Download GPX file for this article

Diomede Islands

diomede islands tourism

The Diomede Islands are a pair of rocky islands where Russia borders the United States of America across the Bering Strait. They represent the border between Asia and North America . The continents meet at the middle of the strait, where the two islands are only 3 km (2 mi) apart.

diomede islands tourism

  • Big Diomede in the Russian Far East is home to a military base, therefore off limits to all but the determined.
  • Little Diomede , home to a Inupiat village in Alaska , is moderately easily accessible but still very remote.

Big Diomede is 21 hours ahead of Little Diomede because of time zones and the presence of the International Date Line between the islands.

diomede islands tourism

  • Has custom banner
  • Extra regions
  • Region articles
  • All destination articles
  • Has Geo parameter

Navigation menu

Circumpolar Expeditions

Travel to Alaska and the Russian Far East

Diomede Islands

Visit the diomede islands with circumpolar expeditions.

In the middle of the Bering Strait, around 2.5 miles apart from each other, lie two beautiful mesa-shaped islands. They are known as the Diomede Islands, or Ostrova Gvozdeva in Russian.  The International Date Line and United States – Russian border runs between these two islands. The larger island is Big Diomede. It lacks any civilian population and contains a Russian border guard and weather station. The smaller island is Little Diomede. It is home to fewer than 200, mostly Alaska native people who live a subsistence lifestyle. Being separated by the International Date Line, Big Diomede Island is around 21 hours later in time than Little Diomede. That is why Big Diomede is also called Tomorrow Island, and Little Diomede is also called Yesterday Island.

Alaska’s Little Diomede Island is arguably the most remote and isolated part of the United States, but with Circumpolar Expeditions you can witness the rugged landscape and experience the culture of the local community that has occupied their island for more than a thousand years. Visiting Little Diomede Island requires permission, meticulous planning, and a host of special travel and accommodation arrangements, but you can trust Circumpolar Expeditions to provide you with a comfortable and convenient tour experience. We have been leading Arctic expeditions for more than thirty years and we are equipped to provide you with all the support required. Contact us for more information about visiting the Diomede Islands.

diomede islands tourism

Circumpolar Expeditions provides clients with unique and personalized experiences.

Expeditions and Tours

We design custom tours, professional exchanges and trade missions in the circumpolar arctic with an emphasis on Alaska and the Russian Far East.

Film Services

We offer logistical support, location scouting, and serving as a liaison with local villages and organizations.

Education and Humanitarian Efforts

Our humanitarian efforts have focused on arctic health issues including rural health fairs, and substance abuse education and prevention, and with providing supplies and equipment .

For the past 30 years Circumpolar Expeditions has led the way in arctic adventures. We provide our clients with unique and personalized experiences. Whether organizing specialized tours, creating vocational training programs, or providing logistic and ground support for expeditions and film crews, we do what nobody else does. Let us share our passion for the arctic with you.

Are You Ready?

  • 1-855-932-1711
  • My Account Hello Credits My Account Log out

Little Diomede Port with Colorful Houses

Scenic Cruising Little Diomede Island

Little Diomede Island is plunked in the middle of the Bering Strait between Alaska and Siberia. What first looks like a sparse granite mound with no trees or shrubs, it has a lot of character and history. Little Diomede is part of Alaska, while Big Diomede—only a few miles away—is part of Russia. The border lies between the two islands. These two islands are almost a full day apart. They are on two sides of the International Date Line, which is why they are nicknamed: Yesterday and Tomorrow isles. It is believed that people inhabited Diomede, Alaska for 3,000 years. There is still an Iñupiat community of around 80 on Little Diomede’s western shores. Though there are modern amenities, such as electricity, the community subsists on hunting and gathering. There is one general store and because groceries arrive by plane, they are costly. Climate change makes life on Little Diomede even more difficult. Thinning sea ice, dwindling marine mammal populations and an increase in winter storms threatens the residents’ traditional lifestyle. You will always remember scenic cruising Little Diomede Island. 

diomede islands tourism

Bering Air Gold Points

Earn discounted or free tickets and freight, various gift certificates, major airline miles, and even travel worldwide. You’ll start earning immediately, with 5 Gold Points every time you fly. With each 10 points receive 10% OFF a ticket or 50 lbs. of free freight!

Little Diomede

Bering Air | Little Diomede

Population: 160

Location: On the west coast of Little Diomede Island, in the Bering Strait, 130 miles northwest of Nome, 80 miles northwest of Teller. Climate: Maritime when Strait is ice-free, June through November. When the Strait freezes, there is a shift to an ‘inland’ climate, with temperatures dropping significantly. Average snowfall is 35 inches, annual precipitation roughly 10 inches. Winter temperatures average between 10 below (F) and 10 above. Summer temperatures run between 40 and 50 degrees F. Visitor Facilities: One room with an efficiency kitchen is available through Inalik Native Corporation (907)686-3221and there are no restaurant or banking services available. Laundromat with showers is available. Some groceries and hunting/fishing supplies available through the Diomede Native Store. Visit Sistugs Store. The people of Diomede are excellent ivory carvers. Carvings and Native crafts can be purchased on the island, and are often sold in Nome. Contact: City of Diomede, Diomede, AK 99762. (907)686-3071

For reservations, call (907)443-5464 or 1-800-478-5422

COVID-19 Response & Travel Advisories Learn more

Members save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide when you’re signed in

Little diomede island.

