Experiences you'll have
We invite you to one of the most unusual places in the country — Wrangel island, deemed to be the treasury of the Russian Arctic. Here you will meet polar bears, whales, walruses, musk oxen and numerous polar birds.
In addition to wildlife watching, during this journey you will:
The cost depends on a type of selected cabin. See details in the "Accommodation" section.
A photo by Vitaly Gorshkov was chosen for the preview. The program description contains photos from the trip of Vadim Mamontov, the founder and CEO of RussiaDiscovery.
Itinerary
The journey begins in Anadyr, and you should travel to on your own. We are ready to help with the purchase of tickets, if necessary, leave a comment in the application.
Here is the general plan of the expedition, the route may vary depending on the weather and ice conditions.
Day 1 Embarkation in Anadyr
Upon arrival in Anadyr you will board the ship. Here you will meet the crew and expedition staff, who will give you a tour of the ship, show you the cabins, and give you a short safety briefing.
While you start a voyage, you can watch Beluga whales in the water area of the port.
Day 2 Egvekinot
This small town was built by Gulag prisoners as a port to supply the rich Lultin mining complex located some 200 km inland. You will explore the town which has an excellent museum and will travel by "Ural" terrain vehicle towards Lultin and into the tundra to gain an appreciation of this unique landscape and wildlife close to the Arctic Circle.
Day 3 Meeting with reindeer herders of Konergino
Today you will visit Konergino village. This is a small settlement of Chukchi reindeer herders, which is separated from Evgekinot by the Kresta Bay. Reindeer herding is still an important part of the indigenous people’s culture and economy. So, you will get acquainted with the daily life of the Chukchi that has remained largely unchanged over the centuries.
Day 4 The bird colonies in Presbrazhenya Bay
Today you will be cruising along the south coast of Chukotka and will take the opportunity to stop at Presbrazhenya Bay. Cruising by Zodiac boats along the spectacular bird cliffs could provide great photographic opportunities.
Day 5 Whale Bone Alley and Gilmimyl Gulf
The significant and intriguing archaeological site of ‘Whale Bone Alley’ on Yttygran Island dates to the 14th century. Its origins and purpose have been the cause of much debate. Whale bones stretch along the beach in the form of a pathway for nearly half a kilometer.
Gray Whales are still frequently seen in the vicinity. In good weather, you will take a walk on the Zodiac boats in search of them. This afternoon you will intend to make a landing at the Gilmimyl Hot Springs.
Day 6 Cape Dezhnev
Sea conditions permitting, we plan to land at Cape Dezhnev early this morning. It is the easternmost point of the Eurasian continent. In good weather, you can see the coast of America while standing on this uninhabited and remote outpost.
Making your way through the rocky beach, you will pass to the abandoned border base and will see the monument to Semyon Dezhnev, who was the first European to sail through this strait in 1648. This cape commemorates his accomplishment. The abandoned eskimo village of Naukan is also located here.
Day 7 At sea
On the way to Wrangel island, you can relax a bit, take photos, watch sea birds and possibly meet whales.
Days 8-10 Wrangel Island
These days you will spend exploring Wrangel island, watching bears, seals and walruses. Numerous boat trips on Zodiac boats, as well as landings are waiting for you. The routes will be laid by the reserve's guides, who know the places where musk oxen and polar bears are most likely to be found.
Day 11 At sea
The ship will depart for Kolyuchin island. At this time you will be able to attend lectures on board, to watch seabirds from the deck or the captain's bridge or just relax.
Day 12 Kolyuchin Bay and Kolyuchin island
This morning we will come to anchor at tiny Kolyuchin Island. At certain times of the year when the ice recedes, large numbers of walrus haul out on the island. At the western end of the island is the remains of a Polar Research Station which was only abandoned in the 1990s. Nearby there are some amazing bird cliffs, it is possible to get magnificent views (and photographs) of puffins and guillemots as they come and go from their nests.
This afternoon you will cruise to nearby Kolyuchin Inlet, a massive tidal estuary and ideal habitat for many bird species. It is early enough in the season for the majority of them to either be on nests or have young. It is an easy landing with lots of opportunity for hiking, exploring and photography.
Day 13 Lavrentia village and the annual Arctic festival
You will arrive in the village of Lavrentia for the opening of the annual Beringia regatta, which includes whaleboat and Baidara (traditional walrus skin-covered boats) races. This is one of the most colorful festivals in Chukotka, which attracts people from all over the region.
