The Shantar Islands. Expedition to the world of wildlife

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The tour to the Shantar Archipelago is an incredible and amazing adventure to one of the most unexplored and little—explored wild places on planet Earth.

We suggest you visit exactly such a place where you can forget about the hustle and bustle of the city, looking at gracefully passing whales, frolicking killer whales, imposing brown bears in their satiety, where you can relax while admiring the amazing landscapes of the Far Eastern taiga against the backdrop of majestic hills and the harsh, but no less beautiful Sea of Okhotsk.

Location

Russia, Khabarovsk Territory, Komsomolsk-on-Amur

from

Early
booking

Contact the tour coordinator

Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Whale watching

Only here you can watch bowhead whales, killer whales, swim next to them in their natural habitat so close that you involuntarily feel the desire to touch them

The most remote and uninhabited corner

We will feel like real travelers, so that later we can be proud that we have managed to overcome ourselves, to see what others will never see.

Wild fishing

Hiking deep into the islands and the mainland to try your luck in mountain rivers, lakes, and sea fishing is also provided

Itinerary

Day 1 - Transfer from Komsomolsk-on-Amur to the shore of Nikolai Bay
This is the most difficult stage of the expedition.
The start of the transfer begins in Komsomolsk-on-Amur, where you arrive on your own (it is recommended to arrive in Komsomolsk-on-Amur the day before the start of the transfer, so that you can take a break from the long journey).
The transfer starts at 05:00 (local time).
Travel time ranges from 16 to 24 hours (much depends on weather conditions and road conditions – in extreme cases and under certain force majeure, travel time can stretch up to 2 days).
Meals on the way will be provided in the form of sandwiches with tea (coffee) and canned food.
If you have any special food conditions (vegetarians, allergies to certain types of products, etc.), then when booking a tour, you must inform the manager about this.
We remind you that the transfer is the hardest part of the expedition, since throughout the entire journey, which is 600 km, there are no highways, no highways, but there is a dirt road that runs through the taiga, rivers such as Amgun, with a ferry crossing, not a bridge and passing by two checkpoints (CHECKPOINT) Polymetal LLC, entry and exit through which is carried out using special passes, for which we will need your passport data.
There is a section of forest road where the average speed is 20-30 km/h. You will also have to overcome fords, drive through areas with blurred roads, huge ruts, no one is immune from transport breakdowns on the way, too, since the load on equipment is enormous.
We ask you to gain strength and patience, you will need them. After all, if the road were easy and accessible, then this region would not be called wild.
The transfer will finish on the shore of Nikolai Bay, where overnight accommodation will be organized at the transshipment base.
Please note that the conditions at the transshipment base are quite ascetic and field-like, but everything you need to wash up after a long journey and spend the night in a warm space is there.
Accommodation at the transshipment base is shared, 5-6 people each in comfortable tents with a stove.
Accommodation at the transshipment base can be delayed for a day or more, depending on weather conditions (storm, fog, low tide), which do not allow our ships to go to sea.
Day 2 - Arrival on the island
The next day after the transfer, we wait for all the necessary things, inventory, including food, to be loaded onto the boat, after that, at high tide and by order of the captain, we load onto the boat and depart to the main camp, to our island, the travel time will be from 1 to 3 hours, since we may meet whales along the way and killer whales and watch them.
Upon arrival on the island, we settle in comfortable tents for 2-3 people. Families with children can accommodate 3-4 people.
If you originally bought the tour together, then your accommodation in the tent will be with the person you came with. If you come alone, then the accommodation in tents is random, it is possible to live with persons of the opposite sex.
If you are afraid of living with people of the opposite sex or do not want to live in a tent with a stranger, then we have a paid "single room" service for you. Plus 50,000 rubles to the cost of the tour and you live comfortably in a tent alone. The "single room" service is paid at the conclusion of the contract and does not change, is not recalculated at the end of the tour, regardless of the number of nights spent on the island.
We get acquainted with the team, we are instructed on the rules of behavior and living on the island, on safety rules and techniques, including fire safety in a tent camp, as well as on the rules of being on board a boat /boat, etc. swimming facilities, including sup-board and when hiking and boating, as well as during the observation of mammals.
After the briefing, you sign in special safety journals that you are familiar, aware and agree to comply with the internal rules of the company.
If the weather permits, we go out for a training lesson in the bay on walking on a SUP board, take a practical exam to the instructor, after which we can go out into the bay and watch whales and seals from the SUP board or from the shore.
We discuss the program of hiking and boating, make adjustments individually for each group, depending on your wishes, and, of course, on weather conditions and migration of whales and killer whales.
You can take part in the beautification of the camp territory, the initiative to improve the aesthetics of the surrounding area is only welcome.
In the evenings, spend time around the campfire, communicate with each other, relax, you can use our library, order a hookah, etc.