Little Diomede Island

Visit Little Diomede Island

  • Little Diomede Island Hotel Deals
  • Vacation Rentals in Little Diomede Island

Puffin Inn of Anchorage

Reviewed on Jun. 13, 2024

The Lakefront Anchorage

Reviewed on Jun. 11, 2024

Alyeska Resort

Reviewed on Jun. 9, 2024

Talkeetna Wilderness Lodge and Cabin Rentals

Reviewed on May 27, 2024

Stay by the Ocean Premium Spot

Check Little Diomede Island hotel availability

  • Cities near Little Diomede Island

Nome which includes a sunset and snow

IMAGES

  1. Diomede Village, Little Diomede Island

    diomede islands tourism

  2. Big Diomede Island

    diomede islands tourism

  3. Diomede Islands

    diomede islands tourism

  4. Little Diomede Island: UPDATED 2020 All You Need to Know Before You Go

    diomede islands tourism

  5. Remote Little Diomede comes closer to the rest of the world

    diomede islands tourism

  6. Little Diomede Island

    diomede islands tourism

VIDEO

  1. The Proposal for a Russia-USA Tunnel

  2. DISTANCE BTW USA

  3. Greg Turini

  4. The Diomede islands

  5. The Diomede Islands #education #geography #shorts

  6. The Diomede Islands, USA #Arctic #IndigenousCulture #RemoteTravel #ArcticExploration

COMMENTS

  1. Little Diomede Island

    67. A unique part of USA. Mar 2015 • Friends. Little Diomede Island is unique in so many ways and has a lot to offer visitors with many different interests. Its not easy to get to in either summer or winter but don't let that put you off. That is what makes it so unique and so interesting. People with mobility issues will find this hard ...

  2. Little Diomede Island

    Located 16 miles off mainland Alaska and marked by inhospitable weather, Little Diomede Island may well be the most isolated, remote, and self-sufficient community in the United States. The 2.8 ...

  3. Little Diomede

    The village in winter. Little Diomede is the smaller of the two Diomede Islands that lie in the middle of the Bering Strait. Little Diomede is the westernmost part of Alaska while Big Diomede, only a few km away, is the easternmost point in Russia . The town of Diomede, on the island's west side, is home to all of the island's 135 inhabitants.

  4. A Trip to the Diomede Islands: Where History and Modernity Meet

    The Diomede Islands may be small, but their story is larger than life, echoing with historical echoes of the past and whispers of a future shaped by the changing planet. The islands, visible from ...

  5. Little Diomede Island

    Little Diomede Island or Yesterday Island (Inupiaq: Iŋaliq, formerly known as Krusenstern Island, Russian: остров Крузенштерна, romanized: ostrov Kruzenshterna) is an inhabited island, which is off of the coast of Alaska, and is a part of Alaska.It is the smaller of the two Diomede Islands located in the middle of the Bering Strait between the Alaskan mainland and Siberia.

  6. Plan Your Trip to Little Diomede: Best of Little Diomede Tourism

    Empress Chinese Restaurant. 32. $$ - $$$ • Asian, Chinese. Safety Roadhouse. 12. $ • Bar, Pub. Little Diomede Tourism: Tripadvisor has reviews of Little Diomede Hotels, Attractions, and Restaurants making it your best Little Diomede resource.

  7. Diomede Islands

    The Diomede Islands are a pair of rocky islands where Russia borders the United States of America across the Bering Strait. They represent the border between Asia and North America.The continents meet at the middle of the strait, where the two islands are only 3 km (2 mi) apart. Looking south at Little Diomede (left) and Big Diomede (right). Big Diomede in the Russian Far East is home to a ...

  8. THE BEST Things to Do in Little Diomede (Updated 2024)

    1 place sorted by traveller favourites. 1. Little Diomede Island. 4. Islands. By TartanWanderer. Snow in winter can be many feet deep and oaths are steep. The local people are modest and sometimes shy so be polite... Top Things to Do in Little Diomede, Alaska: See Tripadvisor's traveller reviews and photos of Little Diomede tourist attractions.

  9. THE BEST Things to Do in Little Diomede

    Things to Do in Little Diomede, Alaska: See Tripadvisor's traveller reviews and photos of Little Diomede tourist attractions. Find what to do today, this weekend, or in May. We have reviews of the best places to see in Little Diomede. Visit top-rated & must-see attractions.

