Russian Arctic Wrangel Island Cruise
Why Join This Cruise:
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A unique opportunity, in true expeditionary spirit, to explore a remote, little known corner of the world offering dramatic scenery and fabulous wildlife, including walrus, whales and polar bears
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Includes extended time exploring Wrangel and Herald Island’s, wild and remote they are renowned for their high concentration of Polar Bear den sites, giving exceptional polar bear sightings
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Travel aboard a small (max. 50) ice-strengthened ship ensuring a very personalised experience and ease of logistics on landings, accompanied by a highly knowledgeable and enthusiastic expeditionary staff
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On Wrangel and Herald Islands you will be joined by the local researchers who will accompany landings and provide an insight into life in this barely inhabited area
Trip Overview
Sail from Anadyr heading north through the Bering Strait along the Chukotka coastline, a region of north-eastern Russia few people have had the privilege to experience. Along the way you will visit remote and abandoned Chukchi sites such as Whalebone Alley and Yttygran Island. Stand on the very edge of a continent at Cape Dezhnev looking across to Diomede Islands and Alaska.
You'll see an array of wildlife, including walrus and seals, rich birdlife and a variety of whales, all taking advantage of the exceptionally abundant resources this area provides. On shore you will have the chance to meet some of the indigenous Chukchi Eskimo people who call this harsh region home. The culmination of this exciting voyage is an exploration of Wrangel Island and Herald Island, isolated outposts now recognised by biologists as a 'Polar Bear Maternity Ward' on account of the number of cubs born here.
In the company of the local researchers you can hope for close encounters with many bears as they accumulate along the coast awaiting the return of the sea-ice. With an average of 100 bear sighting per voyage wildlife enthusiasts and photographers will not be disappointed.
Itineraries (download the group tour itinerary below)