Tyuleny Archipelago

The Tyuleny Archipelago is a small group of islands in the Caspian Sea off the coast of Kazakhstan’s Mangystau Region, known for its marine wildlife. The islands are largely uninhabited and are recognized for their colonies of seals and seabirds.

The archipelago consists of a main island and several smaller islets and rocky outcrops used by breeding seabirds and by Caspian seals. Because of their ecological role the islands are primarily of interest to researchers and nature observers.

Human use of the islands has historically been limited; contemporary visits tend to be for scientific study, conservation or tightly controlled wildlife observation. Facilities are minimal or absent and landings are often regulated.

Geographically the islands sit in the northern Caspian Sea off Kazakhstan’s western shore within Mangystau Region, emerging from shallow continental shelf waters along the coast.

• Wildlife importance: Named after the Russian word for 'seal', the archipelago is notable for significant Caspian seal and seabird populations and is important for regional marine biodiversity.
• Access restrictions: Access is restricted in places and the islands are largely uninhabited; visits commonly require permits and are primarily for research or regulated nature study.

What to See #

• Tyuleny (principal island): A principal island within the group that supports large breeding colonies of seals and seabirds.
• Satellite islets and roosting rocks: Smaller rocky islets and shoals used by seabirds for nesting and roosting around the archipelago.