Scientific and educational expedition to the shantar islands area
Wrangel Bay, Big Shantar, SUP swimming with whales
2025
6 - 16 August
3 - 13 September
6 - 16 August
3 - 13 September
11 days
Wrangel Bay, Ongachan Base, Big Shantar Island
Easy difficulty level
295,000 RUB
WHAT WAITS FOR US?
Bowhead whales
We will meet a little-studied, isolated population of rare bowhead whales in the Sea of Okhotsk, which numbers 300-400 individuals and is under threat of complete extinction. Together with our team of biologists, we will watch and study whales. A biologist will accompany you throughout most of the route.
we can get incredibly close to whales using SUP boards
We will watch whales from the shore and from observation platforms on the rocks
we learn a lot of new and interesting things at lectures from our team of biologists
We'll watch whales from our team's drones and maybe even find ourselves in the same frame with them
we can get incredibly close to whales using SUP boards
We will watch whales from the shore and from observation platforms on the rocks
we learn a lot of new and interesting things at lectures from our team of biologists
We'll watch whales from our team's drones and maybe even find ourselves in the same frame with them
Killer whales
In summer, a population of carnivorous killer whales comes to the Sea of Okhotsk. These are several families that have been little studied. They feed on seals and sometimes bowhead whales. Together with the BBC team, we filmed material about bowhead whales and killer whales hunting them for the film Frozen Planet II in 2019-2021.
It was these killer whales that were cruelly captured and sold to China until 2018. The killer whales in Moskvarium (Naya, as well as Nord and Narnia, who died quite quickly in captivity) were also stolen in childhood from the families of the Sea of Okhotsk killer whales.
In 2018, 90 beluga whales and 11 killer whales were captured, but the public achieved their release and in 2019, all (with the exception of 1 killer whale and 3 beluga calves who did not live to see the joyful day) were released. And it was on an expedition with the BBC that we met one of the released killer whales, who was back with her family!
- killer whales quite often come to Wrangel Bay for training attacks. This is how they teach the younger generation how to hunt whales, but they don't kill whales in the bay. If we're lucky, we'll see this unusual workout
- at the Ongachan base, in the area of Big Shantar Island, as well as at sea crossings, we also have a chance to meet killer whales
It was these killer whales that were cruelly captured and sold to China until 2018. The killer whales in Moskvarium (Naya, as well as Nord and Narnia, who died quite quickly in captivity) were also stolen in childhood from the families of the Sea of Okhotsk killer whales.
In 2018, 90 beluga whales and 11 killer whales were captured, but the public achieved their release and in 2019, all (with the exception of 1 killer whale and 3 beluga calves who did not live to see the joyful day) were released. And it was on an expedition with the BBC that we met one of the released killer whales, who was back with her family!
- killer whales quite often come to Wrangel Bay for training attacks. This is how they teach the younger generation how to hunt whales, but they don't kill whales in the bay. If we're lucky, we'll see this unusual workout
- at the Ongachan base, in the area of Big Shantar Island, as well as at sea crossings, we also have a chance to meet killer whales
Shantar Islands
A unique corner of the planet. There are no people here, and the wild nature has been preserved in its original form. Huge bowhead whales and killer whales, rocks with bird colonies, bears, salmon going to spawn - a trip to this uniquely beautiful place will be remembered for a lifetime.
Our route will take place in the area of the Shantar Islands, but along the mainland coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Into one. One of these days we will visit the island of Big Shantar if weather conditions allow it. But the main emphasis of our program is on watching whales and communicating with the biologists who study them.
Our route will take place in the area of the Shantar Islands, but along the mainland coast of the Sea of Okhotsk. Into one. One of these days we will visit the island of Big Shantar if weather conditions allow it. But the main emphasis of our program is on watching whales and communicating with the biologists who study them.
Comfort level, expectation and reality
At the base in Wrangel Bay we will be accommodated in a comfortable camp with a bathhouse on the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk in double tents (shared vestibule, but everyone has their own personal space in the tent). The base is equipped with comfortable toilets. shower. a large wooden kitchen, and a team of chefs will not leave you hungry. Many tourists call this tour a gastronomic tour!
The second part of the trip will take place at the Ongachan base (accommodation in warm houses for 4-6 people per room). The base is equipped with a sauna and hot shower.
The third part is a tent camp near the spawning river Gorbusha in Nikolai Bay
It is IMPORTANT to understand that we are traveling to areas with large concentrations of whales, but this is wilderness and there is no guarantee that you will see huge numbers of whales as shown in the photos on this page. We choose our travel dates during the peak season to maximize the chances, so we do not make groups in the first half of July and September. But the whale situation in different years and even in adjacent weeks of the same season can be completely different.
