Yes, tourists can visit Little Diomede, Alaska, but it is extremely difficult, remote, and expensive. Access is via Bering Air helicopter from Nome, Alaska, with limited weekly flights. There are no hotels, restaurants, or tourism infrastructure, and it is crucial to arrange lodging beforehand—sometimes through the school—as it is a private, isolated community.
There is no hospital located on the island, and emergency services are limited due to the remoteness of the island. A city council-owned clinic operates in the laundromat building, providing basic health care.
Why is it illegal to walk between Diomede Islands?
Though you could theoretically make the icy walk from one nation to the other in winter, doing so is strictly illegal. The border between Big and Little Diomede is an international one, dividing Russia and the United States — two global powers with a long and complex history.
What It's Like To Live In The Diomedes, The Two Tiny Islands In The Middle Of Russia And Alaska
Are there cars on Little Diomede?
Little Diomede Inuit natives live a subsistence lifestyle, harvesting fish and crab, hunting beluga whales, walrus, seals and any polar bears from Alaska - when Bering sea is frozen. Because of localtopology, there are no streets or cars – people's access to their homes or services are made by wooden stairs.
In Antarctica, guests can choose to explore aboard luxurious expedition ships or opt for a stay in uniquely designed camps right on the icy peninsula, offering an unparalleled adventure experience in one of the world's most remote destinations.
Crime risk is severe for Diomede. On average, our algorithm predicts 16 violent crimes 42 property crimes, 16 acts of vandalism and 5 motor vehicle thefts this year in your block group.
To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.
Yes, people do live on Little Diomede Island, Alaska, which is home to the Inupiaq village of Diomede, with a population of around 80-100 residents who maintain a traditional, subsistence-based lifestyle while facing challenges from climate change and isolation. They rely on hunting, fishing, and ivory carving, and access the island via helicopter or boat.
Cancer, heart disease, and accidents were the leading causes of death in Alaska in 2022. Of the 2,650 deaths that year, 46% of the total were due to one of these three causes. The fourth and fifth most common causes were COVID-19 and cerebrovascular diseases.
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.
From the perspective of solo open water swimmers, the Bering Strait is known as the short stretch of 2.2 miles between Little Diomede (USA) and Big Diomede (Russia). It was first swum by Lynne Cox of the United States in 1987 when she was pushed by currents and took 2 hours 6 minutes to swim the strait.
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.
In August 2025, U.S.-Russia relations showed signs of renewal after Presidents Trump and Putin met in Alaska and voiced interest in economic cooperation. According to a The Wall Street Journal report, ExxonMobil and Rosneft held "secret talks" to restart joint operations at Sakhalin-1, tied to Ukraine peace talks.
Moscow, the capital of Russia, is often touted as one of the safest cities in the world. With a low crime rate, the Russian capital boasts an urban environment where violent crime is rare, and petty crimes such as pickpocketing are very uncommon in comparison to other major cities globally.
Residents of Diomede, Alaska, enjoy comprehensive internet coverage thanks to three providers. Fastwyre Broadband tops the list, offering DSL connections that reach 100% of households.
Diomede is a traditional Ingalikmiut Eskimo village with a subsistence lifestyle. Seal, polar bear, blue crab, and whale meat are the preferred foods. Seal and walrus hides are used to make parkas, hats, mukluks, furs, and skins for trade.
And yes, whilst you could keep it cold by simply sticking it in the snow, we all know what happens to a soft drink can that freezes. So, you can add in the cost of the solar array required to keep the refrigerator at the appropriate temperature. The cost of giving you that can of Coke, in that location, is $35 per can.
