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Headquartered in the Heart of the 1000 Islands and operating throughout North America and Worldwide. We facilitate the buying and selling process by bringing together the most comprehensive marketplace of available boats. The listings provide specifications, photos, locations, and all necessary information to facilitate “the hunt”. Still looking for that special boat? Let us find it for you!

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Sailing Yachts For Sale

Do you want to realise a long-standing yachting dream or take the family out on the water with style? Whether you’re searching for a small sloop or a large sailing yacht, we can help you find your ideal vessel.

The team at Wooden Ships is very fortunate to have some of the world’s most beautiful sailing yachts for sale. We consider it both a pleasure and a responsibility to guide you in selecting the boat that is your perfect sailing match. Browse our portfolio of some of the most elegant, traditional and classic sailing boats for sale today, or contact us to find out more about the sailing boats and yachts in our books.

Enquire about Falmouth Pilot Cutter Pellew

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Falmouth Pilot Cutter Pellew

Built by Luke Powell and his Working Sail Yard to the lines of the original Falmouth Pilot Cutter 'Vincent'. Launched in 2020, she is now operating as a successful charter vessel. Built solely with charter and sail training in mind, she was constructed to MCA Category 0 standards enabling her to sail worldwide with guests/trainees plus the crew. Oak on oak hull, all bronze fastened and designed to last. 8 comfortable guest berths plus a crew cabin aft. 3 watertight bulkheads. 2 electric-powered bronze capstans on deck aid handling the rig and mooring lines. A hugely impressive and elegant sailing boat, proven to be fast, easily handled and an excellent charter platform. Pellew is an 'as new' sailing yacht for sale for half the new build cost. VAT will be charged on the sale price

• Designer: Traditional
• Builder: Working Sail Ltd
• Location: United Kingdom
• Length on deck: 68'
• Draft: 9'8"

Enquire about Westcountry Trading Ketch Bessie Ellen

Westcountry Trading Ketch Bessie Ellen

Bessie Ellen could be considered the flagship of UK traditional sailing boats. Built in Plymouth in 1904, she has been operating as a commercial charter vessel in the present ownership for over 20 years. Licenced to a very high standard under MCA with the following tickets: MCA Category 0 for 12 passengers plus 6 crew. Class VI passenger licence for 60-day passengers. Cargo licence for 50 tons of cargo.

Fully equipped and operational 118ft sailing boat with a thriving charter business, this is a totally unique opportunity to acquire a top-class traditional charter vessel. We're excited to list her in our exclusive sailing yachts for sale.

• Builder: W.S. Kelly, Plymouth
• Length on deck: 84'
• Beam: 20'4"
• Draft: 7'10"

Enquire about Tall Ship Phoenix

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Tall Ship Phoenix

Built in Denmark as a Baltic Trader, she was first converted to her current configuration in 1988. Used mainly for film work and maritime festival appearances, Pheonix has become a well-known classic sailing ship in many parts of the world. Two-masted brig, a major overhaul of the rig in 2019 including new lower fore and main masts. Volvo Penta 235hp diesel, major rebuild in 2019. Well-documented refit history going back many years. Licensed under MCA Category 2, out of water survey in January 2021. An unusual, impressive and capable sea-going sailing ship, capable of many different roles but particularly well suited to period film work with which she has been particularly busy throughout 2022.Phoenix is the most famous of our yachts for sale.

• Builder: Hjorne and Jakobsen of Frederikshavn, Denmark
• Length on deck: 78'
• Beam: 22'7"
• Draft: 8'6"

Enquire about Daniel Bombigher Shpountz 44-40 Schooner

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Daniel Bombigher Shpountz 44-40 Schooner

Daniel Bombigher Shpountz 44-40 schooner launched in the south of France in 2012. She was taken on a cruise across the Atlantic, up to Nova Scotia and back to Panama. Sadly the owners suffered health issues and their planned circumnavigation was cut short and the boat was shipped back to France in 2016. She has since been laid up in a large shed, fully winterised and protected awaiting her next owner to continue the adventure. the design was intended as a long distance blue water cruising boat, spacious, capable and easy to handle. She has very shallow draft and a centreplate allowing her to access inshore areas usually off limits to a yacht of this length. 8 berths in a stunning interior. Fully equipped with all the necessary systems for long distance sailing. The yacht has had its shakedown cruise, all the normal issues with a new boat have been shaken out and she is in great shape for her next adventure.

• Designer: Daniel Bombigher
• Location: France
• Length on deck: 48'7"
• Draft: 5'10"

Enquire about G.L. Watson Gaff Cutter

G.L. Watson Gaff Cutter

launched in 1887, she was designed by the great G.L. Watson with inspiration from the Scottish Loch Fyne Skiffs. Her interior was designed by her first owner, Robert Cowan Robertson, who was an artist in the Glasgow area and created a spectacular interior design that has survived the passage of time and is nearly all original today. Her saloon joinery has been carefully restored to keep all the original panelling and features and needed only minimal repairs. Her saloon is a completely unique work of art. The yacht was totally rebuilt between 2009 and 2017 with 80% new planking and frames, new deck and all new systems. The restoration was sympathetic to the original design and has resulted in a very special and unique vessel that is in superb condition.

• Designer: G.L.Watson
• Builder: Thomas Orr Jr.
• Length on deck: 45'10"

Enquire about Steel Gaff Cutter

Steel Gaff Cutter

Steel gaff cutter designed by Mylne Classic Yacht Design and built by Stal Komplex of Poland in 2017. The design is based on the Lowestoft sailing trawlers and the inspiration is obvious when looking at her lines. Fitted out below by the owner she has 8 berths with 2.1m headroom. Steyr diesel with hydraulics powering twin propellers for easy close quarter handling. Very solid and capable vessel. Full design specs available on request.

• Designer: Mylne Classic Yacht Design
• Builder: Stal Komplex, Poland
• Location: Sweden
• Length on deck: 61'6"
• Beam: 18'6"
• Draft: 8'9"

Enquire about 56′ Ed Burnett Pilot Cutter

56′ Ed Burnett Pilot Cutter

£ 300000 inc. VAT

Constructed in 2008 to an Ed Burnett design, specifically for sail training with The Island Trust in Plymouth who specialise in taking disadvantaged young people to sea. Sadly the Trust has reached a point where 2 of their 3 vessels need to be sold so they can consolidate costs. Pegasus has proved very successful since her launch with many thousands of sea miles covered. She has commercial licence under the MCA of Category 2 for 10 guests + 2 crew (60 miles from safe haven) The vessel is fully equipped to this standard and will come with all the gear and equipment for commercial sailing activities. 12 berths in 4 cabins with 6'6" headroom in the saloon. Capable of being sailed by 2 people but comfortable space on a passage for 12. Ideally suited for charter sailing but would make a first class private adventure cruising yacht. Asking price is inclusive of UK VAT.

• Designer: Ed Burnett
• Builder: Bristol Classic Boat Company
• Location: Devon
• Length on deck: 56'1"
• Beam: 14'9"

Enquire about Brixham Sailing Trawler DEODAR

Brixham Sailing Trawler DEODAR

Brixham sailing trawler BM 313, launched in 1911. After years of fishing and commercial operations, she started a long rolling rebuild under the present ownership which started in 1983. The boat has been sailed every season since 1972 with the present owner. Now presented in great condition and evidently well maintained. 15 berths. Volvo Penta 230hp diesel. Based in Stockholm, viewing through our Scandinavian representative.

• Builder: Robert Jackman & Sons Shipyard
• Length on deck: 78'10"

Enquire about Spirit Yachts 42′ Gaff Yawl

Spirit Yachts 42′ Gaff Yawl

Designed and built by Spirit Yachts Ltd in 2013, commissioned and built for the current owners. Winner of Classic Boat magazine award and concours d'elegance at Antigua Classics. A unique blend of tradition and modern, she incorporates a wood/epoxy strip plank hull with fin keel and blade rudder, but with a more traditional gaff yawl rig. Very spacious and supremely comfortable yacht with 5 berths including fore and aft cabins. She has proven to be a great cruising home with periods in the Caribbean, Med and UK waters. A real head turner and a totally unique boat.

• Designer: Sean McMillan
• Builder: Spirit Yachts Ltd
• Location: Scotland
• Length on deck: 41'10"
• Beam: 11'4"
• Draft: 6'1"

Enquire about Luke Powell Gaff Cutter

Luke Powell Gaff Cutter

Number 8 of the sailing yachts built by Luke Powell, based on the Isles of Scilly Pilot Cutters and launched in 2012. Built for the current owners, this 64ft boat has been cruised as a private sailing yacht covering over 25,000Nm, much of it with a husband and wife crew. Planked in larch and oak fastened with bronze screws to sawn oak frames. Gaff cutter rig, Beta 35hp diesel. 5 berths including a double. Maintained to a very high standard and presented in immaculate condition, Freja is a lovely example of Luke Powells cutters, fully equipped and well prepared for new adventures. British flagged classic sailing boat, currently sailing west towards the UK and she will be based in the UK and France for this summer.

