Heritage Expeditions Russian Far East 2012

THE RUSSIANFAR EAST 2012

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Welcome Aboard,Russia is a huge country, covering nine time zones. In Chukotka – the north-eastern most region of Russia, they have a saying “God is a long way up there, but Moscow is even further away” that is true in so many respects. The Russian Far East is unique, the culture, the climate, the history, the wildlife; it is a world away from the Russia you might have explored.At Heritage Expeditions we have had a long association with the Russian Far East. Since 1993 when we began chartering our ship from this region, we listened to our crew’s accounts of the magnificent wildlife and wilderness so eight years ago decided to see the region for ourselves. The stories were true! It is an incredibly amazing place and we are eager to share it with like-minded adventurers. Travellers who are looking for a genuine experience, a journey not a tour, a destination which hasn’t been organised and commercialised, a wilderness where we must travel on natures terms and not on timetables.

We pioneered Expedition Cruising to the Subantarctic and Antarctica. It is also the perfect style of travel for the Russian Far East, where there are virtually no roads and very little infrastructure. We have developed strong relationships, with individuals and organisations that make our expeditions possible. We have made a conscious effort to ensure that they benefit the local communities. We use local services and employ local people where possible.In this brochure you will find five very unique expeditions, all exploring a different part of the Russian Far East from the Kuril Islands and Sea of Okhotsk in the south, to Wrangel Island in the north.It is impossible to single out one expedition – as being better than the other. If you are not sure which is the most suitable expedition for you, please check our website for this past season’s trip logs for an idea of what we accomplished or I invite you to write to me personally on [email protected] . If you like travelling with a purpose, we encourage you to consider joining our ‘Sea Otter Survey’ in the Kuril Islands, this is a genuine research expedition in which you will be assisting Russian biologists. For sheer numbers and diversity of bird and mammal species our ‘Birding the Russian Far East’ is unequalled. For those true pioneer travellers, we recommend our ‘Sea of Okhotsk’ expedition, the few westerners who have been lucky enough to venture into this remote region west of the Kamchatka Peninsula have reported spectacular wildlife, not only birds but cetaceans. Our expedition ‘In the Wake of Bering – In search of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper’ continues our unique and very successful association with BirdLife International and I recommend it to anybody who is remotely interested in waders, wetlands and wildlife conservation. Our ‘Across the Top of the World’ expedition is getting rave reviews with reports of over 180 Polar Bears sighted on just one expedition and similar numbers on the others. Lastly, we are offering a small group of five intrepid travellers, the truly unique opportunity to join Wrangel Island Rangers on a month-long expedition that includes an in-depth trans-Wrangel overland journey. This year I had the unforgettable experience of living on the island for almost a month as a guest of the Reserve and can honestly say, I have not experienced anything comparable anywhere in the world. I hope you will join us!

Rodney RussFounder of Heritage Expeditions

3Freephone: 0800 262 8873 (within NZ) 1800 143585 (within Australia) www.heritage-expeditions.com [email protected]

Index

Sea of Okhotsk

Pacific OceanSakhalin Is.

Kuril Islands

Kamchatka

Chukotka

Wrangel Is.

Anadyr

Nome

Commander Is.

Bering Sea

RUSSIAN FAR EAST(Eastern Siberia)

Van KaremUelen

Lavrentiya

Provideniya

Cape Navarin

Bukhta Natalii

Govena Peninsula

Karaginskiy Is.

Ust Kamchatsk

Kronotskiy

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy

Paramushir Is.

Onekotan Is.

Matua Is.

Simushir Is.

Urup Is.

Iturup Is.

Hokkaido

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Magadan

Yankicha Is.

Vestnik Bay

Zhupanova River

ALASKA

Herald Is.

Cape Dezhnev

Ossora

Pil’tun Bay

Iony Is.

Shantar Archipelago

FedoraBay

Okhotsk

Cape Yuzhnyy

ShelikhovGulf

Opala River

Kunashir Is.

Birding the Russian Far EastThe Kurils, Commander Islands and Kamchatka

Sea Otter SurveyThe Kuril Islands and Kamchatka

Sea of OkhotskSea of Okhotsk and Kamchatka

In the Wake of Bering In search of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper

Across the Top of the World To Wrangel and Herald Islands

This Page: Swimming Polar Bear Photo credit: Jenny E Ross.Cover: Spirit of Enderby and Walrus Photo credit: Aaron Russ

Freephone: 0800 262 8873 (within NZ) 1800 143585 (within Australia) www.heritage-expeditions.com [email protected]

Page 4 Introduction to Expedition Cruising

Page 5 Responsible Travel Policy / Conservation

Page 6 Expedition Staff / Getting to and from the Russian Far East

Page 7 Vessel: Spirit of Enderby

Page 8 Expedition: Sea Otter Survey The Kuril Islands and Kamchatka Dates: 9th - 26th May 2012

Page 10 Expedition: Birding the Russian Far East The Kurils, Kamchatka and Commander Islands Dates: 26th May - 8th Jun 2012

Page 12 Expedition: Sea of OkhotskThe Sea of Okhotsk and Kamchatka Dates: 7th - 24th Jun 2012

Page 14 Expedition: In the Wake of Bering In search of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Dates: 24th Jun - 8th Jul 2012

Page 16 Expedition: Across the Top of the World To Wrangel and Herald Islands Dates: 25th Jul - 8th Aug 2012 / 8th - 22nd Aug 2012

Page 18 Spoon-billed Sandpiper Project / Wrangel Island Extensions

Page 20 Essential Information / Booking your trip

Page 21 Booking form

Page 22 Booking terms and conditions

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IntroductIon to expedItIon cruIsIng

Zodiac Cruising Photo credit: Aaron Russ

The spirit of adventure and exploration is being suffocated by jet liners and large cruise ships. This, at a time when an increasing number of people are looking for a genuine wilderness and wildlife adventure. Expedition Cruising still provides genuine travellers (not tourists) opportunities to go where few people have been and to share experiences that few people will have had.

Expedition Cruising enables us to go to places that are inaccessible to most other forms of travel, it doesn’t discriminate, is available to people from all walks of life and can be enjoyed regardless of age or gender. The spirit of adventure generated by Expedition Cruises brings people together in a unique and fulfilling way.

Expedition Cruising is generally done on smaller sized vessels to avoid the negative impacts from large groups of people on a culture or on an ecosystem. Smaller groups mean more time ashore and a more genuine experience whether it is in a wilderness or enjoying a cultural exchange in a remote village or town. Expedition ships are designed to navigate where the larger ships can’t go and to land you with Zodiacs in places where few travellers have been before.

The objective of Expedition Cruising, apart from having an enjoyable time, is to create a learning environment. Our staff are teachers and interpreters not entertainers. Expedition Cruising creates wonderful ambassadors for conservation.

The Russ family through Heritage Expeditions pioneered Expedition Cruising in the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, the Ross Sea region of Antarctica and more recently the Russian Far East. They are committed to conservation through advocacy and education and believe that Expedition Cruises can deliver on that and at the same time provide participants with a memorable travel experience. With Heritage Expeditions there is no need to sacrifice comfort and quality of food or accommodation.

Our vessel the Spirit of Enderby, accommodating just 50 passengers, is comfortable and functional, having all the attributes that make it the perfect expedition ship. It is one of the last family operated expedition ships of its size and type in the world.


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responsIble travel polIcyTravelling with Heritage Expeditions is to travel responsibly. As biologists and ornithologists, we are intimately aware of the many issues that confront animals and their habitats, the world’s oceans and isolated ethnic groups. We also take action: we actively contribute to the conservation of the places we visit in several ways; we ‘buy local’ and employ locally; we make sure that travellers are respectful of local customs and traditions; and we dispose of waste responsibly.

conservatIonHeritage Expeditions supports conservation by providing advocacy through responsible travel and providing funds and logistical support for research and management. For our Russia 2012 season we have continued our association with BirdLife International as a Species Champion for the Critically Endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper. In addition to our providing transport and logistics for several researchers, we are committed to making financial contributions as a company and welcome our guests to join us in support of this programme. 100% of the money donated will be spent on BirdLife International’s activities preventing extinction. 70% goes to the Spoon-billed Sandpiper conservation project directly and 30% is retained and pooled with other contributions to fund three other vital aspects of BirdLife International’s work:1. To fund vital development of conservation (capacity) for Critically Endangered species who do not yet receive support.

2. A contribution to the BirdLife Partnership’s International Science, Policy, Advocacy, Conservation and Coordination work that underpins the programme.

3. Vital communications and publicity that raises international awareness of the extinctions crisis and promotes the programme to help recruit new BirdLife Species Champions.

We also make significant annual contributions to the New Zealand Department of Conservation, the Tasmanian National Parks and Wildlife Service, Antarctic Heritage Trust and the Russian State Reserve Agency. In addition to these contributions, Heritage Expeditions provides transport of freight and personnel to and from nature reserves. We support the New Zealand Meteorological Service and non-governmental research agencies, including the World Wildlife Fund (Russia) and the University of Canterbury. For the 2012-2013 season we have chosen our January Antarctic voyage to promote as well as collect and submit donations for The Last Ocean Charitable Trust. The organisation was established in August 2009 to raise awareness of the unique values of the Ross Sea. We travel in small groups and endeavour to maintain a guide to client ratio of 1:12. Each expedition is led by an experienced Expedition Leader who is familiar with the region being visited. When selecting our specialist expedition equipment, vehicles and vessels, we research carefully to ensure that they are the most suitable and environmentally responsible. All waste generated on our expeditions is disposed of in a responsible manner: on board it is treated as prescribed by MARPOL, and on land expeditions recycling is encouraged. Non-recyclable waste is brought back for disposal at approved sites.Heritage Expeditions owns and is covenanted to protect an area of native forest in New Zealand. We employ a part-time Conservation Officer for the purposes of predator control and native species replanting. We partner with the Enderby Trust to provide scholarships for young people, who could not otherwise afford to travel, to join our expeditions. Heritage Expeditions holds active membership in a number of conservation and travel organisations including the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) which promotes responsible travel to Antarctica.


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expedItIon staff

gettIng to and from russIa

As a family-owned and operated company, there will almost certainly be a Russ family member on board in a leadership role. We have also assembled a world renowned team of experts to experience Russia’s wilderness with you and to interpret the natural and human history along the way.

Adam Walleyn born in the Canadian Prairies, he has found his niche in Expedition Travel as a guide and naturalist. Knowledgeable and unflappable he is the perfect guide and companion to travel these remote shores with. He returns to the Russian Far East for another season – because in his words “there is still so much more to see and share”.

