This amazing paradise uninhabited island may well claim the name “Russian Hawaii” for its golden beaches with light yellow sand and for the crystal clear water.
Furugelma Island (Primorsky Territory) is loved by many tourists, although its visit is limited. To get on it, you need a permit from the Far Eastern Reserve due to the fact that it is part of its territory and is protected.
Far Eastern Marine Reserve: geographical location
The huge Far Eastern reserve extends to the territories of the Primorsky Territory in the Gulf of Peter the Great. The year of its foundation is 1978. This nature reserve was created in order to preserve the most valuable inhabitants of the Sea of Japan. Their number is about 250 species of rare fish, 800 species of algae, and numerous invertebrates also need protection.
The area of the entire reserve is more than 64 thousand ha. This includes 9 islands. The very island of Furugelm is a site of reproduction (aquaculture of scallop, trepang, and giant oysters). It is included in the three main areas of the reserve.
Furugelma Island is a wonderful natural corner on the very edge of Russian territory.
It is named after I. Furugelm, the captain of the Prince Menshikov ship, which belonged to a joint company (Russian-American).
Description
In general, the island is uninhabited. Only the cordon and the research station from the Institute of Marine Biology are located here. This island may well claim to be one of the most beautiful places, and not only in Primorye.
The whole island of Furugelm is bordered by a shallow, the depth of which is less than 10 m. There are stones on the shallow. Rocky shores rise and break off above the water.
The western part of the island is surrounded by small bays with cliffs towering above the surface of the water in the form of huge columns. It is in this place that a delightful unique view opens up. Especially beautiful is the West Bay, which is covered with pure white sand. The shores of this bay themselves are rocky, along them a narrow strip of beach (sandy-rocky). This site is protected from southeast winds. There is also a parking lot for small vessels.
Flora and fauna
The nature of this plot of land is amazing in its beauty.
Endemic are toothed oak and Schmidt's birch. There are about 100 such plants in total. Now there are very few of them. At the beginning of the twentieth century, people did not protect the nature of this territory, and there were even attempts to organize an artel here, which led to harmful consequences for the environment.
The peculiarity of the flora of these places is that broad-leaved forests here are fragmented. The island of Furugelm in most of its territory, especially the southern one, is practically treeless. All this is explained, as indicated above, by the consequences of the barbaric activities of people (the buildings of settlements are still preserved on the island).
The southeast of the island is characterized by rockiness and there are decays. Forests grow in the northwest, and relief depressions ending in bays are also observed. Here mainly polydominant and broad-leaved forests grow: Amur linden, maple, oak, in some places velvet, nasal leaf ash, Sakhalin cherry, Manchurian linden, but without pubescence.
Surprisingly, only one pine tree has been preserved here (in the area of the northern bay). The height of this unique tree is about 5 m, and the trunk diameter is about 14 cm. Unfortunately, he does not have undergrowth.
In total, about 302 species of various rare plants are noted on the island.
Furugelma Island is a favorite place for biologists who observe the natural nature of the Sea of Japan.
Rocks on the east coast are strewn with bird bazaars. Black-tailed gulls and cormorants live and nest here (about 1000 birds). They represent the largest colony in the whole world. You can also meet many other rare bird species (about 300 in total).
The largest colonies of mussels (yams) and sea anemones, various species of hedgehogs and starfish live in underwater rocks . There are kelp in coastal waters up to 2 m in height. And the scallop colony lives near the coast.
Holidays on the island
Furugelma island is very attractive for tourists. Relaxing on it, swimming in crystal clear, clear water gives you incomparable, unforgettable pleasure. And the scenery around is fabulous.
Fans of diving can also get indescribable impressions from immersion in amazingly clear water with countless sea riches.
Path to the island
As mentioned above, only by passes can you visit the island of Furugelm.
How to get to it? To do this, you must overcome almost 16 kilometers of water. It is very important to remember that adverse weather can complicate this trip.
The usual and most convenient route that many tourists use is a boat trip from the village of Zarubino to the island of Furugelm.
It should always be remembered that the pristine beauty of this amazing nature can be preserved only by protecting and loving it.