Arctic, Russian Arctic
The Northern Sea Route with Heritage Expeditions
The allure of the mysterious Northeast Passage has captivated adventurers for centuries. Its Russian-controlled waters are steeped in history and mystery, while abundant wildlife is found along its remote shores. Only a handful of passenger vessels have ever completed a transit of this waterway, but recent changes in the summer sea ice conditions mean that it is now possible for a brief time each summer. In 2017, we fulfilled our long held ambition of completing a successful Northeast Passage double transit. We are excited to once again be running this geographical odyssey from Anadyr to Murmansk in 2021. Join us as we trace the route of legendary Polar explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiold, navigate narrow fiords, search for unique wildlife, glimpse into the past and experience the warmth of Arctic hospitality in local villages.
Having been sought for centuries by European explorers who hypothesised upon its presence and economic benefits, The Great Northern Expedition of 1733-43, sponsored by Peter the Great, made many significant discoveries, but also revealed the route was not an economic trading proposition.
It wasn’t until 1878-1880 that Swedish explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiold completed the first ever transit proving that the route was navigable, albeit with some difficulty. In 1914-15 Boris Vil’kitskiy, with icebreakers Taymyr and Vaygach, made the second transit of the Northern Sea Route as part of a major push by the Imperial Russian Navy to render it navigable for strategic purposes. The development of the Northern Sea Route became a central objective of the Soviet Union’s policy for its Arctic regions so in 1932 the Northern Sea Route Administration was established.
The vast shallow waters north of Russia, protected by the expansive sea ice that covers the region for most of the year, are a refuge for many Arctic species; Polar Bears roam throughout but there are especially large concentrations on the reserves of Wrangel Island and Franz Josef Land. During our voyage we travel through the ranges of the Pacific, Laptev and Atlantic Walrus and there is the opportunity to encounter these iconic tooth walkers in large haulouts. The triumvirate of Arctic gulls – Ivory, Sabine’s and the elusive Ross’s Gulls all breed on the shores of the Northeast Passage and there are good opportunities to see all three. While Bowhead, Beluga and Narwhal Whales all call these waters home and our naturalists will be keeping close watch.
Venture ashore on some of the least known and seldom visited shores on the planet, Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago was the last major group of islands on earth to be discovered, the New Siberian Islands offer a wealth of opportunities for discovery. Sailing the mythical waters of Chukchi, East Siberian, Laptev, Kara & Barents Sea this is truly a geographic odyssey.
Our vessels were built for navigating passages like this, with Akademik Shokalskiy participating in a Soviet convoy in the late 1980s, and in 2017 transiting the passage twice unassisted with Heritage Expeditions. We invite you to join us on an historic journey to discover High Arctic landscapes that few people have witnessed, enjoy wildlife and wilderness experiences that until now have been the preserve of a few High Arctic explorers and researchers.
Having been sought for centuries by European explorers who hypothesised upon its presence and economic benefits, The Great Northern Expedition of 1733-43, sponsored by Peter the Great, made many significant discoveries, but also revealed the route was not an economic trading proposition.
It wasn’t until 1878-1880 that Swedish explorer Adolf Erik Nordenskiold completed the first ever transit proving that the route was navigable, albeit with some difficulty. In 1914-15 Boris Vil’kitskiy, with icebreakers Taymyr and Vaygach, made the second transit of the Northern Sea Route as part of a major push by the Imperial Russian Navy to render it navigable for strategic purposes. The development of the Northern Sea Route became a central objective of the Soviet Union’s policy for its Arctic regions so in 1932 the Northern Sea Route Administration was established.
The vast shallow waters north of Russia, protected by the expansive sea ice that covers the region for most of the year, are a refuge for many Arctic species; Polar Bears roam throughout but there are especially large concentrations on the reserves of Wrangel Island and Franz Josef Land. During our voyage we travel through the ranges of the Pacific, Laptev and Atlantic Walrus and there is the opportunity to encounter these iconic tooth walkers in large haulouts. The triumvirate of Arctic gulls – Ivory, Sabine’s and the elusive Ross’s Gulls all breed on the shores of the Northeast Passage and there are good opportunities to see all three. While Bowhead, Beluga and Narwhal Whales all call these waters home and our naturalists will be keeping close watch.
Venture ashore on some of the least known and seldom visited shores on the planet, Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago was the last major group of islands on earth to be discovered, the New Siberian Islands offer a wealth of opportunities for discovery. Sailing the mythical waters of Chukchi, East Siberian, Laptev, Kara & Barents Sea this is truly a geographic odyssey.
Our vessels were built for navigating passages like this, with Akademik Shokalskiy participating in a Soviet convoy in the late 1980s, and in 2017 transiting the passage twice unassisted with Heritage Expeditions. We invite you to join us on an historic journey to discover High Arctic landscapes that few people have witnessed, enjoy wildlife and wilderness experiences that until now have been the preserve of a few High Arctic explorers and researchers.
