Exploring Diomede Islands: Travel Between Two Worlds

The Diomede Islands are a pair of islands in the Bering Sea, with the United States-Russia border running between them. Big Diomede, the larger island, is part of Russia and uninhabited, while Little Diomede, the smaller island, is part of the United States and has a small population. While it is possible to travel between the islands, it is challenging due to the extreme conditions of the Bering Sea and the lack of an established airport on Little Diomede. Large boats typically stay offshore, and there is no runway on the island outside of what can be plowed into the frozen sea ice during winter. However, helicopter services are available, and Little Diomede has a heliport serviced by Erickson Aviation with year-round flights to and from Nome, Alaska.

Travel to Little Diomede by helicopter or plane

Little Diomede Island is a remote and inaccessible place, and it is important to be aware of this before planning a trip. The island is private property, and to hike there, permission from the tribal office is required.

Getting There

Little Diomede Island is only accessible by helicopter or plane in the winter months, and by helicopter or boat in the summer. There is no runway on the island, but in the winter, a runway can be plowed into the frozen sea ice. However, due to a lack of year-round thick sea ice, this is becoming less reliable.

To get to the island, you will first need to fly to Nome on Alaska Air. From there, you can take a helicopter to the island, usually via Wales, Alaska. Helicopter flights to the island operate once or twice a week, and the cost of chartering a helicopter is estimated to be around $4000-$5000.

Accommodation

There is very limited accommodation on the island. It is possible to rent a room with an efficiency kitchen through the Inalik Native Corporation, and it may also be possible to stay at the school or with a local family. However, there are no restaurants or banking services, and visitors must bring everything they need.

Cost

In addition to the cost of chartering a helicopter, other costs to consider include accommodation and the purchase of any necessary equipment for the trip, such as cold-weather gear.

Weather Considerations

The weather in the Bering Strait can be unpredictable and cause significant delays to travel. Visitors should be prepared for the possibility of being stranded on the island for longer than expected due to bad weather.

Alternative Options

If you are interested in seeing Russia from the United States, there are a few alternative options. Wales and Gambell, Alaska, are both mentioned as possible locations from which to view Russia.

No hotels on the island

Little Diomede Island is a remote and inaccessible place to visit, with no hotels or hospitality services available for tourists. The island is privately owned, and visitors are required to seek permission from the tribal office before hiking there.

There are no hotels on Little Diomede Island, and visitors will need to make special arrangements for accommodation. One option is to contact the school on the island and request to rent a place to sleep, as they may allow visitors to stay for a fee. Another possibility is to arrange a homestay with a local resident, but this would require prior communication and approval.

Little Diomede Island is located in the middle of the Bering Strait, and the weather can be unpredictable, causing potential delays in travel plans. Visitors should be prepared for the possibility of getting stranded on the island due to bad weather and should bring all the necessary supplies, as there are no restaurants or public facilities available.

The island is only accessible by helicopter in the winter and by helicopter or boat in the summer. Travel to the island can be costly, and flights are infrequent, usually operating on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. Therefore, visitors should expect to stay for at least a week, and the trip may not be cost-effective for a short visit.

While there are no hotels on the island, there are accommodation options available in nearby locations such as Nome, Alaska. These include the Aurora Inn and Executive Suites, Angel Camp by the Sea, and Alaska Gold & Resort. Visitors can use these places as a base to explore the region, but they should be prepared for the challenges and costs associated with travelling to and from Little Diomede Island.

See Russia from Little Diomede

Little Diomede Island is located in the Bering Strait, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, and is part of Alaska, USA. Big Diomede Island, part of Russia, lies just 2.4 miles away. The two islands are separated by an international border and the International Date Line.

Little Diomede is an incredibly remote place, and it is not easy to get to. In fact, it is so inaccessible that one source states that "virtual travel" is the best route there. However, it is possible to travel to the island by helicopter or boat. Pathfinder Aviation offers helicopter trips to and from Little Diomede from Nome, on Alaska's western coast. These include emergency flights available 24 hours a day. Bering Air also offers flights to the island, although they ceased operations in 2018 after a storm broke up the frozen landing strip.