• Designer: Luke Powell
• Length on deck: 42'
• Beam: 12'2"

Enquire about Luke Powell Pilot Cutter

Luke Powell Pilot Cutter

The 44-foot Luke Powell gaff cutter sailing yacht built by Working Sail and launched in 2009. Planked in Oak and Larch on oak frames, all bronze screw-fastened. Beta 75hp diesel, 10 berths including 2 doubles. All the reassurance of a recent build sailing boat with the benefits of one which has been sailed properly. Operating as a successful charter yacht since her launch, the business aspect is included in the purchase. She would make a perfect turnkey charter operation for a new owner or be sailed as a private family sailing yacht. Internal and external refit completed summer 2024. Price is subject to VAT as part of the charter business but this could be reclaimed by a buyer with the right circumstances.

• Designer: Powell, Luke
• Builder: Luke Powell
• Location: Hants
• Length on deck: 44'
• Beam: 13'6"

Enquire about International Six Meter GBR31

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International Six Meter GBR31

Designed by Tore Holm and built in Sweden in 1939. SILVERVINGEN had a major professional rebuild in Sweden 2004-2013 put the hull back into first class condition. In recent times she was bought by the current owner who put the boat through a no expense spared refit to bring her up to the best racing standard possible. Together with her stable mate ABU she has been tested and raced very thoroughly to perfect every facet of the hull and rig. A superb yacht, fully equipped for top flight racing on the 6m circuit.

• Designer: Tore Holm
• Builder: Hagerstens Batvarv, Sweden
• Length on deck: 37'1"
• Draft: 5'5"

Yachts for sale

Sailing yachts are one of a kind in regatta capabilities and eco-friendly performance. Nothing quite beats relaxing on your boat with an ice-cold drink and the sound of sails flapping gently overhead. Several advantages come with owning sail boats, including freedom and adaptability to sail wherever and whenever you want and travel the world at your own pace. In addition, one of the many benefits of sailing boats is harnessing the wind’s power.

Many of the classic yachts for sale by Wooden Ships have the timeless elegance and speed of a traditional sailing yacht, whilst others combine this with all the contemporary convenience of a modern yacht, ensuring that every voyage is as pleasant as possible. Whether you want a sailboat to leisurely cruise between some of the world’s most famous and colourful ports in amongst the luxury boats, explore remote spots off the beaten track, or participate in regattas, our sailboats for sale give you the freedom to do it in stylish elegance.

Sailboats for sale UK

Many people think that owning a yacht means buying a perfect, ready-made boat. However, at Wooden Ships classic yacht brokers, we know there is a boat for everyone, and many people find the best sailing boats are to take on an old classic as a project. You can usually purchase used project yachts for a much lower price than a new one. You’ll have the opportunity to put your stamp on them by carrying out any necessary repairs and renovations.

Of course, taking on project boats is not for everyone. It requires time, effort and patience to return an old boat to its former glory. But if you’re up for the challenge, a project boat can be a great way to get a unique classic yacht. We hope that you enjoy our selection of vintage and classic sailing yachts.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about any of the boats featured on our website, or if you want to sell your classic boat . Here’s some information about what to expect when you sell your boat .

Wooden Ships classic yachts brokers have an extensive database of sailing boats for sale. With a wide range of classic yachts , motor yachts and small classic boats , Wooden Ships has one of the largest selections of traditional wooden boats and yachts for sale in the UK. 

Latest listings

22′ Varnished Motor Launch

Harrison Butler Englyn Design

Laurent Giles Brittany Class

Kim Holman Landfall Class Ketch

Classic National 18 Dinghy

26′ Gaff Yawl

Ex RNLB Watson Class Lifeboat

15′ Dartmouth Launch

Chris Craft Replica Barrelback 19 Runabout

19′ Fast Harbour Launch

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How to Sell a Yacht

September 5th 2022

How to sell a classic yacht – 10 things to expect from your broker.   Selling a classic yacht can be daunting, but working with a broker can simp…

Jaap van der Weijden Ship Restauration and Maintenance

Wooden classic sailing boats, sale and refit of scandinavian classic wooden sailing yachts.

DON’T YOU FIND THE BEAUTY AND HARMONY OF CLASSIC SAILING BOATS CAPTIVATING?

All year round I offer a number of gracefully lined, classical ships on my wharf. You are probably familiar with those Scandinavian designs and extraordinary sailing capacities.

All ships are thoroughly refitted and in great condition. Just the sailing, not the worries!

STRAIGHT TO THE WATER

If you buy a ship from me, it’s all ready and set up for sailing. All ships have undergone extensive refit and reparations. The wood has been impregnated, treated and finished off with the correct varnishes.

This makes you save time and maintenance and refit costs. In other words: you can immediately start to enjoy the wind, the water and your sailing beauty!

Most refitting projects are ships of the following classes:

• Skerry cruiser: Neptune, Mälar 22, Mälar 25
• Coastal cruiser: Enderlein 28, Winga kryssare
• Spidsgatter: Koster 25, Laurin Koster
• Daysailer: International 5.5 class, River class
• Polyclassics: H-boat, Karavel

CRAFTMANSHIP

As a sailor and classic boats fanatic I have gained extensive knowledge on the history, craftmanship, maintenance and market value of small to middlesized classic wooden sailing yachts.

This has inspired me to start offering refitted ships, mostly Scandinavian designs such as the Skerry Cruiser, Coastal Cruiser and H-Boat.

Because sailing enthusiasts live all over the world, I publish all the ships that are currently for sale on this website. As of today, I count happy buyers from Germany, France, Spain, Russia and Australia amongst my clients.

Whether you are from Europe or beyond, you may contact me by e-mail, phone or skype. You are always welcome to pay a visit to the wharf, located in Kudelstaart (which is about 20 kilometres south of Amsterdam).

50th Anniversary Collectors Issue - September/October Issue No. 300 Preview Now

1944 Luders 24 LEAF

1944 Luders 24 LEAF The Luders 24 is one of the many successful class boats built and designed by Bill Luders. Leaf has proven that she is a fast hull, taking home hardware from all major classic regattas on the East Coast. Leaf comes fully outfitted with a full set of Doyle sails, new sail, cockpit covers, custom trailer and many recent upgrades. Leaf is a beautiful classic yacht with an unparalleled racing record. She is ready to win some hardware for the new owner. $57,000. Contact [email protected] 401-258-8319

Contact Information

257 Franklin St #8 Bristol , RI 02809 United States

2014 19ft Ness Yawl Designed by Ian Oughtred

Built in Maine, exquisite detailing. Torqeedo engine and 2 batteries included. An exceptional boat. Call text or email Bill 908-591-1083 or [email protected]

1116 Willoughby Lane Point Pleasant Boro , NJ 08742 United States

Cheerio II, 1931 46' yawl, formerly owned by actor Errol Flynn. 3 time winner of her class in the Newport to Ensenada Race. First to finish, this July, in the McNish Classic Yacht Race. Google "Cheerio II" to see photos, videos, and articles. Recent survey available. A SoCal classic! Asking $100,000. Text or call 510-846-4178 or [email protected] .

1804 Nason St Alameda , CA 94501 United States

1937 Chris Craft 17’ Deluxe Runabout

1937 Chris-Craft 17’ Deluxe Runabout, hull no. 71091 Boat model 721 Engine Model K, no . 5982, Records of ownership, Restoration photos, past show winner, Dock bumpers, spare transmission, no soak hull, life jackets, trailer with spare tire, new boat cover. $45,000 Call Myles 502-472-3038 total restoration over $75,000

3685 Amick Way Lexington , KY 40509 United States

37’ “Tahiti” ketch $19,000

Port Orford cedar on white oak, 1962 Willard boatyard CA. Perkins diesel NEW: solar electric, batteries, galley, airhead, cushions, sail covers, and more. Contact Bjorn [email protected] . 518-779-4011.

276 Bulson Road Troy By 12180 Troy , NY 12180 United States

R class sloop 1924

Burgess Swasey Pane design.Fully restored ,in racing trim.Aluminum spars,North 3Di sails.Harken winches and hardware. Yammer 1GM10 with Max-prop.Fresh water sailed Lake Ontario. $60,000USD.Contact [email protected] 647 401 6502

149 Green Briar Road Alliston ON L9R 1X9 Canada

Welsford Navigator

15', gunter rigged yawl, hinged mast, built 2019, epoxy plywood construction. $10,500. Excellent condition. Includes 2019 trailer, new covers, like-new sails. Antifouled bottom. Optional electric outboard available. Located New Haven, CT. [email protected]

398 Central Avenue New Haven , CT 06515 United States

2012 French & Webb FW 37

Composite wood hull is epoxy laminated of four layers of fir, red cedar, and mahogany that is encapsulated in structural E-glass. Skin is reinforced on laminated ribs and backbone. Stability from a 4,400 pound fin keel balancing a 46’ carbon fiber rig. Fully battened main is boom furled. Self-tacking headsail insures easy handling and exceptional performance. Volvo diesel with sail drive. Decks are sprung teak on composite substrate. Cabin and cockpits are varnished teak. . Flawless condition; inside and out! Pocasset, MA. McCann Yachts-508-771-8447.

P.O. Box 754 Hyannis Port , MA 02647 United States

1963 35' crocker sloop Northerly

1963 Crocker sloop. Cedar on white oak, Bronze fastened, 28 hp universal diesel. Varnish and paint in Bristal shape . Rigging sound. Have survey from 2021.. Call Rob 860 304 2476 $10,000

85 Eastpearl str New Haven , CT 06513 United States

17' Sasanoa

17 ft. Wooden sail boat bought in 1995 in Annapolis. Kept in covered building for 25 years, near Pittsburgh PA 724-350-4169

310 Mount Tabor Road Coal Center , PA 15423 United States

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Classic Boats for Sale: Two Wooden Motorboats on the Market

Looking for a classic boats for sale? Here’s two top picks from the market!

