Bolshoy Shantar Island
Island Remote Shantar Sea island with boreal forests
Part of the Shantar Islands in the Sea of Okhotsk, Bolshoy Shantar features taiga, fjorded coastline and seal and seabird populations. Expeditions and wildlife cruises call here for remote landscapes.
Bolshoy Shantar Island is the largest island in the Shantar group in the Sea of Okhotsk within Khabarovsk Krai, Russia. It is characterised by rugged, forested terrain, steep coastal cliffs and limited human settlement.
The island’s landscapes include taiga forest, mountains and sheltered bays; it is largely uninhabited and visited mainly for scientific, fishing or expedition purposes rather than mass tourism. Wildlife and marine ecosystems around the Shantar Islands are notable for biodiversity.
The Shantar group has a history of seasonal and limited use by indigenous peoples and later by Russian explorers and fishers; much of the area remains in a near-natural state due to its remoteness and harsh climate.
Bolshoy Shantar lies in the northwestern Sea of Okhotsk off the Siberian coast, separated from mainland Khabarovsk Krai by channels of cold ocean water and sea-ice in winter; weather and sea ice constrain access for much of the year.
- Access: Remote and largely uninhabited - access is by boat with weather and sea conditions often limiting visits.
How to Get to Bolshoy Shantar Island #
Visits are only feasible as part of organized scientific or expedition cruises from ports in the Russian Far East; access depends on ice and weather conditions.
Tips for Visiting Bolshoy Shantar Island #
- Only visit as part of an expedition cruise or scientific voyage; private landings are usually not permitted.
- Bring cold-weather gear and expect sea ice or fog outside summer months.
- Respect nature reserve rules - the Shantar Islands are home to numerous seabirds and marine mammals.
Best Time to Visit Bolshoy Shantar Island #
The narrow summer window is the only practical time for a visit; plan via an organized expedition.
Weather & Climate near Bolshoy Shantar Island #
Bolshoy Shantar Island's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -26°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (604 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -16°C and lows of -26°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -26°C. The driest month with just 18 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -21°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 80 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -14°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -23°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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