Commander IslandsAbout Commander Islands
The Commander Islands are an island group in the Bering Sea lying east of the Kamchatka Peninsula and administered as part of Kamchatka Krai, Russia. The two main islands are Bering Island and Medny Island, with several smaller islets.
The islands are important for marine and bird life, supporting large seabird colonies and populations of pinnipeds such as sea lions and seals. They are also associated with the 18th-century expedition of the explorer Vitus Bering; Bering and some crew members died after the expedition and were linked to the islands’ recorded history.
The Commander Islands remain sparsely populated and are largely valued for their natural ecosystems rather than tourism infrastructure. They are reached by sea from Kamchatka and are within a remote maritime environment characterized by cold waters and rich fisheries.
Geographically the islands sit in the northern Bering Sea, separated from the Kamchatka coast by the Commander Gap and forming the western end of the Aleutian chain’s geological system.
- Location: Located in the Bering Sea to the east of the Kamchatka Peninsula and administered as part of Kamchatka Krai in the Russian Federation.
- Wildlife: Known for extensive marine wildlife including large populations of seabirds and pinnipeds such as Steller sea lions and northern fur seals.
What to See#
- Bering Island: The largest island of the group that hosts historical sites linked to Vitus Bering’s 18th-century expedition and contains rugged coasts used by marine mammals.
- Medny Island: The second major island noted for seabird colonies and remote coastal habitats supporting seals and sea lions.
Best Time to Visit Commander Islands
Visit in summer when the maritime subarctic weather is mildest and boat access and wildlife viewing are most reliable.
Weather & Climate near Commander Islands
Commander Islands's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -10°C to 12°C. Moderate rainfall (989 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -10° - -6° | -16° | 84 mm | overcast | 81% | 7.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.7h |
| February | Poor | -9° - -5° | -16° | 68 mm | overcast | 81% | 7.5 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.5h |
| March | Poor | -9° - -4° | -14° | 75 mm | overcast | 82% | 6.7 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Poor | -6° - -1° | -10° | 63 mm | overcast | 84% | 5.8 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 13.9h |
| May | Poor | -2° - 2° | -5° | 73 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.8h |
| June | Poor | 2° - 8° | 2° | 53 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.4 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.9h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 11° | 6° | 63 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.3 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.4h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 12° | 7° | 96 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.4 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 14.7h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 98 mm | overcast | 86% | 4.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Poor | 0° - 5° | -2° | 118 mm | overcast | 80% | 5.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.3h |
| November | Poor | -5° - -1° | -9° | 109 mm | overcast | 79% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.3h |
| December | Poor | -8° - -5° | -14° | 89 mm | overcast | 79% | 6.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.1h |
How to Get to Commander Islands
The Commander Islands (Komandorskiye Ostrova) are reached only by sea or air from the Kamchatka Peninsula. Travel typically starts in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky; access is by expedition vessel or by helicopter/charter flights arranged from Petropavlovsk. There are no regular public ferry schedules-visitors use organized cruises or charters, and the islands lie roughly 175-200 km east of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
Tips for Visiting Commander Islands
- Plan for a summer visit (July-August) when sea conditions are generally calmer and seabird/sea-mammal activity peaks; the islands are remote and seasonal only.
- Arrange travel through an experienced Kamchatka-based operator - access is by expedition cruise, charter flight or helicopter from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and logistics sell out well in advance.
- Expect and obtain required permits: the Commander Islands are part of a Russian nature reserve and in a border zone, so visits typically require authorization through Russian authorities or your tour operator.