For those departing from Nome,
Alaska, your adventure begins
with a flight across the Bering
Sea to the Anadyr, the capital of
Chukotka and the starting point
for our expedition.
During the flight you will cross
the International Date Line,
arriving into Anadyr on Day 1. It is
advised that you arrive in Nome
the day before or by midday
today at the latest.
Join your ship this afternoon in
Anadyr, the bustling political
and commercial hub of
Chukotka. Once aboard join
your expedition leader for
introductions to the ship, staff
and crew. This evening there
are excellent chances to spot
Beluga Whales as we sail out of
the Anadyr Estuary.
Crossing the Gulf of Anadyr
there will be opportunities for
wildlife watching as well as time
to become familiar with the
ship. This afternoon we plan to
explore the magnificent coastal
cliffs of Preobrazhnaya Bay by
Zodiac, these cliffs are home
to an exceptional diversity and
abundance of seabirds including
Brunnich’s Guillemot, Crested
and Parakeet Auklets plus Tufted
and Horned Puffins.
We visit Whale Bone Alley on
Yttygran Island, one of the
most significant and intriguing
archaeological sites in the Arctic.
The name comes from the large
number of Bowhead Whale jaw
bones placed along the beach
in the form of a pathway. The
site is believed to date from the
14th century and its origins and
purpose and even the identity
of those that built it are still
debated. The waters nearby
remain rich feeding grounds for
whales and weather permitting,
we will look to take the Zodiacs
in search of Gray Whales and
walrus.
This afternoon we plan a landing
at the Gil’mimyl Hot Springs.
Deep within the hills of eastern Chukotka, this is a beautiful
location for exploring the tundra
with its rich plant life and the
chance to see Sandhill Cranes
which usually breed in the area.
Early this morning we will arrive
at Cape Dezhnev, the eastern
extremity of the Eurasian
continent. Named after the
Cossack explorer Semyon
Dezhnev, the first European to
sail through the Bering Strait, it
is sometimes possible to see the
coast of America just 50 nautical
miles away. Ashore, visit the
monument erected in honour
of Dezhnev as well as explore
the remains of the traditional
Chukchi village of Naukan
from which the inhabitants
were resettled in the 1950s. The
Bering Strait is a vitally important
migratory pathway and we may
see flocks of King, Common
and Spectacled Eiders passing
south. A few nautical miles to
the west of Cape Dezhnev is
the village of Uelen; the most
north-eastern village in Russia.
In the afternoon we will get to
enjoy the hospitality of the local
people who are predominantly
Chukchi. The village is the largest
centre for traditional Chukchi
and Inuit art in the world. A
cultural performance and visit
to their famous bone-carving
studio and museum will conclude the afternoon’s activities; works
produced from this studio can
be found in most of the major
Russian museums.
Today we plan to land on
Kolyuchin Island; a 4.2km
long home to thousands of
seabirds just north of the Russian
mainland. Although we will be
visiting after the peak of the
breeding season, there should still
be large numbers of Tufted and
Horned Puffins, Brunnich’s and
Common Guillemots and Black-
legged Kittiwakes. There may
also be an opportunity to Zodiac
cruise around the base of the
cliffs where there are excellent
photographic opportunities. As
we set sail for Wrangel Island join
your expedition team on deck
as there will be good marine
mammal watching opportunities
– Humpback and Bowhead
Whales have been seen in the
area previously.
Wrangel Island is one of those
islands that you have to visit to
appreciate. It is a Federal Nature
Reserve and World Heritage Site
of international significance. Its
significance lies in the fact that
it is a major Polar Bear denning
area and one of the few areas
of the Arctic to not be glaciated
during recent glacial episodes. In fact it is sometimes referred to
as a Polar Bear maternity ward
on account of the large numbers
of cubs born here. In addition
to the Polar Bears for which it is
renowned there are numerous
other Arctic species which we
will be looking for including Musk
Ox, Arctic Fox, Snow Geese and
the Snowy Owls which breed
here annually.
Because Wrangel has not been
recently glaciated the diversity
of tundra flora is exceptional and
during walks ashore we should
see the last flowers of summer.
With three days scheduled to
explore, the expedition team
in conjunction with the local
rangers will customise our
program at Wrangel to deliver
the very best opportunities to
see and appreciate this truly
remarkable island and
its inhabitants.
Join your expedition team to
learn more about the rich history
and wildlife of the Northeast
Passage as our expert lecturers
share their knowledge while
we transit the East Siberian
Sea. This sea is defined by the
Novosibirskie Islands in the west
and Wrangel Island to the east,
along its southern shores are
three of Siberia’s major rivers,
the Indigirka, Alazaya and the Kolyma. The average depth is
only 54 metres making it ideal
habitat for walrus and
Bowhead Whales.
