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Wrangel Island: Across the Top of the World

Example 15 Day Cruise aboard Spirit of Enderby
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This unique 15-day expedition that crosses the Arctic Circle includes an exclusive overland experience of exploring the interior of Wrangel Island and the nearby Herald Island by six-wheel Tundra vehicle. The High Arctic environment that few people experience is now accessible on this 3 day- 2 night extension. Travel by special tundra buggy, camp in field huts and enjoy wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities that professionals dream about. It is a journey only made possible in recent years by the thawing in the politics of the region and the retreat of summer pack ice in the Chukchi Sea. The very small distance between Russia and the USA along this border area was known as the Ice Curtain, behind which then and now lies one of the last great undiscovered wilderness areas in the world. 
Board your zodiacs for shore excursions on these remote shoresStunning landscapes await you on your expedition cruiseTaking the zodiac aroundA Polar Bear inspects his environmentRemote and scenic landscapes
Highlights
  • Journey through the narrow Bering Strait
  • Observe polar bears, Pacific walrus, musk ox, and more on Wrangel Island
  • Listen to enthralling stories of human history, survival, and culture
  • Visit massive bird cliffs on Herald Island
  • Encounter over 400 plant species and a range of geological formations
  • Learn about the High Arctic via guided walks, Zodiac cruises, & lectures
Places Visited
Activity Level: Relaxed
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Nome, Alaska | Embark

Make your way to the designated meeting point for your transfer to Spirit of Enderby (times and meeting point will be confirmed with your voyage documents) where the captain and expedition team will be waiting to welcome you aboard. You will have the opportunity to settle into your accommodation and familiarise yourself on board before joining your fellow expeditioners on deck as we set sail across the Bering Strait and International Date Line for Provideniya, Russia.

Day 2: Provideniya, Russia

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After clearing Russian Customs and Immigration there may be an opportunity to explore this fascinating former Soviet military port and administrative centre followed by an afternoon expedition.

Day 3: Yttygran Island and Gil’mimyl Hot Springs

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Yttygran Island is home to the monumental ancient aboriginal site known as Whale Bone Alley, where the ship makes a landing and where whale bones stretch along the beach for nearly half a kilometer. In the afternoon, we land at Gil’mimyl Hot Springs. They are a short walk from the coastline and get a chance to explore the tundra for birds, plants and animals

Day 4: Bukhta Pultin and Cape Dezhnev

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
An opportunity to enjoy a Zodiac safari of Bukhta Pultin in the morning. Explore the coastline, fields of wildflowers, look for wildlife or hike up the ridgeline and take in the impressive helicopter view. In the afternoon, we plan to be at Cape Dezhnev, the north-easternmost point of the Eurasian continent. On the cape are a lighthouse, a monument and the remains of a Border Guard base. If the weather and sea conditions are suitable we plan to land here and give you the opportunity to explore the area. A few distances south is the former Inuit settlement of Naukan. There is a wealth of historic data and photographs that make this visit even more poignant.

Day 5: Kolyuchin Island and Kolyuchin Inlet

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
This small island was once an important Russian Polar Research Station and one of a number dotted across the Arctic. Near the derelict buildings are some of the most spectacular bird cliffs in the Arctic where puffins, guillemots and gulls can be observed and photographed up close.

Day 6-10: Wrangel and Herald Islands

  • Ship
  • 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners
Ice and weather conditions permitting, spend the next few days on Wrangel Island and potentially on the nearby Herald Island. There are many landings that can be made to search out wildlife, wildflowers, and Arctic landscapes. Polar bears are high on the list of animals to see and with a little patience, be rewarded with a number of encounters. Musk oxen and reindeer were introduced to the island, though reindeer numbers are low. Have a chance to visit Dragi Harbour where the survivors of the Karluk, which was crushed by ice in 1914, scrambled ashore and lived until they were rescued. Wrangel Island is a Russian Federal Nature Reserve of international significance and importance particularly as it is a major polar bear denning area. Also, each summer, thousands of birds migrate here to breed, including snow geese, snowy owls, skuas, Arctic terns, and Ross’s, Sabine, and ivory gulls.

