The bay is open to the north and is 140 km in length. Its maximum width is 110 km.[1] Its mouth is defined by Cape Shelagsky, the end of the Shelag Range, to the east and an unnamed part of Ayon Island to the west. It narrows where the Pevek Peninsula on the east approaches Ayon Island.
Owing to is northerly location Chaunskaya Bay is covered with ice most of the year.
This bay is the center of one of the larger lowlands in Chukotka. A number of rivers flow into the southeastern corner: Chaun River, Ichuveyem River, Palyavaam River, Lelyuveyem River and Pucheveyem River. There is a protected natural area in the southeast.
Lake Elgygytgyn is about 160 km southeast and the town of Bilibino about 160 km southwest.
Chaunskaya Bay under ice. Ayon Island and the Pevek Peninsula visible. Wrangel Island to the northeast