Chris Collins an accountant turned ‘birder’ is no stranger to Heritage Expeditions or to the Russian Far East. His enthusiasm is infectious and his knowledge inexhaustible. He has guided in Antarctica, the Southern Ocean, Pacific Ocean and the Russian Far East. When he is not guiding on the ship you will find him ‘birding’ somewhere around the globe.

Nathan Russ the younger of Rodney’s two sons studied in the hospitality industry and worked on a number of expedition vessels around the world as a chef. A keen and capable Expedition Leader, he has led numerous expeditions, including Spitsbergen, Antarctica the Subantarctic Islands as well as all of our voyages in Russia. When not Expedition Leading he is managing the company’s vessel.

Aaron Russ has grown up surrounded by wildlife and wilderness. He has been Expedition Leader on over 100 expeditions to the world’s most remote regions from the Deep South to the Northern Arctic. With a degree in zoology, a passion for photography and a desire to showcase the world’s premier natural history destinations, Expedition Leading comes naturally.

Rodney Russ is arguably one of the most experienced Expedition Leaders in the world. He pioneered Expedition Cruising in Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia; for the last 8 years he has been working in the Russian Far East to develop sustainable travel, to what he claims is one of the world’s most remarkable regions.

Dr Evgeny Syroechkovskiy studied bio-geography at Moscow State University and has spent 22 field seasons working on conservation projects in the Russian Arctic. A pre-eminent Russian Arctic ornithologist having worked for the Russian Academy of Sciences for over 20 years, he now leads ‘Birds Russia’, a BirdLife partner and key conservation NGO.

Julia Mishina was born, bred and educated in Kamchatka. Her first vocation was teaching but she has been involved in travel and tourism for a number of years. She is responsible for the permits and permissions required to operate our expeditions and regularly joins us on board as Assistant Expedition Leader facilitating the day-to-day operation.

Katya Ovsyanikova a biology graduate from Moscow State University. She has lived and worked in the Russian Far East from an early age, her parents are High Arctic biologists. Passionate is the only word to describe her love of this region and its wildlife. She has worked for Heritage Expeditions for a number of seasons.

Dr Christoph Zöckler studied biology in Germany and Scotland; now living in Cambridge, England. He has over 25 years’ work experience including 11 years with WWF Germany and 14 years with the UNEP-WCMC in Cambridge. In the last 16 years he has focused his work on conservation in the Arctic and the region’s migratory water birds.

Marie Kospartov an Australian tropical marine biologist that has found that there is life beyond warm water (and Australia). Her passion for Russia and its history, its people and its language is infectious. In her role as Cruise Director, Marie manages the hotel department ensuring that time on board is an enjoyable and relaxing time.

Travelling to and from the Russian Far East is not difficult or complicated. But you do need to plan in advance. Heritage Expeditions staff are in regular contact with a number of airlines that can provide safe and reliable connections to the three main gateway cities that we use for the expeditions featured in this brochure.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk From EuropE: There are two airlines (Aeroflot and Transaero) offering direct nonstop flights on a regular basis from Moscow. From AmEricA And AustrAlAsiA: There are a number of airlines (Vladivostok Air and S7) offering direct flights from China, Korea and Japan or alternatively you can transit through either Vladivostok or Khabarovsk.

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy From EuropE: There are direct nonstop flights available from Moscow with a number of different airlines. (for example, Aeroflot)From AmEricA And AustrAlAsiA: You need to transit through Vladivostok or Khabarovsk from either Korea or China.

Anadyr From EuropE: There are two airlines that offer regular flights from Moscow. Transaero has a nonstop flight and Yakutia Air has a flight via Yakutsk. From AmEricA: We are offering a limited number of seats on a special charter flight(s) to and from Nome for our ‘Across the Top of the World’ expeditions. From AustrAlAsiA: You can either travel via the USA to connect with our charter flight(s) from Nome or transit through Khabarovsk. For more information please contact our staff.


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The Spirit of Enderby is the complete expedition vessel, built in 1984 for polar and oceanographic research; she is fully ice-strengthened.

Refurbished in November 2009 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.

This class of vessel is world renowned for Polar Expedition Cruising because of its strength, manoeuvrability and small passenger numbers. With a maximum of 50 passengers on Heritage Expedition voyages we are one of the few remaining companies still offering the true small ship experience.

the spIrIt of enderby

Heritage Suite: Has a large lounge area, a separate bedroom with double bed, a single bed in the lounge, writing desk, wardrobe, drawers. There is a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. There are large forward and side facing windows to allow great views.

Mini Suites: Have a separate bedroom with a double bed and a single bed or a sofa in the lounge, wardrobe, drawers, desk and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. The Mini Suites have windows.

Superior Plus cabins: Have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, desk and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Superior cabins: Have bunks (an upper and lower berth), wardrobe, drawers, desk and private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin. These cabins have windows.

Main Deck cabins: Have two lower berths, wardrobe, drawers, desk and washbasin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main Deck cabins. These cabins have a porthole.

Main Deck Triple: Has one bunk (one upper and one lower) and one lower berth, wardrobe, drawers, desk and wash basin. The nearby showers and toilets are shared with other Main Deck cabins. This cabin has a porthole.

Cabin categories:

400 level

500 levelBridge

200 level

300 level - Main Deck

sea otter surveythe kurIl Islands and kamchatka

Sea Otter Photo credit: Mike Baird

Heritage Expeditions is offering you the chance to be a part of a genuine conservation and research project. Over the many years that our family company has been involved with conservation agencies in Eastern Russia, we have been overwhelmed by their unfailing support for our expeditions and advocacy in the region. They have helped us to develop a world class natural history experience that we offer to you and to others like you around the world. We feel it is now time to give something back.

Beginning in the southern Kuril Islands, the survey will work its way north over 18 days to the wild Kamchatka Peninsula. Led by otter biologist and specialist Katya Ovsyanikova, the team will include world-renowned professionals who will perform a much-needed population census, collect genetic material and carry out surveys of the food resources available to Sea Otters.

Your participation will be invaluable, joining the search teams in Zodiacs or on shore patrols to try and establish exactly how many animals there are. When you are not helping Katya’s specialists, there will be opportunities for birding, botanising, photography and hiking – or to simply enjoy the rugged beauty of these remote volcanic islands.

There is also the opportunity for divers to join an underwater search team to undertake bottom sampling. We can accommodate only two divers for the underwater survey; they must be qualified to PADI Rescue standard or its equivalent.

We need your help... and so do the Sea Otters of the Kuril Islands and Kamchatka.


ITINERARY Day 1: Sakhalin IslandThe team will meet together in the Port town of Korsakov on the southern coast of Sakhalin Island. We will transfer to the nearby city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to the Port of Korsakov where you will be welcomed on board the Spirit of Enderby. Once we are all on board we will depart for the Kuril Islands.With the exact location of the Sea Otters we will be surveying unknown and unpredictable weather conditions this itinerary will work as a guide. But we will assess the conditions daily and take every opportunity to make landings and launch the Zodiacs.Day 2: Kunashir IslandWe will make a visit to the southern most of the Kuril Islands. There will be an opportunity for a landing with the rangers from the Kurilsky Nature Reserve showing us around.The Reserve covers an extensive area of woodland and is home to an array of bird species. Overhead and along a nearby river we should find good numbers of White-tailed Eagle as this species can be particularly numerous here and previous expeditions have recorded up to 25 individuals. The rangers will then join us on board and proceed to the Small Kuril Chain.Days 3 to 4: Kurilsky Nature ReserveWe begin looking for Sea Otters, you will be divided into search teams, some of the search teams will be land based, and others will be assigned to searching via sea using our Zodiacs.There are conflicting reports of the occurrence and numbers of Sea Otters from these islands. This remote part of the Reserve has rarely been visited for the past 10 years; so apart from offering an exciting opportunity for us to explore we would be providing a valuable source of information for the Nature Reserve.Days 5 to 6: Iturup IslandWe will make our way to Iturup Island, where we aim to spend the next two days.Prior to the Second World War Iturup, plus a number of other islands, formed the ‘Northern Territories’ of Japan. However, when the Japanese surrendered, Soviet forces seized these islands. Although the population is very low, they are

Spirit of Enderby Photo credit: Philip Game

Additional charges:Landing Fees/Local Payment not applicable (All prices per person in USD)Price Includes: Pre/Post cruise transfers and all shore excursions. All on board ship accommodation and meals.Price Excludes:All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.

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Twin share with Private Facilities

Twin share with Shared Facilities

#1221 9th - 26th May 2012 5,850 4,900

now predominantly peoples of Russian descent, further complicating the ongoing territorial dispute between the two countries.We plan to search the coastline of this island by Zodiac. Due to the topography of this region there are limited opportunities for land based searching. We plan to rotate the search teams in the Zodiacs. Days 7 to 8: Urup IslandOver the next two days we will spend our time around Urup Island, where some Sea Otters were reported during previous expeditions.There will be an opportunity to utilise both sea and land search teams. There are some interesting landscapes and wildlife on the island for those who would like to spend some time ashore.Days 9 to 10: Simushir IslandOn Simushir Island we plan to utilise both Zodiacs and land based search teams, to search the extensive coastline. Preliminary search attempts here in 2011 showed a reasonable distribution and numbers of Sea Otters.We will try to allow all members of the search teams to visit the abandoned military base of Kraternoye in the caldera at the northern end of the island. There are also some small Steller Sea Lion haul outs on the rocks along the coast.Days 11 to 12: Ketoy, Matua, Shiashkotan and Ekarma IslandWe focus our surveys on the central Kuril Islands of Ketoy, Matua, Shiashkotan and Ekarma. They are relatively small compared to the islands we will have previously looked at, so if we have some time we may enjoy Zodiac cruising around some of the extensive bird colonies that are found on these central islands and possibly some landings.Day 13: Onekotan IslandWe plan to survey Onekotan Island using both Zodiac and land based search teams. There may also be the opportunity to walk to the Black Lake from Nemo Bay where the wildflowers of spring will hopefully be in full bloom. There are Red Foxes on the island that are seen quite often on this walk, and also some remains of the Japanese occupation dating from the beginning of 20th century and also evidence of ancient Ainu dwellings.

Days 14 to 16: Paramushir, Atlasova and Shumshu IslandsWe take on our greatest challenge with surveys of Paramushir, Atlasova and Shumshu Islands. These islands are known to have the largest concentration of Sea Otters in the Kurils. Now there appear to be some dramatic changes in the population dynamics, so it is unclear what the present situation is. It is really important to cover as much area as we can so we plan to utilise both land and Zodiac search teams to survey the area.Day 17: Cape LopatkaWe will use the last day of the survey to check the coast line from Cape Lopatka, on the southern tip of the Kamchatka Peninsula, to Avacha Bay. There should be quite a few Sea Otters scattered in this area, but the shallow waters go far offshore, so we will try to spread our efforts.If conditions are suitable there will be a chance to view and photograph a number of seabird species including Puffins, Guillemots and Auklets. We will also survey the Utashud Islands which lie offshore of the Kamchatka Peninsula.Day 18: Petropavlovsk-KamchatskiyDuring the night the Spirit of Enderby will enter Avacha Bay which is one of the greatest natural harbours in the world. We will disembark the ship mid-morning at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy and there will be a transfer to either a the city or the airport.

bIrdIng the russIan far eastthe kurIls, kamchatkaand commander Islands

Horned Puffin Photo credit: Jenny E Ross.

