This fascinating exploration of the remote Siberian coastline promises rich culture and an astounding wealth of wildlife. Meet indigenous artists known for their intricate walrus ivory carvings, take in dramatic bird cliffs teeming with puffins and guillemots, then forge farther north, well above the Arctic Circle to Wrangel Island Reserve. Spend several days in this pristine landscape that’s home to the highest density of ancestral polar bear dens, the world’s largest population of Pacific walrus, and an astonishing variety of plant life.
Cross one of the most iconic bodies of water on the planet - the Bering Strait
Explore the remote Siberian coastline rich in culture and astounding wildlife
Pristine landscapes home to polar bears and walruses
Hiking and birding opportunities on Kolyuchin Inlet
Visit the largest indigenous village in Chukotka and witness traditional fishing, hunting and reindeer herding
Itinerary in Brief
Day 1: Fly to Nome from Anchorage and embark ship
Day 2: Provideniya, Russian Federation
Day 3: Cape Dezhnev/Inchoun Village
Day 4: Kolyuchin Island & Kolyuchin Bay
Day 5-8: Wrangel Island
Day 9-10: At sea/Lorino Village
Day 11: Chukotka Coast/Provideniya
Day 12: At sea/Crossing the Bering Strait
Day 13: Disembark in Nome and fly to Anchorage
Day 1: Fly to Nome from Anchorage and embark ship
Fly to Nome via Anchorage. Embark National Geographic resolution in the afternoon and cross the Bering Strait.
Day 2: Provideniya, Russian Federation
At the western limit of the rich transboundary area known as Beringia, Provideniya is often called “The Gateway to the Arctic.” It’s also the administrative center where we will conduct our clearance into Russia. Visit the excellent museum, and witness a traditional Yupik dance performance.
Day 3: Cape Dezhnev/Inchoun Village
Round Cape Dezhnev, the easternmost point of the Eurasian continent and if conditions permit, make a landing and hike to the lighthouse. Then continue to the nearby Chukchi and Yupik village of Inchoun. Known as the land marine hunters, villagers live off of the sea just as their ancestors did.
Day 4: Kolyuchin Island & Kolyuchin Bay
Located on the northern Chukotka coast, Kolyuchin Inlet is an enormous tidal estuary that offers excellent hiking and birding opportunities. Nearby on Kolyuchin Island find nesting puffins and guillemots, and occasionally Pacific walruses hauled-out. Explore the area by Zodiac and, conditions permitting, go ashore.
Day 5-8: Wrangel Island
This UNESCO World Heritage site has the highest level of biodiversity in the High Arctic. Spend four fascinating days discovering the island’s abundant
plant life and searching for polar bears, Pacific walrus, musk oxen, Arctic fox, gray whales, and 100 migratory bird species. You may also spot the bones and tusks of woolly mammoths jutting out from gravelly riverbeds—Wrangel Island was the last refuge for these ancient beasts.
Day 9-10: At sea/Lorino Village
Head back south from Wrangel Island and take advantage of the time at sea to attend informative talks, sort your photos, visit the Bridge to learn about navigation, or just relax and let the memories of the previous days soak in. At Lorino, the largest indigenous village in Chukotka, witness a dance performance and learn about traditional fishing, hunting and reindeer herding.
Day 11: Chukotka Coast/Provideniya
Continuing our journey down the coast of the rugged Russian Far East, we’ll take advantage of the flexibility of our schedule to explore by Zodiac, kayak, and by foot. In Provideniya we’ll conduct our clearance formalities before heading east to Nome.
Day 12: At sea/Crossing the Bering Strait
Spend the final day at sea, crossing one of the mosticonic bodies of water on the planet. Linger on deck with binoculars in hand—the chances are great to spot whales and rare seabirds.
Day 13: Disembark in Nome and fly to Anchorage
Arrive in Nome this morning, transfer to the airport for flights to Anchorage and onward.
