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
Transfer from your hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to the Port of Korsakov to join our vessel. We depart late morning bound for Kunashir Island. This afternoon there will be introductions to the staff and important background information on this expedition.

Day 2
We arrive at Kunashir Island about midday and the Kurilsky Zapovednik (Reserve). The Zapovednik has unusually beautiful landscapes including the commanding presence of Tatya Volcano, there are unique floral and faunal communities and it has been nominated as a World Heritage Site. We spend the afternoon in the reserve exploring the rich biodiversity.

Day 3
At sea this morning we continue northwards through waters rich in marine life including Sperm Whales. Later we explore Chirpoy Island, dramatic headlands rise out of the ocean covered in kittiwakes, guillemots and puffins all clamouring to complete their breeding season. Sheltered coves give opportunities to explore and botanise on the lower slops of the still active volcano.

Day 4
At the northern end of Simushir Island there is a huge caldera that was once a large Soviet Union submarine base. The now abandoned village of Krateruyi lies on the slopes of Karlomyy Volcano. We explore the village and the surrounding region through the regenerating forest and the fellfield vegetation. This afternoon we sail north to the Island of Yankicho in the Ushishir group where the landing and birdlife is nothing short of spectacular. This island must be considered alongside the great seabird islands of the world. Outside the caldera towering cliffs are obscured by birds clinging to the narrow ledges. Inside the caldera is home to uncountable masses of Crested, Whiskered and Parakeet Auklets. Arctic foxes patrol the area and sulfurous geothermal activity completes an other worldly experience.

“The sound is like a symphony, as if each bird contributes a different note – fulmar, puffin, auklet and murre…..”

Day 5
We explore Atlasova Island this afternoon. It is the northern most island in the Kuril Islands, it also has the highest volcano. Mt Alaid (2339 metres) is active and erupted as recently as 1971. At the foot of the mountain lies the remains of a “forced labour” camp.

Day 6
This afternoon we sail into Russkaya Fiord just one of a number of spectacular fiords on the Kamchatka Peninsula. We plan an expedition landing here. It will be an opportunity to explore the coast either on foot or by zodiac.

Day 7
The Kronotsky State Biosphere Preserve is one of the oldest reserves in Russia. It was established in 1882 and showcase’s all that is Kamchatka. It is also home to a vast variety of flora and fauna. Our time ashore will have opportunities to enjoy the wildlife which could include brown bears and Steller’s Sea Eagles.

Day 8
Today we are at sea as we cruise north east from Kamchatka to the Commander Islands. This is an opportunity to catch up on notes, attend lectures in preparation for our visit to these islands and enjoy some seabird watching from the bridge or simply relax in the library. As we cross the Kuril – Commander Trench the marine mammals are also worth watching for.

Day 9
The Commander Islands are named after the famed Danish Captain and explorer Commander Vitus Bering whose expeditions in this part of the world are legendary. He was shipwrecked and eventually died of scurvy on the Commander Islands in 1741. Not only are these islands rich in history they are home to a huge number of bird species including horned and tufted puffins, crested and parakeet auklets, thickbilled murres, red-legged kittiwakes, and redfaced cormorants. We may also see harbour seals, Steller’s sealions and northern fur seals.

Day 10
Today we cruise north westward towards the Goven Peninsula and the Koryaksky Preserve. This outstanding and internationally important Preserve is managed by the World Wide Fund for Nature and will be one of the highlights of our journey.

Day 11 and 12
Koryaksky Preserve protects a wide array of habitats from raised beach plains to steep glaciated mountains while the surrounding waters house a rich diversity of marine life including species such as Steller’s Eider and Kittlitz’s Murrelet. Ashore wetland areas provide an internationally important refuge for migrating birds. Our two days in the region give ample opportunity to explore a range of habitats as well as look for elusive Snow Sheep or encounter the Brown Bears which inhabit this wilderness.

Day 13
We continue north towards Bukta Natalii. The coastline is incised by deep bays and fiords. Ashore the taiga and tundra communities mingle amidst a backdrop of glaciated snow-capped peaks. Nearby Ostrov Bogoslova is a haven for a multitude of seabirds and many Pacific Walrus also frequent the area.

Day 14
At sea today as we follow the coastline north past Cape Gavriila, named after Bering’s ship St Gabriel. Grey whales frequent this area and because of the strong tides, there is often an abundance of food in the water and there are numerous seabirds feeding here.

Day 15
Arakamchechen archipelago will be another highlight of the expedition. As recently as 1976 Russian anthropologists discovered an astonishing ancient memorial site nicknamed “whale bone alley” on Yttygran Island. This ceremonial site has immense jawbones and ribs of bowhead whales placed together in a stunning arch formation. Today the surrounding waters are rich in marine life with Walrus and Grey Whales.

Day 16
We sail into the upper reaches of Anadyrskiy Bay with our passage marked by the capes and headlands we pass on the starboard side.

Day 17
From Egvekinot, a small port in Kresta Bay, there is a road running inland across the tundra of the inland plains where the reindeer herders graze their herds in the summer months. We plan a day trip by Russian Ural buses into this region so you can explore and appreciate the vastness and beauty of the region, see the many tundra plants and hopefully meet up with a group of nomadic reindeer herders.

Day 18
We arrive at the town of Anadyr, one of the earliest settlements of the region. Formerly a trading post this town is now the administrative centre of the Chukokta Autonomous region. We disembark the vessel here, in time for you to explore the town and the very good museum. There is a modern airport with good connections to Moscow and other cities. 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.



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.