Heritage Expeditions

Where Russia's Day Begins:

Day 1
Transfer from your hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to the Port of Korsakov to join our vessel. We depart late morning bound for Kunashir Island. This afternoon there will be introductions to the staff and important background information on this expedition.

Day 2 
We arrive at Kunashir Island about midday and the Kurilsky Zapovednik (Reserve). The Zapovednik has unusually beautiful landscapes including the commanding presence of Tatya Volcano, there are unique floral and faunal communities and it has been nominated as a World Heritage Site.  We spend the afternoon in the reserve exploring the rich biodiversity.

Day 3
At sea this morning we continue northwards through waters rich in marine life including Sperm Whales. Later we explore Chirpoy Island, dramatic headlands rise out of the ocean covered in kittiwakes, guillemots and puffins all clamouring to complete their breeding season. Sheltered coves give opportunities to explore and botanise on the lower slops of the still active volcano.

Day 4
At the northern end of Simushir Island there is a huge caldera that was once a large Soviet Union submarine base. The now abandoned village of Krateruyi lies on the slopes of Karlomyy Volcano. We explore the village and the surrounding region through the regenerating forest and the fellfield vegetation.
This afternoon we sail north to the Island of Yankicho in the Ushishir group where the landing and birdlife is nothing short of spectacular. This island must be considered alongside the great seabird islands of the world. Outside the caldera towering cliffs are obscured by birds clinging to the narrow ledges. Inside the caldera is home to uncountable masses of Crested, Whiskered and Parakeet Auklets. Arctic foxes patrol the area and sulfurous geothermal activity completes an other worldly experience.

“The sound is like a symphony, as if each bird contributes a different note – fulmar, puffin, auklet and murre…..” 

Day 5
We explore Atlasova Island this afternoon. It is the northern most island in the Kuril Islands, it also has the highest volcano. Mt Alaid (2339 metres) is active and erupted as recently as 1971.   At the foot of the mountain lies the remains of a “forced labour” camp.

Day 6
This afternoon we sail into Russkaya Fiord just one of a number of spectacular fiords on the Kamchatka Peninsula. We plan an expedition landing here. It will be an opportunity to explore the coast either on foot or by zodiac. 

Day 7
The Kronotsky State Biosphere Preserve is one of the oldest reserves in Russia. It was established in 1882 and showcase’s all that is Kamchatka. It is also home to a vast variety of flora and fauna. Our time ashore will have opportunities to enjoy the wildlife which could include brown bears and Steller’s Sea Eagles.

Day 8
Today we are at sea as we cruise north east from Kamchatka to the Commander Islands. This is an opportunity to catch up on notes, attend lectures in preparation for our visit to these islands and enjoy some seabird watching from the bridge or simply relax in the library. As we cross the Kuril – Commander Trench the marine mammals are also worth watching for.

Day 9
The Commander Islands are named after the famed Danish Captain and explorer Commander Vitus Bering whose expeditions in this part of the world are legendary. He was shipwrecked and eventually died of scurvy on the Commander Islands in 1741. Not only are these islands rich in history they are home to a huge number of bird species including horned and tufted puffins, crested and parakeet auklets, thickbilled murres, red-legged kittiwakes, and redfaced cormorants.  We may also see harbour seals, Steller’s sealions and northern fur seals.

Day 10 
Today we cruise north westward towards the Goven Peninsula and the Koryaksky Preserve. This outstanding and internationally important Preserve is managed by the World Wide Fund for Nature and will be one of the highlights of our journey.

Day 11 and 12
Koryaksky Preserve protects a wide array of habitats from raised beach plains to steep glaciated mountains while the surrounding waters house a rich diversity of marine life including species such as Steller’s Eider and Kittlitz’s Murrelet. Ashore wetland areas provide an internationally important refuge for migrating birds. Our two days in the region give ample opportunity to explore a range of habitats as well as look for elusive Snow Sheep or encounter the Brown Bears which inhabit this wilderness.

Day 13
We continue north towards Bukta Natalii. The coastline is incised by deep bays and fiords. Ashore the taiga and tundra communities mingle amidst a backdrop of glaciated snow-capped peaks. Nearby Ostrov Bogoslova is a haven for a multitude of seabirds and many Pacific Walrus also frequent the area.

Day 14
At sea today as we follow the coastline north past Cape Gavriila, named after Bering’s ship St Gabriel. Grey whales frequent this area and because of the strong tides, there is often an abundance of food in the water and there are numerous seabirds feeding here. 

Day 15
Arakamchechen archipelago will be another highlight of the expedition. As recently as 1976 Russian anthropologists discovered an astonishing ancient memorial site nicknamed “whale bone alley” on Yttygran Island.  This ceremonial site has immense jawbones and ribs of bowhead whales placed together in a stunning arch formation. Today the surrounding waters are rich in marine life with Walrus and Grey Whales.

Day 16
We sail into the upper reaches of Anadyrskiy Bay with our passage marked by the capes and headlands we pass on the starboard side.

Day 17
From Egvekinot, a small port in Kresta Bay, there is a road running inland across the tundra of the inland plains where the reindeer herders graze their herds in the summer months. We plan a day trip by Russian Ural buses into this region so you can explore and appreciate the vastness and beauty of the region, see the many tundra plants and hopefully meet up with a group of nomadic reindeer herders.

Day 18
We arrive at the town of Anadyr, one of the earliest settlements of the region. Formerly a trading post this town is now the administrative centre of the Chukokta Autonomous region.  We disembark the vessel here, in time for you to explore the town and the very good museum. There is a modern airport with good connections to Moscow and other cities. 

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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Spirit of Enderby ©

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 Deck
  Middle Deck
  Lower Deck

• Heritage Suite
• Mini Suite
• Superior Plus
• Superior

• Main Deck
• Main Deck Triple
• Bar/Lounge
• Dining Room

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:

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.