colonies on island — no landing during nesting season (April–July). Stay in boat or dinghy away from colony areas.
Hazards
- !Very shallow approaches — draft over 1.5m cannot safely approach
- !Dynamic seabed — charted depths may not reflect current sand bar positions
- !Bird breeding colonies — seasonal access restrictions apply
Skipper's Tips
- →The island's west side provides NE shelter — invaluable when all other coastal options are exposed
- →The Sacalin cormorant colony (visible outside nesting closure) is spectacular
- →The island is visibly growing — its shape differs from older charts
Facilities
Nearest provisions: Sulina (20nm)
Best Months & Season
May, Aug, Sep
Best visited May (before nesting closures) or August–September (after nesting season ends). July best avoided due to maximum colony protection restrictions.
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.
Download Free for iOS