The second part of the trip will take place at the Ongachan base (accommodation in warm houses for 4-6 people per room). The base is equipped with a sauna and hot shower.
The third part is a tent camp near the spawning river Gorbusha in Nikolai Bay
It is IMPORTANT to understand that we are traveling to areas with large concentrations of whales, but this is wilderness and there is no guarantee that you will see huge numbers of whales as shown in the photos on this page. We choose our travel dates during the peak season to maximize the chances, so we do not make groups in the first half of July and September. But the whale situation in different years and even in adjacent weeks of the same season can be completely different.
Secrets of the taiga. Installation of camera traps.
Secrets of the taiga. Installing camera traps. In addition to observing whales and killer whales, we will study the deserted wild taiga, which stretches for hundreds of kilometers around. In order to find out its secrets, we will place several camera traps along the animal trails.
Oddly enough, all the animals in the taiga do not walk chaotically, but along paths, and different animals use the same paths. You will see bears, sika deer, reindeer, foxes, and raccoon dogs on the same camera trap on different days.
One day an Amur tiger was caught on our camera trap, and it became a sensation! After all, it was believed that the border of the habitat of Amur tigers is 500 km to the south. Thus, our team recorded the northernmost sighting of the Amur tiger in Wrangel Bay!
Together with our guides and biologists, we will go deeper into the taiga, walking along the animal trail and checking who caught our lens over the past week, and our biologist Grisha Tsidulko will show you footage from past weeks and years,
Oddly enough, all the animals in the taiga do not walk chaotically, but along paths, and different animals use the same paths. You will see bears, sika deer, reindeer, foxes, and raccoon dogs on the same camera trap on different days.
One day an Amur tiger was caught on our camera trap, and it became a sensation! After all, it was believed that the border of the habitat of Amur tigers is 500 km to the south. Thus, our team recorded the northernmost sighting of the Amur tiger in Wrangel Bay!
Together with our guides and biologists, we will go deeper into the taiga, walking along the animal trail and checking who caught our lens over the past week, and our biologist Grisha Tsidulko will show you footage from past weeks and years,
ITINERARY
Day 1 / Khabarovsk
Arrival in Khabarovsk. Check-in at the Khabarovsk City Hotel (Boutique Hotel). Free time. You can walk around the city, swim in the Amur River. In the evening, dinner - introduction and briefing from our guide.
Day 2 / Khabarovsk - Nikolaevsk-on-Amur
Flight by plane to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur (flight time 1 hour 35 minutes).
Transfer by minibus to Cape Perovsky along a gravel forest road (the journey takes about 3 hours). From Cape Perovsky, travel by high-speed catamaran to Wrangel Bay (4-6 hours depending on the weather). Accommodation at the camp, sauna, dinner.
* In case of late arrival of the plane, an overnight stay on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk and a morning transfer to Wrangel Bay will be organized.
Transfer by minibus to Cape Perovsky along a gravel forest road (the journey takes about 3 hours). From Cape Perovsky, travel by high-speed catamaran to Wrangel Bay (4-6 hours depending on the weather). Accommodation at the camp, sauna, dinner.
* In case of late arrival of the plane, an overnight stay on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk and a morning transfer to Wrangel Bay will be organized.
Days 3 - 5 / Bay near Cape Wrangel
We will spend these days in Wrangel Bay watching bowhead whales. The bowhead whale lives in the cold waters of the Arctic Ocean and always stays on the edge of the ice (the population numbers more than 20,000 individuals), but a separate, southernmost population lives in the Sea of Okhotsk: which numbers only 300-400 individuals. Whales come to the Bay for communication (socialization), for molting (they itch on rocks and each other and shed old skin), and also to hide in shallow water from carnivorous killer whales. Interestingly, bowhead whales in the Arctic Ocean do not molt.
In the bay we will have SUPs (inflatable swimming boards) that we can use to approach the animals. We will also set up photo traps in the taiga and see who gets caught. Last year these were bears, foxes, reindeer and sika deer, and a tiger.
Along the bay we can walk along trekking routes and watch whales from the rocks.
In the evenings, biologists will present interesting lectures about marine mammals.
Bathhouse every day.
In the bay we will have SUPs (inflatable swimming boards) that we can use to approach the animals. We will also set up photo traps in the taiga and see who gets caught. Last year these were bears, foxes, reindeer and sika deer, and a tiger.