Virgo: classic pettersson launch.

Virgo is one of the early twentieth century Pettersson boats, commuter boats of choice for Swedish folk with an island summerhouse, and designed to cruise quickly and smoothly across the archipelago on long summer evenings. The current owner took Virgo to Clare Lallow’s boatyard on the Isle of Wight, where she was stripped back, repaired as necessary and revarnished. A Beta Marine 60 engine was fitted with associated ancillary gear and new electrical systems to create a fine launch which combines classic 1920s styling with 21st century technology. The 25ft 4in (7.7m) build features varnished mahogany planking in a carvel construction on oak and metal frames. “She handles extremely well at sea but would be equally at home on an inland waterway or a lake,” says the broker. 

Lying UK, asking £47,500, Henley Sales and Charter, hscboats.co.uk

Scamp: Ready to roll

The 20ft 8in (6.3m) Baycraft 19 made an impression when she first appeared at the Thames Trad a few years ago, for her sense of handsome utility and roominess. The boat is inspired by a 1954 ‘sea skiff’ design by William and John Atkin and offers the same sort of performance and accommodation as that, or one of the 1950s runabouts like a Lyman Sea Skiff or similar by Chris Craft. The build, however, two layers of strip-planked cedar sheathed inside as well as on the outside of the hull, offers easy, modern maintenance and the ability to live on a trailer without opening up. An Admiralty trailer is supplied for this purpose, as well as a full-length boat cover.

As a category D boat the Baycraft is licensed to carry seven people, and in category C, five people. The broker says: “She is roomy and comfortable with a good turn of speed if on lake or estuary, given the 40hp Honda outboard. One could equally fit an electric outboard if preferred. The seating for six to seven people includes a table that fits neatly between the aft seating and tucks away under the aft deck when not in use.” 

Lying UK, Asking £39,950, Henley Sales and Charter, hscboats.co.uk

Want to view more classic boats for sale?

Here’s a wide range of brilliant classic boats on the market .

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CLASSIC 9FT ROWING BOAT Just Listed

Used boats for sale, skiffs / dinghies / inflatables.

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Vladivostok (Russia, Primorsky Krai)

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Region Asia

Local Time 2024-09-20 10:10

Vladivostok is a port city located in Russia (northeastern Asia), and on Golden Horn Bay (Sea of Japan). The city covers a total area of approx 331 km2 (128 mi2) and has population around 0,6 million.

The port city is the terminus of Russia's largest Pacific railway system (Trans-Siberian Railroad) and also the main naval base of Russia's Pacific fleet. The harbor is being kept open by icebreakers during winter months and serves as base for whaling and fishing vessels. Far Eastern State University is also here. The city is a major center of scientific research.

After the port city is named the 2015-built icebreaker Vladivostok .

The town was founded in 1860 as a military outpost and grew rapidly after 1903 when the Trans-Siberian railway was completed. During 1918-1922, Vladivostok was occupied by Japanese and Allied forces.

Port Vladivostok is ice-free the whole year-round. In 2002, the port had a foreign shipping trade turnover worth USD 275 million. In 2015, a special economic zone was established within the free port.

The city's main industries/employers are the Russian naval base, cargo shipping, commercial fishing. Fishing accounts for about 4/5 of the commercial production. A major source of revenue is the Japanese cars import.

In 2012, the city hosted the 24th Summit of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) forum on Russky Island. In preparation for the event, the city's infrastructure was improved and two giant cable-stayed bridges were built - Zolotoy Rog Bridge (over Golden Horn Bay, city center) and Russky Bridge (connecting with Russky Island).

The 4-lane Russky Bridge (across Eastern Bosphorus strait) is the world's longest cable-stayed bridge ever constructed -(length 3,1 km / 10,200 ft). Its longest span is 1,1 km (3622 ft). The bridge's clearance above is 70 m (230 ft). The construction cost around USD 1,1 billion.

In August 2016, the Chinese ship Chinese Taishan (former Costa Voyager) made a maiden port call. Liner's operator (Bohai Cruises) soon announced the company's decision to include Vladivostok in its regularly scheduled roundtrip itineraries.

On July 31, 2017, the Peace Boat-chartered cruise ship Ocean Dream made a maiden port call in Vladivostok, with around 1200 tourists from Japan and South Korea. The voyage departed Port Kobe (Japan) on July 27th and visited Yeosu (Korea) , Vladivostok, Hakodate (Japan) , Sakaiminato-Matsue (Japan) and Busan (Korea) .

In 2017, cruise ships managed by Costa Asia ( Carnival Corporation 's subsidiary) visited Port Vladivostok 6 times. The first vessel ( Costa Victoria - max capacity 2314 passengers) docked here in May 2016. In 2017, the cruise port handled 13 ship calls. In 2016, their number was 6.

In 2018, the area near the cruise berth was dredged to allow docking of bigger vessels. On February 26 was opened port's season 2018 with Amadea ( Phoenix Reisen ) carrying over 500 passengers. Among 2018's highlights were the maiden calls by the large liners MSC Splendida (3900 pax), Costa Serena (3600 pax) and Costa Fortuna (3250 pax). On May 12, 2018, Costa Serena became the ever-largest cruise ship docking in Vladivostok. The liner carried over 3000 passengers and crew. It arrived from South Korea (roundtrip Busan itinerary) being chartered by Lotte Tours. Tourists were greeted with a live performance by Far Eastern State Technical Fisheries University students (drummers, singers, dancers). The seaport and Vladivostok tour operators arranged a total of 79 buses each with a Korean-speaking tour guide.

In 2019 (March through October) were booked for berthing a total of 16 ships, among which the RCI-Royal Caribbean 's Quantum and Spectrum . Other large-sized liners were Costa Serena (5 times), Costa neoRomantica (3 times), Diamond Princess , Holland America 's Maasdam and Westerdam , Ocean Dream .

Season 2019 started on March 20 with MS Albatros (Phoenix Reisen), with estimated nearly 30,000 cruise passengers (plus ~70,000 ferry passengers) to be handled at Vladivostok Sea Terminal. In 2019, Vladivostok also restarted its homeport operations with locals and tourists able to book cruises leaving from Vladivostok (mainly to ports in Korea and Japan) and fly-cruise deals (via air/sea programs). There are plans for establishing a local (Russian) cruise line to operate itineraries to other Russian Far East destinations.

On Sept 9, 2019, Spectrum OTS became the ever-largest passenger ship to visit a Russian Federation port. The vessel docked in Vladivostok and was boarded by 200+ Russian VIP guests. Next is listed the 8-day "Russia and Japan Cruise" itinerary roundtrip from China.

Via Vladivostok, the Russian cargo shipping company FESCO serves three express routes connecting Russia with South Korea, China and Japan - Busan to Moscow (15-days transit launched June 2018), Shanghai to Moscow (20-days transit launched January 2017) and Toyama to Moscow (15-days transit launched April 2018). The new services allow delivery time reduction achieved by implementing new pass-through technology (port-railway). Busan to Vladivostok transit time is 2 days.

In January 2021, FESCO for the first time exported containerized grain delivered from Khabarovsk. The TEU-containers were shipped to China's Qingdao and Chiwan ports. FESCO's Russia-China service is 2-week (transit time 14 days). FESCO started bulk shipping of gran (from Krasnoyarsk) to China in 2018 with the new Siberia-to-Far East (Kamchatka and Magadan) service via FESCO-owned trains.

In December 2021, FESCO acquired JSC Port Gaydamak (FEMSTA containership terminal) which was planned for modernization and expansion in 2024. The facility is used mainly for transshipment (400,000+ tons of grain annually) and general cargoes. Also in December was inaugurated the "FESCO West Gate Bridge" (2-4-times a month intermodal containership service on the route Vladivostok- Kaliningrad/Baltiysk ) linking the Asia-Pacific countries with Europe. With an estimated transit time of 36 days, the Vladivostok-Kaliningrad service is nearly 1,5 times faster than the Suez Canal alternative.

Vladivostok cruise terminal

Cruise ships dock at Vladivostok Sea Terminal where their passengers are welcomed with a ceremony that includes live performances of traditional Russian dances, folklore songs and drummers. The event is organized by the company Vladivostok Sea Terminal, LLC.

To all passengers are given free city maps and tour guides, provided by Primorsky Region's Tourist Information Center. Traditionally, an outdoor market with Russian souvenirs is also organized for the disembarking tourists.

Vladivostok tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

• In Olga Bay is located the port town Olga (population around 4,000) -  the administrative center of Olginsky District (Primorsky Krai, Russia). The St Olga military post was established in 1860.
• Lazovsky Nature Reserve is accessed through the port town Preobrazhina (aka Preobrazhenie).

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Primorsky Krai, Russia

The capital city of Primorye krai: Vladivostok .

Primorsky Krai - Overview

Primorsky Krai (informally Primorye ) is a federal subject of Russia located in the south-eastern part of the country, in the south of the Far East, part of the Far Eastern Federal District. Vladivostok is the capital city of the region.

The population of Primorsky Krai is about 1,863,000 (2022), the area - 164,673 sq. km.