Day 11: North Siberian Coast

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Bounded by narrow sand ridges with numerous lagoons and inlets, this area offers plenty of places to land and explore the extensive coastline. Looking for walrus, whales, and other wildlife, come across Chukchi villages whose residents scratch out a living in an unforgiving climate, hunting seals and whales just as their ancestors did.

Day 12: Unnamed Bay and Lavrentiya

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Cruise to shore to a picturesque Unnamed Bay in the morning. Welcomed by an expansive stretch of beach, backed by a lagoon and surrounded by rugged hills, there’s much to discover. Enjoy a walk along the beach and tundra looking for wildlife, or scale one of the nearby peaks and take in the stunning vistas. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Lavrentiya Bay. Visit the Lavrentiya museum, meet local elders and enjoy an authentic taste and slice of village life in the main square.

Day 13: Bukhta Penkingney and Arakamchechen Island

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
In the morning, we will be launching our Zodiacs with a landing planned at Bukhta Penkingney, a long fiord cut into the coastline by glaciers and a popular spot for whale watching. Exploring this scenic location we will be looking for Arctic Ground Squirrels and Pikas, Willow Ptarmigan, Sandhill Cranes and brown bears attracted by the berries and salmon-filled river. In the afternoon, cruise over to Arakamchechen Island just north of Cape Chaplino and separated from the Chukotka mainland by the 8-kilometre wide Senyavina Strait. On Arakamchechen Island we will explore the lush tundra and, if they are present, view the prominent walrus haul out.

Day 14: Provideniya

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
After clearing Russian Customs and Immigration in Provideniya we will set sail for Nome across the Bering Strait. One of the world’s most nutrient-rich stretches of water, each spring the Bering Strait is the scene of one of the planet’s largest wildlife migrations. Join the expedition team for a recap and disembarkation briefing before enjoying a farewell dinner to celebrate our journey

Day 15: Nome, Alaska

  • 1 Breakfast
Your adventure ends after breakfast and clearing US Immigration and Customs with disembarkation back at the port where you can enjoy a complimentary transfer to the airport or your hotel.

Ship/Hotel

Spirit of Enderby

Seating for all passengers in the Lecture Room
Heritage Suite
South Pacific fish

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$9,350
Main Deck Triple-Spirit of Enderby
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Main Deck Triple
One cabin located on the Main Deck, with two lower bunk beds, one upper bunk bed, outside porthole, wash basin, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and shared bathrooms on same deck.
Main Deck-Spirit of Enderby
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Main deck
Thirteen cabins located on the Main Deck, with two lower bunk beds, outside porthole, wash basin, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and shared bathrooms on same deck.
Superior Cabin-Spirit of Enderby
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Superior
Four cabins located on the Middle Deck,with one lower and one upper bunk, side-facing windows, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
Superior Plus Cabin-Spirit of Enderby
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Superior Plus
Eight cabins located on the Upper and Middle Decks,with two lower bunk beds, side-facing windows, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space. and private bath facilities.
Mini Suite- Spirit of Enderby
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Mini Suite
Two cabins located on the Upper Deck, with one double bed in separate room, side-facing windows, separate lounge area with a single bed, desk and chair, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.
Heritage-Spirit of Enderby
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Heritage Suite
One cabin located on the Upper Deck, with one double bed in separate room, forward- and side-facing windows, separate lounge area with a single pull-out bed, desk and table area, wardrobe with hanging space, and private bath facilities.

Notes

- Travel Insurance is mandatory for all passengers aboard the Spirit of Enderby.
- Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.
Included
  • 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners
  • 14 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Pre- & Post- Cruise Transfers
  • Complimentary boot rental is available. However, due to the limited supply of boots available aboard the ship, it is recommended that you bring your own rubber boots for best fit and availability. Youth size boots are not available.
  • House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
  • One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)
  • All expedition shore excursions
  • Programme of lectures by noted naturalists
  • Complimentary Parka - available only for the duration of the voyage.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Required Visas if applicable
  • Laundry 
  • Mandatory medical evacuation insurance
  • Optional Private Charter Flight: Nome - Anadyr - Nome $2,000 per person
  • Optional Overland Traverse Extension: $1,450 per person 

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This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
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