Stretching northwards for over 700 miles from Japan to the southern end of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Kuril Islands were formed by the collision of the Pacific and Eurasian plates creating a chain of over 30 volcanic islands and an oceanic trench which reaches depths of over 8,000 metres.

The combination of deep water upwelling and the mixing of the cold waters from the Sea of Okhotsk with the warmer Pacific Ocean create ideal conditions for seabirds and the area is one of the richest in the world, both in terms of the number of species which can be seen and their sheer abundance. For many birders, the undoubted highlight are the Auks and during our voyage it is possible to see up to 14 species including Tufted and Horned Puffins, Parakeet, Whiskered and Rhinoceros Auklets, as well as Spectacled and Pigeon Guillemots. Other seabirds we regularly encounter include Laysan Albatross, Mottled Petrel, Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel, Red-faced Cormorant, Red-legged Kittiwake and Aleutian Tern, making this a truly ’must do’ trip for keen sea birders.

As we head north up the Kuril chain and then explore the Commander Islands and Kamchatka, the scenery and vegetation change markedly, giving us the opportunity to look for an exciting range of land birds. For many, the highlight is the truly stunning Steller’s Sea Eagle which breeds at a number of locations we plan to visit, although there are plenty of other special species including Rock Sandpiper, Mongolian Plover, Pechora Pipit, Japanese Robin, Siberian Rubythroat, Red-flanked Bluetail, Long-tailed Rosefinch and Black-faced Bunting.

The seas are also extremely rich in cetaceans and on recent expeditions we have seen Blue, Fin, Sperm, Humpback and Grey Whales as well as Orca (Killer Whale), Baird’s Beaked Whale and Dall’s Porpoise.

The birds, cetaceans, wild flowers and dramatic scenery make this territory truly unique and by joining this expedition you will have the opportunity to visit a region few have had the privilege to experience.


Additional charges:Landing Fees $ 500pp (All prices per person in USD)Price Includes: Pre/Post cruise transfers and all shore excursions. All on board ship accommodation and meals.Price Excludes:All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.

ITINERARY Day 1: Petropavlovsk-KamchatskiyArrive into Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, and transfer to a centrally located hotel.Day 2: Petropavlovsk-KamchatskiyThe morning will be free for you to explore the city. In the afternoon board the Spirit of Enderby and leave Avacha Bay, this is one of the greatest natural harbours in the world. As we cruise from the bay,Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel and Red-legged Kittiwake are amongst the likely sightings.We may also encounter some cetaceans and have twice seen Blue Whale in these waters.Day 3: At seaWe have a day at sea as we cruise towards The Commander Islands. The waters we are cruising through are renowned for cetaceans including Blue, Fin, Humpback and Sperm Whales During the crossing there will be our first opportunity to see birds such as Red-legged Kittiwake, Tufted Puffin, Ancient Murrelet and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel.Days 4 to 5: Commander IslandsThere are two main islands in the Commander group, Bering and Medny, and during our two days we will explore several sites. While ashore, we stand an excellent chance of finding Rock Sandpiper, Mongolian Plover, Pechora Pipit and Grey-crowned Rosy-Finch, as well as the endemic subspecies of Arctic Fox. Zodiac cruising can be extremely rewarding here with Whiskered, Least and Parakeet Auklets all possible as well as the range-restricted Red-legged Kittiwake.The area is also extremely rich in marine mammals and previous voyages have encountered Sperm, Humpback, Northern Minke and Baird’s Beaked-Whales, as well as Orcas, Steller Sea Lions, Northern Fur Seals and Sea Otters.Day 6: Zhupanova RiverWe will spend several hours in the Zodiacs cruising on the Zhupanova River where we should get great looks at Steller’s Sea Eagles; the birds often perch in the trees adjacent to the river. Other highlights should include Pacific Diver, Far Eastern Curlew, Glaucous-winged Gull, Aleutian Tern and Yellow-breasted Bunting.

Kittiwakes on Bering Island Photo credit: Jenny E Ross

Day 7: Bukhta RusskayaOn our 2009 expedition we discovered several pairs of the critically endangered Kittlitz’s Murrelet in this fiord and we plan to look for these as well as Long-billed Murrelet which also occurs here.There is at least one active nest of the spectacular Steller’s Sea Eagle in the bay and while ashore we will look for Lanceolated Warbler, Oriental Greenfinch and Rustic Bunting.Day 8: Atlasova and Onekotan IslandsDuring the morning we plan to land at Atlasova Island where there is a colony of Red-faced Cormorants. Other species that can be found here include Long-toed Stint, Falcated Duck, Arctic Warbler, Brown-headed Thrush and Siberian Rubythroat.In the afternoon, we land on the northern end of Onekotan we will walk to a nearby lake through meadows of wild flowers where we could find Buff-bellied Pipit, Pine Grosbeak and Japanese Grey Bunting.Day 9: Ekarma and Toporkovy Islands We plan a Zodiac cruise off Ekarma where hundreds of thousands of Northern Fulmars breed. We should also see various alcids, with close looks at Tufted Puffin and Whiskered Auklet highly likely.During the afternoon we will cruise off Toporkovy where we can expect to find Harlequin Ducks, Red-faced Cormorants, Tufted Puffins and Brunnich’s Guillemots and ashore could encounter Grey-tailed Tattler, Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler and Black-faced Bunting.Day 10: Yankicha and Simushir IslandsOur visit to Yankicha Island is likely to be one of the highlights of the voyage as the numbers of alcids which breed here are incredible, with spectacular concentrations of Crested and Whiskered Auklets. We should also see Parakeet Auklet, Horned Puffin and Pigeon Guillemot.We will enter a flooded caldera at the northern end of Simushir Island where there was once a Soviet submarine base; now abandoned. In the surrounding area, likely species include Siberian Rubythroat, Eurasian Nutcracker, Pine Grosbeak and Japanese Grey Bunting.

Day 11: Chirpoy and Urup IslandsAn early morning landing or Zodiac cruise at Chirpoy Island where there are some dramatic headlands covered in breeding seabirds.As we cruise south, Long-billed Murrelet, Pelagic Cormorant and Laysan Albatross are possible, as are Dall’s Porpoise, Sperm Whale and Orca.Later in the day, we will land at Urup, where new species could include Latham’s Snipe, Brown-headed Thrush, Siberian Rubythroat and Grey-bellied Bullfinch.Day 12: Iturup IslandThe waters off Iturup can be excellent for the localised Spectacled Guillemot and we plan an early morning Zodiac cruise to search for this species.After breakfast, buses will take us into the volcanic highlands of Iturup where Brown Dipper, Arctic Warbler, Japanese Robin, Pine Grosbeak and Japanese Grey Bunting can be found.

We will also visit the community of Kurilsk where Russet Sparrow and Chestnut-cheeked Starling breed.Day 13: Kunashir IslandAs we approach Kunashir, new seabirds could include Rhinoceros Auklet, Brunnich’s Guillemot and Slaty-backed Gull. The very rare Short-tailed Albatross has also been seen here on two previous expeditions.We plan to visit the Kurilskiy Nature Reserve and explore an extensive area of woodland. Species we could encounter include White-tailed Eagle, Oriental Turtle-Dove, Oriental Cuckoo, Crested Kingfisher, Japanese Bush-Warbler, Eastern Crowned Warbler, Narcissus Flycatcher and Long-tailed Rosefinch. Blakiston’s Fish-Owl breeds on the island and has been seen on one of our expeditions.Day 14: Sakhalin IslandWe land at Korsakov Port and transfer to nearby hotels or to the airport for onward flight.

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#1223 26th May - 8th Jun 2012 10,800 9,900 9,450 8,900 8,300 7,200

sea of okhotskthe sea of okhotsk, and kamchatka

Passengers Zodiac cruising Photo credit: Aleks Terauds

In the language of its indigenous people, the Sea of Okhotsk translates as something like the ‘Sea of Hunters’ or ‘Hunters Sea’. It’s our first indication of the abundance of wildlife in the region and despite the hunting that has gone on over the years, this sea remains one of the richest in the world – but there is so little known about it. To our knowledge, this is only the second expedition of its kind to visit the region: the freshwaters of the Amur River flow into the vast, naturally-sheltered sea and freeze into ice-floes that make it impassable for much of the year.

Dominating the Northwest Pacific, the sea is bounded to the north and west by the Russian continent and the Kamchatka Peninsula to the east, while the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin Island guard the southern border. Its coasts were home to a number of indigenous peoples: the Nivikh, Oroki and the Even – mostly now displaced by the advance of the modern world, though descendants can still be found practising a way of life handed down by their ancestors.

Hunted almost to extinction, whales are now returning to the Sea of Okhotsk and it is possible to see a number of species including a rare western population of the Grey Whale, plus Bowhead Whales. The beautiful and rare Ribbon Seal may also be found, shambling on craggy rocks, as can Steller Sea Lions and Northern Fur Seals.

Our expedition will unlock many secrets of this virtually unexplored region. On Talan Island we visit a huge colony of Tufted Puffins and on the cliffs tumbling round the back of forgotten islands, we’ll find thousands of seabirds. Millions more breed on the islands scattered across the sea. Soaring above the archipelagos is the huge and beautiful Steller’s Sea Eagle. But birds compose only part of the rich wildlife tapestry of the region: we will see rivers churning with salmon as they roar through taiga forests, wild hills roamed by Wolves, Big Horned Sheep, Arctic Fox and, with luck, we’ll catch sight of the mighty Kamchatka Brown Bear.


