Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

1 8 6 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I The White Rocks of Iturup. Take adventure in the Kurils to a new heights! Foraging bears on Kurile Lake. Atlasov Island, the largest in the chain, boasts a volcano of epic proportion, and the chance to hike its 2,300km-high slopes. Further down lies Simushir Island, which boasts a collection of Cold War relics in its shimmering bay, including an abandoned Russian submarine base. Back at the yacht, the prospect of sea kayaking and kite-surfing in whale-filled waters beckons, as does Yankicha Island and its pools of gargling springs and dramatic mountain ranges Expert wildlife guides, helicopter operators, and exhibition leaders are on hand to bring the entire adventure to life, along with active conservation activities and careful wildlife engagement. From sea otters and hundreds of species of seabirds, to Arctic foxes and peregrine falcons, these desolate lands are rich in life. Fulmars, kittiwakes, and crested auklets can be seen diving into the sea where they can stay for up to four minutes hunting for lunch, while Arctic warblers, Middendorff’s grasshopper warblers and more are easily spotted feeding on land. “The scenery, due to the volcanic nature of the islands, means the mountains rise quite sharply out of the sea, which is pretty unique,” says Davies. “And the wildlife is up there with the likes of Alaska and Svalbard, but without the human footfall.”