Along the bay we can walk along trekking routes and watch whales from the rocks.
In the evenings, biologists will present interesting lectures about marine mammals.
Bathhouse every day.
Day 6 / On Ongachan
On this day, we will go by speedboat to Ongachan Bay through Academy Bay (68 km, 2-2.5 hours). The path will pass along the open sea. We will meet flocks of seabirds - puffins, ducks, gulls. En route you may encounter killer whales and killer whales.
In Ongachan Bay we will be accommodated at the base in rooms for 4-6 people, there is a large company cabin, a bathhouse, a hot shower, observation decks and other infrastructure.
In Ongachan Bay we will be accommodated at the base in rooms for 4-6 people, there is a large company cabin, a bathhouse, a hot shower, observation decks and other infrastructure.
PRICE
Included
All transfers according to the program
Flight by plane on a regular flight (or charter) from Khabarovsk to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur and back
Hotel accommodation in Khabarovsk (2 nights)
Hotel accommodation in Nikolaevsk-on-Amur
Accommodation at the bases and use of infrastructure (including a bathhouse)
Three meals a day (except Khabarovsk and Nikolaevsk)
SUP rental
Costs for obtaining the necessary documents and permits to visit protected areas
A guide from Whale Watching Expeditions
A biologist guide on part of the route
Rent of tents, air mattresses
Wetsuit rental (quantity and sizes are limited, we recommend bringing your own)
Renting warm sleeping bags
Daily walking and sea excursions (except in bad weather).
Shower and bath daily at all bases.
Electricity at all bases
Flight by plane on a regular flight (or charter) from Khabarovsk to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur and back
Hotel accommodation in Khabarovsk (2 nights)
Hotel accommodation in Nikolaevsk-on-Amur
Accommodation at the bases and use of infrastructure (including a bathhouse)
Three meals a day (except Khabarovsk and Nikolaevsk)
SUP rental
Costs for obtaining the necessary documents and permits to visit protected areas
A guide from Whale Watching Expeditions
A biologist guide on part of the route
Rent of tents, air mattresses
Wetsuit rental (quantity and sizes are limited, we recommend bringing your own)
Renting warm sleeping bags
Daily walking and sea excursions (except in bad weather).
Shower and bath daily at all bases.
Electricity at all bases
Dates and cost:
6 - 16 August, 2025 - 360,000 RUB
3 - 13 September, 2025 - 295,000 RUB
3 - 13 September, 2025 - 295,000 RUB
Not included
Air tickets from your place of residence to Khabarovsk and back.
Meals en route in populated areas (even in case of delays).
Accident insurance.
Personal equipment.
Overweight or additional baggage on a domestic flight
Meals en route in populated areas (even in case of delays).
Accident insurance.
Personal equipment.
Overweight or additional baggage on a domestic flight
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
About the region
In summer, the weather in Khabarovsk is usually hot, 20-33 degrees
On the Sea of Okhotsk and in the bays the temperature ranges from 8 to 15 degrees. Temperatures up to 2 degrees are possible at night.
On the Sea of Okhotsk and in the bays the temperature ranges from 8 to 15 degrees. Temperatures up to 2 degrees are possible at night.
What to take with you
Basics:
personal first aid kit, hygiene kit, cosmetic bag, toothbrush, wet wipes, etc.
knife or multitool.
For photographic equipment:
waterproof backpack or waterproof bag for photographic equipment
lightweight DRYBAG for the boat, so you don't have to put the camera in your backpack every time during sea crossings
personal first aid kit, hygiene kit, cosmetic bag, toothbrush, wet wipes, etc.
knife or multitool.
For photographic equipment:
waterproof backpack or waterproof bag for photographic equipment
lightweight DRYBAG for the boat, so you don't have to put the camera in your backpack every time during sea crossings
Recommended list of personal equipment for moving at sea:
storm clothing, storm suit (overalls or jacket and pants)
high rubber boots or waders (needed for boarding and disembarking the boat). Waders must be spikeless.
shoes with warm insoles.
windproof hat.
thermal socks or insulated socks (2 pairs).
waterproof gloves (preferably neoprene).
buff or balaclava.
high rubber boots or waders (needed for boarding and disembarking the boat). Waders must be spikeless.
shoes with warm insoles.
windproof hat.
thermal socks or insulated socks (2 pairs).
waterproof gloves (preferably neoprene).
buff or balaclava.
