Chukotka: Where Russia's Day Begins
Russian Far East
On this special Chukotka expedition we will meet the people; see and listen to their stories and learn of their love for and strong connection with the land and sea. We'll celebrate with them at their annual Regatta & Festival before cruising to Wrangel Island in search of polar bears
- Unique Arctic landscapes
- Reindeer herding villages and hunting camps
- spectacular bird cliffs
- Whale Bone Alley on Yttygran Island
- Annual Beringia Arctic Games with traditional boats races
- Cultural group performances
- Cape Dezhnev the north-eastern most point of Eurasia
- Wrangel Island home of Polar Bears
- Pacific walrus haul outs
The polar bear encounters were something you would wait a lifetime to have. There is no doubt that up close their habits are fascinating, and we were so grateful for the sensitive method of approaching these beautiful creatures when advisable and giving them a wide berth (for their sakes) when not. We also appreciated the contact with the Chukchi people and their hospitality and entertainment. Then there were the snowy owls, snow geese, the myriad of shearwaters feeding in a sea full of whales, not to mention the walrus, seals and the tundra itself.
- Paul and Jacquie, travelled to Wrangel Island 2015
Stewart's Take
This is one of the last great undiscovered wilderness areas in the world!
Overview
On this special Chukotka expedition we will meet the people; see and listen to their stories and learn of their love for and strong connection with the land and sea. We'll celebrate with them at their annual Regatta & Festival before cruising to Wrangel Island in search of polar bears.Expedition Vessel: M/V Spirit of Enderby

The Spirit of Enderby is a fully ice-strengthened expedition vessel, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research and is perfect for Expedition cruising. She carries just 50 passengers and was refurbished in March 2012 to provide comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins, approximately half of which have private facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space. On board there is a combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top New Zealand and Australian chefs. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Captain and crew.

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