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The main asset of Primorye – nature of amazing beauty: hills covered with forests, picturesque bays, non-freezing Sea of Japan, which is home to shellfish, fish and marine animals. There are several natural reserves in Primorsky Krai, created to preserve the unique flora and fauna of the region.
Far Eastern Marine Reserve
The first Russian marine reserve is located in the Peter the Great Bay, 98% of which is occupied by water expanses. Three of the four protected areas are open to the public.
Almost 900 species of plants grow on Popov Island, more than 30 of them – trees and 7 – creepers. You can get acquainted with the unique plant world while walking along a specially laid ecological route. The observation deck offers a magnificent panorama of the islands of Peter the Great Bay.
Excursions for divers are held in the Eastern area of the reserve. The exceptional diversity of the underwater world is represented by clams, octopuses, cuttlefish, starfish, urchins and brightly colored fish. In the waters of the reserve, stand-alone rocks or groups of rocks of a bizarre shape rise up. Birds nest on the steep banks, and colorful spotted seals have chosen cozy coves.
The Far Eastern Reserve includes the southernmost island of Russia – Furugelm. The purest turquoise water and snow-white sand have earned this place the fame of the "Russian Maldives". However, you can get here only with an organized tour – the fragile ecosystem of the "paradise island" protect from an uncontrolled flow of tourists, in addition, there is a border zone nearby.
Ussuri Nature Reserve
The reserve is located in the south of Primorsky Krai, not far from Ussuriysk, in the southern spurs of the Sikhote-Alin. Coniferous and broad-leaved forests here coexist with creepers, shrubs, mosses and lichens.
The fauna of the reserve is exceptionally rich. It is home to 120 species of birds and 62 species of mammals, including – the famous Amur (or Ussuri) tiger. A rehabilitation center operates on the territory of the reserve, whose employees nurse orphaned bear cubs and subsequently release them into the wild.
There are several ecological trails in the tourist part of the reserve. The main route, going through cedar and broad-leaved forests, leads to viewing platforms. From here, fantastic views of the endless "green sea of the taiga" open up.
Bikin National Park
The youngest of the coastal reserves, founded in 2015, has already managed to enter the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The largest area of mixed forests in the Northern Hemisphere is called the "Russian Amazon".
In the valley of the Bikin River, where the taiga has never been cut down, the cedar-broad-leaved forests have been completely preserved in their original form. The park is home to brown and Himalayan bears, lynxes, wolverines, spotted deer, as well as more than 10% of the entire population of the Amur tiger.
"Bikin" is located in the Pozharsky district of the Primorsky Territory, on the territory of the original residence of one of the small indigenous peoples of Russia – Udege. The land in the river valley is divided into tribal plots, where local residents are engaged in traditional fishing – hunting and fishing. To enter the territory of the tribal area, you need to obtain permission from its owner.
Tourists are not allowed to hunt in the reserve, but fishing is quite accessible. Bikin is unusually rich in fish. Watching wildlife while fishing, you will see many birds, and if you are lucky – deer, wild boar or even a bear.
To visit any of the coastal reserves and parks, you must first get to Vladivostok. You can stay comfortably in the capital of Primorye at AZIMUT City Hotel Vladivostok in the city center.
