1 st day |
We arrive at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky airport. After a short excursion we embark our vessel in city port, leaving in the evening to start our Kamchatka adventure. |
2 nd day |
Our first destination is Zhupanova River . Many bird species are found near this shallow river, including Steller's Sea Eagle. We hope to explore the river by zodiac, while hiking close to the banks is excellent for bird lovers and anyone seeking wonderful views. In summer the river is alive with spawning salmon, the local bears coming from far off to enjoy the fish. |
3 rd -5 th days |
Commander Islands . The archipelago consists of two main islands ( Bering Island and Medny (Copper) Island ) and a dozen or so small rocky islets.
Both islands form Kommandorsky Nature Reserve which, in 2002 was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. The surrounding waters are home to whales, including Sperm, Killer and Humpback. One of the rarest whale species - Stejneger's Beaked Whale also inhabits the local Bering Sea waters. There are four large rookeries on the islands with thousands of Northern Fur Seals, as well as Steller's Sea Lions, Sea Otters and Largha (or Spotted) Seals. Huge numbers of sea birds also find a home on the Commanders, including Red-faced Cormorants, Glaucous-winged Gulls, Northern Fulmars, Tufted and Horned Puffins and Pigeon Guillemots. We will visit several bays, each of them having their own excellent sites: the beautiful waterfall in Gladkovskaya Bay ; the spectacular rocks in Bobrovaya Bay ; the numerous nesting sites of Thin-billed and Thick-billed Murres (Guillemots) on the ladder-like rocks in Dikaya Bay . Arctic Foxes are also seen frequently on the islands. |
6 th day |
We plan to anchor at Kamenistaya Bay where the nearby rivers are rich in birdlife and have scenic waterfalls. The abundance of salmon in these rivers attract the huge Kamchatka Brown Bears. We hope to be lucky to catch some.with our camera lenses.
Cape Kozlova is a breeding site for seals. We are not allowed to land close to the seals in summer, but we can use our zodiacs to get close to the beach for a first-class view. Get your camera ready - some of the braver seals might approach the boats.
We also plan to land not far from the seals to visit a scientific station from where the colony is studied. The scientists place video cameras near the breeding site for closer observation of the seals. The scientists will explain what they have been able to discover about their wards. |
7 th day |
Shipunsky Peninsula , Zheleznaya Bay . These sites are also favored by seals.
We will use our zodiacs to explore the shores of Krasheninnikova Island , making the most of this picturesque site. |
8 th day |
Vilyuchinskaya Bay , Starichkov Island is our next landing site. It is known as a habitat of rare Steller's Sea Eagle, Slaty-backed Gulls and Ancient Murrelet, though the latter only come ashore at night.
We also visit Russkaya Bay , passing Cape Opasny and Zhirovoy Bay : keep your camera ready - killer whales are frequently seen here. |
9 th day |
Vestnik Bay . The picturesque shores are covered by Engelman's birch. The archeological digs and ancient native Kamchadal objects are equally interesting.
Small Utashud Isle is rich in wildlife, particularly birds, which nest on the steep rocks, and Sea-Otters on the beach. |
10 th day |
On the way to the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky we pass the beautiful coastlines of Avacha Bay . As we near the port we will see the volcanoes which dominate the town - Koryaksky, Avachinsky and Kozelsky. The citizens of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky call them the Domashniy (home) volcanoes, as they can be seen every day from the townsfolks' windows.
We anchor at the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. |
