12 days on the islands: Sakhalin — Shikotan — Kunashir

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Immerse yourself in an exciting adventure through the wonderful islands of the Kuril Archipelago!

Discover the greatness of volcanoes surrounded by a riot of cedar forests, enjoy the thermal springs at the majestic Mendeleev volcano, walk along the amazing shores, admire the stone arches and grottoes sculpted by nature itself. Feel the magic of Cape Columnar, where the sky merges with the sea, and columns of basalt rise directly from the ocean.

Not only an exciting journey awaits you, but also delicious local delicacies and hot al fresco dinners.

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

from

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Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)

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Tour highlights

Delicious cuisine

Discover the wealth of marine gifts, enjoy fragrant fish soup, fresh caviar and delicious sweets of Sakhalin

Thermal springs

Relax and replenish your energy in the warm waters of the thermal springs

Atmospheric fumarole fields

Take a walk among the gates to the depths of the earth, which will make you feel like you are on an unknown planet

Cape Columnar

Immerse yourself in the magic of this place: the sounds of waves caressing the shore, the fresh sea breeze, the majestic columns of basalt towering over the ocean

The coast of the Sea of Okhotsk

Take a walk along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk and take a photo against the background of bizarre stone arches, columns and kekurs

Itinerary

Day 1 - Lunch at a Japanese restaurant and sightseeing tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel, we leave our things.
Please keep in mind that check-in at all hotels is at 14:00. Therefore, if necessary, early check-in is booked and paid in advance.
13:00 Welcome lunch at the Japanese restaurant.
Sightseeing bus tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the capital of the Sakhalin region. A modern, beautiful city with a history.
A visit to the viewport at the Mountain Air ski complex, which offers a magnificent view of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, located in a valley surrounded by hills and ridges.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner (on your own).
*Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk has many authentic cozy restaurants with Japanese, Korean, Chinese and European cuisine.

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Day 2 - Tikhaya Bay, Noticeable Island, east coast of the Sea of Okhotsk
08:00 Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
09:00 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk by bus. Travel time with stops is about 3 hours, 135 km, paved federal highway.
On the way, we will stop at the amber coast and collect amber, watch the seals resting on the rocks.
We will visit the Japanese Torii gates of the Karafuto governorship period, which were installed in front of Shinto temples.
An intermediate stop in the fishermen's village of the Seaside, where you can buy freshly boiled crabs and taste them during lunch.
There is a quiet walk along the coast in the bay, after which you will have a hot gastronomic lunch – delicious Sakhalin fish soup with red fish, Far Eastern delicacies, caviar, herbal tea, Sakhalin sweets.
19:00 Return to the hotel.
Dinner (on your own).

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Day 3 - Departure by boat to Shikotan Island
08:00 Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Transfer to Korsakov port. Registration on the ship.
12:00 Departure of the ship to Shikotan Island. The ship leaves the port of Korsakov and follows the coastline of the Tonino-Aniva Peninsula for 4 hours.
From the ship you can see the Aniva lighthouse, and during the passage through the Sea of Okhotsk you will probably see dolphins and killer whales.
Lunch and dinner on the boat in a cafe (independently).
Day 4 - Jeep tour of the most iconic places of Shikotan Island with local hiking
Breakfast on the boat (on your own).
09:00 The ship's approach to the port of Malokurilskoye settlement, Shikotan island.
Shikotan is a special place, a small Kuril Island in the ocean unlike any other.
Shikotan is a poem! If the island has a soul, then it is here, among bamboo expanses, meadow terraces, juniper thickets and inaccessible rocks with edelweiss blooming on them.
There are no volcanoes, thermal springs, bears and snakes on Shikotan.
Meeting at the port. Transfer to the hotel. We're leaving things.
Jeep tour of the most iconic places of Shikotan island with local hiking.
Cape Edge of the World is long (protruding into the ocean at 800 m) and the flat surface of the cape breaks off into the ocean on three sides with 40-meter walls. And you realize that you are really at the edge of the world... both literally and figuratively. There are 7,000 km of the Pacific Ocean ahead…
Nameless Bay – in these places S. Govorukhin in 1972 shot the film "Robinson Crusoe" starring Leonid Kuravlev.
Cape Crab, the Spanberg Lighthouse (1943) is the last lighthouse built by the Japanese on the Kuril Islands from the remaining large lighthouse construction program that was not implemented due to the war.
The name of the lighthouse is given in honor of the brave traveler and navigator Martin Petrovich Shpanberg, who explored the Kuril Islands.
Lunch is hot on the coast – ukha.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Supper.

