Snorkeling with orcas and diving with northern sea lions in Kamchatka
Kamchatka, the eastermost region of Russia, is well know for being home to a great variety of marine mammals. However, the most famous animals here are the orcas.
Orcas are traditionally considered not only one of the most beautiful and intelligent inhabitants of the seas, but also one of the most ferocious ones. Yet, few can resist the charisma of these remarkable animals seeing them face to face in the ocean. The main focus of our expedition is snorkeling with orcas. We will also take our time to go diving (or snorkeling, if you don't dive) with Steller's sea lions, the largest seals of the Russian far east.
Our accommodationfor the trip is an oceanic sailing catamaranequipped with engines so that it would be possible to follow the route even in calm weather. Our second option of accomodation is the oceanic sailing yachtbuid in Japan. Yacht carries all necessary equipment and experienced crew, which will make your trip comfortable and safe. Isn't this what can count for a real adventure? It's time to become a true explorer and ‒ for some of the areas we'll pass – a pioneer!
Animals we can meet. With Kamchatka being a real paradise for naturalists, feel free to consider the Pacific Ocean, mountain rivers, caldera and crater lakes your personal laboratory if you're a nature lovers, of course. The flora and fauna of the Peninsula are indeed unique natural phenomena. We'll meet lots of marine animals such as orcas, humpback whales, gray whale, fin whales, sei whales, minke whales, sperm whales, porpoises, sea lions, spotted seals, sea otters and fur seals, as well as a large amount of birds such as pacific gulls, pelagic cormorants, red-faced cormorants, kittiwakes, pigeon guillemots, thick-billed murres, common murres, old man, hatchets and horned puffins. On land we'll also see eagles, bears, fox, squirrels, marmots and even mountain sheep.
What we will do?
explore the Pacific Ocean cruising along the coast of Kamchatka;
dive with wild marine animals like killer whales and sea lions in their natural habitat;
Paddle boarding;
hike to an active volcano and take a look at its crater;
bathe in hot thermal springs;
make new friends.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arriving to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, check in to the hotel. Free time, briefing.
Day 2
Excursion to Avachinsky volcano.
Day 3
Transfer to the harbour, boarding on the ship, getting acquainted with the crew, instructions, setting off. Visiting Starichkov Island, diving. Overnight stay in the Russkaya Bay.
Day 4-6
Searching for orcas. Swimming with orcas. Swimming with sea lions (diving (only catamaran 'Kosatka' program) and snorkeling). Visiting the FEROP station. Listening to the lecture about orcas. Diving on wrecks. Kayaking (only catamaran 'Kosatka' program).
Day 7
Return to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky searching for orcas and whales on the way. Check-in to the hotel.
Day 8
Free time. Additional activities possible.
Day 9
Excursion to Mutnovsky volcano.
Day 10
Check out from the hotel, departure.
Our boats We use the best boats in Kamchatka to provide maximum comfort and safety. Each boat carries zodiacs for approaching marine mammals and landings.
"Bering" Catamaran. A comfortable marine motorized catamaran built in Australia. 12 meters long, 6 meters wide. Perfect for staying at sea comfortably. 3 triple and 3 double cabins, 250 h.p. engine. Experienced friendly crew and amazing food:)
Dates and prices
July 13-22 / Aug 13-22 / Aug 18-27, 2019
Full program – 275 000 rubles Ocean program only – 245 000 rubles
Included:
meals (breakfasts, lunches, dinners with lots of fresh seafood);
transfers according to the itinerary;
accommodation at a hotel in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, accommodation on board a yacht during the tour;
expedition yacht rental fees (according to the itinerary);
fuel cost according to the itinerary;
ship and crew services;
gear and equipment rental fees;
cleaning services;
kayaking and free-diving lessons;
medical transportation insurance;
first-aid kit, medicine;
some of additional basic expenses.
border areas and reserves entrance permits.
Not included:
airfares;
emergency evacuation with no insurance coverage;
additional expenses caused by bad weather conditions, changes in schedules of flights, breakage of personal gear and equipment through the fault of the public visitors, illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Please note that:
the itinerary is designed for favorable weather conditions and might require adjustment due to changes of the latter.
the cost of the program does not cover additional expenses as well as the tickets, but we can help you find the best offer available if needed.
in the case of you changing your mind or not being able to join us the prepayment will not be refunded as our calculations are based on the amount of people signed up and the money is spent mostly on the transportation and accommodation services.
wetsuit, mask, snorkel, flippers, gloves, socks (also available for rent in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky).
How to get here
Flights from Moscow or Vladivostok to Petropavlovsk airport (Elizovo, PKC)
Tour Leaders: To be announced
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.