Itinerary

Bering Sea Explorer reveals a wildlife wilderness. Chukotka’s deep bays and mountainous coast blaze with autumn colour. We encounter Chukchi fishermen, brown bears, walrus and whales. Commander Islands captivate us with Aleut cultural performances, sea lions, fur seals, otters, extensive bird cliffs and explorer Vitus Bering’s grave. Kamchatka’s 120 or so volcanoes rise above abandoned villages and bird-filled forests. Koryak culture and geological wonders are set amidst a stunning landscape.

Day 1
Fly to Anadyr, and receive a warm welcome at the airport before being transferred for an afternoon boarding of Akademik Shokalskiy. Set sail across the Gulf of Anadyr and into the Bering Sea. 

Day 2
Explore Gabriela Bay’s wide river mouth and lagoon. We may meet local Chukchi fisherman and inspect an abandoned polar weather station. Watch for brown bears, wolves, and Beluga whales.

Day 3
Lush valleys and jagged mountains characterise the Koryakskiy Reserve. Dezhneva Bay offers a coastal lagoon for birders and, possibly, grey whales. In Anastasiya Bay are walrus haulouts and birdlife, including the bluethroat and Siberian rubythroat. 

Day 4
Wake to spectacular mountains rising above Nataliya Bay. Zodiac cruise beneath Bogoslov Island’s sea cliffs, where puffins, kittiwakes, murres and cormorants breed. Walk the grand valleys of St Peter Bay, or Glybokaya Bay.

Day 5
A Zodiac cruise takes us into stunning Lavrova fjord whose abandoned herring factory attracts bears. Orcas and Bryde’s whales frequent these waters. Afternoon hike through Uznaya Glubokaya Bay’s iris fields past waterfalls to a spectacular vantage on glacial moraine. 

Day 6
Small, narrow Verkhoturova Island harbours cormorants, gulls, kittiwakes and auklets. A heartfelt Koryak greeting awaits at Tymlat Village, along with a feast of senses, as these wonderful, hardy folk display their unique culture through dance, games and deliciously fresh food. 

Day 7
We ramble across the fantastic, terraced, recently uplifted coastline of Soldatskaya Bay. Thick vegetation draws a variety of wildlife, including long-billed murrelets and salmon-fishing bears. 

Days 8-9
Spectacular sea cliffs, arches and stacks signal our arrival in the Commander Islands. We pay tribute to explorer Vitus Bering and visit his grave and memorial. Highlights include: Peregrebnaya Bay, summer nesting site for red-legged and black-legged kittiwakes; Cape Monati, to spot albatross and whales; northern fur seals and Steller sea lions; cruising around volcanic Ariy Kamen, surrounded by thousands of kittiwakes, puffins and murres. At Nikolskoe village, Russia’s remaining Aleut community entertain us with lively performances. 

Day 10
Kronotskiy Biosphere Reserve protects stunning volcanoes, dwarf pine thickets, hundreds of brown bears, a Steller sea lion rookery, salmon-rich rivers, eagles, gyrefalcons and wolverines. Enjoy soaking in the soothing hot springs of Kamenistaya Bay. 

Day 11
Careful Zodiac navigation takes us past salmon fishing camps into the powerful Zhupanova River, as far upstream as we can go. Look for brown bears and Steller’s sea eagles as distant mountains beckon.

Day 12
Early morning, we cruise into Avacha Bay to dock in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy. Farewell fellow adventurers as you transfer to the airport, or stay on board for a sensational Kuril Islands’ voyage!

Activities

How to Prepare

To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe expedition we have developed some import pre-departure information to help you prepare for your voyage. We strongly recommend you download the documents below and read carefully. Our reservation staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Before you depart for your expedition we will send you a detailed pack including your itinerary, travel documents and any other essential information relevant to your voyage.

Is your passport valid? 
Your passport will be required to have validity that will extend to six months after the date of your return.

Visa arrangements? 
Your visa arrangements are your responsibility. Foreigners entering Russian Federation require a valid visa. A tourist visa is issued for a period of 30 days. Please refer to appropriate Consulate in a country of your residence for details. Click here to find your closest Russian Consulate. 

Travel insurance? 
All passengers are required to provide travel insurance details including policy number and emergency contact number to Aurora Expeditions prior to departure. We strongly recommend insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation from the vessel.

Emergency contact details? 
So that you can be contacted in the case of an emergency, remember to provide your family or friends with a copy of your travel documents as well as Aurora Expeditions’ and your Ship’s contact numbers.

Remember to pack any valuables or essential items such as medication in your hand luggage to avoid issues in the case of lost baggage.

Russian Far East Landing & Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

Russian Far East Photography Hints

Russian Far East Clothing Checklist

How to Book

Contact us

If you are interested in an Aurora Expeditions voyage, please contact our sales team to check availability.
Either email an expert here or call our experienced consultants direct on + 61 2 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (within Australia).

Complete a booking form

Once availability is confirmed, please download, print and complete the booking form. Please return it to us, along with your deposit to secure your berth.  Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of contract before sending us your signed booking form.

Terms & Conditions

Click here to view the terms and conditions.

Preparation for your voyage

On receipt of the booking form, we will contact you to confirm your booking and our reservations staff will send you a comprehensive pre-departure kit. This kit will contain all necessary pre-departure information including visa information, insurance information, a medical and personal details form, comprehensive gear list and information tailored to your voyage.

Aurora Expeditions – Your Personal Travel Agent

Aurora Expeditions is a licensed travel agent. Our experienced reservations consultants all have specialised expertise on the destinations we travel to. Each voyage has a dedicated travel expert solely working on developing dynamic itineraries for our passengers.  Contact our reservations team and allow us to create a personal itinerary to compliment your voyage, including airfares, accommodation, travel insurance and pre and post voyage travel options.

We look forward to assisting you with your journey of a lifetime.

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