"Commander Islands. Short Program No. 2"
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An opportunity to see the unique Commander Islands, admire the beauty of the autumn Chukotka tundra, go fishing, and hunt for crabs
An opportunity to see the unique Commander Islands, admire the beauty of the autumn Chukotka tundra, go fishing, and hunt for crabs
- start/end date16.09.2026
21.09.2026 - Duration6 days
5 nights - Days of the weekWednesday/
Monday - Route length1600
nautical miles
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trekking -
fishing -
"Zodiac" cruises -
wildlife -
whales/orcas -
seabird colonies
We are in the tour operator registry RTO 022273
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6-
day cruise on an expedition vessel from Chukotka to Kamchatka via the Commander Islands.
We will spend a day and a half on the Commander Islands, exploring them through trekking and Zodiac cruises. We’ll see giant pinniped rookeries and seabird colonies, and encounter whales.
SEA OF
OKHOTSK
OKHOTSK
PACIFIC
OCEAN
OCEAN
Bering
Sea
Sea
Bering Strait
- Port of Anadyr.
- Cape Navarin.
- Commander Islands.
- Olga Bay (Zhupanova River).
- Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
highlights of the route
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky
The capital of Kamchatka is located on the shore of Avacha Bay — one of the largest bays in the world. This is where we begin or end our journey (depending on the direction of travel).
highlights of the route
Port of Anadyr
Port of Anadyr is a federally significant seaport located in the northern part of the Bering Sea, on the northwestern coast of Anadyr Bay. It is the largest seaport in Chukotka.
Photo: AlGaman, Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: AlGaman, Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)
highlights of the route
Olga Bay
Olga Bay is a picturesque bay of the Sea of Japan, located in the southeastern part of Russia’s Primorsky Krai. It stretches for 11 kilometers in length and is approximately 4 kilometers wide. Its elevated shores are covered in mixed forests and form the eastern slopes of the Sikhote-Alin mountain range. The bay is separated from the open waters of the Sea of Japan by prominent headlands. Two rivers flow into Olga Bay — the Olga River and the Avvakumovka River.
The bay was first charted in July 1856 by the crew of the British Royal Navy’s three-masted, 17-gun steam frigate HMS Hornet. Later, on July 14 (26), 1857, the bay, its inlet, and the two rivers were rediscovered by the Russian steam corvette "Amerika" under the command of N. M. Chikhachyov. At that time, the bay received its first official name — Saint Olga Bay, in honor of Princess Olga of Kievan Rus. The inlet was named Tikhaya Pristan ("Quiet Harbor"), and the rivers were named Avvakumovka, after the Russian archpriest Avvakum, and Olga, respectively.
Photo: Olga Bay, 1870, by V. V. Lanin. Public domain
The bay was first charted in July 1856 by the crew of the British Royal Navy’s three-masted, 17-gun steam frigate HMS Hornet. Later, on July 14 (26), 1857, the bay, its inlet, and the two rivers were rediscovered by the Russian steam corvette "Amerika" under the command of N. M. Chikhachyov. At that time, the bay received its first official name — Saint Olga Bay, in honor of Princess Olga of Kievan Rus. The inlet was named Tikhaya Pristan ("Quiet Harbor"), and the rivers were named Avvakumovka, after the Russian archpriest Avvakum, and Olga, respectively.
Photo: Olga Bay, 1870, by V. V. Lanin. Public domain
highlights of the route
The Commander Islands
The Commander Islands are located in the Aleutsky District of Kamchatka Krai, Russia. The archipelago consists of four islands: two large ones—Bering Island and Medny Island—and two smaller ones—Toporkov Island and Ariy Rock. The archipelago is named after Commander Vitus Bering, who discovered it in 1741. In 2005, the Commander Islands were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List.
In 1733, the ships St. Paul and St. Peter, led by Aleksei Chirikov and Vitus Bering, embarked on the Second Kamchatka Expedition. The explorers were searching for an inexpensive trade route to North America through the northern seas and aimed to discover islands in this part of the Pacific Ocean.