Primorye krai flag

Primorye krai coat of arms.

Primorye krai map, Russia

Primorye krai latest news and posts from our blog:.

20 September, 2017 / Vladivostok - the view from above .

23 July, 2015 / Gamov lighthouse - the easternmost lighthouse in Russia .

24 February, 2014 / Abandoned shelter-base for Soviet submarines .

11 September, 2012 / These tanks are not afraid to go under the water .

28 April, 2012 / First demonstration flights of new Russian combat helicopters .

More posts..

News, notes and thoughts:

18 August, 2011   / A shark attacked a 16-year-old youth in Russia's Primorye region, officials said, a day after a man lost his hands in a similar shark attack unprecedented for the region. What is wrong with the sharks all over the world?

9 January, 2011   / A bear apparently wounded by hunters broke into a school in the Primorye Territory in Russia's Far East, police said Sunday. Yeah, bears walking the streets of Russian cities.

History of Primorsky Krai

The first people settled in the region more than 30 thousand years ago. According to ancient legends, the coastal line was densely inhabited. In the Middle Ages, there were three empires on the territory of Primorye, which successively replaced each other: Bohai (698-926), Jin (1115-1234), Eastern Xia (1215-1233).

In the early 13th century, the territory of East Asia suffered the Mongol invasion. This led to the fall of the empire of Jin, but some provinces in the east preserved independence and formed an independent state known as Eastern Xia. In 1233, after another invasion this state ceased to exist too.

After that, the region was in ruins and attracted people persecuted in surrounding countries (bandits, adventurers, political dissidents). The first documented Russian presence in the region dates back to the summer of 1655, when the northern Primorye was visited by Russian Cossacks under the command of Onuphrius Stepanov.

In the middle of the 19th century, the Russian Empire began to strengthen its position in the north-west coast of the Pacific Ocean. In 1856, Primorskaya oblast was formed from the coastal parts of Eastern Siberia and Kamchatka. The territory of present Primorye was incorporated into the Russian state on the basis of Aigun (1858) and Beijing (1860) peace treaties that legalized the border between Russia and China.

More historical facts…

Since then, the southern part of Primorye took its current shape. In 1860, Vladivostok was founded as a military post. Russian migration in the region began. In 1899, the Oriental Institute was opened in Vladivostok - the first higher educational institution in Eastern Siberia and the Far East, and one of the oldest in East Asia.

Further strengthening of Russian positions in the Far East was limited by the small size of the Russian population and remoteness from populated parts of the empire. Regular communication between St. Petersburg and Vladivostok was established after the completion of the Trans-Siberian Railway in 1903.

From 1861 to 1917, about 250,000 peasants arrived in Primorye and founded 342 settlements. In 1917, the population of Primorye amounted to 307,000 people. By the mid-1920s, the local population reached 600,000 people. In the 1930s, forced industrialization and collectivization began which led to another wave of migration. The migration was both voluntary and forced (prisoners).

In 1937-1938, about 200,000 people of Korean and Chinese nationalities were forcibly deported from the region. Until the end of the 1980s, as a result of ethnic deportations, the Chinese and Koreans disappeared from the national composition of the population of Primorye.

In the summer of 1938, on the southern boundary of Primorye, in the area of Lake Khasan, there were military clashes between Manchukuo (a puppet state under Japanese control) and the Soviet Union. After two weeks of fighting, the USSR was able to repel the aggression. On October 20, 1938, Primorsky Krai with the capital in Vladivostok was formed.

After the end of the Second World War, Primorsky Krai continued to develop as a major industrial and agricultural region of the Far East also specializing in the extraction of natural resources. Rail and sea transport played a significant role in the local economy. Migration from the European part of Russia and Siberia continued, which led to an increase of population of the region from 1,381,000 people in 1959 to 1,978,000 in 1979.

With the collapse of the Soviet Union, the region’s economy went into decline, reverse migration in the European part of Russia began. At the beginning of the 21st century, the social and economic situation in Primorsky Krai improved.

Beautiful nature of Primorsky Krai

On the coast in Primorsky Krai

Author: Andrej Serbskij

Hilly landscape of Primorsky Krai

Author: Kazakov Igor

Primorye scenery

Author: Viktor Koblov

Primorsky Krai - Features

Primorsky Krai is located in the south of the Far East, in the south-eastern part of the Russian Federation. It is bordered by Khabarovsk Krai in the north, China in the west, North Korea in the south-west, and is washed by the Japan Sea in the south and east. The largest cities are Vladivostok (601,300), Ussuriysk (172,000), Nakhodka (140,200), Artyom (104,500).

The maximum length of Primorsky Krai (from the mouth of the Tumannaya River to the source of the Samarga River) is about 900 km, the maximum width (from the valley of the Ussuri River to the coast of the Sea of Japan) - about 280 km. The highest peak is Mount Anik (1,933 meters) located in the north-easton of the region, near the border with Khabarovsk krai.

The climate of Primorye is temperate monsoon. Winters are dry and cold with sunny weather; springs are long, cool, with frequent changes of temperature; summers are warm and humid; autumns as a rule are warm and dry.

The main peculiarity - lots of precipitation and fog in summer. Summer is the period of typhoons. The average temperature in July is about plus 17-21 degrees Celsius, in January - minus 8-23 degrees Celsius.

Primorsky Krai - Economy

A number of large and unique deposits of various minerals have been discovered in Primorye. This region has the most powerful mining industry in the Far East of Russia. There are about 100 coal deposits (2.4 billion tons), 30 deposits of tin, 15 deposits of complex ores containing zinc, lead, copper, and silver. Gold deposits are located both in the south of the region and in the north.

The largest in Russia deposit of boron is located near the town of Dalnegorsk. Several phosphorite deposits are discovered on the shelf of the Sea of Japan. There are also several small oil fields, large deposits of germanium. Mountain rivers have significant hydropower potential. Diverse forests cover about 80% of the territory.

Primorsky Krai is the most developed region in the Russian Far East due to its favorable geographic location and abundance of various natural resources. The local economy is based on such industries as mining, timber, fisheries, trade, shipbuilding and repairing.

Primorye has a relatively well-developed transportation network. The main traffic artery is the eastern section of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Due to its proximity to Japan and the Republic of Korea (imports of relatively cheap used cars), Primorsky Krai occupies the first place in Russia in the number of vehicles in the population.

The seaports of Primorsky Krai play an important role in the economy of Russia. The largest container terminals in the Russian Far East are located here. Regional and international air flights are carried out from Vladivostok International Airport.

Attractions of Primorsky Krai

Primorsky Krai is known for its rich flora and fauna, the variety of landscapes, the warm sea in the south, springs with healing water. All this creates favorable conditions for tourism development.

In Primorye, there are more than 500 unique natural sites (lakes, waterfalls, ancient extinct volcanoes, caves, bays). There are six nature reserves and three national parks:

• Far East Marine Reserve in the Gulf of Peter the Great,
• “Kedrovaya Pad” Reserve,
• Lazovsky Reserve,
• Sikhote-Alin Reserve included in the UNESCO World Heritage List,
• Ussuri Nature Reserve,
• Khanka Reserve,
• “The Call of the Tiger”,
• “Udege Legend”,
• “The Land of the Leopard”.

The following places of interest are also noteworthy:

• The Rope Park in Andreevka - a sports-tourist trail that includes elements of sports tourism and mountaineering,
• Shanduyskie lakes - mountain lakes located in the north of Primorye,
• “Black Sand” beach located near the village of Zarubino in Aleut Bay - an interesting beach with volcanic black sand, which is considered to be curative,
• The lighthouse on the southern tip of Gamov Peninsula. Gamov Peninsula is the pearl of Primorye and the Far East.

Primorye krai of Russia photos

Landscapes of primorsky krai.

On the shore of the Sea of Japan in Primorsky Krai

Author: Konstantin Tkachenko

Primorsky Krai scenery

Small river in Primorye

Author: Melnitsky Stanislav

Primorsky Krai views

Forest in Primorsky Krai

Primorye landscape

Village in Primorsky Krai

Author: Roman Mikulchik

The comments of our visitors

So has the problem of Customs and Border controls been sorted out. The Area has a good future if red tape does not stifle the economics of trade (and survival). Francis

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• Places - Siberia and the Russian Far East

Russian Far East

The Russian Far East is a region in eastern Russia that includes the territories that run along the Pacific coast and the Amur River, the Kamchatka Peninsula, Sakhalin island and the Kuril Islands. It is a cold, inhospitable and sparsely populated area with stunning scenery, rich fisheries, virgin forest, remote towns, Siberian tigers and Aumur leopards. Sometimes the Russian Far East is regarded as part of Siberia.

