Near Islands

The Near Islands are the westernmost island group of the Aleutian chain in Alaska, located near the eastern edge of the Bering Sea and the North Pacific. The group includes several islands such as Attu and Agattu and lies remote from Alaska’s main population centres.

The islands are characterised by rugged, sparsely vegetated terrain, seabird colonies and remnant wartime sites; there are no regular tourism services and access is generally by expedition vessel or occasional charter flights. Wildlife viewing, seabird colonies and historical World War II sites are the primary reasons visitors travel to these islands.

The Near Islands have a recorded history of Aleut habitation and later strategic significance during World War II, when Attu was the scene of a battle in 1943. After the war and through the later 20th century most islands in the group became depopulated or only seasonally used.

They lie at the far western end of the Aleutian chain, west of the Alaska Peninsula and separated from Russia by the Bering Sea and long stretches of ocean; the islands are thousands of kilometres from Alaska’s larger cities.

• Remoteness: The island group forms the westernmost portion of the Aleutian archipelago and is among the least accessible parts of Alaska, with limited transport connections.

What to See#

• Attu Island: Attu Island, the largest in the group and historically significant as the location of a 1943 battle during World War II; it has been largely uninhabited since the mid-20th century.
• Agattu Island: Agattu Island, a large, largely uninhabited island with rugged terrain and limited access by sea or air.

The Near Islands are the extreme western islands of the Aleutians and are extremely remote. There is no regular public transport; access requires private boat charters or specially arranged (charter or military) flights from larger Aleutian bases. Plan multi‑leg travel from mainland Alaska and arrange transport well in advance.

• Treat the Near Islands as remote, expedition-level destinations: travel requires charter boats or specialized flights and careful planning with experienced Aleutian operators rather than relying on regular ferry schedules.
• Plan your trip for the brief Alaskan summer (roughly July-August) when seas and weather are comparatively calmer and seabird and wildlife activity are at their peak.
• Expect very limited facilities and prepare for sudden weather and sea changes; coordinate logistics, emergency communications, and permits well in advance with local providers.