Issue 182: Shantar Islands SUP Safari

Hey Explorer,

This is Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

• Wildlife Encounters: Shoebill Storks

• Paddling: SUP with whales in the Shantar Islands

• Films: Eye of the Pangolin

Spotting Shoebill Storks at Mabamba Papyrus Swamp Bay

If you’re into wildlife or birding, spotting a shoebill stork at Mabamba Swamp in Uganda is something you don’t want to miss.

This place, just off Lake Victoria, is one of the best spots in the world to see these big, almost prehistoric-looking birds in the wild.

Shoebills are rare and pretty shy, so finding one feels like a real win. They’re often seen standing totally still in the shallow water, waiting to snag a fish with that massive beak.

Exploring the swamp is usually done by canoe, with a local guide paddling you through narrow channels surrounded by papyrus and water lilies.

Along the way, you’ll spot tons of other birds, like kingfishers and jacanas, but the shoebill is definitely the main event.

The best time to go is early morning when the birds are most active, and the water is calm.

Explore more:

• Shoebills of Mabamba Swamp (video)

• Shoebill – 7 reasons to love this dinosaur of birds (article)

SUP with Whales in the Shantar Islands

The remote Sea of Okhotsk is a summer haven for bowhead whales. They gather in Wrangel Bay to socialize and escape predators like orcas.

Using inflatable SUP boards, you can quietly glide alongside these gentle giants, getting up close without disturbing them—it’s an intimate and surreal experience.

The trip usually starts with setting up a cozy camp right on the shoreline. Picture individual tents, stunning views of the bay, and even a Russian sauna to warm up after a day on the water.

Each day, you’ll head out to spot whales, either from the beach or your paddleboard.

Evenings are just as special, with biologists giving fascinating talks about the whales and their behaviors—it’s like a crash course in marine life with a backdrop that’s straight out of a nature documentary.

But it’s not just about the whales. The Shantar Islands are packed with incredible wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

You might spot brown bears, foxes, or even reindeer during a hike along one of the trails. Plus, the area is full of natural treasures, like colorful jasper slates and marble veins scattered across the rugged landscape.

Explore more:

• Shantar Islands: The Last Unknown Land (short film)

• Shartar Islands SUP Camping Trip (tour)

Eye of the Pangolin

Eye of a Pangolin is a fascinating documentary that dives into the world of one of the planet's most unique and endangered animals—the pangolin.

Filmed across Africa, it introduces all four African pangolin species and showcases their quirky behavior, amazing adaptations, and the challenges they face from poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

With stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling, the film highlights why these gentle creatures need protection before it’s too late.

Watch the film for free here »

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Photography: Tips for mastering wide-angle photography

Where in the World

Wanna flex your adventure geography skills? Guess where this pic was snapped!

Stumped? No worries. The answer is at the end of this email.

I’d love to hear what you think of this issue, scroll down to the poll to let us know.

Until next time…

Keep exploring,

-Amanda

 ANSWER: Tuzbair salt flats, Kazahkstan