Reyneke Island

Reyneke Island lies in the Peter the Great Bay of the Sea of Japan, part of the Empress Eugenie Archipelago, about 25 km south of central Vladivostok. Administratively it belongs to the Pervomaysky district of the city. A narrow, shallow strait separates it from the neighboring Popov Island.

History

The island was discovered in the 1850s by French and English sailors. In 1862–1863 it was surveyed by a Russian expedition led by Lieutenant Colonel V. M. Babkin of the Corps of Naval Navigators. The island was named after Vice Admiral M. F. Reyneke, head of the Hydrographic Service of the Russian Empire and Babkin's teacher. In 1885 a detailed description of the island was compiled by Staff Captain A. A. Maltsev. The island already appears on the 1734 Kangxi map of China, under the name Sarbachu-saha.

Nature and sights

The island's terrain is elevated and cut by ravines where streams dry up in summer. In the southwest a distinctive cone-shaped hill rises 148.8 m. The coastline is sandy in places, and the southern shore has reddish cliffs. Off the southwestern tip, an underwater ridge of large white stones stretches for about 2 km into the sea.

Among the natural landmarks is the "Sea Corps de Ballet" grotto, a group of unusually shaped rock columns. According to local accounts, the island also has a gorge known as the "Devil's House."

Dolphins are seen in the surrounding waters, and spotted (largha) seals can be found on shore. Diving and spearfishing are popular here, and the Dirty Creek bay on the western coast is used for beach recreation.

Getting there

Reyneke Island is 25 km from central Vladivostok. A ferry runs twice a week, calling at Popov Island along the way. The island can also be reached by private boat.

Good to know

A small village stands on the island, with fewer than 100 permanent residents; the population grows noticeably in summer. A wind power station supplies electricity to 50 households.