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Day 5 - Departure of the ship to Kunashir island
Room release.
Breakfast at the hotel. A short jeep ride around the surrounding area.
Transfer to the port.
13:00 Departure of the ship to Kunashir Island.
17:00 The ship's approach to Yuzhno-Kurilsk, Kunashir Island. Meeting at the seaport, transfer to the hotel, accommodation.
Let's go say hello to the Pacific Ocean! Boundless Quiet ... with a serious character and the most powerful energy.
A walk along the coast – kekur "Devil's finger", "Devil's Gate".
Dinner at the cafe.
Day 6 - The fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano. Thermal springs of the Mendeleev volcano
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.
10:00 Departure for the route of medium difficulty "Large fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano". By car for 30 minutes, then trekking 2-2.5 hours through bamboo with a constant climb, 3 km in one direction.
A path with stops for a short rest. Parking on the fumarole field ~ 2 hours.
Fumaroles and solfatars are among the largest, if not the largest in all the Kuril Islands. Portals to the bowels of the earth. From the erupting hum and high-temperature gases, it's even scary to imagine what's going on inside.
Lunch (dry rations).
Bathing in wild thermal springs.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner at the cafe.
Day 7 - Golovnin volcano. Lakes are Boiling and Hot
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.
10:00 Departure for the route of medium difficulty "Golovnin Volcano. The Lakes are Boiling and Hot." By car for 40 minutes, then trekking for 2.5-3 hours along the path, 7 km in one direction.
The whole way is accompanied by beautiful fields of cedar elfin and Kuril bamboo, completely impassable for humans.
The volcano is a caldera about 4 km in diameter, surrounded by a ridge with a max. the height is 541 m. At the bottom of the caldera there are four small domes and two craters – lakes Boiling and Hot.
The parking time in the caldera is ~ 3 hours.
Lunch (dry rations).
You can not swim in Boiling lake, there are hot springs, mud boilers and hot steam at the bottom of the lake and along the shores. But it's a great pleasure to swim in the Hot lake.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner at the cafe.

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Day 8 - Cape Columnar. Stolbovsky sources. The White Monks Rocks. The Sea of Okhotsk
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.
10:00 Departure to the route of medium difficulty "Cape Columnar" is one of the most amazing and unique places on earth. Residents of Kunashir say: "Whoever has not seen Cape Columnar, has not seen Kunashir."
Millions of years ago, as a result of the eruption of the Mendeleev volcano, basalt lava flowed to the sea. Physico-chemical processes have created such columnar structures in the form of five-hexagonal columns. But getting here, it is impossible to accept that nature created it. A mystical place with its own music. The cape, open on three sides, is located on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.
A difficult passage through small shelves / fragments of pillars.
Relaxing on the cape, swimming in the sea. There are many sea urchins in the littoral lagoons.
Then 2 km along the shore to the parking lot, where a bonfire lunch will be organized – delicious fish soup.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner at the cafe.
The total mileage of the walking part of the route is 6 km.

