Tourists reviews of vacations on Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands

Before this trip, the farthest point in Russia my wife and I had visited was a cape on Russky Island. Now we found ourselves 220 km farther from home, with Cape Aniva lying 6,794 km away in a straight line. Enough of the numbers—let’s get back to the trip itself. First of all, I’d like to mention that the weather on the island was just fine, with only the last two days being cloudy. This didn’t dampen our experience in the least, largely thanks to the excellent organization and the care shown by our guide, the drivers and the rest of the staff. For instance, we never imagined that meals in the open field could be so varied and beautifully presented (other agencies we know of often make do with instant noodles and sandwiches). But here, we enjoyed cedar plank redfish (!), a dish worthy of a fine restaurant. The team's chef prepared it right there on the shore of Silent Bay. Our thanks also go to the managers for arranging our stay in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. The Mega Palace Hotel was comfortable, with high-quality service in both the hotel and its restaurant. As for our impressions of Sakhalin itself, the island’s natural beauty made a lasting impact on us. The stunning coastal cliffs, green hills veiled in mist that drifts down to the sea, and, of course, Cape Aniva with its legendary lighthouse, seals sunbathing on the rocks and flocks of seagulls. Even though St. Petersburg is also a seaside city with plenty of seagulls, on Sakhalin they are just so big and so... loud. One vivid memory is the trip to Birds Cape along a narrow forest road. Honestly, I was wondering what we’d do if we met an oncoming car on such a path, which to my experienced driver’s eye seemed barely wide enough to pass. Yet, not only did we manage, but our massive Land Cruiser even overtook another car, cheerfully flashing the hazard lights as we passed. In general, Sakhalin is a land of used, right-hand-drive Land Cruisers and Pajeros—a very practical choice for off-road drives and coastal trips, and they’re easy to find with Japan so nearby. An unexpected surprise: on the second day of the tour, we went oyster gathering at the oyster banks on Lake Busse. We didn’t just collect oysters, we ate them fresh on the spot—with lemon and champagne! Right on the shore! Afterwards, we enjoyed a rich and delicious lunch, topped off with some 'klopovka' liqueur from Dmitry, the captain of the excursion. Our trip to Sakhalin was a fantastic experience!

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.

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.

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.