State nature reserves and other specially protected areas are guardians of our heritage, unique and untouched ecosystems and are grounds for research and analysis of our nature. Nevertheless, nature reserves are valuable not only to protect environment. Today the task of nature reserves in Russia includes protection, research of ecosystems, but also creation of the necessary network for educational tourism and promotion of ecological awareness. This allows Russian nature reserves give you the opportunity to see the intact pristine nature, wild animals and birds, get inspired by an overwhelming beauty of our country, relax and discover something new in nature and in your soul.

Trip to the Severo-Zapadnoye rookery. Photo by Anastasiia Korvovskaya

The goal to create the facilities for educational tourism, to tell people about our country and region is one of priorities for the Commander Islands Nature and Biosphere Reserve and for all the reserves of Russia. From 2012 the Commander Islands Reserve has implemented a project to develop the educational tourism and to have all necessary facilities, including creation of infrastructure, purchase of modern marine and land vehicles, creation of informational products and other activities.

Trip to the waterfalls. Photo by Anastasiia Korvovskaya

One of our latest achievements in this sphere is construction of the visit-center. Not everything is ready, but today you can stay in one of the brand new guest rooms. Every room has its style and comfort level. Morskoy (Nautic) and Korabelny (Maritime) are two two-room suites of high class with separate bathrooms. One of the suites is decorated in marine style, where guests will see their first whales – stuffed ones. The other suite is for those who want to become a sea captain with your own master’s cabin. There are also tree budget-friendly but cozy variants: Tundra – Summer, Tundra – Autumn and Studenchesky (Students’ cabin). WC for these three rooms is public and is situated on the same floor. We also have a large mess room with TV and kitchen facilities for friendly gatherings.

Mess room. Photo by Alexey Veledinsky

Our guest rooms are cozy like home. Photo by Alexey Veledinsky

If you choose to stay in our guest rooms, you’ll have a chance to dip into the atmosphere of our reserve, as our team works in wing nearby. Depending on your interests, you may take a look at the work of the environmental protection department, scientific department or environmental education department. If you wish, you may also take part in some of our activities.

The Commander Islands Nature and Biosphere Reserve has developed excursions and whole excursion packages – there are variants for everyone. You may save money and go on a 100-kilometer hiking trip to challenge yourself. You may buy a tour in a partner travel company or connect us directly to develop an individual educational program. Every excursion organized by the Commander Islands Nature and Biosphere Reserve has a bonus of special printed products and souvenirs connected to the theme of the excursion.

On the Severo-Zapadnoye rookery. Photo by Anastasiia Korvovskaya

No matter what you choose – marine or land excursions or one of the excursion packages – we know that you will fall in love with our fascinating reserve and its wild dwellers!

By the way, the Commander Islands Nature and Biosphere Reserve has a status of a biosphere reserve within UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program. It means that our goals do not only include protection of the environment and research but also working local people to save traditional natural resources use and other traditions as well as to make souvenirs etc. We believe that cooperation with local people has a lot of perspectives, but even now our guests may taste local cuisine and buy handmade souvenirs.

Where will you go next summer?