Oushkanyi Islands

Oushkanyi islands are situated in the central part of lake Baikal. They are made up of three small islands – Tikhiy, Dolgiy, and Krouglyi, and one big island – Bolshoy Oushkaniy.

 

The shores of the islands are rocky and covered by thick wood. Oushkanyi islands are known for the Baikal seals rookery. The fact of seals’ appearing at Baikal has not been completely studied yet but the scientists suppose that Baikal seal came to Baikal from the Arctic Ocean along the Yenissei River in the ice age.

 

There are 100 thousand seals at Baikal. The seals can stay under water up to 20 minutes. They are very cautious and do not allow people to approach, they prefer to stay at a distance.

 

You can see Baikal seals at Oushkanyi islands having rest on the shore. The best way to do it is during a cruise across Baikal. To visit Oushkanyi islands you need a special permit of the National Park administration.