Toll-Free in Russia
Our team at Vasta Expeditions has many years of experience in scientific expeditions and the organization of travel programs around the world.
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It doesn't matter where you're going --- what matters is who's beside you
It doesn't matter where you're going --- what matters is who's beside you
Project Managment
- Leonid Zichenkov
General Director
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Dmitry Danilov
Head of Expedition Cruise Development
Mikhail Tigushkin
Expedition Leader
A seasoned expedition captain with over 30 years of experience, expert on the Russian Far East, and a lifelong traveler.
He has participated in international projects including around-the-world journeys, action film productions, and served as a translator at global forums.
Mikhail is responsible for shore landings, program activities, and onboard experiences: lectures, film screenings, and guest interaction.
He has participated in international projects including around-the-world journeys, action film productions, and served as a translator at global forums.
Mikhail is responsible for shore landings, program activities, and onboard experiences: lectures, film screenings, and guest interaction.
Expedition Team
- Kirill Savchuk
Sailing vessel captain. Responsible for Zodiac operations and shore landings.
Participated in numerous expeditions, including along the Northern Sea Route aboard traditional Pomor kochs*. -
Alexander Untilа
Professional rescuer. Manages Zodiac operations and landings.
Joined an expedition to Franz Josef Land in search of the schooner St. Anna, missing for over a century. He was the first to find traces of one of its crew members, a story he now shares in lectures. -
Andrey Martynyuk
Professional rescuer. Oversees Zodiac navigation and shore landings.
Veteran of Arctic expeditions and international rescue missions with the Centrospas team.
Also a stunt performer in feature films.
Koch
Koch — a traditional Russian wooden sailing and rowing vessel used by the Pomors and Siberian hunters and traders. It was a one-deck working boat, smaller than a ladya (another type of old Russian ship), and was in use from the 11th to the 19th centuries.
Lecturers and Researchers
In the 2025 season, lectures will be given by scientists, photographers, explorers, and nature enthusiasts.
- Sergey DolyaSergey has visited 142 countries, exploring cultures and sharing his experiences. He's completed a 70-day global road trip, climbed Kilimanjaro, and reached both the North and South Poles. With a master's degree in physics, Sergey studies natural phenomena in polar regions and offers lectures and excursions on the topic. He is also an acclaimed wildlife photographer and teaches others how to capture nature's wonders - from whales and icebergs to the aurora borealis.
- Maria BorodavkinaBorn in Bashkortostan and educated at Saint Petersburg State University's biology faculty, Maria has lived and worked in Russia's Far East. She has served on scientific vessels in the Arctic and cruise ships in both polar regions. Her interests include studying organism adaptation in extreme environments and global ecological processes.
- Nikolay GernetExplorer and official photographer for the Russian Arctic National Park, Nikolay’s stunning images have earned international acclaim. His impressive portfolio includes awards and finalist recognition from prestigious competitions including National Geographic, Best of Russia, "The Most Beautiful Country," Global Arctic Awards, Humanity Photo Awards, Environmental Photographer of the Year, and International Filter Photo Contest.
Guest Lecturers in 2022-2024 Seasons:
- Sergey SamoylenkoVolcanologist, PhD in Physics and Mathematics, and founder of the interactive museum Vulkanarium in Kamchatka.
- Vitaly BerkovTraveler, photographer, and expert on the Primorsky Krai. Conducts solo scientific expeditions in the region.
- Nikolay GernetExplorer and official photographer for the Russian Arctic National Park, Nikolay’s stunning images have earned international acclaim.