A remote land of reindeer and walruses, whales and polar bears, the Russian Arctic is as off-the-beaten-path as it gets. Explore the extreme north of Russia and learn about its indigenous cultures, visit Neolithic-era settlements and Gulag concentration camps and marvel at show-stopping volcanoes and ice fields. Want to learn more? Read on ...

Where Is It?

The Russian Arctic is considered the 20 percent of the country’s landmass that is north of the Arctic Circle. Up here, you’ll find glacier-covered mountains, dramatic fjords, vast ice shelves and mossy tundra. There are several remote archipelagos, rarely visited, including Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya and Sernaya Zemlya. Severnaya Zemlya holds the distinction of being the final territorial discovery on Earth. 

Why Should I Go?

If you harbor an adventurous spirit and wish to go where few humans have ever set foot, the Russian Arctic should be on your wander-list. You’ll responsibly explore pristine wilderness and witness unfettered wildlife, such as polar bears, whales, seals, musk ox and walruses. The best way to explore is via small-ship cruise line with destination experts and crew. 

What Will a Trip There Be Like? 

A Russian Arctic small-ship cruise will visit various areas of the Russian Far East as well as north of the Arctic Circle. Itineraries may include the Kuril Islands, Wrangel Island, the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Kamchatka Coast, distinguished by its 160 volcanoes, 29 of which are still active. You may visit the Commander islands, a World Heritage Site and a globally important bird area. 

Intrigued? Here are some sample itineraries to pique your interest: 

Russian Far East Cruise


Photo by Connor Robertson on Unsplash

  • Anchorage/Katmai National Park: Spend a couple days exploring the shoreline and the waters of Katmai National Park & Preserve, seeking some of the abundant brown bears. 
  • Unalaska: Sail to the Baby Islands, east of Unalaska, a great region to spot sea otters, fur seals and rare baby birds. 
  • Aleutian Islands: Explore the remote, volcanic Aleutians. Separating the North Pacific from the Bering Sea, these rugged islands host colonies of seabirds, northern fur seals, Steller sea lions and a variety of whales. 
  • Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski: Sail into protected Avacha Bay after crossing the international date line and dock at the gateway to Kamchatka. Don’t miss the incredible Koryaksky, Avachinsky and Kozelsky volcanoes that dominate the skyline. 
  • Zhupanova River: Along this 100-mile-long waterway in Kamchatka, you’ll seek the world’s largest raptors, wading birds, waterfowl and spotted seals. 
  • Commander Islands: Visit a fur seal rookery and watch for whales, sea otters and nesting seabirds. 
  • Far Eastern Siberia: Hike from bay to bay, surrounded by volcanoes, glimpsing brown bears, walruses and three species of seals, along the coast of Kamchatka and Chukotka. Learn about reindeer-herding culture in Tymlat or Ossora. 
  • Provideniya: Visit a museum and enjoy a traditional Yupik dance performance at The Gateway to the Arctic. 

Chukotka-Focused Cruise 


  • Egvekinot: Explore this town built by Gulag prisoners to act as a port to supply the inland Lul’tin mining complex. Gain an appreciation for the landscape unique to areas this close to the Arctic circle. 
  • Konergino: Learn about reindeer herding in the small village of Konergino. The community and the practice has changed little over the centuries. 
  • Presbrazhenya Bay: Cruise the south coast of Chukotka, stopping at Presbrazhenya Bay. Embark on Zodiac cruises to see rich populations of seabirds perched on the cliffs. 
  • Whale Bone Alley: Visit Whale Bone Alley on Yttygran Island, which dates to the 14th century. Whale bones stretch for nearly a third of a mile along the beach. You may glimpse gray whales at sea while you’re here. Explore Gil’mimyl Hot Springs as well. 
  • Cape Dezhnev: Explore the northeastern-most point of the Eurasian continent. 
  • Wrangel Island: Look for polar bears, ringed seals and walruses on the ice as you approach Wrangel Island. You’ll have several days to explore the island via multiple landings and Zodiac cruising.
  • Kolyuchin Island: Land on the island and hope to see large numbers of walruses. There’s an abandoned polar bear research station on the western end of the island and amazing bird cliffs with puffins and guillemots. 
  • Lavrentiya: Get a peek into local culture at the Beringia Regatta and Festival, which includes boat races (traditional walrus skin-covered boats), cultural group performances and plenty of local foods to try. 

Ready to get away? Let’s chat.