Rachel Dickinson wrote in The Atlantic: Russia’s Far Eastern Federal District is huge — 2.4 million square miles, roughly twice the size of India — and takes up one-third of the country, but only 6.7 million people populate that vast space. (The district’s biggest city is Vladivostok — best known for being the last stop on the Trans-Siberian Railroad and home to the Russian Pacific fleet.) Provideniya was once a thriving military town with a population as high as 10,000; today the population is about 2,000. Most of the ethnic Russians have left, ceding the city to the region’s indigenous people. Now the government is struggling to stem the tide of people leaving the desolate Far East. [Source: Rachel Dickinson, The Atlantic, July/August 2009]

The entire Russian Pacific coastline extends for almost 16,000 kilometers (10,000 miles). The formal dividing line between Siberia and the Far East are the borders of the Khabarovsk territory and Magadan region, which extends between 160 kilometers (100 miles) to 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) inland from the Russia's east coast. Siberia, the Russian Far East and Kamchatka were largely covered by glaciers during the last Ice Age, which ended about 10,000 years ago. In the Soviet era, the Far East had its share of gulags and labor camps, Maksim Gorky called it " land of chains and ice." Since the break up of the Soviet Union, its people have largely been forgotten. The whole region would probably be forgotten if it weren't so rich in resources.

The Far East only has 6.7 million people and its population is falling. There used to be around 8 million people there. Eighty percent of the people live in the cities but have a strong ties to the land: hunting, fishing or picking berries and mushrooms whenever they get the chance. Some places only exist because the government subsidizes them, providing the people with shipped-in food and cheap energy for heat. In the early 2000s, the government has decided it has spent too much supporting these people and told them they have to move. In some places the people refused to move and the government cut off their water and heat and they still stayed. In recent years thing have stabilized somewhat as more money has flowed in from oil, natural gas, minerals, fishing and timber.

What the Russian Far East lacks in historical sites, old cities and museums — compared to the European parts of Russia and even Siberia — it makes up for with a wide variety of beautiful scenery and adventures. The Amur Rive boast sturgeons the size of whales. In the Primorskiy territory you can find rocky islands, steep cliffs, Siberian tigers and Amur leopards. There are isolated beaches on rivers and the see. If you like taiga, there lots of that along with wild mountains and many places to go hiking, fishing, hunting and camping. On Kamchatka there are dozens of very active 's volcanoes. Further north are some of the best places in the world to see walruses, polar bears and whales. Khabarovsk and Vladivostok are two major cities that define the eastern end of the Trans-Siberian Railway and have plenty of urban activities.

The Far Eastern Federal District is the largest of the eight federal districts of Russia but the least populated. The 11 federal subjects are: 1) Amur Oblast: 361,900 square kilometers, 830,103 people, capital: Blagoveshchensk 2) Republic of Buryatia: 351,300 square kilometers,, 971,021 people, capital: Ulan-Ude 3) Jewish Autonomous Oblast: 36,300 square kilometers, 176,558 people, capital: Birobidzhan 4) Zabaykalsky Krai: 431,900 square kilometers, 1,107,107 people, capital: Chita 5) Kamchatka Krai: 464,300 square kilometers, 322,079 people, capital: Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky 6) Magadan Oblast: 462,500 square kilometers, 156,996 people, capital: Magadan 7) Primorsky Krai: 164,700 square kilometers, 1,956,497 people, capital: Vladivostok 8) Sakha Republic: 3,083,500 square kilometers, 958,528, people capital: Yakutsk 9) Sakhalin Oblast: 87,100 square kilometers, 497,973 people, capital: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk 10) Khabarovsk Krai: 787,600 square kilometers, 1,343,869 people, capital: Khabarovsk 11) Chukotka Autonomous Okrug: 721,500 square kilometers, 50,526 people, capital: Anadyr

Traveling in the Far East is troublesome. There are few roads, and they are in poor conditions. Many places can’t be reached by road anyway. Rivers are frozen much of the year. Helicopters can cost as much as US$500 an hour to rent. Corruption is rampant and it seems like everyone wants a cut. Even if paperwork is in order customs officials, police an other authorities demand, sometimes, huge outrageous "fees."

Economics of the Far East

The Far East is rich in gold, diamonds, oil, natural gas, minerals, timber and fish. It accounts for more than 60 percent of Russia's total sea harvest and fishing is the region’s leading industry, providing jobs for more than 150,000 people. People in the Far East should be rich from the wealth generated from fishing, timber and minerals but that is not necessarily the case. In the case of timber, in the early 2000s, local communities were supposed to get 30 percent of the profits but in reality Moscow took 80 percent and local officials took the rest.

In the early 2000s, gas and oil companies could not pay their workers and utility companies couldn’t pay the oil and gas companies and as a result electricity was only on for a few hours a day. Workers were among the last to receive their wages, factories were cannibalized of scrap metal and parts, students studied in sub-freezing classrooms, and people died at early ages. Those that could afford it moved away.

Many foreign companies were equally frustrated. The U.S. wood product giant Weyerhaueser, Korea's Hyundai conglomerate and Australian mining companies arrived in east Russia with high hopes but after some time there either packed up and left or scaled down their staff down to a skeletal crew.

Ussuri River

The Ussuri River forms the border between Russia and China in southern Khabarovsk Krai and . Primorsky Karia. A right tributary of the Amur, it is 897 kilometers long, with a basin area of more than 193,000 square kilometers. The Ussuri River originates in the spurs of the central Sikhote-Alin. Once it descends into it the valley, the river becomes flat and gentle but has a steep rocky coast. In many area there are meandering channels.

Among the tributaries of the Ussuri are: 1) the upper river: Izvilinka, Sokolovka, Matveyevka and Pavlivka. 2) the left tributaries: Arsen'evka, Muling, Naoli River and Songacha River; 3) and the right tributaries: Pavlovka, Zhuravlovka, Big Ussurka, Bikin and Khor.

In Khabarovsk Krai, near the village of Kazakevichevo, Ussuri River flows into the shallow Kazakevichevo channel and after that the confluence of the Ussuri is called the Amur channel. The Amur channel empties into the Amur River in the center of the city of Khabarovsk. The Ussuri is a full-flowing river from May to August. In the summer and when the ice breaks there are frequent floods. Ice on the Ussuri breaks up in April and forms in November. The water is used for water supply. Above Lesozavodsk the river is navigable. Previously it was widely used for timber floating.

The Ussuri River is good for fishing and rich in fish. Gudgeon, crucian carp, common carp, trout, burbot, pike, catfish, flax and grayling are all caught as are Kaluga sturgeon, which can reach a huge size (eight meters recorded in the Amur River). The river is a spawning ground for salmon and chum salmon. In the waters of the Ussuri fish mountain rivers are found near the bottom fish. Mountain fish comes to the Ussuri in the spring to spawn.

Ussuri Taiga and Dersu Uzala

The Ussuri taiga is a forest different from the normal Russian taiga. Located between the Ussuri and Amur Rivers in the Far East and dominated by the Sikhot Alim Mountains, it is a monsoon forest filled with plants and animals found nowhere else in Siberia or Russia and instead are similar to those found in China, Korea and even the Himalayas. In the forest there is s lush undergrowth, with lianas and ferns. Wildlife include Siberian tigers, Asian black bears, Amur leopards and even tree frogs. The Siberian Tiger Project is located here. The 1970 Akira Kurosawa Oscar-winning film “Dersu Uzala,” and the book it was based on, about a Tungus trapper, was set here.

Ian Frazier wrote in The New Yorker: ““Dersu Uzala,” the memoir and narrative of exploration by Vladimir K. Arsenyev, begins in 1902, when Arsenyev is a young Army officer assigned the job of exploring and mapping the almost unknown regions east and northeast of Vladivostok, including Lake Khanka and the upper watershed of the Ussuri River. The name for the whole area is the Primorskii Krai—the By-the-Sea Region. It and much of the Khabarovskii Krai, just to the north of it, consist of a unique kind of Pacific forest in which tall hardwoods hung with vines grow beside conifers almost equally high, and the lushness of the foliage, especially along the watercourses, often becomes quite jungly. [Source: Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, August 10 and 17, 2009, Frazier is author of “Travels in Siberia” (2010) ]

“In Arsenyev’s time, this jungle-taiga was full of wildlife, with species ranging from the flying squirrel and the wild boar to the Siberian tiger. Back then (and even recently) tigers could also be seen on the outskirts of Vladivostok, where they sometimes made forays to kill and carry off dogs. Arsenyev describes how tigers in the forest sometimes bellowed like red deer to attract the deer during mating season; the tiger’s imitation betrayed itself only at the end of the bellow, when it trailed off into a purr.

“The humans one was likely to meet in this nearly trackless forest were Chinese medicine hunters, bandits, inhabitants of little Korean settlements, and hunter-trappers of wild game. Dersu Uzala, a trapper whom Arsenyev and his men come upon early in their 1902 journey, is a Siberian native of the Nanai tribe whose wife and children have died of smallpox and who now is alone. After their meeting, Dersu becomes the party’s guide. The book is about Arsenyev’s adventures with Dersu on this journey and others, their friendship, and Dersu’s decline and end.

“In the nineteen-seventies, a Soviet film studio produced a movie of “Dersu Uzala,” directed by Akira Kurosawa. It won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Film of 1975. The movie is long and slow-paced, like a passage through the forest, and wonderfully evokes the Primorskii country. I own a cassette of the movie and in my many viewings of it even picked up some useful fractured Russian from the distinctive way Dersu talks.

Udegeh: People Who Live with Siberian Tigers

The Udegeh live around the Sikhotealin Mountains in the Far East, also home to many Siberian tigers, and traditionally survived by hunting in the forest. Their ancestors were farmers and members of the Zhurdzhen empire, which ruled parts of what is now China, Mongolia and Russia. In the 13th century, Zhurdzhen was defeated by Genghis Khan and the Mongols and survived in scattered communities in the forest, where they became nomadic hunters to survive and formed their own language and culture, called Udegeh. There are only about 2,000 Udegeh left. The largest group lives in a village called Krasnyr, about 175 miles southeast of Khabarovsk.

