The park covers arctic terrain of the Gyda Peninsula and nearby islands in the Kara Sea.

It covers the Yamal and Gyda peninsulas in north-central Russia, the Ob River estuary, and into the Kara Sea and associated islands.

It includes boggy tundra of sedge and heather, wetlands of the Ob estuary, and arctic desert of the far north.

Shrubs include polar willow (Salix polaris)) and dwarf birch.

[6] Scientists at the reserve have recorded 18 species of mammals (including reindeer, fox, Siberian lemmings).

Birds include the Sea eagle, Tundra swan, and the near-threatened Yellow-billed loon.