Guarding the eastern
approaches to the Kolyma
Gulf, Ayon Island is relatively
low lying with fertile tundra. The
Chukchi people that call this
island home are reindeer herders
and hunters, during the soviet
era over 20,000 reindeer were
farmed on the island, today it is a
more manageable 4,000. Despite
the harsh Arctic climate, we will
enjoy the warm hospitality of the
local people as we learn about
life on this remote island.
Today we will explore the little
known and seldom visited
Medvezhyi Islands (Bear Islands),
an archipelago of five granitic
islands. As the name suggests,
the islands have a sizeable
population of Polar Bears which
den on these shores over winter.
A landing on the island of
Chetyrekhstolbovoy offers the
opportunity to hike to the unusual
rock ‘pillows’ which the island is
named after, the largest of these
resembling Moai from a distance.
The abandoned weather station
here is a fascinating example of
the effects of permafrost melting
as it slowly slumps into the sea
while the very land upon which
it was built disintegrates. On
Pushkareva Island investigate the
old lighthouse or enjoy the Arctic
flowers that cover the expansive
tundra during the brief summer
It was in this sea that the
Jeanette
, captained by George
Washington De Long, became
stuck fast and was crushed by
ice in 1879. The men made their
way from the sinking ship in open
boats to the Kolmya River delta
where many of them perished.
Wreckage from the
Jeanette
found in Greenland in 1884 gave
Nansen the idea for the now
famous 1893-96
Fram
Expedition
drifting across the Arctic Ocean.
These islands, which consist of
three major groups – Southern,
Central (Anzhu) and Northern (De
Long), mark the border between
the Laptev and East Siberian
Seas. It is from this vicinity that
the famed polar explorer and
researcher Fridtjof Nansen froze
the
Fram
into the sea ice in his
attempt to reach the geographic
North Pole by means of the
natural ice drift of the Arctic
Ocean. The New Siberian Islands
are renowned for the preservation
of the remains of mammoth,
rhinoceros and other Pleistocene
inhabitants of the far north; it is not uncommon to encounter
their fossil remains while we
explore the islands. We have
allowed two days for exploring
this remarkable yet seldom
visited archipelago, conditions
permitting we hope to have the
opportunity to visit all three island
groups, each with their own
unique geology and landscapes.
The highest island in the group
is the small Ostrov Bennetta
(Bennett Island) which is also
one of the most northerly in the
archipelago. On the southern
shores of Great Lyakhovskiy Island
there is an active meteorological
station which is permanently
manned by a small contingent.
This sea is bounded by the
Taymyr Peninsula and the
Severnaya Islands in the west
and the Novosibirskie Islands in
the east. It is named in honour
of cousins who were both Arctic
explorers. The Lena and the Yana
are two of the larger rivers that
drain into this sea.
Along the western shore of and quite isolated population of
walrus. We may also have the
chance to spot the lesser known
Taymyr form of Herring Gull.
We depart from the Laptev Sea
through the Vilkitskiy Strait which
separates the Severnaya Islands
from the mainland of Russia and
also marks the northern most
point of the Eurasian continent.
This is a significant milestone on
our journey, traditionally the last
area where the ice clears and
the biological divide between
the Pacific and Atlantic
Ocean wildlife.
the Laptev Sea we will take
the opportunity to explore the
Taymyr Peninsula. Laptev Sea
Walrus are only found in this area
and we will be on the lookout for
haulouts where we can spend
time photographing this unique
The Severnaya Zemlya Islands
translated into English mean
‘Northern Land’. They are on the
border of the Kara and Laptev
Seas and are an extension of the
Taymyr Peninsula. These islands
were not discovered until 1914-15
when Russian explorer Vilkitski finally
charted the island, this was the last
significant archipelago in the world
to be discovered. The three largest
islands are heavily glaciated with
deep fiords and majestic tidewater
glaciers that are regularly calving
icebergs, providing a magnificent
environment for cruising. This is one
of the last strongholds for Ivory Gulls
and we look for an opportunity to
visit a colony.
Lying between Novaya Zemlaya,
Franz Josef Land and the
Severnaya Zemlya Archipelago
with two of Russia’s greatest
rivers, the Ob and the Yenisei
flowing in along its southern
shore the Kara Sea is generally
considered to be the coldest sea
in Russia. The large relatively flat
Ostrov Vize is along our route to
Franz Josef Land and we will look
to make a landing, conditions
permitting. Interestingly this island was “discovered” by Vladimir
Wiese who postulated on its
presence after analysing the drift
of the
St Anna.