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Day 9 - Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Room release.
Breakfast in the cafe.
If there is time, a short trip to Mount Sobachka and Lake Lagunnoye will be organized.
Transfer to the airport. Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel.
*The air travel schedule for the 2024 season will be released in March, after which the routes on flight days can be adjusted.
Day 10 - Free day on Sakhalin (reserve)
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Free day (reserved in case of late arrival).
Walking through the beautiful Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk with a large number of alleys and parks, fragrant flower beds and many fountains will give you pleasure. In the evening, land in one of the cozy restaurants with Japanese, Korean or pan-Asian cuisine.
We also recommend visiting:
Sakhalin Museum of Local Lore.
The Pobeda Memorial Complex with interactive expositions and panoramas using various modern technologies. The Pobeda complex has entered the top of the best military museums in Russia.
Shops with Korean and Japanese goods.
Souvenir shops and a fish market with a wide variety of fresh seafood and Sakhalin delicacies. You can't think of a better gift for your family and friends!
And on the way to the airport, you can pick up orders.
Day 11 - Jeep tour to Cape Ptichiy and Cape Velikan, southeastern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk
08:00 Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
09:00 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk by jeep. Travel time is 3 hours, 100 km, the first half of the way is a federal paved highway, the second half of the way is a difficult road through the pass.
A walk along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, 1.5-2 km in one direction — magnificent stone arches, columns and giant kekurs created by wind and sea waves, grottoes, bird bazaars of amazing beauty.
You are already returning along the sea terraces, you will get acquainted with the Sakhalin flora, represented here in a variety.
Lunch boxes, Far Eastern delicacies, tea with herbs and berries, Sakhalin sweets will be waiting for you on the coast.
19:00 Return to the hotel. Dinner (on your own).

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Day 12 - Departure
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Transfer to the airport for any flight.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Hotel

10 nights
Cabin on the boat

1 night

Comfort

Midscale
Upscale
Premium

The tour provides accommodation in hotels along the route:

5 nights in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (rooms with amenities, 2-bed accommodation);
1 night on the ship (4-bed cabin with amenities);
4 nights in Yuzhno-Kurilsk at the Flagship Hotel (partial amenities, 2-bed accommodation);
1 night in a hotel on Shikotan (rooms with amenities, 2-bed accommodation).

The cost of the tour for 1 person, RUB.:

Hotels	Double room*	Surcharge for single occupancy
Gagarin 3* / Belka 3*	157 000	20 000
Mega Palace 4*	159 000	24 200

Additional payments on Kunashir are optional (increased comfort level of accommodation):

for a double suite in the Flagship hotel (with amenities) on Kunashir Island - 6600 rubles/person/4 nights;
for a single room in Iceberg 2 (with amenities) on Kunashir Island - 6600 rubles/person/4 nights;
for a double suite in Iceberg 2 (with amenities) on Kunashir island 6600 — RUB/person/4 nights.

Extra day of stay in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (if necessary), RUB.:

Hotels	Double Room	Single Room
Gagarin 3* / Belka 3*	7200	5800
Mega Palace 4*	8300	7200

Gagarin Hotel

This hotel is located in a quiet location in the park area of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a 15-minute drive from Khomutovo Airport. The Gagarin Hotel offers a sauna with a mini-pool.

The rooms of the Gagarin Hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk are decorated using elements of Japanese and European styles. They are equipped with a work desk and a TV with over 100 satellite channels. Featuring a bath, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers.

A full buffet breakfast is served every morning at the hotel. The Gagarin restaurant specializes in European cuisine.

Guests can relax in the karaoke bar. A park named after him is located next to the hotel. Gagarina with a beautiful rock garden.

Free parking is available on site at the Gagarin Hotel. Staff at the 24-hour front desk can arrange a shuttle service for guests.

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Another option

Mega Palace hotel 4*

This hotel is located on the Far Eastern Sakhalin Island of Russia, at the foot of the Susunai Mountains. It offers an international restaurant, a spa and a nightclub. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk city centre is a 15-minute drive away.

Mega Palace Hotel is a multi-storey building with modern rooms and apartments furnished with antique furniture. All rooms are equipped with cable TV, a safe and a minibar.

