Shantar Islands – Whale Expedition in Wrangel Bay

Wrangel Bay is one of the best locations in the world to observe bowhead whales, a species that lives only in the Northern Hemisphere. The whales gather in the shallow waters of the bay to socialize, molt and protect themselves from orcas.

During the expedition you will live in a scientific camp on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk together with marine biologists and researchers. The camp provides the highest possible comfort for such a remote region, including spacious tents, a Russian sauna, dining area, drying facilities and essential infrastructure.

You will have the opportunity to observe bowhead whales, orcas, seals, bears, Steller’s sea eagles and puffins in their natural habitat. However, wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed, as this is a wild and natural environment.

The journey includes local flights, land and sea transfers, and several days fully immersed in nature without phone or internet connection.

Day 1 – Flight to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur and Transfer to Wrangel Bay
Morning meeting at Khabarovsk airport.
Flight to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur (approx. 1.5 hours).
Transfer by minibus to Cape Perovsky (2.5–4 hours via forest road).
Sea crossing by high-speed catamaran across the Sea of Okhotsk (6–10 hours depending on weather).
Arrival in Wrangel Bay and accommodation at the expedition camp. Dinner and meeting with the team.

Days 2–7 – Whale Watching and Exploration
These days are dedicated to exploring Wrangel Bay, one of the best places in the world to observe bowhead whales.
After a safety briefing, if weather conditions allow, you may go out on paddleboards to observe whales from close distance.
During your stay:

• Evening lectures with marine biologists
• Opportunity to assist researchers with whale counting and scientific activities
• Coastal and taiga trekking
• Observation of orcas, seals, foxes and other wildlife
• Sea fishing and seafood gathering
• Workshops and cooking activities with expedition experts

The daily schedule depends on weather conditions and whale activity.

Day 8 – Return to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur
Sea crossing back to Cape Perovsky (6–10 hours).
Transfer by minibus to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur (2.5–4 hours).
Accommodation at the hotel and rest.

Day 9 – Return to Khabarovsk
Flight back to Khabarovsk (approx. 1.5 hours).
End of the expedition. Independent transfer to hotel.

13 August 2026 – 21 August 2026

• Price from 5,550 EUR per person

What wildlife can I see?
Bowhead whales, orcas, seals, seabirds and other wildlife typical of the Shantar Islands region.

What kind of accommodation is provided?
A fully equipped expedition camp in Wrangel Bay plus one hotel night in Nikolaevsk-on-Amur.

Is there internet access?
No. The expedition camp is completely remote with no mobile or internet coverage.

Is this a physically demanding trip?
The expedition takes place in a remote wilderness environment and requires adaptability, but no extreme physical preparation is required.