EXCLUSIVE VOYAGE AROUND THE RING OF FIRE
RUSSIA’S KAMCHATKA PENINSULA AND KURIL ISLANDS
In July 2006 Naturetrek exclusively chartered the MV Professor Molchanov, offering a dedicated wildlife cruise around Spitsbergen, in celebration of their 20th Anniversary. The voyage was such an outstanding success that Naturetrek has decided to introduce a range of exclusive charters for 2008, including a rare opportunity to visit the remote and spectacular landscapes of Russia’s Kamchatka, the volcanic Kuril Islands and the remote Commander Islands. A 17-day holiday incorporating a special 13-night voyage aboard 72-metre expedition ship Spirit of Enderby, departs London by air Monday 26th May 2008.
Much of the Russian Far East has in the past been off-limits to foreign visitors. However, this exclusive expedition has been granted rare permission to explore the spectacular wilderness region known as the ‘Ring of Fire’. Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands combine snow-capped volcanoes, virgin forest, pristine tundra, a rich indigenous culture and fascinating wildlife. Here, more than a dozen species of auk find a niche, together with the mighty Steller’s Sea Eagle, Sea Otter, Brown Bear and a wide range of cetaceans, including the world’s top ocean predator, Orca. The journey begins with a flight to the remote Russian community of Petropavlovsk, lying on the Kamchatka coastline where the Spirit of Enderby awaits her passengers. The Commander Islands are the first port of call, home to a small but welcoming Aleut community and a huge population of nesting seabirds. This is the first opportunity to experience the sights and sounds of a North Pacific auk colony, and such sought after species as Parakeet Auklet and Brünnich’s Guillemot. Crossing back to the Kamchatka Peninsula, spend two days exploring its coastal bays, islets, rocky shoreline and forests. Backed by the snow-capped cones of the numerous volcanoes that give the ‘Ring of Fire’ its name, the landscapes here are breathtaking. Explore the Zhuponavo River backed by several active volcanoes including Zhupanoesky (2,923-metres) and observe magnificent wildlife including Brown Bears feeding at the forest edge. Head on to Vestnik Bay keeping an eye out for Sea Otters floating on their backs amongst the kelp-beds and perhaps a passing pod of Dall’s Porpoise or Ocra. Next, spend 6-days island hopping the Kurils using Zodiacs to gain closer views of enormous auk colonies covering the cliffs. The rare and little-known Whiskered Auklet may be found amongst the spectacular volcanic caldera scenery of Yankicha Island, which holds the world’s largest colony of this tiny seabird. Here, the shoreline literally steams from the meeting of cold ocean waters and hot gases from the drowned giant! Many other seabirds may be seen, amongst them the rare Blakiston’s Fishing Owl which live on Kunashir Island, as well as marine life such as Sperm and Minke Whale and Pacific White-sided Dolphin. The journey concludes on arrival at Sakhalin Island where passengers disembark.
The voyage costs £4,895 p/p including scheduled flights from London, all transfers, full board accommodation whilst on board, comfortable hotel accommodation with most meals during city stays and expert guiding.
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