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Day 3 - Bay expedition, hiking and fishing
If the weather permits, we go out on the SUP board and watch whales and seals from the SUP board or from the shore (we only watch killer whales from the shore or boat).
From day 3 to 5, the group will make an expedition, which includes:
a tour of the Bay of Nicholas, sea crossings to picturesque places with incredibly beautiful places, rocks, rocky beaches, where the probability of getting close to whales and killer whales is almost 98 %;
excursion "hike to Cape Tugurka" with a colorful panoramic view of Nikolai Bay and Cape Lamsdorf. Depending on the weather conditions, as well as the time of the tides, the hike is possible with a boat trip and disembarkation in the bay, or for the most advanced extreme athletes, a completely hiking route along the coast with an elevation and passage of the taiga trail;
a tour of the bay to Cape Lamsdorf, where you can admire the picturesque rocky shores and rocks, as if carved from the depths of the sea.;
an excursion to the most mysterious place in the vicinity called "zimushka". In Soviet times, there was an active mine in this place, where goldsmiths worked, now it is a fishing lodge and a place where we will come and rafting on SUP–boards along the river, and after rafting you will drink tea brewed from harvested local herbs and berries;
for fishing enthusiasts, depending on the weather conditions and the spawning time of pink salmon, we can arrange a trip to the spawning river to try your luck and catch fish with your own hands;
it is also possible to go out for mushrooms, mussels and wild berries, depending on the seasonality of maturation of a particular type of agricultural product.
Overnight accommodation will be in tents throughout the days, please take this into account.
Sleeping bags, wetsuits, water socks and sup boards are provided absolutely free of charge.
The equipment and inventory that is provided to you for use is issued on deposit. In case of damage to the property, the deposit is refunded minus the cost of damaged equipment at the current market value. If you don't want to use this equipment, you can bring your own.
Please note that all sea and hiking trips are completely dependent on weather conditions. In the presence of fog, storms and large waves, the boat does not go out to sea.

