Description
Once so off-limits that even Russians needed special permission to visit, the eastern seaboard of Kamchatka offers a unique experience for the more intrepid traveller.Cruise the rugged coastlines of Russia’s eastern seaboard, a remote and seldom-visited area that is known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife.
Overview
Travelling in September, witness thousands of seabirds prepare for migration, along with the walrus, sea otters and Kamchatkan brown bears that call this region home.
Starting in the port town of Anadyr, located just below the Arctic Circle, journey south along the wild eastern coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula. With numerous shore landings and zodiac excursions en route, you will witness incredible rugged landscapes and distinctive wildlife, including sea otters, walrus, Kamchatkan brown bears and a wide variety of bird species. From beautiful fjords and the Tintikun Lagoon to the bird colonies of the Commander Islands, this remote and untamed region is a fascinating destination for photographers, historians and adventurers alike.
What makes this trip extraordinary
- Travel to one of wildest and most remote areas of the world.
- Witness Kamchatkan brown bears fishing along the river banks and dozing in the summer sunshine.
- Experience colonies of seabirds numbering in the thousands.
- Photograph the beautiful, rugged scenery of the Russian Far East.
This safari also offers an optional day '0' from Nome, Alaska to Anadyr, Far East Russia. This would take place on August 29th, 2021. For those departing Nome, Alaska your adventure begins with a flight across the Bering Sea and International Date Line, to the remote port of Anadyr. This private charter flight is optional and is not included in the price of the expedition.
Itinerary
Arrive Anadyr
Today you will arrive into Anadyr, the administrative centre of the Chukotka region located to the north of the Kamchatka peninsula. Upon arrival you will be introduced to your expedition team and fellow voyagers and transfer to the Spirit of Enderby, your expedition ship and home for the next two weeks.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (D)
Egvekinot
Today you will head north to the coastal town of Egvekinot, built by Gulag prisoners during the 1940's. Spend the day exploring the town, visiting the museum and the tundra-covered shores of Kresta Bay, before venturing above the Arctic Circle.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (B, L, D)
Bukhta Gavrilla
This morning you will arrive into Bukhta Gavrilla, which gets its name from the St Gabriel, the ship of Commander Vitus Bering on his first expedition to the peninsula. The waters of the bukhta (bay) are rich in marine wildlife, especially walrus, and you will also explore a nearby lagoon in search of waterfowl and waders.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (B, L, D)
Pika River and Meinypil'gyno
This morning you will head into the delta of the Pika River, a great spot for observing walrus herds that haul out along the shoreline. In the afternoon, you will visit Meinypil'gyno, a traditional village located on a 40km long shingle spit and an important breeding area for the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper! Whilst visiting the village you will get to enjoy local hospitality from the villagers who will assemble to perform some of their traditional dances for you. Make the most of being in the area and look out for the diverse birdlife, including Pacific divers and sandhill cranes.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (B, L, D)
Bukhta Natalii
Continue sailing south along the Koryak Coast, looking out for Kamchatkan brown bears and passing scenic fjords and bays, including the stunning Bukhta Natalii. Head ashore to hike between the two bays of the Bukhta Natalii fjord, taking in the breathtaking mountainous surroundings.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (B, L, D)
Tintikun Lagoon
Today you will continue on to the Govena Peninsula, an area known for its spectacular fjords. In particular, the Tintikun Lagoon is one of the most scenic locations in the world, and is home to a large population of Kamchatkan brown bears. Look out for bears and other wildlife as you hike across the picturesque landscapes.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (B, L, D)
Koryakskiy Reserve and Verkhoturov Island
This morning you will have another opportunity for bear watching with a visit to the Koryakskiy Reserve, an area which remains largely untouched by human activity and is frequented by the regions characteristically large brown bears. In the afternoon you will visit Verkhoturov Island, a haven for birdlife including tufted and horned puffins, guillemots and auklets which nest on the nearby rocky islets.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (B, L, D)
Karaginskiy Island
Sailing a few miles south of Verkhoturov Island you will reach the larger Karaginskiy Island, where tundra-covered shorelines give way to cedar forests. The island is a great place for admiring the Russian flora, especially during the Autumn.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (B, L, D)
Commander Islands
Spend the next few days exploring the wildlife-rich Commander Islands, first discovered by Vitus Bering who is now buried on Bering Island, where his ship was wrecked in 1741. There are two large islands (Bering and Medny) with two smaller islands Ariy Karmen and Toporkov. You will explore the islands by Zodiac and on foot, visiting the village of Nikolskoye, the fur seal rookery at North-West Cape and the bird colony at Ariy Kamen. You will also possibly visit the gravesite of Commander Vitus Bering or the remarkable Medny Island.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (B, L, D)
Olga Bay
Sail westwards from the Commander Islands to the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula, visiting the Kronotskiy Reserve, which encompasses the famous Valley of Geysers. The scenic Olga Bay is set against a backdrop of volcanoes, providing a beautiful setting for photography, and is often visited by large numbers of grey whales.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (B, L, D)
Zhupanova River and Bukhta Bechevinskaya
Boarding a Zodiac you will travel along the Zhupanova River, admiring the stunning scenery and looking out for wildlife including Steller's sea eagles, which build large nests in the trees along the river banks. Large groups of seals can also often be observed hauled out on the shoreline. In the afternoon, return to the ship to enjoy your final night on board.
Overnight: Spirit of Enderby (B, L, D)
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
Today marks the end of your voyage on the Spirit of Enderby as you wake up in Avacha Bay, one of the world's greatest natural harbours. After disembarking the ship, you will be transferred to the airport or town depending on your onward flight plans.
B
Accommodation
- Spirit of Enderby
Cancellation Policy
Life is unpredictable and we understand that sometimes you have to cancel or change your trip dates and it is our endeavor to make it as easy as possible for you. However, please understand that we plan everything including guide fees, permits, accommodation, and ration in advance. Therefore, any cancellation means inconvenience and certain losses to the people involved in various stages of the program. Keeping that in mind, our cancellation charges are as below,
- Cancellations prior to 30 days from the start of the event: Full refund as cash.
- Cancellations between 30 days and 15 days to the start of the event: 50 % refund as cash.
- Cancellations less than 15 days to the start of the event: No refund.
- Cancellations will be accepted only by email.
Note: We reserve the right to cancel a program before departure in the event of logistical problems arising due to natural calamities, strikes, wars or any other circumstances that make the event inadvisable. In this case, we will refund 50% of the event fees.
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