It offers a fitness center, a hot tub and a sauna. In the evenings, guests can visit the karaoke bar or a nightclub with a DJ.

A buffet breakfast is served every morning. The Marquis Restaurant serves Russian, European and Japanese cuisine. Serbian cuisine can be enjoyed at the Grill in the Sky restaurant. Asian cuisine restaurant "Asia" and Japanese restaurant Bambu are also available on site. Guests can relax at the Duke Karaoke Bar.

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Airport is a 30-minute drive away. Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Central Station can be reached in 20 minutes by car.

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Another option

Belka Hotel

Built of wooden beams, this hotel is located in the business district, a 10-minute walk from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Main Station in the business center of the city. It offers free Wi-Fi and rooms with a flat-screen TV.

Rooms at Belka Hotel are decorated in Alpine style and feature wooden walls and air conditioning. The rooms have a minibar and a bathroom with bathrobes, slippers, a hairdryer and toiletries.

The Belka Hotel's restaurant serves Russian cuisine. Guests can order a buffet breakfast. There are restaurants and bars within walking distance of the hotel.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 25 tourists

Minimum age

7 years old

Duration

12 days 11 nights

Group meets at

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

airport – hotel – airport transfer;
habitation:
- 5 nights in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (rooms with amenities, 2-bed accommodation);
- 4 nights in Yuzhno-Kurilsk at the Flagship Hotel (partial amenities, 2-bed accommodation);
- 1 night in a hotel on Shikotan (rooms with amenities, 2-bed accommodation).
services of a tour guide;
Meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 5 dinners;
transfer Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – Korsakov port/airport – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
port charges;
bed linen on the ship;
boat and equipment rental;
kayak and equipment rental;
transportation services according to the program;
escort by instructors-guides on the routes;
a pass to the Kurilsky Nature Reserve;
border crossing to Kunashir Island and Shikotan Island.

Paid extra

flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
ticket for the Korsakov – Malokurilskoye motor ship, 4-bed cabin – 5400 rubles/person.;
ticket for the Malokurilskoye – Yuzhno-Kurilsk motor ship, 4-bed cabin – 2500 rubles/person.;
a/b Yuzhno-Kurilsk – Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – 7,500 rubles.;
meals on the ship;
dinners in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
early check-in to hotels and late check-out from hotels;
medical insurance.

It's important to know

lightweight headdress for sun protection;
trekking waterproof sneakers/boots (Gore-Tex), or treated with a water repellent + a replaceable pair of shoes;
comfortable sports sandals with a rigid fixation on the foot, in which it is convenient to walk on water and stones (necessary on the route Tikhaya Bay, for visiting thermal springs / baths on the islands of Kunashir and Iturup);
sports trousers are comfortable for trekking (2 pairs). It is also preferable to have waterproof trousers. It is especially convenient on the side zippers to quickly put on over sweatpants if necessary. They are light and do not take up space at all;
comfortable, lightweight, wind and moisture proof(!) jacket;
warm clothes: sweater, fleece jacket or similar warm clothes;
T-shirt with short or long sleeves with moisture-repellent properties for trekking;
lightweight cotton clothing: shorts/capris, T-shirts;
bathing suit;
socks are warm and thick;
a small travel towel (quick-drying);
a small backpack of 25-30 liters for one-day radial routes for water, photo/video equipment, swimsuit, towel, raincoat, etc. It is mandatory to have a waterproof backpack cover;
sunscreen and sunglasses;
a sunscreen adapted for you with a protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 units;
plastic water bottle for routes;
gloves;
telescopic poles for hiking (personal necessity);
photo/video equipment;
mosquito and tick repellents (personal necessity).

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

from
$1,535

15 – 26 Jun, 2025 12 days 11 nights

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from
$1,535

17 – 28 Aug, 2025 12 days 11 nights

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