The Shantar Islands,
Wrangel Bay:
Bowhead whales, killer whales
Wrangel Bay:
Bowhead whales, killer whales
29 July - 11 August, 2020
Biological trip on Shantar Islands
We are setting up in a comfortable camp area ashore the Sea of Okhotsk with individual tents. Every single day we are watching bowhead whales from the beach and from inflatable sup-boards.
The second part of our trip will take place on the Shantar islands, residential in the Ongachan tourist-base at convenient lodges equipped with beds. In order to have few one-day trips to observe killer whales in other bays where they are frequently noticed we will have motor boats at our service. Warm russian sauna is also at our disposal, daily.
Bowhead whales!
Sup surfing, watching with drones.
Killer whales!
Looking towards a horizon each day in a hope to see high fins of killer whales passing by.
Shantar islands!
There are powerboats which can take us to reach the Shantar islands and the Ulbanskiy Gulf in a fine weather.
Itinerary
Dates:
29 July - 11 August, 2020
29 July - 11 August, 2020
Day 1
Khabarovsk – Sea of Okhotsk
Arrival before 1:00 p.m. or on 02 August.
We are heading to the Sea of Okhotsk after meeting our group, transfer will take from 12 to 14 hours.
Arrival before 1:00 p.m. or on 02 August.
We are heading to the Sea of Okhotsk after meeting our group, transfer will take from 12 to 14 hours.
Day 2
Flight to Ongachan bay by a helicopter(1,5 hours), where we'll be accommodated in a tourist base to have rest.
Days 3-5
Watching whales in Wrangel bay
Next 4 days we will spend watching bowhead whales in Wrangel bay. Adult of bowhead whales reaches 150 tones of weight and 22 meters of length itself. They come in the bay for socialization and for hiding between shoal waters from killer whales. To be unnoticed by the animals while getting close we are going to use inflatable sup surfing boards. Also we will set special photo traps in a nearest forest area to catch some land animals in the frame.
Last year we got bears, foxes and reindeers.
Different trekking routes along the bay are available as well so we may walk and observe whales from upper points and rocks. Each our group for this kind of tour is accompanied by professional WWR biologist who conducts interesting lectures about sea mammals every evening. Accommodation in individual tents and daily russian sauna are provided.
Next 4 days we will spend watching bowhead whales in Wrangel bay. Adult of bowhead whales reaches 150 tones of weight and 22 meters of length itself. They come in the bay for socialization and for hiding between shoal waters from killer whales. To be unnoticed by the animals while getting close we are going to use inflatable sup surfing boards. Also we will set special photo traps in a nearest forest area to catch some land animals in the frame.
Last year we got bears, foxes and reindeers.
Different trekking routes along the bay are available as well so we may walk and observe whales from upper points and rocks. Each our group for this kind of tour is accompanied by professional WWR biologist who conducts interesting lectures about sea mammals every evening. Accommodation in individual tents and daily russian sauna are provided.
Day 6
Ongachan bay
In the early morning we'll go to Ongachan bay through Academy gulf by speedboats (60 kilometers, 2- 2,5 hours by open sea). We will encounter flocks of different types of seabirds – tufted puffins, ducks, seagulls. Route involves meeting bowheads and killer whales with some luck. In the bay we'll be accommodated in a comfortable tourist lodge equipped with beds. Also, russian sauna is available there.
In the early morning we'll go to Ongachan bay through Academy gulf by speedboats (60 kilometers, 2- 2,5 hours by open sea). We will encounter flocks of different types of seabirds – tufted puffins, ducks, seagulls. Route involves meeting bowheads and killer whales with some luck. In the bay we'll be accommodated in a comfortable tourist lodge equipped with beds. Also, russian sauna is available there.
Day 7-9
Archipelago of the Shantar
During this day we will travel around archipelago of the Shantar – national park located on wild islands. On Bolshoy Shantar island there are semiprecious jasper-slates, white quartzes and marble veins right on the surface. We will also look out on the horizon for killer whales, especially for those which were released in a wild after illegal capture in 2018. WWR really cares about their plight.
(Overnight in a tent camp)
During this day we will travel around archipelago of the Shantar – national park located on wild islands. On Bolshoy Shantar island there are semiprecious jasper-slates, white quartzes and marble veins right on the surface. We will also look out on the horizon for killer whales, especially for those which were released in a wild after illegal capture in 2018. WWR really cares about their plight.
(Overnight in a tent camp)
Day 10
Coming back to the Gulf of Nikolai. Our trip will start from fishing plant where you can buy fresh salmon caviar and look on salmon and its caviar processing.
Day 11
Return to Komsomolsk-on-Amur
Transfer to Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
Transfer to Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
Day 12
End of the journey
On this day we will be back to Khabarovsk.
On this day we will be back to Khabarovsk.
Day 13
Departure.
The cost:
Included:
- Transfer from Khabarovsk/Komsomolsk-na-Amure to the Gulf of Nikolai and back.
- 3 meals per each day of the trip (except meals in a café).
- Providing tents.
- Accommodation in a tent camp.
- Rental sup surfing boards and weight belts for free diving.
- National park permits.
- WWR guide.
Not included:
- Flight tickets to Khabarovsk.
- Accommodation in Khabarovsk.
- Accident insurance with a helicopter extraction option.
- Evacuation expenses in uninsurable cases of emergency.
- Extra expenses due to bad weather conditions, flight schedule changes, damage of personal or group equipment through the fault of tourists, illnesses or any other unexpected circumstances.
Additional information:
The Weather
- Average air temperature – from plus 15 to plus 20 degrees Celsius
- Average water temperature – plus 5
- Time difference with Moscow – minus 7 hours
Your Personal Gear
- Comfortable boots, 2 pairs (trekking boots, sneakers)
- Thermal clothes
- Head light
- Insect Repellent
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Rain coat
- Warm hat, socks, gloves, sweater
- Wetsuit, mask, snorkel, fins, wet gloves and socks
It's easy to book with us!
The process of booking becomes easy with Whale Watching Russia.
1
Contact us
However you like: phone or WhatsApp +79163114469, email info@whale-expeditions.com, using Facebook or fill the application form below
2
We will call you back
Or write a message. We will answer all your questions, explain all the details and discuss your personal wishes
3
Deposit payment
When you are ready to book expedition, we would ask you to pay the deposit, usually it's 50% of the price. You can pay the rest later, the last payment day is 60 days before expedition start.
4
Done!
You got your space on the trip, it's time to buy plane tickets! By the way, we can help you with tickets and visas if needed.
Book expedition!
Contacts
+7 999 721 01 84
info@whale-expeditions.com
info@whale-expeditions.com
Check out other destinations!
All photo and video materials belong to their owners and are used for demonstration purposes only. Please do not use them in commercial projects.
Фото - Sergey Dolya, Mikhail Korostelev, Aglaya Tsidulko,
Yuriy Smityuk
Yuriy Smityuk