In addition to the regatta, cultural group performances as well as tasting of national cuisine are waiting you here. This event will allow you to get acquainted with the culture of local peoples.
Day 14 At sea
While the ship is crossing the Anadyr Bay, you can rest in the library or bar. In the evening you will be invited to a farewell dinner where you can sum up the results of the expedition.
Day 15 Anadyr
After breakfast passengers will be taken ashore. A complimentary transfer to the airport or to a central downtown hotel will conclude the expedition.
Accommodation during the trip
You will travel with a small expedition ice-class vessel "Akademik Shokalskiy" or "Spirit of Enderby".
Such vessels are specially equipped for expedition travel in areas where navigation of larger ships is not possible. Onboard there are a bar, a restaurant, a cozy library lounge area with a large collection of thematic literature and a dedicated lecture room. A spacious bridge is always open for passengers. You can also view sea animals from open decks. All cabins have ocean views.
The cost of the cruise depends on a type of cabin:
The price is per person. Payment is made in rubles at the exchange rate of the Central Bank +3%.
Types of cabins:
Triple cabin: There is one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth in the cabin. One wardrobe, drawers, a desk and wash basin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other cabins.
Double cabin: There are two lower sleeping berths in the cabin, an illuminator, a desk, a wardrobe and a nightstand, a wash-basin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other cabins.
Superior cabin: there are two sleeping berths — one lower and one upper one, a window, a desk, a wardrobe and nightstands. A bathroom: shower, toilet, a wash-basin.
Superior Plus cabin: there are two lower sleeping berths in the cabin, a window, a desk, a wardrobe and nightstands. A bathroom: shower, toilet, a wash-basin.
Mini Suite: there are a bedroom with a bouble bed and a lounge with a sofa, a TV, a wardrobe and drawers. It also has a private bathroom with a shower, a toilet, a washbasin. There is a window in the cabin.
Owner's Suite: there are a bedroom with a double bed and a large lounge area with a sofa, a TV, a mini-fridge, a wardrobe and drawers. A private bathroom includes a shower, a toilet, a washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great panoramic view.
Common questions
The crew of the ship is Russian-speaking, there are both Russian and English speaking guides.
The cost of the tour includes a full board: breakfast — buffet, lunch — main course, salad and dessert, dinner — main course, vegetables and dessert. An alcoholic menu is available for lunch and dinner.
Cooks can prepare meals according to your diet if you inform them in advance.
Personal equipment required
When choosing clothes and shoes, consider the features of the cruise. The temperature on the Northern route points can drop to 0°C.
Clothing: warm pants, waterproof pants, thermal underwear, sweater, turtleneck, wool cap, covering ears, balaclava/scarf, warm socks, waterproof windproof jacket with hood. At the last retirement party you can bring dressy clothes (heels not advised).
Shoes: boots with a grooved sole will allow you to stand most steadily; rubber boots are necessary, but they can be given on the first day of the cruise for free. If you plan to take your own boots, they should be up to mid-calf or higher with a thick ribbed non-slip sole. In some landings will have to step into the water to a depth of 25 cm. Also it can be quite slippery on the ice and on the shore. Make sure the boots sit comfortably on a woolen sock, it is important to bring warm insoles. In addition, you need sandals, sneakers or any other comfortable shoes for the ship and slippers for the shower.
Other: a small backpack for landings (preferably waterproof), warm and waterproof gloves, sunglasses, cream, chapstick, binoculars, earplugs.
Documents: passport, boarding pass on board (issued or sent by mail), plane ticket, copy of insurance.
Booking
Accommodation during the trip
Languages
on board ship accommodation
meals (full-board)
pre/post cruise transfers
all expedition shore excursions
lectures, presentations and services of expedition leader and guides
information materials sent to the participants before start of the expedition
private charter flight from Nome to Anadyr and back (+2 000 USD per person)
local payment (+500 USD pp)
health insurance with an emergency evacuation coverage (required)
hotel accommodation, meals and additional excursions before and after the cruise
tips (optional)
on board ship accommodation
meals (full-board)
pre/post cruise transfers
all expedition shore excursions
lectures, presentations and services of expedition leader and guides
information materials sent to the participants before start of the expedition
private charter flight from Nome to Anadyr and back (+2 000 USD per person)
local payment (+500 USD pp)
health insurance with an emergency evacuation coverage (required)
hotel accommodation, meals and additional excursions before and after the cruise
tips (optional)