Demand for wildlife tours increased by 30% among Russians

Summer in Russia is the best time for ecotourism: at this time, seals on the White Sea and Lake Baikal bask on the rocks, whales off the coast of Teriberka arrange jumping shows, and Kamchatka bears fish at waterfalls. On July 14, the National Tour Operator Alean told Izvestia where, when and how to safely observe animals.

"Compared to the same dates last year, the demand for summer sightseeing tours in Russia, including animal watching and rural accommodation facilities near national parks, has increased by a third. Baikal, Kamchatka, Murmansk, Astrakhan and Arkhangelsk regions are among the most popular destinations for ecotourists," explained Oksana Bulakh, the company's commercial director.

Tourists can see seals in their natural habitat on Lake Baikal. July-August is the best time for observations. The largest rookery is located on the Ushkany Islands: rare freshwater seals are observed from a special observation deck through slits in the wall. The main recommendations for tourists are to move as quietly as possible, because animals are very shy and can hide under water at the slightest noise. Seals can also be seen at Cape Khoboy on Olkhon Island and outside the wild in the Listvyanka seal garden.

In the Arkhangelsk region, in the waters of the Onega Peninsula, you can observe ringed seals, lakhtaks (a subspecies of seals), belugas, and seabirds.

Eternal warmth: tourists' interest in the northern regions has increased by one and a half times

These territories account for almost a quarter of Russians' summer trips.

The seals and lakhtaks are observed from an open rubber boat. Sometimes seals can be seen from the shore. Belugas can also be observed from the water, sometimes they swim directly under the boat — these are graceful Arctic whales known for their "conversations" and friendly behavior," added Ekaterina Sedova, manager of the Summer Zolotitsa Lodge.

In the Murmansk region, in the area of Teriberka, from April to September, they arrange a photo hunt for whales. The peak of animal activity occurs in the middle of summer, but there is no guarantee to see whales during a sea safari. However, tourists are offered to brighten up a boat trip with fishing and tasting of seafood delicacies.

A summer trip to Kamchatka promises to get acquainted with the rich fauna of the region. From the photo tour, you can bring pictures of brown bears fishing for salmon during spawning. Travelers are accommodated on lakes. One of the main photo locations is Kuril Lake and Dvukhyurtochnoye Lake. The pictures are taken in the morning and evening, when the bears are fishing. In addition, in Kamchatka, in the Avacha valley, you can find European ground squirrels. Killer whales can also be observed in the waters of the peninsula.

A trip to the Astrakhan Biosphere Reserve is planned for the second half of summer. At this time, lotuses bloom in the Volga Delta. A walk to the flower fields can be combined with birdwatching: about 300 species of birds live on the territory of the reserve, including red-tailed eagles (white-tailed eagles, curly pelicans).

Experts note that travelers who choose natural routes need to follow the principles of conscious ecotourism.

"Before starting the route, there is a mandatory briefing with a guide and briefing of guests, during which we explain the rules of behavior in the wild. It is important not to make noise, not to make sudden movements, not to feed wild animals, leave if they show concern, use binoculars and zoom cameras to minimize intrusion into their environment," Sedova said.

Earlier, on June 17, it was reported that interest in student tourism had increased by one and a half times. The Ministry of Education and Science clarified that since the beginning of 2025, 57 thousand participants have registered in the Studtourism program.