In the Maloye More Strait, on the way to the famous Ogoy Island with the Stupa of Enlightenment, your boat will invariably pass by the picturesque Zamogoy Island. This is a small rocky islet, devoid of vegetation. Landing on Zamogoy is not carried out, as the island is one of the main locations on Lake Baikal where Baikal seal haul-out sites are found.
Temporary Seal Haul-outs on Zamogoy
Guides on excursions always warn: "Look carefully at the rocks!" And these are not empty words. The rocky shores of Zamogoy are a classic temporary summer haul-out for the Baikal seal.
Seals have a remarkable habit: year after year, they return to rest in the same proven spots. Zamogoy is one of them. The haul-outs here are not permanent but seasonal. They form in the first half of June, about a month after Lake Baikal is completely free of ice.
The purpose is rest, not reproduction: Unlike fur seals or sea lions, Baikal seals do not breed on summer haul-outs. The short Siberian summer is simply not long enough for them to rear their young. They come ashore onto the rocks for three main reasons:
• Rest: To bask in the sun after prolonged periods in the cold water.
• Recovery: To heal wounds from fights or illnesses.
• Molting: To complete the process of shedding their fur coat, which began on the spring ice.
Peak viewing and departure: The haul-outs on Zamogoy become most numerous and photogenic in the second half of June. At this time, several dozen individuals can be observed on the rocks simultaneously. However, by the end of July or early August, the seals gradually leave Zamogoy, and it once again becomes a silent stone guardian.
Comparison with the Ushkany Islands
To understand Zamogoy`s uniqueness, it is useful to compare it with the main "seal resort" of Baikal – the Ushkany Islands.
The Ushkany Islands are located in the central part of Lake Baikal, near the Svyatoy Nos Peninsula. This is the largest haul-out for the Baikal seal, considered permanent within the season.
Key difference – duration: While seals leave Zamogoy by August, on the Ushkany Islands they remain until the freeze-up, sometimes until late autumn. There, they can be observed in the hundreds.
Accessibility for Tourists:
Zamogoy Island: Very accessible. Located only about 15 km by water from Khuzhir. It can be seen as part of a standard 4-6 hour excursion to Ogoy Island. Cost: from 1,500 - 2,500 rubles per person.
Ushkany Islands: The distance from Khuzhir (Olkhon Island) to the Ushkany Islands is approximately 130-140 km in a straight line across Lake Baikal, and the excursion itself takes a full day (10-12 hours). The cost is significantly higher – from 10,000 to 15,000 rubles per person. Visits are strictly regulated and require a special permit, as the islands are located within the Zapovernoe Pribaikalye (part of the Barguzin Nature Reserve).
What is the Baikal Seal?
The Baikal seal (Pusa sibirica) is the only aquatic mammal in Lake Baikal and one of only three species of freshwater seal in the world. It is an endemic species, meaning it is found nowhere else.
• Appearance: A fairly large animal, adults reach 1.6-1.8 meters in length and weigh up to 130 kg. It has thick, dense fur, perfectly adapted for life in cold water.
• Lifespan: Up to 50-55 years.
• Offspring: Pups (whitecoats) are born in March-April in special snow dens on the ice. Their pure white fur perfectly camouflages them in the snow.
• Status: The species is listed in the Russian Red Data Book as near threatened.
Thus, Zamogoy Island is not just an island on the way to Ogoy. It is a unique opportunity to observe the life of the Baikal seal, accessible to almost every tourist. Watching these amazing animals in their natural habitat, even from a distance, is a rare opportunity and a highlight of any trip to Lake Baikal.
