Maloye More (Small Sea) Ice
Малое Море
A shallow strait between Olkhon Island and the mainland. In winter the ice is as clear as glass, showing blue ice and ice bubbles, and you can race across it by hovercraft or off-road vehicle.
The Small Sea is a shallow lake area between the western shore of Baikal and Olkhon Island. It freezes early and forms a flat ice surface. Each February and March, the ice swept clear of snow turns deep blue or transparent black. You can see methane bubbles frozen beneath the ice and criss-crossing cracks, making this the main photo spot for Baikal’s “blue ice.” Most visitors book off-road vehicle or hovercraft ice tours from Khuzhir, and some also go ice skating on the surface. Ice cracks are extremely dangerous. Always follow an experienced driver, and do not drive yourself or wander away from the group.
Opening hours
Daytime in winter (tour only)
Nearby sights
- Olkhon Island & Shaman Rock
- Revyakin Museum of Local Lore
- Khuzhir
- Saraisky Beach
- Lake Shara-Nur (Olkhon)
- Kharantsy
- Ogoy Island
- Olkhon Gate Strait & MRS Ferry