The Udegeh live in wooden houses that often have painted gables with images of bears, dogs, devils and pagan goddesses. Their villages are surrounded by forests, and in the winter deep snow. They primarily live on animals they hunt such as sable, mink, squirrel, deer and boar. They often earn what little money they have by collecting wild ginseng in the forest or selling furs.

About 80 Siberian tigers live in the Udegeh hunting grounds. The Udegeh worship tigers, which are considered sinful to kill. One Udegeh hunter told the Washington Post, "The tiger and the Udegeh people are the same."

In the 1920s, the Udegeh were organized into hunting cooperatives by the Soviets. They sold furs to the Soviets and were able to keep their culture alive even though the Communists frowned upon their pagan beliefs and shaman practices. Today most young Udegeh wear Russian clothes and few of them speak the old language. Intermarriage is common and there are few pure blood Udegeh left. In the early 1990s, the Udegeh were involved in a dispute with the South Korean conglomerate Hyundai, who wanted to log the Udegeh's hunting ground.

See Separate Article PEOPLE OF THE RUSSIAN FAR EAST factsanddetails.com

Ussuriisk (kilometer 9177 on the Trans-Siberian, an hour and a half drive from Vladivostok) contains a "Chinese Bazaar" that is more like a separate town. The market operates all night and approximately 2,000 Chinese traders live semi-permanently in metal freight containers near their stalls.

The Museum of History and Local Lore and the famous 800-year-old stone turtle will introduce you to the history of this city. At the end of summer, tourists come to see the city's blooming lotuses. In the winter, you can enjoy a swim in an outdoor pool, surrounded by snowy fir trees. There is a historical park of everyday life and customs of the Russian people called “Emerald Valley” located five kilometers away from the city . Various events are held here, including the celebration of Kupala Night, jousting tournaments, Christmas and Maslenitsa festivities.

Ussuriisk is located near the border with China and North Korea and stands at the confluence of the Komarovka, Rakovka and Razdolnaya. The city was founded in 1866 by Russians from Voronezh and Astrakhan province in East Russia and the Capian Sea area. The town began to grow when the construction of the Trans-Siberian Railway began in the area.

Places Where the Siberian Tigers Live

Siberian tigers today are confined primarily to the Ussuri Taiga, a forest different from the normal Russian taiga. Located between the Ussuri and Amur Rivers in the Far East and dominated by the Sikhot Alim Mountains, it is a monsoon forest filled with plants and animals found nowhere else in Siberia or Russia and instead are similar to those found in China, Korea and even the Himalayas. In the forest there is s lush undergrowth, with lianas and ferns. Wildlife include Siberian tigers, Asian black bears, Amur leopards and even tree frogs. The Siberian Tiger Project is located here. The 1970 Akira Kurosawa film Dersu Uzala, about a Tungus trapper, was set here.

Sikhot Alin Reserve and Kedrovaya Pad Reserve within the Ussuri Taiga are the last homes of the Siberian tiger. The largest wildlife sanctuaries in the Far East, they embrace 1,350 square miles of forested mountains, coastline and clear rivers. Other animals found in Sikhot Alin reserve and Kedrovaya Pad reserve include brown bears, Amur leopard (of which only 20 to 30 remain), the Manchurian deer, roe deer, goral (a rare mountain goat), Asian black bears, salmon, lynx, wolf and squirrels with tassels on their ears, azure winged magpies and the emerald-colored papilio bianor maackii butterfly. Over 350 different species of bird have been sen here.

Dunishenko and Kulikov wrote: “In the 19th century, aside from the Sikhote-Alin and Malyi Khingan portions of Russia, tigers were found in southeastern Transcaucasia, in the Balkhash basin, in Iran, China and Korea. Now the Amur tiger is found only in Russia’s Primorskii and southern Khabarovskii Krais. This is all that remains of an enormous tiger population that formerly numbered in the thousands and that lived mostly in China. In the spring of 1998, one of the authors of this booklet took part in an international scientific study investigating the best tiger habitat remaining in the Chinese province of Jilin. We found three to five tigers there, mostly along the Russian border. Our general impression is that there are no more than twenty or thirty Amur tigers in all of China. [Source: “The Amur Tiger” by Yury Dunishenko and Alexander Kulikov, The Wildlife Foundation, 1999 ~~]

The general area where Siberian tigers lives is called the Primorskii or Primorye, a region of the southeast Russian Far East that embraces Vladivistok. John Vaillant wrote in “The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival”: “Primorye, which is also known as the Maritime Territory, is about the size of Washington state. Tucked into the southeast corner of Russia by the Sea of Japan, it is a thickly forested and mountainous region that combines the backwoods claustrophobia of Appalachia with the frontier roughness of the Yukon. Industry here is of the crudest kind: logging, mining, fishing, and hunting, all of which are complicated by poor wages, corrupt officials, thriving black markets — and some of the world's largest cats.” [Source: John Vaillant. “The Tiger: A True Story of Vengeance and Survival” (Knopf, 2010)]

Nezhino (100 kilometers north of Vladivostok, 20 kilometers east of the Chinese border) is used as a base for people who track Siberian tigers. They are particularly easy to track in the winter, if you can initially locate some tracks, when they leave big paw prints in the snow. Tigers tracking tours began being offered in 2005.

See Separate Articles: SIBERIAN TIGERS factsanddetails.com ; PLACES WHERE THE SIBERIAN TIGERS LIVE factsanddetails.com ; HUMANS, SCIENTISTS, CENSUSES AND SIBERIAN TIGERS factsanddetails.com ; ENDANGERED SIBERIAN TIGERS factsanddetails.com ; SIBERIAN TIGERS CONSERVATION factsanddetails.com ; SIBERIAN TIGER ATTACKS factsanddetails.com .

Ussuri Nature Reserve and Lake Khanka

Ussuri Nature Reserve (100 kilometers north of Vladivostok) is specially protected natural area located in the southern Sikhote-Alina range, It is rich in virgin liana conifer-deciduous forests, which have been cut down in other parts of the Russian Far East and the neighboring countries. The reserve is named after Academician Vladimir L. Komarov, a Russian botanist who studied the flora of East Asia. He first gave a description of the area, visiting her in 1913.

The reserve was created in 1932 and since then has significantly increased its area, which now amounts to 4,040 square kilometers. The reserve embraces lowlands and mountains and foot hools formed by the the southern spurs of the Sikhote-Alin (Przewalski Mountains). The average elevation is 300-400 meters above sea level. The highest peaks are 650-700 meters high. There are also mountain rivers in canyon-like narrow valleys and small waterfalls. Summers are warm and humid. Winters are moderately severe with little snow. The coldest month is January (average temperature of -17.9 degrees C). The warmest month is August 19.7 degrees).

The flora of the reserve is composed almost entirely of forest species, mainly those found in cedar-broadleaf forests, which are are characterized by high species diversity and different from ecosystems found in Russia and elsewhere in the former U.S.S.R. A typical plot of pine forests, contains trees, shrubs and vines from 50-60 species. Among the many rare plants and ginseng, hard juniper, mountain peony and Chinese Prinsep

The fauna of the reserve is typical of coniferous and deciduous forests: wild boar, red deer, musk deer, and black bear. Among the birds are common warblers, blue nightingale, nuthatch and grouse. The reserve is home to the largest beetle fauna of Russia: It is interesting that several attempts to "diversify" the species composition of fauna — through the the introduction of sika deer and Barguzin sable — did not work as hoped. Most of the reserve is off limits to visitors. Among the places that one can visit are the rehabilitation center for the education of orphaned bear cubs. Reserve staff tell the story of each bear and describe it character and habits. There is also a nature trail and small museum.

Lake Khanka (200 kilometers from Vladivostok) has an average depth of 4.5 meters and is home to more than 300 species of bird and 75 species of fish. Trips to the lake includes stops at the villages of Kamen-Rybolov and Troitskoye on the west side of the lake and a trip to Gaivoron, near the town of Spassk-Dalniy, where there is a 10,000 square meter open air cage with a family of Siberian tigers. The cage is made of a transparent metallic net. The enclose incorporates the surrounding forest so you can see the tiger is a pretty close facsimile to how they lin nature.

