Heritage Expeditions
Across The Top of The World
Discover the north eastern part of Eurasia (Chukotka) in a way that has never been possible before. On this expedition we cruise across the Arctic Circle through the Bering Strait and into the Arctic sea. It will be mid summer with 24 hour daylight and the ice will have retreated. On shore you will meet the Chukchis, who have learnt how to live in one of the harshest environments on the globe. You will see an abundance of wildlife, many of the species are migratory, coming here only to breed, but for others like the polar bear, walrus, and reindeer this is their home. We plan two days at Wrangel Island, a world class Nature Reserve, which is often referred to as the “Polar Bear Maternity Ward”. In an expedition first, this expedition also includes an overnight camping expedition to the tundra inland from Egvekinot to spend the night with traditional reindeer herders.
Itinerary: Across the Top of the World - featuring Wrangel Island
Day 1
Join our vessel “Spirit of Enderby”at the Port of Anadyr which was one of the earliest settlements of the region. It is now the capital and main administrative centre of the Chukotka Autonomous region. After clearing the harbor, we farewell the pilot and sail across Anadyrskiy Bay towards the Bering Strait. A number of Beluga Whales frequent the waters around Anadyr so be out on deck as we depart to watch for the white whale.
Day 2
We continue across Anadyrskiy Bay. There will be lectures and presentations to prepare you for the expedition ahead. It is also an opportunity to spend time with your fellow travelers either in the bar /library or on the bridge. Outside seabirds and possibly whales feed in the rich waters.
Day 3
One of the many highlights of the expedition will be time spent in the Arakamchechen archipelago. Here as recently as 1976 on Yttygran Island Russian anthropologists discovered an astonishing ancient ceremonial site nicknamed “Whale Bone Alley”. Must mystery remains about this unqiue site. The surrounding waters are home to large concentrations of Grey Whales and walrus both of which we hope to encounter. Later this afternoon in we follow in the wake of Capt. James Cook entering Layrentiya Bay, which is also a favoured area for marine mammals.
Day 4
We land at Cape Dezhnev on the extreme north eastern edge of Eurasia on the border of two oceans the Pacific and the Arctic. The site is marked by three magnificent monuments. This afternoon at the village of Uelen, the center of world famous Chukotka ivory carving you will be welcomed by the locals and have an opportunity to visit the museum and workshop where this traditional skill is practiced and taught.
Day 5
This morning we land on the small island of Kolyuchin. This island which is the site of a Russian Polar Research Station lies about 25 km off the northern coast. It is also a recognized walrus haul out area as well as an important seabird nesting island.
Day 6 and 7
We will spend two full days exploring the remote and seldom visited high arctic Wrangel Island. Wrangel Island was declared a Nature Reserve in 1976 to protect its rich biodiversity. We will enjoy some of the 400 plant species and the 160 bird species that have been recorded from the Island. Species to watch for include Ross’s, Sabine’s and Ivory Gulls – all of which breed and feed in the surrounding waters.
The shores of Wrangel Island house the highest density of Polar Bear dens in the world, earning it the title of the “Polar Bear Maternity Ward”, and with such high concentrations we hope for some great encounters.
Day 8
This morning in true expedition style we will launch our zodiacs at the Amguema River mouth east of Cape Schimdt and spend the day exploring. The small island Lena Island, it is a known haul out area for seals and walrus during the summer months. There will be ample opportunities for photographing and exploring the surrounding tundra landscape.
Day 9
Today is another expedition day with opportunities to explore the Kolyuchinskaya and Belyaka Inlets. Emperor geese breed here and although the breeding season will be well advanced we can expect to see many other migratory species as they begin to lead southwards. Our naiads and zodiacs are the perfect craft for exploring these shallow sheltered waters.
Day 10
An opportunity to catch up on sleep (with 24 hour daylight and with so much to see and do your sleep pattern will be disrupted) or catch up on your diary and notes. There will be recaps and lectures throughout the day as we head southwards through Bering Strait to Provideniya.
Day 11
We will enjoy the hospitality of the people of Provideniya this morning. This is a small town situated on the north western coast of a picturesque fiord and was an important strategic town and seaport and during the height of the Soviet Union. Many military personal were stationed here but today the population is much reduced. The local people are proud of their history and it has one of the best museums in the region with over 12,000 exhibits.