ITINERARYDay 1: Sakhalin IslandArrive and spend the night at a hotel in the nearby town of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Day 2: Port of KorsakovAfter breakfast a coach will transfer you to the Port of Korsakov where you will meet the rest of the Expedition Team and be welcomed on board the Spirit of Enderby.As we cruise south-east across the Sea of Okhotsk our first seabirds could well include Tufted Puffin, Ancient Murrelet, Pelagic Cormorant, Black-tailed Gull and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel. Day 3: Tyuleniy IslandA tiny island, just over 600 metres in length, off the coast of Sakhalin, that has become a home to thousands of Northern Fur Seals and Steller Sea Lions. The island is also home to numerous seabirds which nest on the cliffs around the coastline. It is a wildlife preserve and an important location for scientific research. Day 4: Pil’tun BayThe north-east part of Sakhalin Island especially Pil’tun Bay is a regular feeding ground for Western Grey Whales. It consistently holds the biggest congregation of whales during summer months: they come every year to forage in the productive waters off the shelf. Day 5: Iony IslandA small island in the vastness of the Sea of Okhotsk it is over 200 kilometres away from the mainland. Completely uninhabited with only an automatic weather station and a small hut of unknown origin, it is a crucial location for the endangered Steller Sea Lion population. As well as mammals, the island is home to huge colonies of seabirds: auklets, puffins, guillemots and gulls nest in their hundreds of thousands on the cliffs. The sky becomes dark with birds when they fly out to sea in search of food; it is a regional Natural Heritage site and for good reason.Day 6: Shantar ArchipelagoThis massive archipelago consists of 15 islands, of which there are four big ones, surrounded by numerous smaller rocks. The islands are covered with larch and pine forests and present a wonderful habitat for about 200 bird species. The most spectacular, without doubt, is Steller’s Sea

Additional charges:Landing Fees $ 500pp (All prices per person in USD)Price Includes: Pre/Post cruise transfers and all shore excursions as outlined in the itinerary.1 night pre-cruise twin share hotel accommodation, all on board ship accommodation and meals.Price Excludes:All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.

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#1225 7th - 24th Jun 2012 11,000 10,100 9,600 9,100 8,500 7,500

Eagle, the true king of Far East birding and on average the heaviest eagle species in the world. These amazing birds nest on the Shantar Islands and we will look for them as we explore on hikes or Zodiac cruises.Further inland, Brown Bears are the biggest terrestrial animals, but many other creatures can also be found. Whales and Seals also favour this area.Day 7: Mal’minskie Islands and Fedora BayThese small islands form part of the Dzhugdzhursky Nature Reserve, which is one of the wildest and least-studied reserves in Russia. The reserve epitomises the harsh Siberian climate and breathtaking landscapes of the region. The Mal’minskie Islands are home to numerous seabirds; the biggest colony of Spectacled Guillemot is to be found here, along with kittiwakes, Parakeet Auklets, puffins and many other species. On the mainland, taiga fauna is richly represented; Brown Bears roam free, as well as Wolves, Wolverines, Red Foxes, various species of Weasel, Siberian Musk Deer and Moose.Day 8: Okhotsk TownThe first settlement was established on this site by Russian Cossacks in 1647, making it one of the earliest towns of the Russian Far East. After the famous explorer Vitus Bering visited it on the way to Kamchatka on his first expedition here, he proposed founding a navigation school for young sailors. Since then, and for almost a century, Okhotsk was an important port on the Far East coast, from which many expeditions departed. It is now only a shadow of its former self and much smaller but it remains very typical of the tenacious and proud nature of Russian province.Day 9: Talan IslandA tiny island in the northern Sea of Okhotsk, it is an absolute birding marvel and a destination of great interest for anyone keen on wildlife. Over 140 species of birds can be observed on the island, most of them migratory. However, there are 21 nesting species, and this little scrap of land has one of the biggest seabird colonies in the north of the Sea of Okhotsk. Over 1.8 million birds bring the cliffs alive and obscure the sky as they fly out to sea. Gulls, kittiwakes, Thick-billed Murres, Horned and Tufted Puffins, Crested,

Whiskered and Parakeet Auklets, Ancient Murrelets and many other species form a bird-watcher’s paradise. The island is also inhabited by Red Foxes and they are not as shy as in other places, which presents wonderful opportunities for photography. Day 10: Magadan As we visit the administrative centre of the Magadanskaya region, we have a chance to learn about its tragic past and developing present. There is a moving monument to all those who suffered their sentence here during the Soviet era and the cathedral is the biggest in the Russian Far East and one of the highest in Russia. There is a lot to see and to learn here as we go on excursions and walk around exploring the city.Days 11 to 13: Shelekhova Bukhta and Cape YuzhnyyThe huge bay in the northern part of the Sea of Okhotsk is covered with ice for half of the year and is famous for its irregular and very high tides. Its bird colony is the largest in the Sea of Okhotsk and one of the biggest in the whole North Pacific region – it holds over 10 million nesting birds! Day 14: At SeaTaking time to rest and enjoy shipboard life in the bar or library after such busy days, we will have the chance to learn more about the biology and history of the area and the icy Sea of Okhotsk through informal lectures with our experts.Day 15: Opala RiverLocated at the south of the Kamchatka Peninsula, the Opala River offers amazing opportunities for

wildlife sighting. Many species of salmon swim upriver throughout the summer to spawn, which in turn attracts many predators like Wolverines, Steller’s Sea Eagles and, of course, the King of Kamchatka – the Brown Bear. This will be one of our best opportunities to observe bears and also enjoy magnificent eagles nesting on the banks of the river.Day 16: Kamchatka CoastThe wild Southern Coast we explore today is true wilderness, offering a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the scenic beauty along this stunning Shoreline.Day 17: At SeaWe have a day at sea as we cruise across the Kamchatka Trench towards Avacha Bay. The waters we are cruising through are renowned for cetaceans, Blue, Fin, Humpback, Sperm and Baird’s Beaked Whales have all been seen here on previous expeditions, as have Dall’s Porpoise and Orca, so there is real potential to end the voyage with some great cetacean sightings. Finish the voyage with a farewell dinner and expedition recap.Day 18: Petropavlovsk-KamchatskiyDuring the night the Spirit of Enderby will enter Avacha Bay which is one of the greatest natural harbours in the world. You will disembark the ship mid-morning at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy and there will be a complimentary coach transfer to either a hotel of your choice in the city or the airport.

In the wakeof berIngIn search of thespoon-bIlled sandpIper

Spoon-billed Sandpiper Photo credit: Chris Collins

Run as a co-operative venture with BirdLife International, this unique expedition follows in the footsteps of the Danish Explorer Vitus Bering whose instructions from Tsar Peter the Great were to “sail north by northeast ... chart the coast and collect information”.

Our journey starts in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, the city which is named after two of Bering’s ships, and we will also travel north by northeast, along what is still one of the remotest coastlines on earth.

Our voyage is dedicated to looking for birds and wildlife and we can expect to have some truly spectacular experiences, however, there is one bird which makes this trip very special and that is the Spoon-billed Sandpiper. This species is classified as ‘critically endangered’ and it is believed there are now less than 200 pairs which make the annual migration to Northern Kamchatka and Chukotka to breed.

Very few people have had the privilege of visiting this region to see this species and we hope to repeat the success of our 2011 expedition when we not only saw birds at Meinypil’gyno, the only monitored breeding site, but also made ornithological history by finding a new population further south.

Whilst the Spoon-billed Sandpipers are the central focus of our voyage, there will be plenty of other highlights and some of the special wildlife we will look for whilst ashore includes Steller’s Sea Eagle, Emperor Goose and Pechora Pipit, as well as Brown Bear, Kamchatka Marmot and Arctic Fox. The seas also support a rich diversity of species and Blue, Grey, Humpback, Sperm and Baird’s Beaked Whales are all possible, along with 13 species of auks and other regional specialities such as the Red-faced Cormorant and Red-legged Kittiwake.


ITINERARY Day 1: Petropavlovsk-KamchatskiyOur expedition begins in the historic city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy which is located on one of the greatest natural harbours in the world, Avacha Bay. Over night at a central city hotel.Day 2: Petropavlovsk-KamchatskiyYou will have an opportunity to explore Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy before boarding the Spirit of Enderby in the early afternoon. As the ship cruises through Avacha Bay, we will look for Spectacled Guillemot, an uncommon species which breeds here in small numbers. Other birds we could see include Red-faced and Pelagic Cormorants, Pigeon Guillemot, Ancient Murrelet and Tufted Puffin.Day 3: Zhupanova RiverWe plan to spend the morning Zodiac cruising on the Zhupanova River. Our main target here is the Steller’s Sea Eagle and there are usually at least three occupied nests close to the river. Other species we could see include Long-toed Stint, Aleutian Tern, Middendorff’s Grasshopper Warbler and Yellow-breasted Bunting. Good numbers of Largha Seals are also often hauled out on sandbars in the river.By late afternoon, we should be over deep water heading for the Commander Islands and new species to look for include Laysan Albatross, Mottled Petrel and Fork-tailed Storm-Petrel. The Kamchatka Trench can also be excellent for cetaceans and we have previously seen Blue Whales on this crossing.Days 4 to 5: Commander Islands The wildlife-rich Commander Islands were first discovered by the Danish Explorer Vitus Bering when his ship was wrecked here in 1741. We intend to explore the islands through a combination of landings and Zodiac cruises and our first stop will be the village of Nikolskoye, where there is an interesting museum. Birding around the village is also excellent and we should find Rock Sandpiper, Mongolian Plover, Glaucous-winged Gull and Pechora Pipit, with the possibilities on subsequent landings including Rock Ptarmigan, Buff-bellied Pipit and Grey-crowned Rosy Finch.Zodiac cruising is often spectacular and we hope to encounter Red-faced Cormorant, Red-legged

Kittiwake, Pigeon Guillemot, Horned Puffin, as well as Parakeet, Crested and Whiskered Auklets.Our 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 and Baird’s Beaked Whales all regularly encountered.Day 6: Karaginskiy IslandOur proposed landing site is a patchwork of boggy tundra, ponds and shingle spits and an interesting range of waders can be found here including Pacific Golden Plover, Red-necked Stint and Red-necked Phalarope. The ponds also support a range of waterfowl and previously we have encountered Red-throated Diver, Bean Goose, Greater Scaup and Long-tailed Duck. Potential passerines include Kamchatka Leaf-warbler, Dusky Warbler, Bluethroat, Red-throated Pipits and Eastern Yellow Wagtail.Day 7: Verkhoturova Island and Govena PeninsulaVerkhoturova Island has some huge seabird colonies and by following a short trail to the cliff top we 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 occur too and we may also see some Steller Sea Lions, as they are often hauled out on some offshore rocks. Later in the day, there will be either a Zodiac cruise or landing on the Govena Peninsula. Good numbers of Brown Bears can often be found here, as well as King and Common Eiders and Black and Stejneger’s Scoters.Day 8: Tintikun Lagoon and Olyutorskiy BayTintikun Lagoon is one of the most scenic places in the Russian Far East and the lake is surrounded by jagged mountains, glaciers and forested slopes. A shallow river allows us to drive the Zodiacs onto the lake and we intend to make several landings with Eurasian Nutcracker, Dusky Warbler, Siberian Rubythroat and Siberian Accentor amongst the possibilities. Later in the day, we will explore Olyutorskiy Bay, where we should encounter a range of seabirds which could include Aleutian Tern and the critically endangered Kittlitz’s Murrelet.Days 9 to 10: Chukotka CoastWe plan to spend two days with members of

Additional charges:Landing Fees $ 500pp (All prices per person in USD)Price Includes: Pre/Post cruise transfers and all shore excursions as outlined in the itinerary.1 night pre-cruise twin share hotel accommodation, all on board ship accommodation and meals.Price Excludes:All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.

