Overview
Little Diomede is an island in the Bering Strait. It is part of the Arctic Alaska region but below the Arctic Circle.
2 sights
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Little Diomede
The International Date Line
It's not marked but it passes between the two islands. It is the only place where the Date Line, and land on the other side of it, is visible from land (except maybe Antarctica, but Antarctica has no legal time zone bord…
Russia
Only 2 mi (3.2 km) away, the Big Island is easily seen from here.
Plan your trip
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- OME Nome Airport, Nome — 133 mi away. Directions
The island is so far from anywhere that the senator representing Alaska between 1968 and 2009 noted down his amazement with the above quote on his visit to the island in 2002, after arriving by a Black Hawk helicopter — the first time Little Diomede was ever visited by a statewide elected official.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Russia
- Afternoon The International Date Line
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Understand
Little Diomede is the smaller of the two Diomede Islands that lie in the middle of the Bering Strait. Little Diomede is the westernmost part of Alaska while Big Diomede, only a few km away, is the easternmost point in Russia.
The town of Diomede, on the island's west side, is home to all of the island's 135 inhabitants. The islanders are Iñupiat Inuit.
Get in
The island is so far from anywhere that the senator representing Alaska between 1968 and 2009 noted down his amazement with the above quote on his visit to the island in 2002, after arriving by a Black Hawk helicopter — the first time Little Diomede was ever visited by a statewide elected official.
A $50 fee is charged to all arrivals by air or sea.
See
See Russia (Big Diomede Island)
Only 2 mi (3.2 km) away, the Big Island is easily seen from here.
See The International Date Line
It's not marked but it passes between the two islands. It is the only place where the Date Line, and land on the other side of it, is visible from land (except maybe Antarctica, but Antarctica has no legal time zone borders so there is no well defined Date Line there).
Do
Marvel at the "ends of the earth."
Have some fun with the locals, but not with alcohol, which is banned on the island.
Spend a fortune on airlifting stuff to yourself.
Buy
Owing to the remoteness of the place and the fact that almost everything has to be carried in by air or sea, expect to pay more even for regular groceries.
Drink
Alcohol is prohibited.
Sleep
The Diomede School offers rooms for $70 a night.
My experience
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