Biodiversity of the Ussuriskii Taiga Forest

Siberian tigers inhabits the Ussuriskii taiga forest, a coniferous broadleaf forest that specifically favors the so-called Manchurian forest type. The Manchurian forests are located in riparian areas and are particularly high in biodiversity. John Goodrich of NPR wrote: “The most bio-diverse region in all of Russia lies on a chunk of land sandwiched between China and the Pacific Ocean. There, in Russia's Far East, subarctic animals — such as caribou and wolves — mingle with tigers and other species of the subtropics. It was very nearly a perfect habitat for the tigers — until humans showed up. The tigers that populate this region are commonly referred to as Siberian tigers, but they are more accurately known as the Amur tiger. "Imagine a creature that has the agility and appetite of the cat and the mass of an industrial refrigerator," Vaillant tells NPR's Linda Wertheimer. "The Amur tiger can weigh over 500 pounds and can be more than 10 feet long nose to tail." [Source: John Goodrich, NPR, September 14, 2010]

Dunishenko and Kulikov wrote: "The range of biodiversity experienced by the early explorers in the Ussuriskii taiga forest is hard to imagine. Read Vladimir Arsenev and Nikolai Przhevalskii and you’ll realize that the region’s present-day richness is but a sad remnant of what was once found here. The fact is, that not all that long ago there was a lot more to be found in our taiga. Old-timers can still vividly recall the herds of deer, numbering in the hundreds, that migrated the lightly snow covered regions of China, the incessant moan in the taiga when red Manchurian deer were mating, the endless waves of birds, the rivers boiling with salmon. [Source: “The Amur Tiger” by Yury Dunishenko and Alexander Kulikov, The Wildlife Foundation, 1999 ~~]

"And my lord, how many wild boar there used to be in the taiga! All winter long, the southern exposures of oak-covered hills were dug up by droves of wild pigs. Snow under the crowns of Korean pine forests was trampled to ground level as wild boar gathered pine cones throughout the winter. A symphony of squeal and moan! Mud caked wild boar racing around the taiga, rattling around in coats of frozen icycles after taking mud baths to cool passion-heated bodies. Horrible, blood caked wounds, chattering tusks, snorting, bear-like grunting, squawky squeaking, oh the life of a piglet.~~

"This was an earlier image of the Ussuriskii taiga. Just 30 years ago a professional hunter could take 60 to 80 wild boar in a season! There was more than enough game for the tiger out there among the riotous forest “swine.” Tigers strolled lazily, baron-like and important. They avoided the thick forests: why waste energy with all the boar trails around — you could roll along them sideways! It was only later on that the tigers took to following human trails.~~

"How many tigers there used to be in the wild can only be conjectured. Southern Khabarovskii Krai is a natural edge of their habitat; at one point in history there was a substantial tiger population that spilled over into surrounding regions. The tiger’s range coincided, for the most part, with Korean pine and wild boar distribution, and the number of tigers in the Russian Far East in the last century was at least one thousand. Tigers densely settled the Malyi Khingan and the Korean pine, broad leaf deciduous forests typical of southern Amurskaya Oblast. Lone animals wandered out as far as Lake Baikal and Yakutiya."~~

Sikhote Alin Reserve

Sikhote Alin Reserve (400 kilometers northeast of Vladivostok) and Kedrovaya Pad Reserve are the last homes of the Amur (Siberian) tiger. The largest wildlife sanctuary in the Far East. It embraces 3,500square kilometers (1,350 square miles) of forested mountains, coastline and clear rivers. Other animals found in reserves include brown bears, Amur leopard (of which only 40 to 50 remain), the Manchurian deer, roe deer, goral (a rare mountain goat), Asian black bears, salmon, lynx, wolf and squirrels with tassels on their ears, azure winged magpies and the emerald-colored papilio bianor maackii butterfly. Over 350 different species of bird have been seen here.

Central Sikhote-Alin was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. According to UNESCO: “The Sikhote-Alin mountain range contains one of the richest and most unusual temperate forests of the world. In this mixed zone between taiga and subtropics, southern species such as the tiger and Himalayan bear cohabit with northern species such as the brown bear and lynx. After its extension in 2018, the property includes the Bikin River Valley, located about 100 kilometers to the north of the existing site. It encompasses the South-Okhotsk dark coniferous forests and the East-Asian coniferous broadleaf forests. The fauna includes species of the taiga alongside southern Manchurian species. It includes notable mammals such as the Amur Tiger, Siberian Musk Deer, Wolverine and Sable. [Source: UNESCO]

Founded in 1935, Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve covers an area of 3,902 square kilometers, plus and 2.9 square kilometers offshore. The reserve is located in the northern part of Primorsky Krai and includes the eastern slope of the Sikhote-Alin mountain range from its watershed to the coast (including one kilometer of shoreline), as well as a part of the western slope of the mountain range. The maximum elevation in the reserve is 1598 meters.

The reserve was originally established to protect sable populations that were on the verge of extinction. V.K. Arsenyev was one of the initiators of the reserve. K.G. Abramov and Y.A. Salmin substantiated the need to create the reserve. In our age when there are fewer and fewer untouched corners of nature on the globe, The profusion and diversity of the reserve’s ecosystems are attributable to the fact that the park includes different slopes of the Sikhote-Alin, range which differ in natural conditions and elevation. Availability of direct access to the sea is another important factor.

The reserve includes parts of three landscape areas: 1) Terney (cedar broad-leaved forests), 2) Samargino-Dalnegorsky (in the subzone of broad-leaved and coniferous forests) and 3) Mid-Sikhote-Alin (fir and spruce forests) in a boreal coniferous forest subzone. The flora and fauna in the reserve are strongly influenced by the presence of the Sea of Okhotsk: dark boreal coniferous forests are more strongly represented here than in other reserve in Primorye Krai. At the same time, conditions exist for the development of the Manchuria-like ecosystems. A distinctive feature of the flora and fauna in the reserve is the combination of heat-loving and cold-loving natural species. For its long-term research program and achievements in the conservation of the Amur tiger, the reserve was awarded with a CATS international certificate in 2015, becoming the only reserve in Russia (and the second in the world) to receive such recognition.

Traveling by Road Around Sikhote Alin Reserve

Ian Frazier wrote in The New Yorker: ““Rather than continue south, directly to Vladivostok, our ultimate destination, we had decided to turn east again, cross the Sikhote-Alin Mountains, and arrive at the Pacific (technically the Sea of Japan) in a less inhabited place on the mountains’ other side. The Sikhote-Alins, once we were among them, seemed more like hills, and not very forbidding, but the depth and silence of their forest made up for that. Arsenyev had described the taiga here as “virginal, primeval timberland.” From the altitude of the trees and the venerable length of the vines depending from them, I would guess that the taiga we saw was still original growth. That night, we camped above the small gorge of a river named for Arsenyev—the Arsenyevka. The sound of it was pleasant to sit beside; this was our first genuinely rushing stream. I stayed up for a while after Sergei and Volodya had gone to bed, listening to it and looking up at the stars and at the satellites tracking past. [Source: Ian Frazier, The New Yorker, August 10 and 17, 2009, Frazier is author of “Travels in Siberia” (2010) ]

“The next day, we continued winding generally eastward through the mountains. I noted villages called Uborka (Harvest), Shumnyi (Noisy), and Rudnyi (Oreville). Now we were in Arsenyev’s very footsteps. A little beyond Rudnyi, we crossed a mountain pass that hardly looked like one. This was the divide between the waters that flow roundabout to the Pacific via the Ussuri and the Amur, and those which drain down the front of the Sikhote-Alins and into the Pacific directly. At the crest of the divide, back among the roadside weeds, stood a cement obelisk on which was inscribed: “crossed over this pass: m. i. venyukov 1858*; N. M. PREZHEVALSKII* 1887*; V. K. ARSENYEV* 1906.”

Arsenyev’s passage across this divide happened during a mapping expedition guided by Dersu and described in detail in the book. The party continued from here until they came to the Pacific and the port village of Olga, where they were resupplied. Sergei said that we would also aim for Olga and camp near there.

“Often the taiga stood so close to the road that the vines almost touched the side of the car, and on the upgrades we were looking into the canopy. At one point in the movie “Dersu Uzala,” a tiger stalks Arsenyev’s party, and the Siberian tiger used for the scene was a splendid animal, all liquid motion and snarling growls. Though near extinction, the Siberian tiger has not yet been wiped out, and the thought that this Pacific forest—reminiscent in some ways of the American and Canadian Northwest—had tigers in it gave the shadows far back among the trees a new level of authority. I had been in a few forests that held grizzly bears, but a forest with tigers in it seemed even more mysterious and honorable.”

Kedrovaya Pad Reserve

Kedrovaya Pad Reserve (400 kilometers northeast of Vladivostok) is the oldest reserve in the Far East and the southernmost reserve of Primorye. Sikhote Alin Reserve and Kedrovaya Pad Reserve are the last homes of the Amur (Siberian) tiger. The largest wildlife sanctuary in the Far East. Kedrovaya (Cedar) Pad Reserve embraces 178.97 square kilometers (69.10 square miles) of forested mountains, coastline and clear rivers. Other animals found in reserves include brown bears, Amur leopard (of which only 40 to 50 remain), the Manchurian deer, roe deer, goral (a rare mountain goat), Asian black bears, salmon, lynx, wolf and squirrels with tassels on their ears, azure winged magpies and the emerald-colored papilio bianor maackii butterfly. Over 350 different species of bird have been seen here.

Kedrovaya (Cedar) Pad Reserve was one of the first officially organized reserves in Russia. The idea for establishing was raised at the beginning of the 20th century after the Trans-Siberian railway and built nearby and intensive development of the Ussuri region was accompanied by indiscriminate logging, forest fires, uncontrolled hunting. In 1908, the region created the first forest reserves, one of which was on Cedar River. Kedrovaya Pad Reserve, founded in 1916 close to the western shore of Amur Bay. Over time that status of the reserve was improved and the reserve was enlarged. In 2004 UNESCO designated the reserve as a biosphere.