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#1227 24th Jun - 8th Jul 2012 10,900 10,000 9,550 9,000 8,400 7,300

the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Taskforce searching remote bays looking for unknown populations of this critically endangered species.The experts estimate that there may only be 200 pairs left, however, the birds are very specific over the habitat they require for breeding and in 2011 we made ornithological history by locating three territories at a location which had not been previously surveyed. We will be assisting the Taskforce again this year and hope to repeat our success elsewhere.Other possibilities include Mongolian Plover, Far Eastern Curlew, Great Knot, Red-necked and Long-toed Stints, as well as Gyrfalcon and Sandhill Crane.Day 11: Bukhta Petra and Bogoslova IslandAnother beautiful fiord possessed of a dramatic allure in the low sun of the Subarctic. A Walrus haul-out guards the entrance and we make a landing to explore the hinterland, surrounded by imposing mountain landscapes and verdant tundra. Days 12 to 13: Meinypil’gynoMeinypil’gyno is located on a 40 kilometre long shingle spit and is the most important site in the world for breeding Spoon-billed Sandpiper. There are about 10 pairs which are monitored by members of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper Recovery Taskforce.We hope to take you to at least one territory, although as we always put the welfare of wildlife first, viewing is likely to be at a range of at least 25 metres. Nevertheless, we hope to show everyone

this iconic bird which is one of the most critically endangered on the planet.Meinypil’gyno is extremely rich in other wildlife too and we may also find Emperor Goose, Pacific Diver and Sandhill Crane, whilst just offshore Grey Whales and Belugas often gather to feed. We anticipate offering a Zodiac cruise to watch these animals and the sheer number can be breathtaking and are certainly comparable with some of the best known whale-watching sites in the world.Day 14: Cape NavarinThis coastline is rich in marine mammals and one creature we will be looking for, in particular, is the Walrus, as there is a known haul-out. The animals do regularly move between locations, so finding them is always very much a matter of luck, although we have had success here in the past.Good numbers of Grey Whales often congregate here too, and we may well end the activities of the expedition by Zodiac cruising some spectacular cliffs where tens of thousands of seabirds breed, giving us a final chance to watch birds such as Tufted Puffin and Black-legged Kittiwake.Day 15: Port of Anadyr As we cruise into Anadyr Bay, there is an excellent chance of seeing more Belugas and after a final breakfast on board the Spirit of Enderby, it will be time to disembark. We will provide complimentary transfers to a downtown hotel and the airport.

across the top of the worldto wrangel and herald Islands

Polar Bear Photo credit: Jenny E Ross

This unique journey not only includes the isolated Wrangel and Herald Islands but also a significant section of the wild North Eastern Siberian coastline. It is a journey made possible only in recent years by the thawing in the politics of the region and the retreat of the summer pack ice in the Chukchi Sea. Right on the border between Soviet Russia and the USA, the area was known as the Ice Curtain and today remains one of the last undiscovered wonders of the world.

We sail through the Bering Strait west along the north Siberian coastline before crossing the Longa Strait to Wrangel Island and there spend four to five days under the guidance of local Rangers on the Nature Reserve. Untouched by glaciers during the last ice age, this is a treasure trove of arctic biodiversity and is perhaps best known for the multitude of Polar Bears that breed on the island. We hope to catch many glimpses of this beautiful animal as well as Walrus, Reindeer, Snow Geese and other migratory species that nest here annually. Of equal importance is the ‘mammoth steppe’ vegetation complex, a rich and diverse relic from the Pleistocene epoch, nurturing over 400 plant species.

The islands’ human histories are not without interest either and our expert Expedition Team will take time to give lectures and background to the landscape we move through and the encounters we enjoy. We will undertake numerous landings during our voyage, look for whales, visit huge bird colonies, Walrus haul-outs and native villages and will take every opportunity to discover the region’s rich biodiversity.

NOTE: You can join this expedition either in Anadyr (see ‘Getting to and from the Russian Far East’) or you can join in Nome, Alaska. Those starting in Nome will fly by a Heritage Expeditions charter flight to Anadyr where you will join the ship and the expedition members who have travelled direct to Anadyr.

ITINERARYDay 0: NomeFor those departing Nome, Alaska your adventure begins with a flight across the Bering Sea and the International Date Line, to the remote Port of Anadyr.Day 1: AnadyrExplore Anadyr, the administrative centre of the Chukotka region, before getting to know your fellow voyagers and crew on board the Spirit of Enderby.Day 2: Anadyrskiy BayWeighing anchor early, you are invited to join the expedition staff and crew on the bridge for introductory briefings as we sail towards the Bering Strait, through the Anadyr Estuary famed for its Beluga Whales.Day 3: Yttygran, Nuneangan and Arakamchechen IslandsYttygran Island is home to the monumental ancient aboriginal site known as Whale Bone Alley, where we make a landing. Constructed from immense whale jawbones and skulls to form arches, the site is of international archaeological importance. On the lookout for Grey Whales, we also cruise by Nuneangan and Arakamchechen Islands where seabirds nest and Walrus can be found.Day 4: Cape Dezhnev / Uelen VillageThe north-eastern most point of the Eurasian continent, it is sometimes possible to see the coast of America from this remote and lonely outpost. It’s a steep scramble up the rocky beach to an abandoned Soviet border guard base and a monument to Semyon Dezhnev, the brave 17th century seafarer who lends the cape his name. We are welcomed by Chukchi villagers whose traditional lifestyle remains largely unchanged by the passing centuries and are treated to a precious collection of sculptures, bone-carvings and artwork.

Field study hut, Wrangel Island Photo credit: Rodney Russ

Day 5: Kolyuchin IslandInhabited today only by Walrus and seabirds this was once a Polar Bear research station. Near the derelict buildings are some of the most spectacular bird cliffs in the Arctic where puffins, guillemots and gulls can be observed and photographed up close.Days 6 to 10: Wrangel and Herald IslandsOur itinerary will vary depending on ice and weather conditions but with a multitude of migrating birds to spot and the commanding presence of Polar Bears and their cubs to hold our attention, our days here will be busy. This is the essence of Expedition Cruising and there are many landings we can make to search out wildlife like Snowy Owls and Snow Geese, Ivory Gulls, the powerful Musk Ox and herds of Reindeer. Diverse Arctic landscapes from sweeping tundra of wildflowers in summer riot to sea cliffs housing rookeries of noisy seabirds underline this area as a Nature Reserve of international significance. We also have a chance to visit Dragi Harbour where the survives of the Karluk which was crushed by ice in 1914 scrambled ashore and lived until they were rescued.Day 11: North Siberian CoastBounded by narrow sand ridges with numerous lagoons and inlets, this area offers plenty of places to land and explore a coastline that very few humans have seen and survived to tell the tale. Looking for Walrus we will come across Chukchi villages whose residents scratch out a living in an unforgiving climate, hunting seals and whales just as their ancestors did.Day 12: Kolyuchin InletSo huge that it is visible from satellite photos, this inlet contains vast numbers of waterfowl and migratory waders. We visit the spit of land near the inlet’s mouth and find a wild, desolate landscape that is strangely beautiful; its dunes and tidal areas are home to the mighty Emperor Goose and extremely rare Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Grey Whales frequent the area and we may be fortunate to spot them feeding only a stone’s throw from shore.

Additional charges:Landing Fees $ 500pp (All prices per person in USD)Price Includes: Pre/Post cruise transfers and all shore excursions. All on board ship accommodation and meals.Price Excludes:All items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, gratuities. International/domestic flights, visas and travel insurance.

Dates: Anadyr to Anadyr

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#1231 24th Jul - 7th Aug 2012 12,900 12,400 11,900 11,500 10,900 9,900

#1233 7th - 21st Aug 2012 12,900 12,400 11,900 11,500 10,900 9,900

Dates: Nome to Nome includes Private charter flights Nome to Anadyr to Nome

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#1231 25th Jul - 8th Aug 2012 11,900 11,400 10,900 10,500 9,900 8,900

#1233 8th - 22nd Aug 2012 11,900 11,400 10,900 10,500 9,900 8,900

Day 13: Bering Strait and Chukotka CoastEarly morning we will pass the Diomede Islands, sometimes called Tomorrow Island and Yesterday Isle because they straddle the International Date Line. Here Russia and America are separated by only 2.3 nautical miles of ocean. We will remain in Russian territory as we cruise south past the islands. Later this afternoon we make an expedition landing on the Chukotka coast our last chance to enjoy the wildlife and tundra landscape.Day 14: At SeaWe sail across Anadyrskiy Bay, before reminiscing with your fellow voyagers and staff over a dinner and expedition recap.Day 15: Anadyr Our adventure ends after breakfast with disembarkation back at the port where you will enjoy a complimentary transfer to the airport or to town centre.

Last year Heritage Expeditions became a BirdLife Species Champion and remains committed to helping BirdLife International’s work in protecting the world’s most threatened species and in particular the Spoon-billed Sandpiper.

Of the world’s 10,000 different bird species, one in eight is now threatened with extinction. The Spoon-billed Sandpiper is among 189 that are considered ‘Critically Endangered’ and are teetering right on the brink of existence.

If you are 30 years old or more, at least 21 species of birds have become extinct during your lifetime and as the rate of loss is now escalating, without help many more are set to join them during the next decade. Heritage Expeditions has made the commitment to give financial and practical support to the Spoon-billed Sandpiper recovery project and we invite you to join with us today to help stop this species from becoming extinct.

Because the Spoon-billed Sandpiper is a migratory species, breeding in the Russian Far East and wintering in Southeast Asia, its conservation plan has many partners. Species Guardians are local organisations or individuals that BirdLife International recognises as having the best knowledge, experience and capability to make a positive change for a particular threatened species. The Spoon-billed Sandpiper has two Species Guardians one in Myanmar and the other in Thailand, there is also a local group working in the village of Meinypil’gyno in the Russian Far East, near where the bird breeds.

Heritage Expeditions role as a Species Champion is different to that of a Species Guardian. We are committed to a significant annual financial donation and have made our vessel Spirit of Enderby available to transport gear. In addition, passengers on our ‘In the Wake of Bering – In Search of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper’ Expedition, volunteer to help search for new breeding sites during landings while in Kamchatka.

In 2011, participants travelling on our ‘In the Wake of Bering’ voyage discovered a previously unknown breeding site with a number of pairs of Spoon-billed Sandpipers, one of which was incubating three eggs. We also transported Spoon-billed Sandpiper eggs and chicks from Meinypil’gyno to Anadyr as part of the Conservation Breeding Program being under taken by the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in Slimbridge, England in association with BirdLife International.

