Shantar Islands
Islands Remote archipelago in the Sea of Okhotsk
An archipelago in the Sea of Okhotsk, the Shantar Islands attract expedition cruises and researchers for rugged fjords, seabird colonies, marine mammals and extensive boreal forests on largely uninhabited shores.
The Shantar Islands are an archipelago in the northwestern Sea of Okhotsk, within Khabarovsk Krai, Russian Federation. The group is remote and largely uninhabited, consisting of rugged, forested islands and rocky coasts.
Russian explorers and mariners charted and used the islands from the 18th and 19th centuries, and the islands have been sparsely used for seasonal fishing and hunting since that period. They have not supported large permanent settlements in modern times.
The archipelago lies off the northwestern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, west of mainland Khabarovsk Krai, and is reached by sea from regional ports when sea-ice conditions allow.
- Seasonal access: Sea ice commonly affects the area outside the summer months, so the open-water season for visits and wildlife observation is typically late spring through early autumn.
What to See #
- Bolshoy Shantar (largest island): Bolshoy Shantar is the largest island in the group and is the primary landmass for wildlife and coastal features within the archipelago.
Tips for Visiting Shantar Islands #
- Plan trips in the short ice-free season (typically mid-summer) and only travel on an expedition vessel - the Shantar Islands are remote, with landings dependent on sea and ice conditions.
- Book with experienced operators familiar with the Sea of Okhotsk: landing sites are limited, seas can be rough, and wildlife/birdwatching opportunities are best with guides who know the local coves and cliffs.
Best Time to Visit Shantar Islands #
The Shantar Islands are best visited in the short summer (June-August) when sea access and wildlife observations are most feasible.
Weather & Climate near Shantar Islands #
Shantar Islands'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 17°C. Moderate rainfall (615 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -16°C and lows of -26°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -25°C. The driest month with just 16 mm and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -21°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is freezing with highs of 0°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 6°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 87 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is freezing with highs of 4°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is freezing with highs of -7°C and lows of -16°C. Moderate rainfall (45 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 (32 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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