Arrive in Anadyr, the administrative capital of Chukotka. It is situated on the mouth of the Anadyr River near where the river enters the Anadyr estuary. The town was established in 1889 as a frontier post when it was called Novo-Mariinsk. The name was changed to Anadyr in 1920 when the Bolsheviks took control of the town. It has grown in importance over the years and today is a modern town with a population of about 11,000 people. Depending on your time of arrival you may have the opportunity to explore Anadyr before boarding the vessel. Sail in the late afternoon for Egvekinot and attend mandatory safety briefings and introductions to the ship and staff after you have sailed.

NOTE: You can join this expedition either in Anadyr or in Nome, Alaska. Those starting in Nome will fly by a charter flight to Anadyr and will join the ship and the expedition members who have traveled directly to Anadyr.

There is more to this small town on the shores of Kresta Bay than first meets the eye. It was built by Gulag prisoners in 1946 as a port to supply the Iul’tin mining complex some 200 km inland. Prisoners also constructed the road to the mine. Today the Iul’tin mine complex is closed but the town and Port of Egvekinot is the terminus for a new road through to Pevek and its associated gold mines. The town has an excellent museum which you can visit. Travel by Ural to explore along the road towards Lul’tin and into the tundra to gain an appreciation of this unique Arctic landscape just south of the Arctic Circle.

Across Kresta Bay from Egvekinot is the small reindeer herding village of Konergino. Reindeer herding is still an important part of the indigenous people’s culture and economy. The practice has remained largely unchanged over the centuries and revolves around ‘brigades’ looking after large herds of reindeer out on the tundra. Today is an introduction to and an opportunity to understand this industry and practice.

Cruise along the south coast of Chukotka today and take the opportunity to stop at Presbrazhenya Bay. Zodiac cruise the spectacular bird cliffs which could provide great photographic opportunities. There is also a chance to land at a hunting camp at the nearby village of Nunligren.

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 and gray whales are frequently seen in the vicinity. This afternoon make a landing at the Gil’mimyl Hot Springs.

Sea conditions permitting, plan to land at Cape Dezhnev early this morning, the northeastern-most point of the Eurasian continent. This cape commemorates the accomplishment of the Cossack, Semyon Dezhnev, who was the first European to sail through this strait in 1648 (80 years before Bering did). A short distance south of the cape is the former Inuit settlement of Naukan. As the relocation was fairly recent there is a wealth of historic data and photographs that make a visit to this site even more poignant.

Relax as the Spirit of Enderby navigates towards Wrangel Island.

Due to climate change in recent years Wrangel Island is becoming ice free earlier and earlier with huge ramifications for the wildlife (especially the polar bears) that rely on the ice. Weather conditions permitting there should still be some ice around the island where wildlife are concentrated. There should also be opportunities to land and to explore the tundra to look for species that breed here. Three days are allocated on and around the island to take advantage of whatever conditions are encountered. Utilize the local knowledge of the Park Rangers to make multiple landings as well as spend some time ice cruising and looking for polar bears.

Sail south towards Kolyuchin Island. The day is filled with illustrated lectures, opportunities to spend time on deck, relaxing in the ship’s bar, and catching up with some reading or downloading and editing photos.

This morning 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 are the remains of a Polar Research Station that was only abandoned in the 1990s. Nearby are some amazing bird cliffs, from which it is possible to get magnificent views (and photographs) of puffins and guillemots as they come and go from their nests. The only thing preventing a landing here are polar bears; if they are ashore Zodiac cruise the bird cliffs for equally good views of the birds. This afternoon 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. This is an easy landing with lots of opportunity for hiking, exploring, and photography.

Plan to be here for Day One of the annual Beringia Regatta and Festival which includes whaleboat and Baidara (traditional walrus skin-covered boats) races as well as cultural group performances. This is one of the most colorful festivals in the Chukotka calendar and attracts people from all around the region. There are a range of activities at the Regatta and Festival and local foods for you to sample. This is a festival that gets to the very heart and soul of the people, their culture, and their land.

As the ship makes its way back to Anadyr, recap the many experiences you have enjoyed on this special Chukotka expedition.

Wake this morning as you enter the Port of Anadyr. After breakfast travel ashore either to the airport or to a central downtown hotel to conclude the expedition.