We are planning a similar level of support in 2012. If you or your company would like to support us as BirdLife Species Champion by either participating in our special ‘In the Wake of Bering – In search of the Spoon-billed Sandpiper’ Expedition or by making a cash contribution please contact us. If you think you or your company would like to become a BirdLife Species Champion (Spoon-billed Sandpiper is one of many species requiring support) then we urge you to contact [email protected] for more information.

spoon-bIlled sandpIper project

Spoon-billed Sandpiper Photo credit: Chris Collins

Spoon-billed Sandpiper eggs and chick images Photo credit: M J McGill

Our ‘Across the Top of the World’ expeditions have opened up new opportunities for travellers which were previously only available to a few select Russian scientists. Participants on our Wrangel Island ‘High Arctic Expedition’ will travel north to the island on our first ‘Across the Top of the World’ expedition on 25th July and remain there until the ship returns on our second ‘Across the Top of the World’. You will be accompanied by two Rangers from the Reserve and an interpreter/cook from Heritage Expeditions. You will be expected to help with camp chores but the long daylight hours will mean endless opportunities for exploring and photography. There is no fixed itinerary but among the places you will explore are the Mammoth River, the Goose River, Komsomol, Dream Head, Peak Tundra, the Unknown River, Red Flag, Cape Waring and the Clark River. Enjoy unbelievable wildlife and wilderness photographic opportunities in a High Arctic environment that have previously only been available to researchers on special assignments. We cannot guarantee the weather, but we do guarantee an experience in the High Arctic that has never been available before. You will rejoin our vessel when it returns to Wrangel Island and travel back to Anadyr where your adventure will end. For more details on this expedition – please contact our office. It is restricted to just five participants and these will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.

hIgh arctIc expedItIonFor curious explorers who join us to circumnavigate Wrangel Island, there is no reason to just wonder what lies beyond the coast, over the crest of the hills and mountains. The High Arctic environment that very few people will ever experience is now accessible and exclusively available to passengers travelling with Heritage Expeditions on both ‘Across the Top of the World’ Expeditions. We are offering a limited number of seats on four very special 3-day (2-night) Overland Traverses through the heart of this incredible High Arctic landscape. Transport is by a six wheel Russian built Tundra vehicle brought to the island in 2010. Each traverse is led by Rangers from Wrangel Island. The inaugural traverses in 2011 were oversubscribed and those who were lucky enough to participate literally ‘raved’ over their experiences. Numbers are strictly limited, we encourage you to book early to avoid disappointment.

Northbound ItineraryDay 1: On arrival at Doubtful Harbour, Wrangel Island, the Overlanders will go ashore where we will spend the afternoon and evening exploring the area including the nearby spit known for large haul outs of Walrus. We will also visit Devil’s Creek, the only archaeological site on the island where remains of a Palaeo-Eskimos summer camp were discovered recently. The overnight accommodation will be Wrangel Ranger huts at Somnitelnya.Day 2: Departing Somnitelnya, the traverse travels north firstly over the southern tundra slopes climbing gradually to a mountain pass through the Somnitelnie Mountains. A steep descent takes us to a tributary of the Mammoth River, the longest river on the Island. In the evening we will enjoy a walk on the tundra slopes with possible sightings of Snowy Owls, Lemmings, Arctic Foxes and a huge variety of High Arctic plants. We will be staying overnight at the Peak Tundra hut, a field hut for studies of the Snow Geese nesting nearby.Day 3: After breakfast we continue down the Tundra River to the Academic Tundra, an extensive area that makes up over half the island. There are opportunities to see amazing fields of wildflowers, Musk Ox, and potentially Reindeer, although numbers have been greatly reduced by recent harsh winters. We will return to the ship at midday near the Dream Head Mountains on the north coast of the island.Northbound and Southbound options available. Southbound itinerary will operate in reverse to the above itinerary.

overland traverses

Price: $1250 (All prices are in USD per person)Price Includes: Transport, accommodation (basic field huts) and meals. Please note this is in addition to the cost of the cruise. Price Excludes: Travel insurance, gratuities and other items of a personal nature.

Note: These Overland Traverses are optional activities and conducted in conjunction with our voyage but independently operated by the Park Rangers on Wrangel Island and are subject to minimum numbers. Participants in either of these tours should be aware that there is no discount or compensation for missed landings that the main expedition makes possibly including Herald Island while they are on the Overland Traverses.

wrangel Island extensIons

Dates: 25th Jul - 22nd Aug 2012

Price from: $18,500* (*based on Main Deck cabin, prices in USD per person)

Additional charges: Landing Fees $ 500ppPrice Includes: Return transport to and from Anadyr from Wrangel Island and participation in the itinerary plus meals, transport, accommodation (basic field huts) and guiding on Wrangel Island. Price Excludes: International and/or domestic flights, travel insurance, gratuities and other items of a personal nature.

Musk Ox and Inside Field Hut Photo credit: Rodney Russ Tundra vehicle Photo credit: Ewen Bell

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Booking ConditionsTo make a booking you must send us a completed booking form and a deposit of 25% for your selected voyage. We will then invoice you for the balance, which must be paid no later than 90 days before departure. If you book less than 90 days before departure, full payment is due immediately.

Once you have decided which voyage is for you, please check availability by calling our office or visiting your travel agent. We can normally hold space (option) for you for 7 days while you send in the booking form. We recommend that you read the brochure description, dossiers, general pages and booking conditions very carefully.

Most travellers to Russia require a valid visa as well as regional permits to visit the Russian Far East.

The Heritage Expeditions office can arrange a visa invite as well as the necessary permits required, but as we must work to local government deadlines, as a result we strongly recommend booking as soon as possible.

Completing the Booking Form• Ensure your name is spelt exactly as it appears in

your passport. This is very important for customs regulations, so please double-check. Do not use abbreviations e.g. Bob for Robert, unless this is what appears in your passport.

• Please specify any special dietary requirements AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

• Please fill in the details of the passport that you will be travelling on and check that your passport is valid for the required time beyond your period of stay. If not, you may need to obtain a new passport; please make sure you update us with any passport changes.

• Would you like a single cabin? If so please request this on the booking form.

• Are you insured? We do require you to be insured and have suitable cover for the particular trip.

• Where did you hear about us? e.g. Advertisement, Internet search, word of mouth, etc.

ImportantPlease ensure that you sign the booking form. This indicates that you have read the booking conditions and agree to abide by them and also, having read the information provided, you understand what is involved in the voyage. If there are minors (under the age of 18) in your party, you should sign the booking

form for them and this indicates that you are taking responsibility for them.

Then• Send the fully completed booking form with a

deposit of 25%.

• You may pay your deposit over the telephone by credit card (Visa or Mastercard) and this will secure your place (direct bookings only). We also accept telegraphic transfer, please contact us for our bank account details.

• A signed booking form must be received in our office within 14 days of bookings made by phone.

• If you are booking within 90 days of departure, full payment is due when booking and we may have to impose a late booking fee of USD 50 per person to cover extra expenses if departure is less than 31 days away. If under 31 days we also require a guaranteed final payment such as a telegraphic transfer or an accepted credit card.

• Colour copy/scan of the photo page of your valid passport you will be travelling on.

• Please note a 2% fee will be added for any payments made by credit card following your initial deposit.

What Happens Next?Your booking will normally be confirmed within a week, although in busy periods it may take a little longer. Your confirmation will include detailed information on your voyage.

Final PaymentThe balance of your payment is due 90 days before departure. The exact date will be shown on your invoice. Although we accept credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) for the deposit, we prefer the final balance to be paid by cheque or telegraphic transfer. If paid by credit card it will be subject to a 2% fee (direct bookings only). Please inform us if you require a receipt.

LastlyBetween 14 to 21 days before departure we will send out your final joining instructions. Please check these details carefully. If you have not received your final joining instructions at least 1 week before departure, please contact us. If you have any concerns about these details or any last questions about your holiday please do not hesitate to contact us immediately.

bookIng your trIpDetailed informationIf you would like more detailed information, full dossiers for every voyage listed in this brochure are available on request from our office. They contain more background information and a fully detailed itinerary. The dossiers also act as the final definitive statement of inclusions and other details and are therefore an essential part of the booking contract. After booking we will provide you with a Pre-departure booklet, Expeditions Notes and Passenger Handbook to help you prepare for your voyage.

Age RequirementsOur Expeditions are designed for adults, but may be suitable for mature teenagers. We can accept bookings for children; however anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please note that we do not provide an on board children’s programme and children will be the responsibility of their parent or guardian while on board.

Flight InformationWe do not package international flights to connect with our voyages but in some cases we will charter flights to aid travel to destinations that are not always serviced with regular scheduled air services. Information on these charter flights will be provided at time of booking.

Passport & Visa RequirementsYou are required to travel with a current passport and visa for all of our holidays. We also recommend that any passports within 6 months of expiry are renewed before travelling. Other regulations may apply and you should check with the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries that you plan to visit.

Medical Matters These are expeditions for persons in generally good health. We will be travelling to remote areas without sophisticated medical facilities. The ship will have a medical officer and a small infirmary on board but medical attention is limited to basic care. The fee for medical services rendered or medicines supplied will be added to your account.

You will be forwarded a confidential medical questionnaire 4 months prior to departure which we ask that you and, in some cases, your doctor complete and return promptly to enable us to assess if there are any difficulties in you joining the trip. This form will then be held by the ship’s doctor during the voyage to assist him/her should any treatment be required. If there is any substantial change in your

medical circumstances between the completion of that document and the trip departure it is important that you advise us accordingly.

Equipment & Clothing RequirementsOur Pre-departure information details any essential clothing that is required and is sent with your booking confirmation.

Travel InsuranceYou must have it! You may be barred from embarkation if you have no proof of insurance. If you are arranging your own insurance, you should check that all the included activities are covered.

Adventurous TravelHowever good our organisation is, we are at the mercy of the unexpected and this type of expedition can never be entirely predicted. If you are not prepared for this you should not travel with us. Because these are not ordinary package holidays, the outline itineraries given in this brochure are statements of intent rather than promises. Local weather, politics, airlines, transport or a host of other uncontrollable factors can mean a change in itinerary. It is unlikely that the itinerary would be substantially altered, but if changes are necessary the Expedition Leader will decide the best alternative. Where a delay or change does occur, we will do everything we can to minimise its effects, but we cannot be held responsible for the results of delays or changes outside our control.

Ship AccommodationThe Spirit of Enderby ship details are shown on page 7 of this brochure.