This huge archipelago of 192
islands located only 10 degrees
from the North Pole offers
numerous locations for us to
explore. Closed to outsiders for
decades Franz Josef Land is
today one of the great Arctic
wildlife refuges, its position close
to the permanent ice of the
Arctic Ocean yet accessible to
the rich waters of the Atlantic
gifts these waters an unusual
diversity and abundance of
marine life. The islands were
named in 1870 after Emperor
Franz Josef when they were
discovered by the Payer-
Weyprecht expedition that was
searching for the Northeast
Passage. The islands have a
fascinating and rich record of
exploration, scientific research
and habitation.
During our time here we have
a busy schedule of landings
planned including Cape Triest on
Alger Island where the famous
‘Devil’s Marbles’ (spherical geodes) dot the landscape,
Cape Flora on Northbrook Island
where the remains of three
historic expeditions are found
in close proximity and Tikhaya
Bay on Hooker Island where
the numbers of guillemots and
kittiwakes on the remarkable
columnar cliffs of Rubini Rock are
unforgettable. We also plan to
include a visit to Cape Tegetthoff,
the first part of Franz Josef Land
to be discovered. There is a very
healthy population of Polar Bears
living amongst the archipelago
and we will be keeping a close
lookout for these both ashore
and on any ice which remains.
Sailing within the islands there
are good chances to spot
Beluga Whales and Bowhead Whale and if we are extremely
fortunate we may find the
extraordinary Narwhal with its
unicorn-like single tusk.
The Barents Sea was named
in honour of Dutch seafarer
and navigator, Willem Barents,
who explored this region on
expeditions in 1594 and 1596.
During our two days at sea we
will complete our lecture series
and recap the experiences
of our voyage. As we move
southwards the opportunities
for spotting the large numbers
of Humpback Whales and
Harp Seals that feed in these
waters increase. Approaching
the coast of Russia join your
expedition staff on deck as our
voyage through the fabled
waters of the Northern Sea
Route draws to a conclusion.
Murmansk is home to the Russia’s
icebreaker fleet and featured
as a strategically important port
throughout the history of Russia.
We will disembark the ship in
Murmansk where complimentary
transfers to the airport or central
hotels will be available.
This expedition is subject to
approval from various Russian
Federal and Regional Authorities
and may have to change
depending on these approvals.
Permits have been lodged for all
the sites mentioned in the itinerary,
depending on approvals these
may have to be amended or
substituted. We will endeavour to
keep participants fully informed
of any changes in the itinerary as
and when they occur.
| 08 August, 2022 to 03 September, 2022 | Book now |
Main Deck
$21,900 USD pp
Limited Availability
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Superior
$23,900 USD pp
Limited Availability
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.
Superior Plus
$26,900 USD pp
Limited Availability
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Mini Suite
$27,900 USD pp
Limited Availability
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.
Heritage Suite
$29,900 USD pp
Limited Availability
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.
| 04 September, 2022 to 30 September, 2022 (reverse) | Book now |
Main Deck
$21,900 USD pp
Limited Availability
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk, washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main deck cabins.
Superior
$23,900 USD pp
Limited Availability
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.
Superior Plus
$26,900 USD pp
Limited Availability
Cabins have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, a desk and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.
Mini Suite
$27,900 USD pp
Limited Availability
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.
Heritage Suite
$29,900 USD pp
Limited Availability
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.
Additional charges:
Private charter flight Nome to Anadyr + Local Payment: 1900 USD pp
Spirit of Enderby
Vessel Type: Expedition
Length: 72 metres
Passenger Capacity: 50
Built / refurbished: 1984 / 2018
The Spirit of Enderby is a fully ice-strengthened expedition vessel, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research and is perfect for Expedition Travel.
She carries just 50 passengers and was refurbished in November 2004 to provide comfortable accommodation in twin share cabins approximately half of which have private facilities. All cabins have outside windows or portholes and ample storage space.
On board there is a combined bar/library lounge area and a dedicated lecture room. The cuisine is excellent and is prepared by top NZ and Australian chefs.
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. 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 Captain and crew.
The name Spirit of Enderby honours the work and the vision of the Enderby Brothers of London. The Enderby Captains were at the forefront of Antarctic exploration for almost 40 years in the early 1800’s. It also celebrates Enderby Island, arguably the greatest Subantarctic Island in the world.
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.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin cateogy
• Pre/Post cruise transfers
• Experienced expedition leader and team
• All meals while on board
• All expedition shore excusions
Exclusions
• International and Domestic flights, both commercial and charter
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Beverages on board
• Gratuities
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
• The price listed excludes the additional local payment of $500 which is payable in US$ cash on board the ship.
Expedition
27 Days from
$21,900 USD pp
Highlights
Our Associates Include
