Tourists reviews of vacations on Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands

The tour was absolutely wonderful :) A big thank you to the tour team for such a well-planned vacation. It was all positive vibes. Sakhalin will forever hold a special place in my heart – love at first sight, and it’s here to stay.

An incredible tour! Sakhalin and Iturup are breathtaking, almost like stepping onto another planet with completely different landscapes. The tour’s organization was excellent—everything was well-planned, seamless, and coordinated. The food prepared during the trip was absolutely delicious. A special mention goes to the guides and staff for their remarkable dedication to the tourists and their work overall. These are truly people who are passionate about what they do—individuals with kind hearts and genuine respect for all living things.

Beautiful, mysterious Sakhalin! Huge thanks to the tour team for making everything absolutely seamless—we didn’t have to worry about a thing and could simply enjoy the breathtaking scenery around us. The trip was stunning, delicious, comfortable, and truly fascinating!

This tour left only positive impressions. Everything was top-notch—from the airport transfer to the entire itinerary. Due to the weather conditions, some excursion days were rearranged, but our group actually saw this as a plus. Seeing the Aniva Lighthouse at the end of the trip was even better than at the beginning—otherwise, the other excursions might have felt less impressive in comparison. June is the rainy season, so it’s probably better to visit Sakhalin at a different time, but the organizers provided raincoats, which was a great help. One day, our driver even took us to an extra site that wasn’t originally part of the tour (with our consent, of course) and patiently waited for an hour while we explored. The outdoor meals were mainly seafood—fresh, delicious, and plentiful! We were completely full, and there was still food left over. The vehicles for the excursions were comfortable and spacious, with enough room for everyone. These five days flew by in an instant. Thank you for such an incredible experience 💜

Many thanks to the tour providers, and special thanks to our guide Mikhail for creating such a wonderful experience and atmosphere. Kunashir is magical ❤️

The tour was impeccably organized. Galina, our guide, demonstrated excellent knowledge of Sakhalin's history and provided clear, thoughtful answers to all our questions. The team went above and beyond, offering helpful tips on where to eat, which museums to visit, and where to shop for souvenirs, seafood, and imported goods. The dinners were exceptionally well-planned—always delicious, creative, and beautifully presented. On Iturup, we had a less experienced guide, but we were told this was due to the early season. Instead, we focused on enjoying the island's stunning natural beauty. Every excursion was flawlessly coordinated, with safe and comfortable transportation. As for accommodations, be aware of some specifics: at the Komandor Hotel, if you’re on the 5th floor, you may hear noise from the bar on the 6th floor late into the night. It’s best to request a different floor when checking in. Guests at the Gagarin Hotel have also reported noise issues. By contrast, the Belka Hotel is described as quiet and cozy, and the Palace Hotel lives up to its star rating. On Iturup, you’ll stay in a guesthouse where shower gel and shampoo aren’t provided, and you’ll be asked to remove your shoes at the entrance. While this might feel unfamiliar to some, it’s best to be prepared. If you won’t be hiking on Kunashir, you can leave trekking poles off your packing list. All in all, Sakhalin and the Kuriles are breathtakingly beautiful. Just bring a good attitude and enjoy! A big thanks to the team for showcasing this region in all its splendor.

The trip was fantastic. Despite the rainy weather, we were still able to appreciate the stunning natural beauty of the island. The guides shared its history in a fascinating and engaging way.

An excellent tour – well-balanced, packed with memorable experiences, and with plenty of free time to explore the fish market and browse the souvenir shops.

A well-organized tour with the chance to experience the unique nature of Sakhalin and Iturup, topped off with unforgettable picnics by the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk.

Thank you for a captivating trip to Kunashir! I got exactly what I was hoping for: stunning views, hiking, and swimming in the sea, lake, river, and thermal springs. The weather treated us to a full range of experiences, from pleasant sunshine to a storm on the way back. A huge thank you to our guide, Mikhail, for his care, patience, attentiveness, and the great atmosphere he created throughout our stay on Kunashir.

I absolutely loved the Sakhalin tour! The culinary experiences and sightseeing along the bays and coastline were truly unforgettable. It’s such a fascinating region, rich in delicious seafood. I wish I had more time to explore and visit its charming small towns.