PLEASE NOTE

Some cruises operate in reverse order. All itineraries are for guidance only. Programs may vary depending on local weather conditions and in order to take advantage of opportunities to see wildlife. Flexibility is paramount for expedition cruises.

Day 1
Join our vessel “Spirit of Enderby”at the Port of Anadyr which was one of the earliest settlements of the region. It is now the capital and main administrative centre of the Chukotka Autonomous region. After clearing the harbor, we farewell the pilot and sail across Anadyrskiy Bay towards the Bering Strait. A number of Beluga Whales frequent the waters around Anadyr so be out on deck as we depart to watch for the white whale.

Day 2
We continue across Anadyrskiy Bay. There will be lectures and presentations to prepare you for the expedition ahead. It is also an opportunity to spend time with your fellow travelers either in the bar /library or on the bridge. Outside seabirds and possibly whales feed in the rich waters.

Day 3
One of the many highlights of the expedition will be time spent in the Arakamchechen archipelago. Here as recently as 1976 on Yttygran Island Russian anthropologists discovered an astonishing ancient ceremonial site nicknamed “Whale Bone Alley”. Must mystery remains about this unqiue site. The surrounding waters are home to large concentrations of Grey Whales and walrus both of which we hope to encounter. Later this afternoon in we follow in the wake of Capt. James Cook entering Layrentiya Bay, which is also a favoured area for marine mammals.

Day 4
We land at Cape Dezhnev on the extreme north eastern edge of Eurasia on the border of two oceans the Pacific and the Arctic. The site is marked by three magnificent monuments. This afternoon at the village of Uelen, the center of world famous Chukotka ivory carving you will be welcomed by the locals and have an opportunity to visit the museum and workshop where this traditional skill is practiced and taught.

Day 5
This morning we land on the small island of Kolyuchin. This island which is the site of a Russian Polar Research Station lies about 25 km off the northern coast. It is also a recognized walrus haul out area as well as an important seabird nesting island.

Days 6 and 7
We will spend two full days exploring the remote and seldom visited high arctic Wrangel Island. Wrangel Island was declared a Nature Reserve in 1976 to protect its rich biodiversity. We will enjoy some of the 400 plant species and the 160 bird species that have been recorded from the Island. Species to watch for include Ross’s, Sabine’s and Ivory Gulls – all of which breed and feed in the surrounding waters. The shores of Wrangel Island house the highest density of Polar Bear dens in the world, earning it the title of the “Polar Bear Maternity Ward”, and with such high concentrations we hope for some great encounters.

Day 8
This morning in true expedition style we will launch our zodiacs at the Amguema River mouth east of Cape Schimdt and spend the day exploring. The small island Lena Island, it is a known haul out area for seals and walrus during the summer months. There will be ample opportunities for photographing and exploring the surrounding tundra landscape.

Day 9
Today is another expedition day with opportunities to explore the Kolyuchinskaya and Belyaka Inlets. Emperor geese breed here and although the breeding season will be well advanced we can expect to see many other migratory species as they begin to lead southwards. Our naiads and zodiacs are the perfect craft for exploring these shallow sheltered waters.

Day 10
An opportunity to catch up on sleep (with 24 hour daylight and with so much to see and do your sleep pattern will be disrupted) or catch up on your diary and notes. There will be recaps and lectures throughout the day as we head southwards through Bering Strait to Provideniya.

Day 11
We will enjoy the hospitality of the people of Provideniya this morning. This is a small town situated on the north western coast of a picturesque fiord and was an important strategic town and seaport and during the height of the Soviet Union. Many military personal were stationed here but today the population is much reduced. The local people are proud of their history and it has one of the best museums in the region with over 12,000 exhibits.

Day 12
From the small town of Egvekinot, which was established in 1946 as a seaport to supply material to the developing mining industry, we will travel by Urals (large Russian made trucks) on an expedition into the tundra interior. This journey will take us across the tundra where reindeer herders graze their herds. We plan to meet up with these nomadic people to learn more about them and their lifestyle. There will be the option to camp out overnight or return to the ship in Egvekinotz.

Day 13
For those who opted to camp out, we will continue our exploration of the region, returning to the ship mid afternoon. For those who returned to the ship last night you will have the opportunity to visit the local museum and explore the surrounding landscape.

Day 14
On arrival at Anadyr, around midday, we will use our zodiac craft to take you ashore to hotels if you are continuing your stay or to connect with flights.


Please note all itineraries are subject to final approval by the relevant Russian authorities.

Please also note that circumstances may be encountered during our voyage which will make it necessary or desirable to deviate from this itinerary. These circumstances include poor weather conditions and opportunities for making unplanned zodiac excursions. Your Expedition leader will provide more information at the start of the voyage and keep you fully informed during the voyage.