Tyuleniy Island, Russia

Tyuleniy is the Russian word for seal — and you quickly understand why the name is so apt as your Zodiac approaches this small island. Located in the Sea of Okhotsk in Russia’s Far East, uninhabited Tyuleniy (also known as Kaikyo) is one of the world’s most important breeding grounds for both northern fur seals and Steller sea lions, with more than 100,000 of these pinnipeds blanketing the beaches during summer mating season. It is quite the spectacle to watch as males spar over territory and protect their harems, while others play in the water and adorable pups flop about in the sand. The marine mammals’ loud growls join the cacophony of seabirds flying overhead, and the island’s sheer cliffs are covered with thousands of common murres, blacklegged kittiwakes, and other bird species.