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Expedition |
| Start: | Koraskov, Russia |
| Finish: | Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia |
| Length: | 13 days |
| Grade: | A (you need to be in reasonably good health) |
| Price: | US$6523 |
| Departs: | 22 June 2010 - see Departures |
Please click on the map to enlarge it
Highlights: This breathtaking expedition offers you the opportunity to explore one of the most geologically active and biologically rich parts of the planet. The large number of live volcanoes on the Kamchatka Peninsula and Kuril Islands has earned this region the reputation of the Pacific's 'Ring of Fire'.
The Kamchatka Peninsula is a land of stunning bays and snow-capped volcanoes whose alpine meadows and lowland forests support a great diversity of wildlife. The Kuril Island chain is made up of 32 islands that stretch between Russia and Japan across the Bering Sea. The Kurils are all formed by volcanoes that rise from the sea floor. The larger of the Kuril Islands are inhabited, and most people make their living from the sea, as they have for generations.
The seas washing these isolated coasts are among the most productive in the world. The area teems with birds and marine mammals. Huge bird colonies dot the cliffs and large seal rookeries are scattered along the coast.
The trip also takes in the Commander Islands. These remote islands are also rich in bird and sea mammal life and they are the final resting place of the famed Danish explorer Vitus Bering.
Day 1: Embark Spirit of Enderby berthed in Port of Korsakov and depart.
Day 2: Afternoon ashore in the Kurilsky Zapovednik (Reserve) on Kunashir Island
Day 3: Day spent at Iturup Island. Morning zodiac landings with excursions to forest areas. Afternoon travel by 'bus' to Rubetskiy Volcano and an opportunity to visit a higher altitude habitat.
Day 4: Chiripoyovy Island(s) in the afternoon. Zodiac cruising and landing
Day 5: Simishur Island. Zodiac cruise into the large caldera containing the abandoned submarine base. Land and explore the area around the base. Afternoon visit Yankicho Island - an ornithological 'wonderland'.
Day 6: Matua Islands - abandoned military base (airforce) on Matua Island and good numbers of birds.
Day 7: Landing this morning at Nemo Bay on the northern end of Onekotan Island and an easy walk to Black Lake. This afternoon an expedition landing on the southern tip of Paramushir Island in Vasilyeva Bay.
Day 8: Zodiac cruise in the Utashud Islands in Vestnik Bay before sailing north along the Kamchatka coast.
Day 9: Visit Zhupanovo River, take zodiacs up the river in search of Steller Sea Eagles. This afternoon sail for the Commander Islands.
Day 10/11: Spend these two days at the Commander Islands. Visit the village of Nikoi Skoye. Zodiac cruise Arij Karmen Island (landings not permitted). Visit North West Cape Fur Seal colony and explore the eastern bays of Bering Island for bird cliffs/colonies.
Day 12: At sea
Day 13: Arrival at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy and disembark. Transfer to hotels and airport.
Click here for the detailed trip dossier
This trip goes well with the following tours:
- North Island Adventure
- South to Antarctica
- Tall Ship Sailing
- The Kermadec Islands
- Volcanoes & Rainforest
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