Day 12
From the small town of Egvekinot, which was established in 1946 as a seaport to supply material to the developing mining industry, we will travel by Urals (large Russian made trucks) on an expedition into the tundra interior. This journey will take us across the tundra where reindeer herders graze their herds. We plan to meet up with these nomadic people to learn more about them and their lifestyle. There will be the option to camp out overnight or return to the ship in Egvekinotz.
Day 13
For those who opted to camp out, we will continue our exploration of the region, returning to the ship mid afternoon. For those who returned to the ship last night you will have the opportunity to visit the local museum and explore the surrounding landscape.
Day 14
On arrival at Anadyr, around midday, we will use our zodiac craft to take you ashore to hotels if you are continuing your stay or to connect with flights.
Landings at these islands are by permit as administered by the relevant governments.
Circumstances may be encountered during our voyage which will make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. These circumstances include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed during the voyage.
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Across the Top of the World
# 2557 28 August 2008 - 10 September 2008 |
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Across the Top of the World
Voyage # 2574 4 August 2009 - 18 August 2009 |
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 Spirit of Enderby ©
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Our vessel, the 'Spirit of Enderby' is perfect for Expedition Travel. The real focus and emphasis of every expedition is getting you ashore as often as possible for as long as possible with maximum safety and comfort. It carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodation (refurbished in New Zealand Nov '04). The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs. Our Expeditions are accompanied by some of the most experienced naturalists and guides, who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas that we visit. The ship is crewed by a very enthusiastic and most experienced Russian Capitan and crew. The 'Spirit of Enderby' measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened. Powered by two 1,560 horse power diesel engines. It is capable of speeds of up to 12 knots. What makes this Expedition Vessel absolutely unique is the equipment we carry including: a) our fleet of RIB’s, (rigid inflatable boats) sometimes referred to as zodiacs. These extremely safe and stable craft will land you at some of the most amazing places. b) Our specially designed and built Hovercraft (2) give us unprecedented over ice capability in Antarctica allowing us to land in places that are inaccessible to other ships. |
Technical description:
- Classification: Russian register KM ice class
- Year built: 1984
- Accommodation: 48 berths expedition
- Shipyard: Finland
- Main engines: power 2x1560 bhp (2x 1147 Kw)
- Register: Russia
- Maximum speed: 12 knots (2 engines),
- Cruising speed: 10 knots(one engine)
- Bunker capacity: 320 tons
Deck and Cabin plan:
Rollover a room for more information
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Upper DeckMiddle DeckLower Deck
Spirit of Enderby
Fully ice-strengthened for Expedition Travel our vessel carries just 48 passengers in very comfortable accommodation. Onboard are some of the most experienced naturalists and guides who have devoted a lifetime to field research in the areas we visit.
Heritage Suite
Large lounge area, separate bedroom with double bed, single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers, and fridge. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. Large forward and side facing windows with great views.
Mini Suite
A small bedroom with a 3/4 bed and a single bed in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower. toilet and washbasin. This suite has windows.
Superior Plus
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Superior
Cabins have one bunk (an upper and lower – two), wardrobe, drawers, a desk, a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Main Deck
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Main Deck Triple
Main deck triple cabin: This cabin has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Bar Lounge
Equipped for the use of laptops, video and digital cameras, opening hours are variable depending on the activities of the day. We have a well stocked library you are welcome to use at any time, and a range of beverages available.
Dining Room
Our chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available prepared according to your special dietary needs (as per information specified on your booking form). Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are not available.
Dining Room
Our chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available prepared according to your special dietary needs (as per information specified on your booking form). Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are not available.
Life onboard ‘Spirit of Enderby’
The ‘Spirit of Enderby’ was designed and built as a Research Vessel and still undertakes some research work when not involved with work through Heritage Expeditions. Ship amenities and services include:
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Bar: ‘Globe’ It is situated on the Middle deck aft (400 level cabins). We have a range of beverages available (beers, wines, soft drinks and spirits). Opening hours are variable, depending on the activities of the day onboard (e.g. lectures, landings). Opening hours are indicated on daily programmes. |
Dining Room: ‘Ice Culture’
Our Australian and New Zealand chefs will delight you with international cuisine, prepared with the freshest products available. Our chefs onboard can prepare food according to your special dietary needs (providing this information in advance of departure date, specified on the booking form). We regret to inform that Kosher, Halal and Vegan meals are NOT available onboard.
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