In 1741, Vitus Bering reached the western shores of the Commander archipelago. The crew attempted to return to the mainland, but their ship was wrecked on one of the islands. Vitus Bering died there from starvation and illness; today, the island bears his name.
Photo: USSR stamp. Public domain.
In 1733, the ships St. Paul and St. Peter, led by Aleksei Chirikov and Vitus Bering, embarked on the Second Kamchatka Expedition. The explorers were searching for an inexpensive trade route to North America through the northern seas and aimed to discover islands in this part of the Pacific Ocean.
In 1741, Vitus Bering reached the western shores of the Commander archipelago. The crew attempted to return to the mainland, but their ship was wrecked on one of the islands. Vitus Bering died there from starvation and illness; today, the island bears his name.
Photo: USSR stamp. Public domain.
highlights of the route
Verkhoturov Island
Verkhoturov Island is located in the Olyutorsky District of Kamchatka Krai. It is home to a specially protected natural area — the Verkhoturov Island Zoological Reserve. The island is rich in wildlife, including the spectacled guillemot, a bird species listed in the Red Book of Kamchatka. Verkhoturov Island is designated as a natural monument aimed at protecting birds and marine mammals.
The island measures 3.5 km in length and about 500 meters in width. It has the shape of a truncated cone, with a plateau at the top reaching up to 300 meters in elevation. Its shores are steep cliffs dropping into the sea (except on the northwestern side), and the surrounding waters are dotted with both submerged and above-water rocks.
The island became known to Russians around the late 17th to early 18th century, during the era of early exploration in the region. It was named after a Russian official, Protopopov-Verkhoturov, who was killed in 1705 while collecting tribute (yasak) from the Koryaks. The Koryak name for the island is Chachamé, which means "old woman."
The island measures 3.5 km in length and about 500 meters in width. It has the shape of a truncated cone, with a plateau at the top reaching up to 300 meters in elevation. Its shores are steep cliffs dropping into the sea (except on the northwestern side), and the surrounding waters are dotted with both submerged and above-water rocks.
The island became known to Russians around the late 17th to early 18th century, during the era of early exploration in the region. It was named after a Russian official, Protopopov-Verkhoturov, who was killed in 1705 while collecting tribute (yasak) from the Koryaks. The Koryak name for the island is Chachamé, which means "old woman."
highlights of the route
Lavrova Bay
Lavrova Bay is located in the northwestern part of the Olyutorsky Gulf in the Bering Sea, within the Olyutorsky District at the base of the Govena Peninsula on the northeastern coast of Kamchatka Krai. The name "Lavrova Bay" also refers to one of the three sectors of the Koryak Nature Reserve, situated along the bay’s shoreline and waters.
The bay was discovered in 1885 by Russian navigator and whaler Fridolf Heck during a voyage on the schooner Sibir (Siberia). He named the bay in honor of Rear Admiral Vasily Lavrov, one of the founding figures of Vladivostok.
Not far from the bay, nestled in the hills, are the picturesque Ilirgityn (Ilir-Gytkhyn) and Potatgytyn (Potat-Gytkhyn) lakes, both designated natural landmarks.
The landscapes here are a stunning blend of endless tundra, dramatic sea bays and lagoons with seal haul-outs, rugged mountain peaks, and waterfalls. Many birds nest on the bay’s scenic cliffs—white-tailed eagles, gyrfalcons, and brant geese among them—several of which are listed in the Red Book of endangered species. Rivers flowing down from the rocky hills are rich in fish, attracting wild animals such as wolverines, foxes, and brown bears. Whales and orcas occasionally visit the bay’s waters.
The bay was discovered in 1885 by Russian navigator and whaler Fridolf Heck during a voyage on the schooner Sibir (Siberia). He named the bay in honor of Rear Admiral Vasily Lavrov, one of the founding figures of Vladivostok.
