Russian Far East Expedition Cruises View Basket

Discover the most isolated and pristine wilderness regions on the planet

Heritage Expeditions was formed in 1985, as a way of increasing awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel.

It’s founder Rodney Russ was a biologist working for the New Zealand Wildlife Service. Through his work on Kakapo, Black Robin and other endangered species, he appreciated that rather than locking wilderness areas away, it was important to share them with people so that they might become “ambassadors” advocating and supporting conservation efforts. Rodney has long held the view that conservation and responsible travel are partners, that together can achieve what might otherwise be unachievable.

From those small beginnings the company, which is still family owned, operates its own Polar Research Vessel on expeditions to Antarctica, the Subantarctic, through the Pacific and the Russian Far East. Heritage Expeditions also offers cruises to the Pelagic/wildlife-rich Subantarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia as well as the Ross Sea in Antarctica. Each expedition is meticulously planned and led to ensure that passengers (max of 50) take every opportunity they have to learn and experience as much as possible about the region, while at the same time minimising the impact of their visit.

Russian Far East Expedition Cruises include:
Birding the Kuril Islands - Sakhalin to Petropavlovsk Kamchatskiy
Cruise the Ring of Fire - Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy
Across the Top of the World - Nome (Alaska) to Nome (Alaska)
Jewel of the Russian Far East - Nome (Alaska) to Sakhalin

Spirit of Enderby
Heritage Expeditions' vessel, the ‘Spirit of Enderby’ (Professor Khromov), 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. The vessel carries just 50 passengers in very comfortable accommodation - choose from a range of cabin categories from Heritage and Mini-Suites to Superior and Main Deck cabins. The Spirit of Enderby measures 72 metres in length and is fully ice-strengthened.

A message from Rodney Russ on expedition cruises to the Russian Far East:

Dear Traveller,

The expeditions planned for 2010 are the result of a passion and love for the region that began with my first visit and grow stronger with every voyage.

While Russia’s borders officially ‘opened’ in 1991 with the collapse of communism; the lack of infrastructure and transport networks combined with a legacy of complicated bureaucracy ensures that the Russian Far East remains relatively unexplored.

The bulk of the people living in the Russian Far East are concentrated in three cities; Anadyr, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Outside of these cities the region has one of the lowest densities of people anywhere on the planet. The sparse population and geographic isolation help protect a very important asset, true unadulterated wilderness! Russia’s far eastern shores stretch from the high Arctic in the north to the temperate Kuril Islands in the south, and encompass a vast array of habitats and wildlife. Expedition cruising is by far the most cost effective and arguably the best way to discover the land and its local people.

Both our vessel and crew have spent much of their working lives in the region. It is their home; they know it better than anyone. Our office and shipboard staff are equally passionate and determined to ensure that your visit exceeds your expectations. Together we have painstakingly researched each itinerary, obtained the necessary permits and received special permissions from the Russian authorities. Due to the extensive planning and our small ship, with a maximum of just 50 passengers, we can guarantee more landings, longer times ashore and greater freedom to indulge your interests. These key components ensure that the voyages operate smoothly and with the high quality past Heritage Expeditions clients have come to expect.

I hope you can join us.

Rodney Russ - Heritage Expeditions