  10. Diomede Islands

    Visit the Diomede Islands with Circumpolar Expeditions. In the middle of the Bering Strait, around 2.5 miles apart from each other, lie two beautiful mesa-shaped islands. They are known as the Diomede Islands, or Ostrova Gvozdeva in Russian. The International Date Line and United States - Russian border runs between these two islands.

  11. A Glimpse Across Time: The Fascinating World of Big Diomede and ...

    The Diomede Islands may be small, but their story is larger than life, echoing with historical echoes of the past and whispers of a future shaped by the changing planet. The islands, visible from ...

  12. Diomede Islands

    The Diomede Islands are located in the middle of the Bering Strait between mainland Alaska and Siberia. If marginal seas are considered, then they are the northernmost islands within the entire Pacific Ocean. To the north is the Chukchi Sea and to the south is the Bering Sea. Fairway Rock, 9.3 km (5.8 mi) to the southeast, is also Alaskan

  13. Diomede Islands

    The Diomede Islands are a pair of islands in the Bering Sea, part of Russia and Alaska in the United States. The United States-Russia border runs between the two islands, which are only separated by 2.4 miles or 3.8km of sea. The larger island, Big Diomede (Russia), is uninhabited, while the smaller island Little Diomede (United States) hosts a small population.

  14. Diomede Village, Little Diomede Island

    Diomede is an Iñupiaq village situated on the west coast of Little Diomede Island, less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from the International Date Line and 2.4 miles (3.9 km) east from the Russian island of Big Diomede, about 194 miles (312 km) southwest of Kotzebue and 27 miles (44 km) northwest of Wales, Alaska.The Diomede Islands are located in the middle of the Bering Strait between mainland Alaska ...

  15. THE BEST Things to Do in Little Diomede

    1 place sorted by traveler favorites. 1. Little Diomede Island. 4. Islands. By TartanWanderer. Snow in winter can be many feet deep and oaths are steep. The local people are modest and sometimes shy so be polite... Things to Do in Little Diomede, Alaska: See Tripadvisor's traveler reviews and photos of Little Diomede tourist attractions.

  16. Scenic Cruising Little Diomede Island

    Scenic Cruising Little Diomede Island. Little Diomede Island is plunked in the middle of the Bering Strait between Alaska and Siberia. What first looks like a sparse granite mound with no trees or shrubs, it has a lot of character and history. Little Diomede is part of Alaska, while Big Diomede—only a few miles away—is part of Russia. The ...

  17. Little Diomede Island

    Sept 2017 • Couples. As we finished our Northwest Passage cruise with Ponant, we were able to visit this unique community. Built up the side of the hill, homes, the school, the post office, cafes all for a town of 90 people who call this place home. Some of the residents were here during the Cold War with Russia and have quite the tale to tell.

  18. An explanation of how to travel to Little Diomede from the ...

    If russian islands are good enough, Big Diomede is directly across from the town on Little Diomede, 3 miles away. Sometimes you even see russian helicopters flying on the Big Diomede side. If you are looking for a point of contact on the island, may have a person who can help you with planning. Shoot me a message if you are interested.

  19. Diomede, Alaska (town)

    Drone photo, 2018. Diomede (Inupiaq: Iŋaliq, Russian: Диомид, romanized: Diomid) is an incorporated town and is the only habitable area on Little Diomede Island.The island is located in the Nome Census Area of the Unorganized Borough of the U.S. state of Alaska. All the buildings are on the west coast of Little Diomede, which is the smaller of the two Diomede Islands located in the ...

  20. THE BEST Little Diomede Islands (Updated 2023)

    Islands in Little Diomede Rue Cler Hamel Family Wines Turtle Lake Baker Beach Mori Point Roemerberg Hyde Park Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels Grand Canyon Village East Palisades Trail Shipwreck Adventure in Providenciales West Tour Madeira Highly Recommended !ATTENTION Minimum 2 People for this Tour.

  21. Little Diomede

    Visit Sistugs Store. The people of Diomede are excellent ivory carvers. Carvings and Native crafts can be purchased on the island, and are often sold in Nome. Contact: City of Diomede, Diomede, AK 99762. (907)686-3071. For reservations, call (907)443-5464 or 1-800-478-5422.

  22. Little Diomede Island

    24. An unique part of the USA. Sept 2017 • Couples. As we finished our Northwest Passage cruise with Ponant, we were able to visit this unique community. Built up the side of the hill, homes, the school, the post office, cafes all for a town of 90 people who call this place home. Some of the residents were here during the Cold War with Russia ...

  23. Visit Little Diomede Island: Best of Little Diomede Island Tourism

    4800 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK. CA $205. CA $260 total. includes taxes & fees. Mar 16 - Mar 17. Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Anchorage. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ... 7.8/10 Good! (1,515 reviews)