If you do make it to Little Diomede, you will be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding area, including Big Diomede Island in Russia. The two islands are so close that residents of Little Diomede can see Russia from their homes. In fact, the islands have clear views of each other, and the city of Little Diomede faces directly towards the cliffs of Big Diomede.

Little Diomede is a unique and interesting place to visit, but it is important to plan your trip carefully. The island has steep paths and deep snow in winter, which can make it difficult for those with mobility issues. There are no restaurants or public facilities on the island, but there is a small shop with limited opening hours and a basic medical facility. Visitors should bring everything they need and be prepared to be stranded due to bad weather. It is also necessary to make contact with the island before your trip so that the residents can help you when you arrive.

Limited ways to get to the islands

The Diomede Islands are a pair of islands in the Bering Sea, with the United States-Russia border running between them. The islands are only separated by 2.4 miles (3.8 km) of sea, yet they are worlds apart in terms of accessibility. Big Diomede, the Russian island, is uninhabited, while Little Diomede, the smaller American island, has a population of 115.

Little Diomede is extremely difficult to access due to its remote location and harsh weather conditions. There are no established roadways, railways, or airports on the island. The only way to reach the island is by boat, helicopter, or plane, and even these methods are limited by the extreme conditions of the Bering Sea. Large boats must stay offshore to avoid damage, and there are only two small bump-ins on the shoreline for smaller boats. The island receives supplies by ship once a year.

During the winter, when the sea is frozen, a runway is cleared on the ice, allowing small planes to land. However, if the winter is unusually warm, the runway cannot be cleared, further limiting access to the island. Bering Air is the only airline that operates this seasonal route, with flights to and from Nome.

There is also a heliport on the shoreline of Little Diomede, serviced by Erickson Aviation, which offers year-round flights to and from Nome. This service is primarily for delivering supplies, but it also transports passengers.

For those determined to visit Little Diomede, it is crucial to plan ahead. The island has no hotels or restaurants, so visitors must arrange accommodation with locals and bring all the supplies they need. The weather can be unpredictable, and delays or extensions to trips are common. It is also essential to respect the local culture and customs and obtain any necessary permissions before visiting.

No restaurants on the island

Little Diomede Island is located in the middle of the Bering Strait, about 16 miles west of mainland Alaska. It is the smaller of the two Diomede Islands, the other being Big Diomede Island, which is part of Russia. Little Diomede Island is known for its remote and inaccessible location, as well as its unique position on the International Date Line.

When visiting Little Diomede Island, it is important to note that there are no restaurants or public facilities on the island. This means that visitors must bring all the supplies they need for their trip. While there is a small shop on the island, it has limited opening hours. Here is some crucial information to consider regarding the absence of restaurants on the island:

• Limited Food Options: The lack of restaurants means that visitors must plan their meals carefully. It is advisable to bring non-perishable food items or ready-to-eat meals, as cooking facilities on the island may be limited.
• Self-Sufficiency: Without restaurants, visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for potential delays or extensions to their trip due to weather conditions. It is recommended to bring extra food supplies to account for any unforeseen circumstances.
• Planning and Preparation: Visitors should carefully plan their meals and ensure they have the necessary equipment for storing and preparing food. This may include coolers, camping stoves, and cooking utensils.
• Local Culture: The absence of restaurants provides an opportunity to engage with the local culture. Visitors can purchase basic supplies from the small shop and experience the local way of life, which may include home-cooked meals or traditional Inuit cuisine.
• Medical Facilities: Although there are no restaurants, the island does have a basic medical facility to handle any potential health issues that may arise during your trip.
• Alternative Dining Options: While there are no restaurants, the island does have cafes and a small shop. These options can provide some variety in dining, but their limited availability means visitors should not rely solely on them.

When visiting Little Diomede Island, it is essential to be respectful of the local culture and environment. The island is a unique and remote destination that requires careful planning and preparation, especially regarding food and dining options. By bringing the necessary supplies and embracing the local way of life, visitors can have a memorable and immersive experience on Little Diomede Island despite the absence of restaurants.

Frequently asked questions