Kamchatka, a naturalists’ paradise
Kamchatka's Flora and Fauna
Where else in the world can you see Steller Sea Eagles soar along a sky defined by volcanoes? Watch brown bears splashing through rivers catching amazingly abundant salmon? Observe cavorting whales along seashores that provide a haven for giant flocks of nesting seabirds? See a giant Capercaillie grouse dance their spring mating ritual on dazzling white snow? Track a lynx stalking silently through the forest and wolverines traipsing through the high country? That place is Kamchatka, Wild and Wonderful, a naturalist’s paradise!
Along the seashore
Along Kamchatka’s shores visitors may observe an abundance of wildlife including seals, sea otters, and many species of seabirds. Often in summer at the entrance of Avacha Bay, pods of Orca whales swim and play. Gray whales, minkes, and humpback whales migrate past Kamchatka coastlines. These marine mammals feed on the rich marine nutrients that well up from the Kuril Trench. A number of our advertisers offer programs that feature both bird and marine mammal observation trips. Observation season: May through October.
Along rivers
Salmon are Kamchatka’s threshold species feeding a myriad of birds and mammals as small as the mink to the grand Kamchatka brown bear. During the annual summer salmon migration it is possible to view bears and a variety of waterfowl and eagles all feasting on the bountiful fish harvest. Kronotsky Preserve is the last stronghold of the once plentiful wild reindeer. High among mountain peaks, Kamchatka’s majestic snow sheep, a tawny brown color, can sometimes be observed.
Main observation season: May through October.
Bird watching on Kamchatka
See Bird watching on Kamchatka for more information. Contact our advertisers to book a bird watching tour. Observation season: May through October.
Fantastic flora
While hiking the tundra, meadows, and the park-like stone birch forests, discover a land full of delightful flowers with many endemic species. These include: the Kamchatka rhododendron, Lady Slippers, Kamchatka lily, larkspur, fireweed, and monkshood. Wild nettle and chirimsha-a wild onion are just two of the many edible plants. Berries from the low bush cranberry to wild raspberry, blueberry, crowberry, and a delicious zhimolost in the honeysuckle family, provide fruit for homemade preserves. Locals will tell stories of Kamchatka’s abundant mushrooms that sprout during the summer and early fall. Even if you don’t wish to pick and eat them, the mushrooms’ colors and variety are wonderful subjects for photography. Observation season: June through September.
