Far Eastern Federal Marine Reserve
Far Eastern Federal Marine Reserve is the only marine reserve in Russia, situated not far from Vladivostok. Unique in its beauty and bio-diversity, the reserve occupies nearly 65,000 hectares, or about 10% of Peter the Great Bay that links Vladivostok area waters to the Sea of Japan. The only Russian Marine Reserve protects unique natural complexes of water area and islands of Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan.
11 islands of the reserve are more than 8000 years old. They are rich in aesthetic, scientific, and historical value. The wind-carved cliffs, sandy beaches, subtropical forests and inland waterways are home to more than 3,300 species of flora and fauna. Altogether 925 species of vascular plants, 62 of which are attributed to the category of special protection, are registered on the islands. A complete list of birds of the Marine Reserve includes 390 species, of which 223 species – nesting, colonial and migrant – can be observed directly in the Reserve. 28 bird species are included into the IUCN and Russian Red lists. The Larga seal rookeries and marine bird colonies are of particular interest. The wind, waves and rain have crafted striking geological sculptures that lend additional charm to the picturesque blend of island and coastline of the reserve.
The reserve's waters abound in highly varied marine life and feature underwater rocks, banks and reefs covered with an almost continuous "living carpet." Waters and bottom areas of the Reserve are inhabited by more than 2130 species of animals and plants: this water area is the richest in species diversity among Russian seas. Just realize: both subtropical and arctic animal species have found thir shelter here including 170 fish species, 300 shellfish species, 30 echinoderm species and more than 200 mollusk species, 7 of which are included into the Red List of Russia. You can see and make pictures of giant octopus, Kamchatka king crab, sea urchins and cucumbers, starfish and other species of underwater life. Minke whales, orcas and dolphins can be observed in the waters of the Reserve. There are the biggest colonies in the world of the black-tailed gull and Temminck’s cormorant on the Furughelm Island.
Breathtaking landscapes and views, crystal-clear water and a ring of islands …. you’ll find your tour of Russian only marine reserve an unforgettable experience!
We offer different tours to show unique beauty of the reserve:
Duration of each tour: 8-10 hours (except the tour# 4 “Island Reserves Tour” ).
All tours start and finish in Vladivostok.
Prime season: July - September.
The tour “ Nature Reserve, Verkhovsky Islands”
The tour “Stenina Island”
The tour “Island Reserves Tour”
You are welcome to the nature reserves of Primorye! |