Kedrovaya (Cedar) Pad Reserve is located in the Khasan district of Primorye Territory. The villages of Seaside, Perevoznaya, Cedar, Bezverkhova and Barabash located within a few kilometers of the reserve. . The reserve was established for the preservation and study of natural systems there of liana deciduous and mixed forests with hornbeam and black fir-broad-leaved forests and their animals and plants. The reserve provides shelter for two adult Amur leopard females and their offspring and one male. Among the rare species of insects found there are the excellent marshmallow beetle and Jankowski beetle.

The territory of the reserve is occupied by by two major low mountain ranges — the Gakkelevskaya and Suhorechensky — representing the extreme northeastern foothills of the Black (Changbai) Mountains, which are mainly in China and Korea. The length of the main Cedar River within the reserve is about 15 kilometers. The largest number of tributaries originating from Suhorechenskogo ridge flows into the forest, where many wild boars live. About 73.1 percent of the entire reserve is occupied by forests. The remaining area is occupied by scrub and secondary meadows resulting from logging in the past and especially forest fires.

The forest reserve contains numerous species of trees. The underbrush is represented by various bushes, that often blossom beautifully, such as early-flowering honeysuckle and Weigel, which produces fine-leaved mock orange flowers. Vines entwine tree trunks rising to a height of 30-35 meters. The diameter of the winding vines of wild grapes and the Amur Actinidia Argut reaches 10-15 centimeters. They are like giant snakes crawling from the ground and entangling shrubs and trees.

In places the reserve resembles a rainforest and it does have parallels with the temperate rain forests in coast British Columbia, Alaska and Washington state. Among the many plant species are Manchurian walnut, dimorfanta and aralia, with and velvet, spiny trunks, and several types of ferns. In the crevices of bark and crotches of trees attract epiphyte and small fern called Ussuri centipede.

Zov Tigra (“Roar of the Tiger”) National Park

Zov Tigra National Park(Near Lazo, 150 kilometers northeast of Vladivostok is a mountainous refuge for the Amur (Siberian) Tiger. Established in 2008, the park encompasses an area of 834 square difficult (322 square miles) on the southeast coast of Primorsky Krai. The park lies on both the eastern and western slopes of the southern Sikhote-Alin mountain range.,The relatively warm waters of the Sea of Japan are to the east, the Korean peninsula to the south, and China to the West. The terrain in rugged and difficult to access, with heavily forested taiga coexisting with tropical species of animals and birds. The park is relatively isolated from human development, and functions as a conservation reserve. Tourists may visit the portions of the park marked for recreation, but entry to the protected zones is only possible in the company of park rangers. The park’s name in English means "Call of the Tiger” or "Roar of the Tiger".

Zov Tigra National Park is occupied by Ussuri taiga and is located at the junction of Lazovsky, Chuguevsky, and Olginsky districts. The park covers 1,854-meter-high Oblachnaya mountain, the upper half of the Milogradovka's river basin, and sources of the Kievka River. There are more than 50 mountains more than 1000 meters high. The forest feature giant cedars, specimen trees, slender spruces entwined with gaily-coloured actinidia's lianas, emerald-green clusters of Amur grape and Schizandra brushwood.

Zov tigra was established in part as as a "source habitat" for the recovery of the Amur Tiger and its prey base. A survey in 2012 identified four Amur tigers resident in the park, and four more that visited the protected areas frequently. The base of prey consisted of 1,200 Manchurian deer, 800 Roe deer, and 99 Sika deer and 189 wild boars. These species make up some 85% of the Amur tiger's diet. Brown bears and lynx are relatively common in area. The Far Eastern Forest Cat is found in the broad-leaf and oak valleys. The critically endangered Amur Leopard has not been resident since the 1970s.

Amur Leopards

The Amur leopard inhabits an 800-mile long stretch of evergreen forest in the eastern Siberian taiga near the North Korean border. Named after the river that forms the border between Russia and China, they live in a narrow mountain chain that extends from Hanka Lake in the Russian Far East south to the borders of China and North Korea. It ranges further north than any leopard species, even the snow leopard.

Amur leopards weighs between 40 and 60 kilograms (90 and 140 pounds). They are reclusive, solitary creatures. They eat sitka deer and wild boars. Their numbers have declined as the numbers of their main food source, roe deer, have declined. They also suffer from declining numbers of sitka deer and wild boars. Leopards eat dogs of villagers to survive. Sometimes they are forced to make a single meal last for two weeks. Other times they reduced to scavenging for carrion. It’s winter coat has large spots.

Only 38 to 46 Amur leopard are believed to remain. Twenty to twenty-four in Russia. Fifteen in China and an unknown number in North Korea. They have been hurt by loss of habitat, loss of prey and poaching. Around 30 Amur leopards live in an area which borders China and is 150 kilometers long and 30 kilometers wide. At least 16 live in Nezhinkoye game reserve. This area contains many villages and is crisscrossed by roads, making survival problematic

Environmentalists have trouble securing funds to study the leopards. Most of what is known about them is based on studies conducted at Kedrovaya pad nature Reserve near Vladivostok. The Russian Academy of Science, the University of California and the International Wildlife Congress are studying the leopards using “phototraps”— motion sensitive cameras.

Land of Leopard National Park

Land of Leopard The National Park (200 kilometers west of Vladivostok) occupies 2,620 square kilometers and is located in the Khasansky, Nadezdinsky, Ussuriysky districts of Primorsky Krai as well as in the small area of Frunzenskiy district in Vladivostok. Kedrovaya Pad and Leopardovy reserves and number of other territories, with total area exceeding 2,800 square kilometers are as compounds of the National Park. The national park’s buffer zone covers about 800 square kilometers.

About 30 individual Amur leopards are thought to be living in the southwest area of Primorsky Krai. “Land of the Leopard” national park covers about 60 percent of the natural habitat occupied by the leopards and the main reason the park was set up was to preserve them. Many surviving Amur leopards live In the Nezhinkoye game reserve that is under partial protection of the Russian Pacific fleet. Hunting with dogs and hunting for fur animals is banned in the reserve. Deer and wild boars are fed. Some leopards used to follow hunters in hopes of snatching an easy meal. Work on the world’s longest pipeline — between Siberia and the Sea of Japan — was suspended in 2005 due to ecological concerns, among them the fate of the Amur leopard, whose territory would be bisected by the pipeline.

The “Land of Leopard” is divided into several zones, the smallest of which is a 230-square-kilometer conservation zone that you can’t visit without special permission. Other zones have a simplified visiting regime. Guided trips are allowed in the “specially protected” zone. The 7950-square-kilometer recreational zone allows more touristic activity. The “Leopard Trail” is the first tourist route, developed in the National Park. The 770-square-kilometer administrative zone accommodates villagers and interests of other people living in the territory of the National Park.

Leopardovy Sanctuary

Leopardovy Sanctuary (200 kilometers west of Vladivostok) embraces 1,694.29 square kilometers of the “Barsovy” and “Borisovskoe Plato” sanctuaries in the Khasansky, Ussuriysky, and Nadezhdinskiy districts. The state biological sanctuary “Barsovy” was founded in 1979 to preserve and restore not only the endangered animal species such as Siberian Tiger and Amur Leopard but also their natural habitat. The animal sanctuary “Borisovskoe Plato” was created in 1996 to conserve and increase the population number of Amur leopard; Siberian tiger and other threatened animals.

The sanctuary's natural environment is highly favorable for the forest faun's inhabitation. The low-level mountain ranges deeply dissected with the river valleys, extended rock masses, and plateau-like mountains create mosaic of forest, tree and shrubbery vegetation. Secondary broadleaved forests prevail here. Primary forests with fir trees, cedars and khingam fir remain in the west and northwest part of the sanctuary. The plateau-like mountains are covered with the leafed forest.

Amur leopard is the main protected species here.Siberian tiger, Asian black bear, leopard cat and other animals are also placed under special protection. There are six ungulates species such as Amur goral, Manchurian wapiti, wild boar, musk deer, roe deer, and deer in the sanctuary. Lot of rare vascular plants grows here, some of them such as water caltrop, stipa baicalensis, nepeta manchuriensis are not presented even in the neighboring “Kedrovaya Pad” reserve. More than 150 species of birds nest in the sanctuary and around 100 species traverse its territory or make stopover here during the migration period. It must be stressed that “Leopardovy” sanctuary is the only place of nesting for some bird species in this part of Primorsky krai. 15 of these species are threatened with extinction. Over 40 IUCN Red List insect species inhabit here, what is more some of them occur exceptionally at the sanctuary's territory.

This district has a monsoon climate. Its specific trait is the variability of the airstreams direction in the summer and winter seasons. Plenty of rivers and streams run at the sanctuary’s territory. There are no large lakes. The biggest one, Krivoe lake, covers 11 hectares. All types of hunting, commercial fishery, timber felling, resource development, ploughing the ground, and application of chemicals are prohibited here. Beyond that, public visiting, amateur fishery, and gathering wild harvest are brought under regulation. The sanctuary contains some populated places such as Barabash settlement and military firing range with total area in 3,490 squate kilometers A considerable part of the territory is the border territory separated from the rest of area by the plowed strip.

Image Sources: Wikimedia Commons

Text Sources: Federal Agency for Tourism of the Russian Federation (official Russia tourism website russiatourism.ru ), Russian government websites, UNESCO, Wikipedia, Lonely Planet guides, New York Times, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, National Geographic, The New Yorker, Bloomberg, Reuters, Associated Press, AFP, Yomiuri Shimbun and various books and other publications.

Updated in September 2020

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