Not far from the bay, nestled in the hills, are the picturesque Ilirgityn (Ilir-Gytkhyn) and Potatgytyn (Potat-Gytkhyn) lakes, both designated natural landmarks.
The landscapes here are a stunning blend of endless tundra, dramatic sea bays and lagoons with seal haul-outs, rugged mountain peaks, and waterfalls. Many birds nest on the bay’s scenic cliffs—white-tailed eagles, gyrfalcons, and brant geese among them—several of which are listed in the Red Book of endangered species. Rivers flowing down from the rocky hills are rich in fish, attracting wild animals such as wolverines, foxes, and brown bears. Whales and orcas occasionally visit the bay’s waters.
highlights of the route
Gavriila Bay
Gavriila Bay is named after Vitus Bering’s vessel, St. Gabriel (Svyatoy Gavriil), on which he sailed to the shores of Chukotka and through the Bering Strait in 1728.
One of the very first meteorological stations in Chukotka was established in Gavriila Bay.
One of the very first meteorological stations in Chukotka was established in Gavriila Bay.
highlights of the route
Cape Navarin: Where Land Meets the Endless Sea
We’re approaching one of Chukotka’s most dramatic landmarks — a towering headland that guards the entrance to the Bering Sea. This windswept cape rises majestically from the waters, its rugged cliffs carved by centuries of Arctic storms.
On clear days, you can spot whales migrating through these waters, but the cape’s moody weather means visibility changes by the hour. All hands on deck — this is prime viewing and photography territory!
Photo: F.A. Kondrashov. Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
On clear days, you can spot whales migrating through these waters, but the cape’s moody weather means visibility changes by the hour. All hands on deck — this is prime viewing and photography territory!
Photo: F.A. Kondrashov. Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 (CC BY-SA 3.0)
highlights of the route
Pavel Bay: A Hidden Arctic Sanctuary
We're entering one of Chukotka's most sheltered natural harbors - a pristine bay where indigenous hunters have sought refuge for generations. The bay's protected waters offer a stark contrast to the wild Bering Sea beyond, creating a mirror-like surface that perfectly reflects the surrounding tundra landscape. Here's the insider tip: this bay is famous among Arctic mariners as one of the few places where you can actually hear the silence - no wind, no waves, just the occasional call of Arctic terns. Perfect moment to step outside and experience the profound peace of the Far North!
highlights of the route
Meynypilgino: Where Ancient Culture Meets the Arctic Ocean
One of Chukotka’s most authentic settlements — a traditional Chukchi village that has preserved its indigenous way of life for centuries. This coastal community sits boldly on the tundra, where reindeer herders and marine hunters still follow the rhythms of the Arctic seasons.
Local secret: the village name means "place where people gather" in Chukchi, and you might spot traditional yarangas (skin dwellings) alongside modern buildings.
Local secret: the village name means "place where people gather" in Chukchi, and you might spot traditional yarangas (skin dwellings) alongside modern buildings.
Onboard activities include lectures, wildlife film screenings, and master classes on preparing seafood delicacies.
Why choose this cruise:
- You’ll experience the spirit of a true maritime expedition.
- You’ll spend a day and a half on the Commander Islands.
- By motorboats, you will approach the giant bird colonies that occupy entire islands.
- You’ll see a haul-out where sea lions coexist with seals and sea otters.
- You’ll pass through the famous Steller’s Arch — the iconic landmark of the Commander Islands.
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You’ll sail into the Far Eastern fjords and lagoons.
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You’ll visit the windiest and stormiest place in Russia.
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You’ll get close to the whales.
- You’ll encounter Kamchatka brown bears.
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You’ll catch rainbow trout.
Cabins and rates
Cancellation and payment policies
- 120 days or more before departure:Refund of the cost minus a service fee of 70,000 rubles per person
- 119 to 61 days before departure:50% of the total cruise cost is retained
- Less than 60 days before departure:100% of the total cruise cost is retained
Cases of cancellation due to force majeure circumstances (e.g., health conditions) are considered individually. Special offer for clients with a "Top Discoverer" loyalty card. To receive special conditions, please log in to the booking panel.
