Shantar Islands: The Bowhead Whale Season

A late-summer expedition from the Sea of Okhotsk coast to the Shantar Islands

About

BBT designed this journey around the late-summer presence of bowhead whales in Wrangel Bay. Seven nights in one private coastal residence give the group time to learn from a marine biologist, watch from shore, listen through a hydrophone and make two planned, specialist-led attempts to enter the water near the whales, subject to safe and permitted conditions. Boat journeys through the Shantar archipelago reveal the wider marine landscape, while warm individual houses make it possible to return from each outing without changing base.

Parameters

Season: August · exact departure dates to be confirmed
Duration: 10 days / 9 nights
Format: One private group · Up to 20 guests
Route: Khabarovsk → Wrangel Bay / Sea of Okhotsk coast → Shantar Islands → Khabarovsk
Airports: Khabarovsk / Khabarovsk
Rhythm: Seven nights at one coastal base; marine outings adapted to conditions
Physical activity: Low to moderate · Boat boarding, coastal walks; swimming and kayaking by choice
Best suited to: Private groups interested in marine wildlife, close observation and time in one remote setting
Est. price per person: $23,500

Day 01: Arrival on the Amur
The journey begins gently in Khabarovsk before the departure for the Okhotsk coast.
Experience
Welcome by the BBT representative; time for the Amur riverfront or rest.
Arrangements
Private airport transfer to historic Parus Hotel; introduction to the expedition team and welcome dinner.
Travellers walking along the embankment above the Amur River in Khabarovsk
Day 02: Flight to Wrangel Bay
A charter helicopter replaces a long overland approach and brings guests directly to the coastal base.
Experience
Flight over taiga, river valleys and the Sea of Okhotsk coastline; first lookout over the bay, where whales may be visible.
Arrangements
Separate heated houses; marine safety briefing and dinner at the residence.
Mi-8 helicopter flying over the forested coast of the Sea of Okhotsk
Day 03: Reading the Whales’ Movements
Observation begins from shore before the group goes onto the water with a marine biologist.
Experience
Learn to recognise a bowhead whale’s blow and direction of travel; guided small-boat outing and underwater listening through a hydrophone.
Arrangements
Local captains choose the viewing position; hot lunch at the residence, optional second shoreline observation.
Guide lowering a hydrophone from a boat as travellers listen in headphones
Day 04: First Planned Swim with Bowheads
The first planned water session is about staying still and letting the whale determine the encounter.
Experience
Equipment fitting and shore practice with insulated wetsuits, masks, snorkels and fins; small-group entry into the bay with specialists, only when permitted and safe.
Arrangements
Dedicated support boats; watching from the boat instead of entering the water is possible; warm return and photographic review with the biologist.
Swimmer in a drysuit in the water near a bowhead whale, with a boat behind
Day 05: A Second Perspective on the Whales
A second planned session gives more time to observe behaviour rather than rush through a single encounter.
Experience
Further small-group water session when conditions allow; possible hydrophone listening; evening whale photo-identification with the biologist.
Arrangements
Insulated swimming equipment and supervising crew; kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding along a sheltered coast by choice after lunch.
Bowhead whale swimming underwater
Day 06: Into the Shantar Archipelago
The focus widens from one whale bay to the islands and marine habitats of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Experience
Enclosed motorboat journey towards Maly Shantar, Belichy or another island area selected by the captain; seabirds, seals and coastal landings where possible.
Arrangements
Lunch ashore or on board according to the route; return to the same private coastal residence.
Expedition boat passing forested cliffs of the Shantar Islands
Day 07: Sea Cliffs, Kayaks and Fishing
A more active island day examines the cliffs, arches and sheltered passages at water level.
Experience
Boat exploration of coastal stacks and rock formations; optional kayak or paddleboard outing; sea fishing with a captain.
Arrangements
Return to the residence for dinner; any catch may be prepared for the meal, but a catch is not promised.
Travellers kayaking towards sea stacks off a rocky coast
Day 08: A Day Reserved for the Sea
A full flexible day allows the specialists to use the best remaining conditions for wildlife or the coast.
Experience
Possible further whale observation, kayak or paddleboard outing, fishing, or tidal-shore walk; photo review and a map of recorded sightings with the biologist.
Arrangements
Guests may stay at the residence and observe the bay; no compulsory sea outing.
Travellers with binoculars watching a whale blow from a pebble beach
Day 09: Back to Khabarovsk
A helicopter journey returns the group from the Okhotsk shore to the Amur River.
Experience
Coastal departure and charter flight over taiga and river valleys.
Arrangements
Private transfer to Parus Hotel, rest time and farewell dinner.
View of a winding taiga river from a helicopter window
Day 10: Departure
Breakfast and a transfer arranged for the flight conclude the journey.
Experience
Departure from Khabarovsk Airport.
Arrangements
Private vehicles and luggage coordination.
Driver opening the door of a black minivan for a traveller