1 more photo
Day 4 - Bay expedition, hiking and fishing
If the weather permits, we go out on the SUP board and watch whales and seals from the SUP board or from the shore (we only watch killer whales from the shore or boat).
From day 3 to 5, the group will make an expedition, which includes:
a tour of the Bay of Nicholas, sea crossings to picturesque places with incredibly beautiful places, rocks, rocky beaches, where the probability of getting close to whales and killer whales is almost 98 %;
excursion "hike to Cape Tugurka" with a colorful panoramic view of Nikolai Bay and Cape Lamsdorf. Depending on the weather conditions, as well as the time of the tides, the hike is possible with a boat trip and disembarkation in the bay, or for the most advanced extreme athletes, a completely hiking route along the coast with an elevation and passage of the taiga trail;
a tour of the bay to Cape Lamsdorf, where you can admire the picturesque rocky shores and rocks, as if carved from the depths of the sea.;
an excursion to the most mysterious place of the surroundings called "zimushka". In Soviet times, there was an active mine in this place, where goldsmiths worked, now it is a fishing lodge and a place where we will come and rafting on SUP–boards along the river, and after rafting you will drink tea brewed from harvested local herbs and berries;
for fishing enthusiasts, depending on the weather conditions and the spawning time of pink salmon, we can arrange a trip to the spawning river to try your luck and catch fish with your own hands;
it is also possible to go out for mushrooms, mussels and wild berries, depending on the seasonality of maturation of a particular type of agricultural product.
Overnight accommodation will be in tents throughout the days, please take this into account.
Sleeping bags, wetsuits, water socks and sup boards are provided absolutely free of charge.
The equipment and inventory that is provided to you for use is issued on deposit. In case of damage to the property, the deposit is refunded minus the cost of damaged equipment at the current market value. If you don't want to use this equipment, you can bring your own.
Please note that all sea and hiking trips are completely dependent on weather conditions. In the presence of fog, storms and large waves, the boat does not go out to sea.
Day 5 - Bay expedition, hiking and fishing
If the weather permits, we go out on the SUP board and watch whales and seals from the SUP board or from the shore (we only watch killer whales from the shore or boat).
From day 3 to 5, the group will make an expedition, which includes:
a tour of the Bay of Nicholas, sea crossings to picturesque places with incredibly beautiful places, rocks, rocky beaches, where the probability of getting close to whales and killer whales is almost 98 %;
excursion "hike to Cape Tugurka" with a colorful panoramic view of Nikolai Bay and Cape Lamsdorf. Depending on the weather conditions, as well as the time of the tides, the hike is possible with a boat trip and disembarkation in the bay, or for the most advanced extreme athletes, a completely hiking route along the coast with an elevation and passage of the taiga trail;
a tour of the bay to Cape Lamsdorf, where you can admire the picturesque rocky shores and rocks, as if carved from the depths of the sea.;
an excursion to the most mysterious place in the vicinity called "zimushka". In Soviet times, there was an active mine in this place, where goldsmiths worked, now it is a fishing lodge and a place where we will come and rafting on SUP–boards along the river, and after rafting you will drink tea brewed from harvested local herbs and berries;
for fishing enthusiasts, depending on the weather conditions and the spawning time of pink salmon, we can arrange a trip to the spawning river to try your luck and catch fish with your own hands;
it is also possible to go out for mushrooms, mussels and wild berries, depending on the seasonality of maturation of a particular type of agricultural product.
Overnight accommodation will be in tents throughout the days, please take this into account.
Sleeping bags, wetsuits, water socks and sup boards are provided absolutely free of charge.
The equipment and inventory that is provided to you for use is given on deposit. In case of damage to the property, the deposit is refunded minus the cost of damaged equipment at the current market value. If you don't want to use this equipment, you can bring your own.
Please note that all sea and hiking trips are completely dependent on weather conditions. In the presence of fog, storms and large waves, the boat does not go out to sea.
Day 6 - Rest at the base camp on the island
Rest at the base camp on the island.
The program of the day includes:
personal time;
SUP board rides;
whale watching, killer whales;
Collecting things;
delivery of used inventory;
departure to the transshipment base on the shore of Nicholas Bay.

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Day 7 - Departure
We are leaving for Komsomolsk-on-Amur.
You need to book your own accommodation in Komsomolsk-on-Amur and Khabarovsk before and after the expedition.
Under favorable conditions and for an additional fee, additional excursions that are not included in the mandatory type of program can be added to the program. For more information, see the "Important to know" section.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Tent

6 nights

Comfort

Basic

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The tour provides accommodation at the transshipment base in tents (2 nights) and at the main base camp on the island in glamping tents (4 nights).

The cost of the tour is 250,000 rubles/person.

The cost of the tour for single occupancy is 300,000 rubles/person. If the number of days and nights on the island is reduced due to changes in weather conditions, the cost of single accommodation will not be refunded.

Accommodation in a double room is random. If you are traveling alone, then perhaps you will be accommodated with another person — a man or a woman.

Please note that the conditions at the transshipment base are quite ascetic and field-like, but everything you need to wash up after a long journey and spend the night in a warm space is there.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 9 tourists

Minimum age

7 years old

Duration

7 days 6 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Khabarovsk Territory, Komsomolsk-on-Amur

Included in price

transfer (during the transfer, meals will be provided in the form of sandwiches with tea (coffee) and canned food, meals in the cafe — at your own expense);
whale expeditions;
accommodation and meals at the transshipment base, as well as during all expeditions;
heating by a stove;
bed linen, sleeping bag, wetsuit, sap.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Komsomolsk-on-Amur;
accommodation in hotels in Khabarovsk and Komsomolsk-on-Amur;
individual fishing trips are organized whenever possible (including depending on available boats) — negotiated and paid separately;
excursions for an additional fee.The fee

It's important to know

Documents:

Passport of the Russian Federation.
Medical insurance policy.

Clothing and accessories:

Warm jacket/down jacket (waterproof, windproof).
Warm pants.
Pants (membrane, waterproof, windproof).
Hoodies (or hoodies).
T-shirts under hoodies.
The shoes you will wear + a replacement pair (sneakers will do, preferably waterproof).
Rubber boots.
Warm socks.
The hat is not woolen, but warm.
Lingerie.
The suit is anti-enciphalytic.
Raincoat, raincoat, or waterproof suit.
Gloves.
Fleece jacket.
Thermal underwear (it is warm to sleep in a sleeping bag).

Equipment and accessories:

Sunglasses.
A warm sleeping bag.
Koremat.
Thermos.
Lantern.
Waterproof case for phone and documents.
Binoculars.
Other accessories that you take on trips (including for photos).

Medications:

Anti-allergens.
Painkillers.
Dramina (from seasickness).
Individual medications.
Activated carbon.
Medicines for your own needs.

Personal hygiene:

Toothpaste and a brush.
A bath towel.
Sunscreen.
Insect repellent cream.
Cream for wound healing (smears and abrasions).
Instead of lenses, it is better to take glasses.

Excursions that are not included in the mandatory type of program, but are possible under favorable weather conditions and for an additional fee:

excursion to Wrangel Bay to the whales

This tour takes a whole day.

Early morning departure from the island.

Sea crossing along Nicholas Bay to Academy Bay along the coast. Disembarkation in a picturesque place where two hills meet, forming a decay, which is connected by a clear mountain stream with fresh drinking water.

Here you will stop, disembark on the shore will be organized, cook lunch over a campfire, take a walk around the neighborhood, after which you will continue your journey to Wrangel Bay.

Upon arrival at the bay, disembark, receive instructions on the rules of being on the water on sup boards and interaction and whale watching from scientists working at the base and conducting their research activities.

Free time on the water and whale watching for 2-3 hours.

Next, make the return trip from Wrangel Bay to the base camp.

Upon arrival on the island, a late dinner.

excursion to the Shantar Islands

This tour is designed for the whole day.

Early morning departure from the island.

On the way to the islands, you pass different bays, observe beautiful landscapes, there may be encounters with whales, killer whales in the open sea.

In this tour you can walk along such islands as Belichy Island, Severny Island, Sredny Island, Yuzhny Island and Maly Shantar Island. Disembarkation is allowed only on Maly Shantar Island in Abrek Bay and on Belichy Island.

Please note that the landing on these islands is carried out under favorable weather conditions.

We remind you that the Sea of Okhotsk is a border area, border guards often patrol here, the islands themselves belong to the protected area of the National Park, where disembarkation is allowed only with permission from the Park management.

During the landing in Abrek Bay or on Belichy Island, you will take a walk along the coast, explore the surroundings, have lunch.

After lunch, departure to the base camp.