WEBSITE PAYMENT TERMS:
WEBSITE PAYMENT TERMS:
- Payment of an advance payment in the amount of 70% of the total sum specified in the booking confirmation (not subject to VAT) within 5 days from the moment of booking/receiving the invoice.
- Payment of the second part of the payment in the amount of 30% no later than 120 days before the start of the tour, according to the amount specified in the booking confirmation (not subject to VAT).
- When booking a tour less than 120 days before its start, full payment of the amount specified in the booking confirmation is made within 5 days from the moment of booking/receiving the invoice (not subject to VAT).
- Late payment of the advance payment balance later than 120 days before the start of the tour is subject to penalties in the amount of 1% (one percent) of the total tour cost for 1 (one) day of delay.
- Payment by invoice: send a request for an invoice to cruises@panarcticstar.ru
- 70% prepayment within 5 calendar days after receiving the invoice, then 30% 120 days before the cruise start date.
Expedition cruise program
We meet at the port of Anadyr and settle into our cabins on the "Akademik Shokalskiy".
Immediately after setting out to open sea — welcome lunch. Don’t forget to look out the portholes or over the side of the ship: even in the Anadyr Estuary, we are almost certain to spot the mysterious milky-marble belugas.
Immediately after setting out to open sea — welcome lunch. Don’t forget to look out the portholes or over the side of the ship: even in the Anadyr Estuary, we are almost certain to spot the mysterious milky-marble belugas.
We sail along the western shore of the Anadyr Bay to its terminus — Cape Navarin.
This place is officially considered the windiest and stormiest in Russia. Rising majestically 500 meters above sea level, the cape serves as a refuge for over a million birds. This record-breaking seabird colony greets us with a constant din and flurry of activity above the rocky stacks at the cape’s base. If we’re lucky, we might spot the endangered white-tailed eagle. Keep an eye on the water too — encountering whales near Navarin is a common occurrence.
This place is officially considered the windiest and stormiest in Russia. Rising majestically 500 meters above sea level, the cape serves as a refuge for over a million birds. This record-breaking seabird colony greets us with a constant din and flurry of activity above the rocky stacks at the cape’s base. If we’re lucky, we might spot the endangered white-tailed eagle. Keep an eye on the water too — encountering whales near Navarin is a common occurrence.
We set a southerly course toward the Commander Islands.
Outside the windows stretches the vast Bering Sea, home to whales and rare seabirds. You can spend the day in meditative contemplation of the ocean’s power, or enjoy heartfelt conversations with fellow expedition members.
Outside the windows stretches the vast Bering Sea, home to whales and rare seabirds. You can spend the day in meditative contemplation of the ocean’s power, or enjoy heartfelt conversations with fellow expedition members.
Among the residents of the Commander Islands are those who came here temporarily and decided to stay forever. But even if parting from the mainland doesn’t appeal to you, this archipelago, nestled between the Bering Sea and the Pacific Ocean, will strike straight to your heart.
The Commanders consist of four islands: Bering Island (which accounts for 90% of the archipelago’s total area and is home to the only settlement with fewer than 700 residents), Medny Island, and the very small islets Toporkov and Ary Rock. All this land, together with its surrounding waters — many times larger in area — is part of the eponymous national park. Its pride is the highest diversity of marine mammals in Russia. On the largest rookery on Bering Island, we will see a colossal gathering of pinnipeds: alongside Steller sea lions and sea otters, northern fur seals and Stejneger’s seals make their home, each with its own distinct behaviors.
While cruising along the shores in Zodiacs, we may encounter a variety of cetaceans: sperm whales, orcas, fin whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and many others. Around one million birds nest permanently on the Commander Islands, with the main seabird colonies located on the islets Toporkov and Ary Rock. The Toporkov, sometimes called "sea parrots" for their large orange beaks, dig burrows to raise their young. Therefore, when walking on this bird-named islet, step carefully — a foot could sink into a burrow.
