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Walrus

Exploring Russia's Far East & Wrangel Island

Example 13 Day Cruise aboard National Geographic Orion
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This fascinating exploration of the remote Siberian coastline promises rich culture and an astounding wealth of wildlife. Meet indigenous artists known for their intricate walrus ivory carvings, take in dramatic bird cliffs teeming with puffins and guillemots, then forge farther north, well above the Arctic Circle to Wrangel Island Reserve. Spend several days in this pristine landscape that’s home to the highest density of ancestral polar bear dens, the world’s largest population of Pacific walrus, and an astonishing variety of plant life. And before this Russian Arctic expedition comes to an end witness one more site few get to see—an ancient, mysterious display of whale bones and skulls erected on Yttygran Island.  
Whale sighting in Polar waters!Polar bear in the ArcticDad and son on a beachA group of puffins sit on the side of a cliff overlooking the ocean.Walrus
Highlights
  • Observe majestic polar bears at Wrangel Island Reserve
  • See gray whales in their northern feeding grounds in the Chukchi and Bering Seas
  • Watch and photograph iconic wildlife such as Pacific walrus, polar bears, puffins and more
  • Experience meaningful cultural exchanges across Beringia
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: Anchorage | Nome | Embark

Fly to Nome via Anchorage. Embark National Geographic Orion in the afternoon and cross the Bering Strait.

Day 2: Provideniya, Russian Federation

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
At the western limit of the rich transboundary area known as Beringia, Provideniya is often called “The Gateway to the Arctic.” It’s also the administrative center where we will conduct our clearance into Russia. Visit the excellent museum, and witness a traditional Yupik dance performance.

Day 3: Cape Dezhnev | Uelen Village

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Round Cape Dezhnev, the easternmost point of the Eurasian continent and if conditions permit, make a landing and hike to the lighthouse. Then continue to the nearby Chukchi and Yupik village of Uelen, a major artistic center of the region known for its exquisite walrus ivory carving.

Day 4: Kolyuchin Island & Kolyuchin Bay

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Located on the northern Chukotka coast, Kolyuchin Inlet is an enormous tidal estuary that offers excellent hiking and birding opportunities. Nearby on Kolyuchin Island find nesting puffins and guillemots, and occasionally Pacific walruses hauled-out. Explore the area by Zodiac and, conditions permitting, go ashore.

Day 5-8: Wrangel Island

  • Ship
  • 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
This UNESCO World Heritage site has the highest level of biodiversity in the High Arctic. Spend four fascinating days discovering the island’s abundant plant life and searching for polar bears, Pacific walrus, musk oxen, Arctic fox, gray whales, and 100 migratory bird species. You may also spot the bones and tusks of woolly mammoths jutting out from gravelly riverbeds—Wrangel Island was the last refuge for these ancient beasts.

Day 9-10: At Sea | Lorino Village

  • Ship
  • 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners
Head back south from Wrangel Island and take advantage of the time at sea to attend informative talks, sort your photos, visit the Bridge to learn about navigation, or just relax and let the memories of the previous days soak in. At Lorino, the largest indigenous village in Chukotka, witness a dance performance and learn about traditional fishing, hunting and reindeer herding.

Day 11: Yttygran Island | Provideniya

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Originally created around 600 years ago, Yttygran is thought to have been a communal or ceremonial Yupik site. Here, visit the fascinating place known as Whale Bone Alley, a mysterious and haunting boneyard erected alongside a rugged and remote shoreline. In Provideniya we'll conduct our clearance formalities before heading east to Nome. 

Day 12: At Sea | Crossing the Bering Strait

  • Ship
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Spend the final day at sea, crossing one of the most iconic bodies of water on the planet. Linger on deck with binoculars in hand—the chances are great to spot whales and rare seabirds.

Day 13: Nome | Disembark | Anchorage | Home

  • 1 Breakfast
Arrive in Nome this morning, transfer to the airport for flights to Anchorage and onward. 

Ship/Hotel

National Geographic Orion

Keep in shape in the exercise room aboard the National Geographic Orion
The National Geographic Orion is sleek and at your service
The lovely National Geographic Orion

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
National Geographic Orion's Category 1 Cabin.
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Category 1
Cat 1 #316, 318-321. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
Your  Category B Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
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Category 1 Single
Cat 1S #301, 322, 323. These solo cabins feature a window or two portholes, a queen-size bed, except for #301 which has a double bed, writing desk and chair, climate controls, reading lamps, and a TV. Marble bathrooms are generously sized and include a roomy shower stall with a glass door.
A Category A Stateroom on the National Geographic Orion
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Category 2
Cat 2 #302-312, 314, 315, 317. Cabins feature a luminous oval window and configurable beds: two single beds, two beds converted to a queen-size bed, or a queen size bed. An armchair, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities. Marble bathrooms are generously sized, and include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
A lovely category 3 suite on the National Geographic Oion
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Category 3
Cat 3 Suite with Window #401-412, 414-419. These suites feature a sitting area with a large window, a sofa–except slightly smaller #401 & #402–an armchair or two, writing/laptop desk, reading lamps, flat screen TV, & climate controls. Beds are configurable (call for details). Marble bathrooms include a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 3 Cabin.
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Category 3 Single
Cat 3S Suite with Window #512. This solo suite features two beds and two large windows, plus two armchairs and small table, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls. The marble bathroom is generously sized and includes a spacious shower stall with a glass door.
National Geographic Orion's Category 4 Cabin.
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Category 4
Cat 4 Deluxe Suite with Window #511, 515. These two suites feature separate sleeping and sitting areas, with a chair and armchair and a two-cushion sofa facing an expansive window. Beds are configurable (call for details). Ample storage, reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the amenities.
National Geographic Orion's Category 5 Cabin.
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Category 5
Cat 5 Suite with French Balcony #501, 503-506, 508. These spacious suites feature open living areas and sliding glass doors opening to a shared French balcony. Beds are configurable (call for details.) A sitting area with arm chairs and a sofa, a writing/laptop desk, well-placed reading lamps, a flat screen TV, and climate controls complete the decor.
National Geographic Orion's Category 6 Cabin.
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Category 6
Cat 6 Owner’s Suite with French Balcony #502, 507, 509*, 510. These large, elegant suites feature a French balcony, with the exception of #509 which has double windows. Each provides a separate living area with a sofa and two arm chairs, except for #502, which uniquely offers a 'soaking tub with a view' in addition to a shower stall and expansive vanity.

Notes

Single supplement varies by itinerary. A solo traveler matching program may be available but is subject to availability.

Rates are capacity-controlled and are subject to change without notice.
Included
  • 12 Breakfasts, 11 Lunches, 12 Dinners
  • 12 Nights Accommodations
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
  • Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits aboard the ship. We are also pleased to offer a selection of super premium wines and liquors that are available for purchase.
  • Crew gratuities
  • Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
  • Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
  • Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
  • Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
  • Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
  • All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
  • 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
  • Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
  • Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
  • The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
  • Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
  • 24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
  • Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic certified photo instructor
Excluded
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
  • We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
  • Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
  • Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
  • Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)

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The trip was terrific with great planning on your part. Most of the adventures were not mainstream and somewhat off the beaten path which made it especially enjoyable!! We felt taken care of and you all were readily available to respond to questions and issues. I would highly recommend your company and friends have already expressed interest based on our pictures and excitement.
Gale Cantor

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