An Expedition to the Land of Polar Bears

Day 1 Embarkation in Anadyr, Chukotka

Today you will arrive in Anadyr, the administrative center of Chukotka, located on the shores of Anadyr Bay. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the port for embarkation.

After settling into your cabin, you will enjoy a welcome cocktail and meet the expedition team.

From the open decks, you may even spot belugas — white Arctic whales that often swim right up to the ship.

Day 2 Meechkyn Spit and the Village of Egvekinot

In the morning, the ship will approach the shores of Meechkyn Spit — a narrow yet remarkably long barrier island. It stretches for about 60 kilometers, with an average width of just 100 meters. The spit is designated as a zoological natural monument: walruses and seals inhabit its shores, colonies of rare birds nest here, and whales can often be seen in the surrounding waters.

Expedition boats will take you to a vast walrus haul-out, where you will have a chance to observe these giants from a close but safe distance. The island is also home to one of the world’s rarest bird species — the spoon-billed sandpiper. And with a bit of luck, you might spot brown bears on the beach — they sometimes swim over from the mainland.

Later that day, you will explore the famous village of Egvekinot, often referred to as the “Swiss Alps of Chukotka.” Towering snow-covered mountains encircle the settlement, sheltering it from the wind — even in winter, the sun often shines here. You will visit the local history museum — one of the best in Chukotka — and learn about the region’s exploration and development.

Not far from the village stands the monumental “Arctic Circle” Arch. Here, you will take part in a ceremonial initiation into the ranks of polar explorers and receive a personalized certificate — a lasting symbol of a journey you will remember for the rest of your life.

Day 3 Yttygran Island, Whale Bone Alley, and the Senyavin Hot Springs

You will land on the shores of Yttygran Island and discover the heritage of ancient Eskimo culture. A walk will take you to Whale Bone Alley — a sacred site made of bowhead whale bones set upright in the ground. According to researchers, it was created before the 16th century. Today, the Alley is recognized as a cultural heritage site of the peoples of Russia.

In the afternoon, you will travel to the mouth of the Klyuchevaya River, where a monument honors the whaling flotilla Aleut. Afterwards, you can relax and bathe in the Senyavin Hot Springs — the largest geothermal area in the Provideniya District. More than 150 springs emerge from the ground here, with temperatures reaching up to 80 °C. The waters are rich in mineral salts and radon, and amidst the drifting steam you can truly feel the raw energy of the northern wilderness.

Later that day, your vessel will approach the village of Yanrakynnot, located on the hills overlooking the Senyavin Strait. Nearby lies the striking Whale Graveyard — an awe-inspiring site where massive whale bones stand as powerful reminders of the ancient Chukchi hunting culture.

Day 4 Senyavin Strait and Penkigney Bay — in Search of Whales

The Senyavin Strait is one of the best places in the Russian Far East for whale watching. This is where humpback and gray whales often come to feed, especially in Penkigney Bay. These majestic marine giants are unafraid of humans and sometimes approach boats quite closely. Imagine it — towering fins breaking the surface, and two enormous tails rising in perfect unison just a few meters away.

Along the strait’s shores, you can spot walrus haul-outs, and the nearby cliffs are alive with noisy colonies of puffins and horned puffins. Not far from the mouth of the Pestsovaya River, there is an abandoned reindeer herders’ camp — a quiet reminder of the life that once thrived in these remote and rugged lands.

Day 5 Cape Dezhnev and Uelen village

Today you will stand at the very edge of Russia — the easternmost point of Eurasia.

You will walk up to the lighthouse-monument dedicated to the explorer Semyon Dezhnev. In clear weather, you can see the coast of Alaska from here — just 86 kilometers away.

Your next stop is Uelen, the easternmost settlement in Eurasia and one of Chukotka’s main centers of bone carving art. You will visit the region’s oldest workshop, meet local artists, and sample northern delicacies such as caviar, fish, walrus, and whale meat.

Days 6 Kolyuchin Island

You will land on the tiny Kolyuchin Island, which covers just 8 km². Its name comes from the Eskimo language and translates as “large ice floe” or “circle” — the island’s rounded shape really does resemble a giant piece of drifting ice.

Until 1992, a weather station operated here, and today only its abandoned buildings remain.

Kolyuchin is home to one of the Arctic’s most spectacular bird cliffs: guillemots, puffins, and gulls nest in the coastal rocks. Along the shore, you may also spot polar bears.

Days 7-9 Wrangel and Herald Islands

For the next days, you will explore Wrangel Island, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Russia’s most remarkable nature reserves.

If weather permits, the ship will circumnavigate the island, with several landings in different locations. You will see polar bears, walruses, musk oxen, and rare Arctic birds. In the surrounding waters, you may encounter belugas, gray whales, and even bowhead whales.

The tundra here is strikingly colorful: more than 400 plant species grow on Wrangel Island. Around 40 species of animals, birds, and insects are found nowhere else in the world.

You will also approach remote Herald Island, located 40 kilometers from Wrangel. Its rocky shores make landing impossible, so you will explore by Zodiac. You will cruise past dramatic bird cliffs and, with some luck, take unforgettable photos of polar bears.

Day 10 Kolyuchin Bay. Walruses haul-out

Today you will head for the coast of the Chukchi Sea and take a Zodiac cruise along the rugged cliffs of Kolyuchin Bay. Here you may spot whales, walruses at their haul-outs, and countless Arctic birds nesting on the rocks.

Day 11 The Village of Lavrentiya

Nestled on the shores of the Bering Strait, the village of Lavrentiya is home to the Indigenous peoples of the North who continue to preserve their traditional way of life. It is the cultural heart of the region, hosting the famous “Beringia” regatta — a festival of traditional skin kayaks that brings together participants from across Russia.

You will enjoy a leisurely walk through the village, exploring its monuments and experiencing authentic northern life. A visit to the local museum will introduce you to unique artifacts that tell the story of Chukotka’s peoples — their traditions, beliefs, and deep spiritual connection to the land.

Visitors are welcomed warmly here. You will be treated to traditional dances and local delicacies, accompanied by herbal tea brewed over an open fire. You will also have the chance to purchase authentic handmade Chukchi souvenirs crafted by local artisans.

Day 12 Preobrazheniya Bay

Today, your vessel will set a course for Anadyr through the scenic Preobrazheniya Bay. From the open decks, you will enjoy breathtaking views of dark, sheer cliffs bustling with seabird colonies. Here, you will probably see colorful puffins, horned puffins, guillemots, murres, glaucous gulls, and kittiwakes.

In the evening, you will gather for a farewell cocktail and a film screening featuring the most memorable moments of your expedition — the perfect way to relive your adventures and once again feel the wild spirit of Chukotka.

Day 13 Returning to Anadyr

Early in the morning your ship will return to the port of Anadyr. After saying farewell to the crew, you will disembark, where a transfer will be waiting to take you either to your hotel or to the airport, depending on your flight schedule.