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.
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
Involves minimal physical effort and is typically associated with leisurely activities. Activities are low-intensity or last less than a few hours each day.
Explore Anadyr, the administrative center of the Chukotka region and get to know your fellow voyagers and crew upon embarkation on the Akademik Shokalskiy.
Weighing anchor early, you are invited to join the expedition staff and crew on the bridge for introductory briefings as you sail toward the Bering Strait, through the Anadyr Estuary famed for its beluga whales. Late this afternoon, Zodiac cruise some spectacular bird cliffs in Preobrazheniya Bay.
Day 3: Yttygran, Nuneangan, and Arakamchechen Islands
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. On lookout for gray whales, cruise by Nuneangan and Arakamchechen Islands where seabirds nest and walrus can be found.
Sea conditions permitting, land at Cape Dezhnev early this morning. The north-easternmost point of the Eurasian continent, it is sometimes possible to see the coast of America from this remote and lonely outpost. A few nautical miles to the west of Cape Dezhnev, visit Uelen Village, the most northeastern village in Russia. The population is predominantly Chukchi and the village is one of the largest centers for traditional Chukchi and Inuit art in the world. Be entertained by villagers and visit the bone-carving workshop during your visit.
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.
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.
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.
So huge that it is visible from satellite photos, this inlet contains vast numbers of waterfowl and migratory waders. Visit the Belaka spit near the inlet’s mouth and find a wild, desolate landscape that is strangely beautiful; its dunes and tidal areas are home to the mighty emperor goose and extremely rare spoon-billed sandpiper. Gray whales frequent the area and you may be fortunate to spot them feeding only a stone’s throw from shore.
In this early morning, pass the Diomede Islands, sometimes called Tomorrow Island and Yesterday Isle because they straddle the International Date Line. Here, Russia and America are separated by only 2.3 nautical miles of ocean. Remain in Russian territory as you cruise south past the islands. Later this afternoon, make an expedition landing on the Chukotka coast, your last chance to enjoy the wildlife and tundra landscape.
Relax in the ship’s bar or library as you sail across Anadyrskiy Bay, before bidding farewell to your fellow voyagers and staff over a dinner and expedition recap tonight.
Day 15: Anadyr | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Your adventure ends after breakfast with disembarkation back at the port where you can enjoy a complimentary transfer to the airport or your hotel.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$9,350
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Main Deck
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
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Superior
One bunk (one upper and one lower berth), writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
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Superior Plus
Two lower berths, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
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Mini Suite
Separate bedroom with a double bed and a sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Mini Suites have windows.
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Heritage Suite
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed and a sofa in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows allow great views.
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Main Deck Triple
One bunk (one upper abd ibe lower berth) and one additional lower berth, writing desk, wardrobe and drawers. Private washbasin. Nearby shower and toilet facilities are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.
Notes
- 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.
-Emergency medical evacuation coverage for a minimum of US$100,000 per person required. Contact us for details on arranging travel insurance.
Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
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
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
1 day ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
2 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