Cabin ArrangementsTwin (2 berth) cabins will be allocated to clients booking together. Double beds are available in suite accommodation only. Single clients are matched with a sharer of the same sex in a twin-share cabin. Payment of a single supplement guarantees a single cabin. The cost of a single supplement is 1.8 times the price of the voyage with the exception of the suites which are double the single rate.

Ship CommunicationsThe radio room on the ship is equipped with a satellite telephone and email for on board communication. Details on how to contact the ship in case of an emergency will be sent with your final documents, as will details of communication charges.

Hotel AccommodationWe include the pre-voyage hotel night and a group dinner as well as breakfast the morning of embarkation on most voyages.

essentIal InformatIon


personal detaIlsAPPLICANT ONE (details as shown in passport)

Surname:

Preferred Name:

Physical Address:

Tel (Home):

Email:

Tel (Work):

Postal Address (if different):

Sex: M F

Nationality (Country of issue):

Country of Birth:

Date of Birth: DD / MM / YYYY

Passport Number:

Expiry Date: DD / MM / YYYY

Occupation:

Dietary requirements:

Signed: Date: DD / MM / YYYY

First Names:(as per passport)

Tel (Mobile):

Signed:

(as per passport)

"

Antarctic House, 53b Montreal St, PO Box 7218, Christchurch, New Zealand, 8240

Tel: ++64 3 365 3500 - Fax: ++64 3 365 [email protected] - www.heritage-expeditions.com

expedItIons detaIlsVoyage Name:

Departure Date: DD / MM / YYYY

Other arrangements / requests:

Cabin Selection: Heritage Suite Mini Suite

Superior Plus Superior

Main Deck Main Deck Triple

BOOKING FORM

APPLICANT TWO (details as shown in passport)

Surname:

Preferred Name:

Physical Address:

Tel (Home):

Email:

Tel (Work):

Postal Address (if different):

Sex: M F

Nationality (Country of issue):

Country of Birth:

Date of Birth: DD / MM / YYYY

Passport Number:

Expiry Date: DD / MM / YYYY

Occupation:

Dietary requirements:

Date: DD / MM / YYYY

First Names:

Tel (Mobile):

Nome Anadyr(Please indicate your embarkation preference for voyages #1231 & 1233)

Where did you hear about us?

Embarkation:

payment

BY CHEQUE - Payable to HERITAGE EXPEDITIONS LTD

BY CREDIT CARD - Visa Mastercard

Cardholders Name:

Expiry Date: DD / MM / YYYYCard Number:

Signature:

BY USD TELEGRAPHIC TRANSFER - For telegraphic transfers - deposits to:Account Name: Heritage Expeditions (United States dollar account)Account details: Bank of New Zealand Intl Branch, 80 Boulcott Street, Wellington, NZ.Account number: 1000 744943 0002Swift Code: BKNZNZ22

NOTE: Please use surname and voyage number as reference when making transaction e.g. Smith#1269

Please ensure that you sign the booking form. This indicates that you have read the booking conditions and agree to abide by them and also, having read the information provided and understand what is involved in the voyage. If there are minors in your party, you should sign the booking form for them and this indicates that you are taking responsibility for them.

CSV Numbers: (last 3 numbers on the back of card)

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bookIng terms and condItIonsThank you for choosing to book with Heritage Expeditions Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as: ‘HE’). Before you make a firm booking, we recommend you (hereinafter referred to as ‘contracting party’) carefully read the following travel conditions. These general travel conditions and the term ‘contracting party’ apply to both private persons (direct bookings) and (travel) organisations (see paragraph 1.2).1. Reservation of trip/travel notification1.1 If the contract comes about by means of a written acceptance by the

contracting party on the offer of HE, upon which a binding travel contract with HE is effectual, all conditions set out in paragraph 1.3 up to and including paragraph 11.3 apply. If the contracting party, in addition to himself/herself, lists one or more other persons on one notification form, this contracting party is automatically responsible for all obligations ensuing from the travel contract (in line with the general travel conditions of HE) concerning himself/herself and the other persons booked.

1.2 If the contract has come about by means of a written acceptance by a (travel) organisation (as in the case of, but not limited to, tour operators, agencies, travel agents, foundations, societies etc), this (travel) organisation enters into a binding travel contract with HE. The (travel organisation in question is then exclusively considered as the contracting party to which all conditions set out from paragraph 1.3 up to and including paragraph 11.3 apply. This is irrespective of the possibility that the (travel) organisation in turn enters into a binding travel contract with clients it has recruited (such as, but not limited to, private persons, members of the (travel) organisation, travel agents and third parties in general).

1.3 The contracting party shall, before the effecting of the travel contract and its implementation, provide HE with necessary personal data concerning himself/herself or third parties – in the case of a (travel) organisation the client(s) of the (travel) organisation. Incorrect or incomplete provision of (personal) data could result in faulty vouchers, etc for which HE shall not be held liable.

1.4 On receipt of the written booking form, the trip that has been booked will be confirmed by HE by means of a confirmation invoice sent to the contracting party.

1.5 Single travellers who wish to share their cabin/hotel room should so indicate on the application form. The published per person double occupancy fare is guaranteed in this case, whether or not a cabin-mate is available. Single travellers who require sole occupancy of cabins will be charged 1.8 the published fare on all cabins except suite cabins which will be charged at 2 times the published fare.

2. The travel offer/the travel elements2.1 The scope of the travel offer (the travel elements) booked by the

contracting party is contractually recorded in the travel confirmation (invoice) in combination with the description from HE’s most up-to-date brochure/programme description.

2.2 Any deviation from the travel elements described in the brochure and publications are valid only if confirmed by HE in writing. This may be in the original offer, travel confirmation or a communication sent later.

3. Payment3.1 On the implementation of the travel contract, the contracting party must

pay to HE an advance of 25% of the total price, unless otherwise stated in the travel confirmation. The remaining 75% of the total price is due 90 days before departure. In the case of a (travel) organisation that has guaranteed allocation, the following payment conditions apply: 25% of total deposit on signing the contract, 25% of total price 12 calendar months prior to departure, 50% of total price 180 days prior to departure.

3.2 After payment has been received, the travel documents will be dispatched.

3.3 If the contracting party fails to fulfil their payment obligations, HE will send him/her a written reminder and he/she will have the opportunity to make immediate payment. If payment is still not made, the contracting party is liable to pay interest on the amount due of 1% for each month or part of a month that this remains unpaid. Furthermore, he/she will be liable to pay compensation for legal collection costs equal to an additional 15% of the sum claimed, with a minimum amount of USD 50. If the contracting party fails to comply with his/her payment obligations, HE reserves the right to cancel the contract on the day of default. HE is entitled to charge the cancellation costs incurred (in line with paragraph 6 or as agreed otherwise in the travel confirmation).

3.4 If, regarding the above, payment is then made, but HE cannot send the travel documents to the contracting party before the start of the journey, any additional dispatch costs will be charged to the contracting party. HE will not be held responsible for any travel documents not arriving on time.

4. Changes in travel elements/price changes4.1 Changes to the travel offer, which occur before the start of the journey

and are agreed in the travel confirmation, are permitted only if they do not substantially alter the nature of the trip. This includes, among other things, changes made by the airline, changes in flight departure times, changes referring to hotel overnight stays before or after the main journey, minor changes in the travel programme or excursion offer. HE is obliged to inform, in writing, the contracting party of such changes. Such changes may not be used by the contracting party as reason for cancelling the travel contract.

4.2 The agreed price is based on the prices, exchange rates, duties and taxes as known to HE at the time the publication went to press and at the time of the travel confirmation. HE reserves the right to raise the agreed price on the grounds of, among other things, unforeseeable increases (e.g. exchange rates, sudden increased prices of accommodation providers, airlines, duties, taxes, harbour dues and fuel prices). In the event that HE considers a price alteration is considered necessary, HE is obliged to inform the contracting party of this, in writing, at the very latest 20 days before the day of departure. Price increases are not permitted within 20 days of the start of the journey. In the case of a price increase of more than 10% of the total price of the trip, the contracting party is entitled to cancel the trip without incurring any costs.

5. Cancellation of the trip by HE5.1 If the minimum number of participants has not been achieved, HE is

entitled to cancel the planned trip up to 30 days before departure. Any payment already received from the contracting party will be paid back by HE if the contracting party does not agree to accept an alternative trip offered by HE.

5.2 HE has the right to cancel the trip in the case of force majeure (e.g. war, uprising, natural disasters, abnormal/exceptional weather and ice conditions, legal stipulations of the local/regional authorities and other ‘acts of God’). HE will not be held liable for force majeure. If situations of force majeure occur before the departure date, HE will pay back to the contracting party the amount already paid. If situations of force majeure occur during the trip, HE will try to offer an alternative programme. If this should prove impossible, either HE or the contracting party is entitled to cancel the trip. In such a case, HE will not be held financially liable. However, in the case of any cost savings, HE shall return these monies to the contracting party. HE is obliged to assist the contracting party – in the case of a (travel) organisation, the client(s) of the (tour) organiser, in

obtaining a return trip/flight. The contracting party he/she is responsible for the costs of this.

5.3 If HE, by virtue of the provisions of paragraph 5.1 and 5.2, cancels the trip, only the equivalent of the billed price will be paid back to the contracting party. HE will not be held liable for costs the contracting party has incurred in preparation of the trip nor for reservations of travel components (such as but not limited to: flights, hotels, connecting programmes, travel insurances) which, in combination with the trip booked with HE, may have been booked elsewhere.

6. Cancellation of the trip by the contracting party6.1 The contracting party may cancel the travel contract (exclusively in

writing) at any time before the beginning of the trip. In the case of cancellation by the contracting party HE is entitled to charge the following costs to the contracting party: for cancellations received more than 180 days prior to the departure date, a full refund will be made less a USD 750 per person administration fee. For cancellations received within 179 and 91 days of the embarkation date the full deposit will be forfeited. If cancellation occurs within 90 days prior to the departure date the total price is forfeited. If cancellation occurs within 90 days and full payment has not yet been received, the total price will still apply and any unpaid monies are due immediately.

6.2 If the contracting party, after booking, wishes to make changes to the booked trip (e.g. the departure date, destination or type of accommodation), this is considered a cancellation and the cancellation costs stated in paragraph 6.1 apply. In case of minor changes HE is entitled to charge reservation costs of at least USD 25 per alteration.

6.3 It is possible for the contracting party – in the case of a (travel) organisation, the client(s) or the (travel) organiser, to take out cancellation insurance to cover the costs of any cancellation of the trip (see also paragraph 10.4).

7. Liability of HE HE is obliged to provide correct details of the trip according to the travel

contract and in line with the expectations the traveller may reasonably have on the grounds of the contract. HE is responsible for the selection of accommodation providers of ships, hotels, resorts etc. composition and the quality control of the travel elements and excursions, description of the travel elements in the HE brochures and other publications, the processing of the travel confirmation, reservation of the travel elements and control and dispatch of the travel documents.