The Commanders consist of four islands: Bering Island (which accounts for 90% of the archipelago’s total area and is home to the only settlement with fewer than 700 residents), Medny Island, and the very small islets Toporkov and Ary Rock. All this land, together with its surrounding waters — many times larger in area — is part of the eponymous national park. Its pride is the highest diversity of marine mammals in Russia. On the largest rookery on Bering Island, we will see a colossal gathering of pinnipeds: alongside Steller sea lions and sea otters, northern fur seals and Stejneger’s seals make their home, each with its own distinct behaviors.
While cruising along the shores in Zodiacs, we may encounter a variety of cetaceans: sperm whales, orcas, fin whales, humpback whales, porpoises, and many others. Around one million birds nest permanently on the Commander Islands, with the main seabird colonies located on the islets Toporkov and Ary Rock. The Toporkov, sometimes called "sea parrots" for their large orange beaks, dig burrows to raise their young. Therefore, when walking on this bird-named islet, step carefully — a foot could sink into a burrow.
Farewell, Commanders! Hello, Kamchatka!
Heading southwest, the "Akademik Shokalskiy" will stop near the mouth of the Zhupanova River. This spot is considered the best fishing location on the entire Kamchatka Peninsula. By Zodiac, we will explore the lower, calm part of the river and take out our spinning rods. Target number one is the mikizha, or rainbow trout, which can weigh up to 6−8 kg. Other local fish may also bite: pink salmon, coho, chum, sockeye, Chinook salmon, grayling, or char. Nearby, a Kamchatka brown bear may be fishing, and in the sky — if we’re lucky — we might spot a Steller’s sea eagle. It is one of the largest birds on the planet, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters.
Heading southwest, the "Akademik Shokalskiy" will stop near the mouth of the Zhupanova River. This spot is considered the best fishing location on the entire Kamchatka Peninsula. By Zodiac, we will explore the lower, calm part of the river and take out our spinning rods. Target number one is the mikizha, or rainbow trout, which can weigh up to 6−8 kg. Other local fish may also bite: pink salmon, coho, chum, sockeye, Chinook salmon, grayling, or char. Nearby, a Kamchatka brown bear may be fishing, and in the sky — if we’re lucky — we might spot a Steller’s sea eagle. It is one of the largest birds on the planet, with a wingspan of up to 2.5 meters.
We will spend this day at sea on the long voyage toward the shores of Kamchatka.
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky lies on the shores of Avacha Bay — the largest natural harbor in the world. The expedition is complete. See you again on board the "Akademik Shokalskiy"!
Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky lies on the shores of Avacha Bay — the largest natural harbor in the world. The expedition is complete. See you again on board the "Akademik Shokalskiy"!
Built in 1982 at a shipyard in Finland, it has been refitted for comfortable accommodation of up to 44 passengers. It features luxury cabins, mini-suites, 2-person cabins with private bathrooms, as well as 2- and 3-person cabins with shared bathrooms.
Gourmet Restaurant — a Delightful Culinary Experience!
Our chef has worked in fine dining restaurants and has repeatedly catered for marine expeditions. He will ensure that the food is as diverse and delightful as the breathtaking views outside your window.
От Чукотки до Камчатки, маршрут 2 — экспедиционный круиз № 10
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Please Note:
Arrival and departure times are local, considering time zone changes. The cruise route, landing locations, and activity schedules may change due to weather or other factors beyond the organizers' control.
Vasta Expeditions Opens Bookings for 2026 Adventures
In 2026, we’ll be landing on uninhabited islands, visiting remote nature reserves, taking boat trips to seal rookeries and towering bird cliffs, and encountering whales and seals in their natural habitat. Most importantly, we’ll be enjoying breathtaking landscapes in the company of curious, passionate travelers. Choose your 2026 adventure!