Arrive into Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, the capital and administrative center of the Kamchatka Region, and transfer to the port to board the Spirit of Enderby.

Spend the morning Zodiac cruising on the Zhupanova River. The main target here is the Steller’s sea eagle, and there are usually some occupied nests close to the river. Good numbers of largha seals are also often hauled out on sandbars in the river and you should see a good variety of waterfowl and waders. By late afternoon, the ship should be over deep water heading for the Commander Islands. New species to look for include Laysan albatross, mottled petrel, and the fork-tailed storm petrel. The Kamchatka Trench can also be excellent for cetaceans - previously blue whales have been seen on this crossing.

The wildlife-rich Commander Islands were first discovered by the Commander Vitus Bering when his ship was wrecked here in 1741. Explore the islands through a combination of landings and Zodiac cruises. The first stop is the village of Nikolskoye, where there is an interesting museum. Zodiac cruising is often spectacular - hope to encounter red-faced cormorant, red-legged kittiwake, pigeon guillemot, horned puffin, as well as parakeet, crested and whiskered auklets, and sea otters. Plans also include a ship cruise along the southern coast of Bering Island, as this area is excellent for cetaceans with humpback, sperm, northern minke, orcas and Baird’s beaked whales all regularly encountered.

The proposed landing site is a patchwork of boggy tundra, ponds, and shingle spits where an interesting range of waders can be found including Pacific golden plover, red-necked stint, and red-necked phalarope. Also hope to see bluethroat and Pallas’ reed bunting.

Verkhoturova Island has some huge seabird colonies, and by following a short trail to the cliff top you should be able to enjoy some fantastic views of tufted puffins, Brunnich’s guillemots, pelagic cormorants, and black-legged kittiwakes. Both Steller’s, eider, and harlequin duck occur here too, and you may also see some Steller sea lions, as they are often hauled out on some offshore rocks. Later in the day, there may be either a Zodiac cruise or landing on the Govena Peninsula. Good numbers of brown bears can often be found here.

During these days of the expedition we will travel along this largely unknown part of the coast. It comprises deep forested fiords where we should see brown bears, Red Fox and with luck, mountain sheep and Kamchatka Marmots. In the many lagoons and shallow bays there is a vast array of birdlife including Tundra Bean Goose, Steller’s Eider, Great Knot, Long-tailed Stint, Gyrfalcon, Siberian Accentor and Asian Rosy Finch. This area is also a stronghold of the Kittlitz’s Murrelet and we should see several during our journey. In our previous expeditions we have explored much of this coastline, documenting the distribution and abundance of many species. In 2011 we recorded a previously unknown breeding population of Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Working alongside researchers from BirdLife International and Birds Russia who will be travelling with us, we plan to revisit many of these areas to monitor changes and search for new breeding colonies. There will be unique opportunities for photography, for hiking and ‘birding’ in country where literally only a few ‘westerners’ have ever been and we know there is a rich diversity of species.

Meinypil’gyno, located on a 40 km long shingle spit, is the most important site in the world for breeding spoon-billed sandpiper. Here about ten pairs are monitored by members of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Recovery Taskforce. As guests of the Taskforce, if possible, you may be guided to one of their monitored nests. The area is extremely rich in other wildlife, so you may also find emperor goose, Pacific diver, white-billed diver, and sandhill crane. The lagoon entrance often has largha seal, gray and beluga whales, and a spectacular number of gulls.

At Preobrazheniya Bay we look to Zodiac cruise its spectacular towering granite cliffs home to thousands of nesting birds including Black-legged Kittiwakes, Horned and Tufted Puffins, Common, Brünnich’s and Pigeon Guillemonts, Glaucous and Vega Gulls, Parakeet and Crested Auklets, Northern Fulmars, White Wagtails, Shorttailed Shearwaters and Redthroated Pipit. We will also be looking for Resident Killer Whales/ Orca, known to frequent the coastline.

Yttygran Island is home to the monumental ancient aboriginal site known as Whale Bone Alley, where whale bones stretch along the beach for nearly half a kilometre. There are many meat pits used for storage and other remains of a busy whaling camp that united several aboriginal villages at a time. In one location, immense Bowhead Whale jawbones and ribs are placed together in a stunning arch formation. Gray and Humpback Whales are frequently seen around the island. This afternoon we plan to visit Bukhta Penkingney. This long fiord, cut into the coastline by glaciers, is a popular spot for whale watching. Exploring this scenic location we will be looking for wildlife including brown bear.

Today there will be an opportunity to explore this fascinating former Soviet military port and administrative center. After clearing Russian Customs and Immigration in Provideniya we will set sail for Nome across the Bering Strait. One of the world’s most nutrient-rich stretches of water, each spring the Bering Strait is the scene of one of the planet’s largest wildlife migrations. Beluga, Bowhead and Gray Whales, walrus, Ringed Seals and numerous seabirds are all known to frequent the strait so there is plenty of opportunity for wildlife encounters. Join the expedition team for a recap and disembarkation briefing before enjoying a farewell dinner to celebrate our journey as we sail back across the International Date Line.

Today there will be an opportunity to explore this fascinating former Soviet military port and administrative center. After clearing Russian Customs and Immigration in Provideniya we will set sail for Nome across the Bering Strait. One of the world’s most nutrient-rich stretches of water, each spring the Bering Strait is the scene of one of the planet’s largest wildlife migrations. Beluga, Bowhead and Gray Whales, walrus, Ringed Seals and numerous seabirds are all known to frequent the strait so there is plenty of opportunity for wildlife encounters. Join the expedition team for a recap and disembarkation briefing before enjoying a farewell dinner to celebrate our journey as we sail back across the International Date Line.

After breakfast and clearing US Immigration and Customs formalities it will be time to say our farewells. There will be a complimentary transfer to take you to the airport or a designated central location. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and/or opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.

After breakfast and clearing US Immigration and Customs formalities it will be time to say our farewells. There will be a complimentary transfer to take you to the airport or a designated central location. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and/or opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed.