Gareloi IslandGareloi Island at a Glance
About Gareloi Island
Gareloi Island is an uninhabited volcanic island in the western Aleutian Islands of Alaska dominated by a steep stratovolcano. The island’s cliffs, lava slopes and rugged shoreline provide nesting habitat for seabirds and resting areas for pinnipeds.
The island is primarily visited by researchers and specialized wildlife tours because of its remote location and challenging sea conditions. Bird colonies and marine mammals are the principal natural attractions; terrestrial vegetation is sparse and shaped by volcanic soils and maritime climate.
The island is of volcanic origin and has experienced historic eruptive activity that created its present topography. Human use has been limited to intermittent scientific visits and monitoring of volcanic and ecological conditions.
Gareloi lies in the Bering Sea portion of the Aleutian chain in western Alaska and is part of the Aleutian archipelago. Access is by boat or research vessel from larger Aleutian bases and it is remote from inhabited centers.
- Conservation status: The island is uninhabited and is administered as part of the Aleutian Islands unit of Alaska’s maritime conservation areas.
- Wildlife interest: Noted for dense seabird colonies and haul-outs of marine mammals, making it of interest to researchers and wildlife observers when accessible by boat.
What to See#
- Gareloi Volcano: Gareloi Volcano - a prominent twin-peaked stratovolcano that dominates the island, with steep coastal cliffs and lava-built slopes.
Nearby Attractions to Gareloi Island
Best Time to Visit Gareloi Island
Short summer window for expeditions, weather remains unpredictable.
Weather & Climate near Gareloi Island
Gareloi Island's climate is classified as Tundra - Tundra climate with cold summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in March). Temperatures range from -3°C to 8°C. Abundant rainfall (1287 mm/year), wettest in October.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -2° - 0° | -9° | 106 mm | - | - | 10.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -2° - 0° | -8° | 108 mm | - | - | 10.6 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -3° - -2° | -10° | 103 mm | - | - | 9.6 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -3° - -2° | -9° | 91 mm | - | - | 8.7 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -1° - 0° | -7° | 79 mm | - | - | 7.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 1° - 3° | -3° | 65 mm | - | - | 7.1 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 4° - 6° | 1° | 72 mm | - | - | 6.9 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 6° - 8° | 2° | 99 mm | - | - | 7.3 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 4° - 6° | 0° | 118 mm | - | - | 8.2 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | 1° - 4° | -4° | 169 mm | - | - | 8.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -1° - 2° | -6° | 153 mm | - | - | 9.7 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -2° - 1° | -8° | 124 mm | - | - | 10.6 m/s | - | - |
How to Get to Gareloi Island
Access only by private expedition vessels from mainland Alaska (departure ports vary). Landing windows are constrained by weather and wildlife protections; plan with experienced Aleutian operators.
Tips for Visiting Gareloi Island
- Gareloi is uninhabited and access is by private expedition vessels; only experienced expedition planners should attempt travel.
- Consult NOAA and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about landing restrictions - many Aleutian islands have regulated wildlife protections.
- Be prepared for sudden weather changes and strong winds common in the Aleutians.