8. Exclusion and limitation of the liability of HE8.1 HE acts as intermediary for the sale of travel elements between, on the

one hand, providers of accommodation/services (such as but not limited to: a stay in a hotel, a voyage on a ship, services of dive bases and providers of transport) and, on the other hand, the contracting party and therefore HE’s liability is excluded. In these cases the conditions of the relevant providers of accommodation/services and/or the stipulations of (inter)national law applies and all liability of HE (in the case of complaints, claims, loss and damage of possessions/baggage, personal injury, death etc) are excluded. In the case of claims, HE will try to mediate between the provider of accommodation and the contracting party. HE is not responsible for optional travel elements booked by the contracting party elsewhere (optional excursions etc).

8.2 All travel elements booked with HE, which relate to stays on board a ship and/or excursions or programmes off ship (such as but not limited to excursions or programmes on land or on/in the water, incl. scuba diving, swimming and snorkelling, are at 100% own risk of the contracting party – in the case of a (travel) organisation: the client(s) or the (travel) organiser. HE is therefore not liable for any damage such as, but not limited to,



bookIng terms and condItIons(bodily) injury, illness, death etc whatever the reason or cause may be. If the contracting party has booked a diving programme, HE or, as the case may be, the diving base or the diving leader on board our ship will ask the contracting party to sign a form to which the contracting party accepts 100% own risk and promises that he will not lodge any claims against the diving base and/or the diving leader on board the ship in the case of any calamity which may or may not result in (permanent) injury or death. The conditions for participation are stated precisely in our diving trips brochure. In any case the contracting party must have a health certificate signed by a doctor and an internationally accepted diving certificate. In the case of the land programmes, the contracting party should enjoy generally sound health. We advise the contracting party – in the case of a (travel) organisation: the client(s) of the (travel) organiser – to always take out travel insurance, supplemented if necessary by accident insurance (see also paragraph 10.4).

8.3 If HE offers the contracting party an air travel component, all liability of HE is excluded and, for this travel component, the conditions of the relevant airline apply. The stipulations of the Warsaw Convention in general limit the responsibility of the air travel component in the case of death, injury and also delays, loss of, or damage to baggage. In the case of delays, HE cannot be held liable in any way whatsoever, even if this is at the cost of other travel elements of the trip booked.

8.4 HE will not be held liable for loss, damage and robbery of travel documents, baggage or other possessions.

8.5 HE shall accept no liability for damage for which there is a claim to compensation based on a travel and/or cancellation insurance.

8.6 HE will not be held liable for damage as a consequence of the travel contract not being correctly implemented, if the deficiency in the execution of the contract is attributable to the contracting party.

8.7 The trips offered by HE are conducted mainly in ‘marginal zones’ and require the qualification of expedition trips to places where infrastructure and (medical) facilities may be poor. On booking the trip, the contracting party fully understands that booking the trip with HE is not comparable to booking an everyday standard trip. If, because of weather conditions, sea currents, nautical reasons, large amounts of floating ice etc the decision is made to change the programme, every effort will be made to offer an alternative. In certain exceptional cases, however, this will not always be possible. In such cases nonfulfilment expectations of the contracting party will not be grounds for claims. If the programme cannot be carried out according to the travel description and (certain) places described in the travel programme cannot be visited, HE will not be held liable for damage suffered and/or the spoiling of holiday enjoyment. The Expedition leader is at all times authorised to deviate from the programme, if he/she is of the opinion that it would be to the benefit of the quality of the programme. In such a case HE will not be held liable for payment of restitution.

9. Obligations of the contracting party In the case of a (travel) organisation: instead of ‘contracting party’ (in

paragraphs 9.1 up to and including 9.4) read also ‘the client(s) of the (travel) organiser’.

9.1 The contracting party is obliged to comply with all instructions given by HE and the travel leadership (e.g. Expedition leader(s), guide(s), diving instructor(s) and diving assistant(s), crew of the ship, local agent and the personnel of accommodation providers such as hotels, resorts and diving locations) in order to benefit the sound execution of the trip. Furthermore, the contracting party is 100% liable for damage caused by improper behaviour, e.g. towards fellow travellers or material damage to the hotels, ships or resorts, to be judged according to the standards of behaviour of the model traveller.

9.2 Any contracting party who causes such disturbance, or who threatens to cause such disturbance, that the proper execution of (part of) a trip is seriously hindered or could result in danger for the contracting party and/or the fellow travellers, can by or on behalf of HE (trip leadership or the local representatives) be excluded from (continuation of) the trip (components). In the case of exclusion, the contracting party is not entitled to make any claim for restitution of (part of) the price.

9.3 If disturbing behaviour or damage (as described in paragraphs 9.1 and 9.2) should occur, all costs resulting from this shall be charged to the contracting party.

9.4 If the contracting party does not enjoy generally sound health and/or does not have the required diving certificates and/or diving experience as required for participation in the trip, in the interest of the contracting party or his/her fellow travellers, HE is entitled to decide to offer an alternative programme for the contracting party in question or, in extreme cases, to exclude this person from (certain) excursions or (parts of the diving programme). These limitations apply also if the contracting party is not in possession of the correct (diving) gear, as stated in HE’s publications. In the case of exclusion (or of a mandatory alternative programme) the contracting party is not entitled to make any claim for restitution of (all or a part of) the price.

9.5 The contracting party is obliged to inform HE’s trip leadership of any negligence in the execution of the travel contract noted by him/her at the location – in the case of a (travel) organisation: noted by the client(s) of the (travel) organisation. This should be done as quickly as possible, in writing, or other appropriate form of communication, to HE’s relevant Expedition leader, who shall immediately do their utmost to find an appropriate solution. As far as handling complaints is concerned, the following persons are responsible: general complaints during a ship voyage: the Expedition leader. If there is no Expedition leader present, the captain is responsible. In the case of hotel and land programmes: the manager of the hotel/organisation.

9.6 If an immediate solution for the complaints cannot be found, the contracting party – in the case of a (travel) organisation the client(s) of the (travel) organisation – should present these complaints to the relevant (travel) organisation where the trip was booked, upon which the (travel) organiser shall be obliged to report the complaint to HE and request assistance. In the case of complaints about travel elements, HE can decide to offer an alternative programme (e.g. hotel, cabin, excursion package) that is virtually identical to that in the originally booked trip (the originally booked travel component).

9.7 HE (incl. the representatives, trip leadership, local agent) is entitled to reject the complaint if the complaint does not seriously influence the character of the trip and/or the complaint results in hindrance of only minor significance, if exaggerated demands are made, if it is impossible to provide help to the contracting party within the set time limit, if the deficiency in the implementation of the contract is attributable to the contracting party himself/herself, if the deficiency in the execution of the contract could not have been foreseen or could not be neutralised, or if the deficiency in the execution of the contract is attributable to situations of force majeure. (Force majeure is understood to be abnormal and unforeseeable circumstances that are independent of the will of whosoever claims it and of which the consequences, despite every precaution having been taken, could not have been avoided, see also situations of force majeure as described in paragraph 5.2)

9.8 If the complaint has not been satisfactorily dealt with during the trip, the contracting party – in the case of a (travel) organisation the client(s) of the (travel) organisation should present these complaints to the relevant

(travel) organisation, where the trip was booked, upon which the (travel) organiser shall present the complaint to HE at the very latest within 1 month of the termination of the trip (the last travel day). The complaint must be presented in writing and must be argued fully.

9.9 If HE has not then satisfactorily settled the complaint or if proper satisfaction has been not given in this matter, the contracting party is entitled to present the dispute to the Disputes Tribunal of New Zealand (which court shall have exclusive jurisdiction).

10. Baggage/Travel documents and insurance In the case of a (travel) organisation: for ‘contracting party’ (in the

paragraphs 10.1 up to and including 10.4) read also ‘the client(s) of the (travel) organiser’.

10.1 The contracting party must have in his/her possession on departure and during the trip the necessary travel documents such as a valid passport or, where permitted, a tourist card and any required visa, diving certificates, diving logbook including a health certificate from the doctor, proof of inoculations and vaccinations. If the participant is unable to take (part of) the trip due to a lack of any (valid) documents, HE will not be held (financially) responsible, unless HE had undertaken to provide that document.

10.2 At the very latest, on the signing of the travel contract, HE shall provide general information to the traveller on passports, visa and any formalities in the area of health care. This information does not bind HE. The contracting party must himself/herself obtain the necessary information from the relevant authorities and before departure check whether there have been any changes concerning information provided at an earlier date.

10.3 The contracting party must comply with the current import restrictions of the various destinations and the amount of baggage permitted (also as far as the stipulations of the different airlines are concerned). HE will not be held liable for e.g. damage and prison sentences which could be imposed in the case of a contravention.

10.4 HE advises the contracting party to obtain the necessary travel insurance, such as travel insurance, accident insurance, third party risk insurance, baggage insurance and cancellation insurance. In case of a medical problem arising during the voyage, either on board or on shore, which results in costs for medical treatment, evacuation, use of aircraft or repatriation etc, the responsibility for payment of these costs belongs solely to the passenger. HE strongly advises that passengers ensure that such eventualities are covered by travel insurance. If not covered by travel insurance the responsibility still remains with the passenger and HE specifically declines any responsibility whatsoever.

11. General11.1 If the duration of the trip as stated in the publication is given in days, the

day of departure and the day of arrival, irrespective of departure or arrival times, are counted as full days. The definite departure and arrival times are given in the travel documents.

11.2 The laws of New Zealand apply to this travel contract and all matters ensuing from this contract.

11.3 This document and its content belongs to Heritage Expeditions Ltd, Antarctic House, 53B Montreal Street, PO Box 7218, Christchurch 8240, New Zealand.

Freephone: 0800 262 8873 (within NZ) 1800 143585 (within Australia) Antarctic House , 53B Montreal Street, P.O. Box 7218, Christchurch 8240, New Zealand.

Tel +64 3 365 3500, Fax +64 3 365 1300. [email protected] www.heritage-expeditions.com

Back cover photos: Spirit of Enderby by Aleks Terauds; Kamchatka Brown Bears by Jenny E. Ross; Zodiac landing by Aleks Terauds; Wrangel Island Tundra vehicle, Walrus haul out and photographer by Ewen Bell

Printed on 9lives Coated which contains 55% recycled fibre, 30% pre consumer, 25% post-consumer with the balance being virgin fibre that is Chain of Custody certified. The manufacturing process operates under an Environmental Management System that is Certified by ISO 14001 and is Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF).

Heritage Expeditions Russian Far East 2012

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Transcript of Heritage Expeditions Russian Far East 2012