Recommended list of personal equipment for light trekking and staying in the camp:
light jacket (preferably GORE-TEX with a hood in case of rain).
light shoes for camp: sneakers or, for example, Crocs.
trekking pants or an "encephalitis" suit.
baseball cap or light cap.
light gloves.
thermal underwear (2 pieces of varying degrees of warmth, so that you can choose the best option for each type of application).
sleeping bag insert.
fleece (2 pieces of varying degrees of warmth).
underwear, T-shirts, socks (required quantity).
camping towel.
swimwear (in case you want to get into the water).
sleeping bag (+5°C comfort). If there are not enough clothes under your head, stock up on a pillow (an airplane inflatable horseshoe pillow will do).
waterproof bag type DRYBAG (waterproof bag for all things).
headlamp with spare batteries.
hoba (seat).
a light backpack for trekking (if you are not a photographer) to put the necessary little things (water bottle, thermos, insulated clothing, etc.).
light shoes for camp: sneakers or, for example, Crocs.
trekking pants or an "encephalitis" suit.
baseball cap or light cap.
light gloves.
thermal underwear (2 pieces of varying degrees of warmth, so that you can choose the best option for each type of application).
sleeping bag insert.
fleece (2 pieces of varying degrees of warmth).
underwear, T-shirts, socks (required quantity).
camping towel.
swimwear (in case you want to get into the water).
sleeping bag (+5°C comfort). If there are not enough clothes under your head, stock up on a pillow (an airplane inflatable horseshoe pillow will do).
waterproof bag type DRYBAG (waterproof bag for all things).
headlamp with spare batteries.
hoba (seat).
a light backpack for trekking (if you are not a photographer) to put the necessary little things (water bottle, thermos, insulated clothing, etc.).
Conditions of bases and accommodation during the trip
Ongachan Base (Main Program):
Accommodation for 4 or 6 people in rooms. For sleeping there is a wooden shelf with a mattress, bed linen, blanket, pillow.
The base has electricity, a bathhouse, showers with hot water, toilets with sanitary ware, a clothes dryer, a dining room, a fire area, a gazebo, and ecological trails.
Cape Wrangel Base (Main Program, Whales of Wrangel Bay):
Accommodation in tents for 2 people. Camping tents with 2 rooms and a common vestibule. The tents have polyurethane and inflatable mats.
The base has 2 bathhouses, a dining room, showers, a drying room for clothes and equipment, a laundry room, a fire area, electricity, toilets with sanitary ware, ecological trails, showers, and a clothes dryer.
Camping Gorbusha (Main program):
Accommodation in tents for 2 people. Camping tents with 2 rooms and a common vestibule. The tents have polyurethane and inflatable mats.
The base has 2 bathhouses, a dining room, a fire area, electricity, toilets with sanitary ware, showers with hot water, ecological trails, and a river along which pink salmon go to spawn.
Delivery to location:
Delivery to the tour site will be carried out on an open catamaran with exposure to the environment; it is necessary to provide warm storm and waterproof clothing (raincoat, insulated jacket, hat, buff, gloves, underwear, etc.). When traveling on an open catamaran it will be guaranteed to be cold.
Accommodation for 4 or 6 people in rooms. For sleeping there is a wooden shelf with a mattress, bed linen, blanket, pillow.
The base has electricity, a bathhouse, showers with hot water, toilets with sanitary ware, a clothes dryer, a dining room, a fire area, a gazebo, and ecological trails.
Cape Wrangel Base (Main Program, Whales of Wrangel Bay):
Accommodation in tents for 2 people. Camping tents with 2 rooms and a common vestibule. The tents have polyurethane and inflatable mats.
The base has 2 bathhouses, a dining room, showers, a drying room for clothes and equipment, a laundry room, a fire area, electricity, toilets with sanitary ware, ecological trails, showers, and a clothes dryer.
Camping Gorbusha (Main program):
Accommodation in tents for 2 people. Camping tents with 2 rooms and a common vestibule. The tents have polyurethane and inflatable mats.
The base has 2 bathhouses, a dining room, a fire area, electricity, toilets with sanitary ware, showers with hot water, ecological trails, and a river along which pink salmon go to spawn.
Delivery to location:
Delivery to the tour site will be carried out on an open catamaran with exposure to the environment; it is necessary to provide warm storm and waterproof clothing (raincoat, insulated jacket, hat, buff, gloves, underwear, etc.). When traveling on an open catamaran it will be guaranteed to be cold.
Your journey starts here!
Just give us some info and we'll contact you shortly.
Contacts
info@whale-expeditions.com