Limnological museum in Listvyanka

On the western shore of Lake Baikal at the source of the Angara river there is the only museum of the lake in Russia.The Museum was opened in 1993 and gets you acquainted with the studies and researches of Lake Baikal as well as its flora and fauna.

The most interesting part is probably 11 huge aquariums, where you can see in detail all the aquatic fauna of Baikal: fish, crustaceans, sponges and molluscs. The largest and most cute inhabitants of aquariums are, of course, Baikal seals. This is one of just three species of freshwater seals in the world and the only mammal of Lake Baikal. Without a doubt, you will spend most of your time here, because it is simply impossible to stop looking at these two pinniped creatures.

Aquariums are made so that you can see very well these charming seals. To make them feel at home, the museum is equipped with unique pumps that supply water from the lake depths. Thus, the local seals are lively and willing to pose for the camera.

Ushkan Islands

Most Baikal seals live in the central part of the lake, on the Ushkan Islands. They are the masters of the small archipelago.. You can meet them here in every season, but especially a lot of seals bask in the sun on warm stones in May and June. 

It is funny, the word “ushkan” does not mean a seal, but a hare in the Siberian dialect. Legend says that once there were many hares on the Islands, for which it received this name. But biologically, they were unlikely to survive in the harsh environment. The answer to the mystery lies elsewhere…The northerners just called seals “sea hares” for their quickness under water!

Sea hares are extremely cautious, rather curious and very photogenic. Here, it will not be too difficult to take a good shot! The only way to get to Ushkan Islands is by motor boat from the Eastern shore of Baikal, boat tours are arranged from Ust- Barguzin.. The archipelago is  a part of the Barguzinsky National Park which charges a fee to visit these islands.   There is a trail and special screens which hide visitors from fresh water seals and prevent human intervention in wild nature. We recommend to include this tour in  your trip to Buryat land in summer.

Cape Khoboy on Olkhon Island

You can meet Baikal seals even in popular tourist places. The foot of the rocky Olkhon Island, especially in the area of Cape Khoboy, is another favorite seal rookery. They prefer to keep a long distance from people, but sometimes their curious faces flash in the water. Basically, the chance of watching seals spread out on coastal rocks is quite high. Are you a lucky person? These cute pinnipeds may never appear to travellers, but Cape Khoboy, as well as other beautiful rocks of Olkhon, will be a memorable part of your Olkhon island adventure. The Cape Khoboy is located on the northmost part of the island and offers an excellent panoramic view of its vast expanses which is often referred as the Big Sea.