Adventures in the Kuril Islands: Sakhalin — Kunashir — Shikotan

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The Kuril Islands are one of the most remote and mysterious places in our country, lost in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Here you will find truly stunning landscapes: volcanoes and hot springs, places reminiscent of the former presence of the Japanese, coves and lakes.

In addition, on this tour you will have the opportunity to watch spectacular sunrises and sunsets from the deck of the ship, as well as taste delicious seafood dishes.

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Mysterious lakes

Admire the Hot and Boiling lakes in the Golovnin volcano caldera

Space landscapes

Take a walk through the fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano, reminiscent of the Martian expanses

Breathtaking expanses

Make memorable photos when visiting Bezymyannaya Bay

The picturesque bay is Quiet

Enjoy the natural silence of the bay, where only noisy seagulls occasionally disturb the peace

At the edge of the world

Embark on an exciting jeep tour to Cape World's Edge along the forest road

The impressive Cape Columnar

You will see one of the business cards of Kunashir Island and the entire Sakhalin region — the cape, which was formed as a result of the eruption of the Mendeleev volcano.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. City tour
Welcome to Sakhalin Island! The day you find new friends.
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Meeting at Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk airport with a guide or company representative.
Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
Check-in at the hotel from 14:00.
15:00 Information meeting in the hotel lobby: all about the upcoming trip.
16:00 Guided tour of the most beautiful and iconic places of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Transfer to the restaurant.
18:30 Welcome seafood dinner at one of the most popular restaurants in the city.
19:30 Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
On this day, early check-in is on request, with an additional charge.

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Day 2 - Departure to Shikotan Island. A day at sea
A day dedicated to the harsh but attractive Sea of Okhotsk.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Packing and transfer to the port city of Korsakov.
10:00 Arrival, check-in.
12:00 Departure to Shikotan Island.
The total travel time is 21 hours.
What you can do in 21 hours before Shikotan:
Meet the beautiful sunrise and sunset at sea;
get to know the band better;
Enjoy the fresh sea air;
see the landscapes of the coastline of the islands;
believe in luck and meet dolphin sea companions.
Day 3 - Arrival at Shikotan Island
Welcome to the Island of Silence.
A day dedicated to the first acquaintance with the Kuril Islands.
09:00 Arrival at Shikotan Island.
Transfer to the hotel.
Breakfast.
We leave the luggage at the hotel for storage (check-in from 14:00).
Departure to Dimitrov Bay.
Lunch on the route.
Return to the hotel.
Accommodation, rest.
Supper.
Free time.
Dimitrov Bay and the peninsula of the same name were named in honor of the outstanding figure of the Bulgarian labor movement and founder of the Bulgarian People's Republic Dimitrov Georgy Mikhailovich.
Japanese fishermen once lived in the area of Dimitrov Bay. Now this place is an exclusively natural attraction.
High rocky shores, ocean views, the aromas of meadow grass – this bay is ideal for photo walks and solitude with nature.

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Day 4 - Nameless Bay and Cape World's Edge
A day dedicated to the vast expanses of a small island.
Breakfast.
Departure for an excursion to Bezymyannaya Bay and Cape Edge of the World.
Jeep tour to Cape Edge of the World along the forest road.
Walking tour of Cape Edge of the World.
A photo stop.
Transfer to Cape Crab, outdoor inspection of the lighthouse of Spangberg.
Lunch – lunch box.
Departure to Bezymyannaya Bay.
A photo stop.
A walk along the coast of the Pacific Ocean.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Nameless Bay – since the film was shot in 1972, it has been increasingly called Robinson Bay, but the name is unlikely to take root, because Nameless has already taken root. According to many eyewitnesses, this bay is the most beautiful natural place on the island.
Cape Edge of the World is high, undulating and long, like a rolled–out scarf. Take a short walk, and the Pacific Ocean opens in front of you. This is the furthest point from the capital of Russia, the distance to Moscow in a straight line is just over 7,100 km. That's it, Russia is over. Beyond that, beyond 8,000 km of water– there is only America.
Underfoot, at the bottom of a sheer 50-meter chasm, heavy waves beat against the rocks. A strong wind makes itself felt, almost tearing it from its place, energizing this place.

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Day 5 - Excursion to Khromova Bay and departure to Kunashir Island
The day when the sea calls you on your way again.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Pick up and departure to Khromova Bay, visit the observation deck.
Departure to the port.
Check-in and departure to Kunashir Island (4 hours on the way).
Lunch on your own on the ship.
Arrival on Kunashir Island.
Transfer to the hotel.
Supper.
Free time.
Day 6 - Excursion to the Golovnin volcano caldera. Lakes are Hot and Boiling
A day dedicated to the power of nature: the sea and volcanoes.
Breakfast.
Departure before the start of the trekking route to the Golovnin volcano caldera.
Where cars can't handle it, we walk.
Trekking route to the caldera of Golovnin volcano (the distance from disembarkation from the transport to the destination is 7 km (round trip is 14 km).
Descent into the caldera.
Inspection of the lakes is Hot and Boiling.
A photo stop.
Lunch on the picnic route.
Return to the parking area of the transport.
Boarding a transport.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Free time.
Golovnin Volcano is a volcano named after the brave Russian traveler Vasily Golovnin, who explored the Kuril Islands in the early 19th century and made two trips around the world. A characteristic feature of Golovnin volcano is the absence of a clearly defined cone – once upon a time, thousands of years ago, there was a giant explosion comparable to the explosion of Tambor or Krakatoa.
There are two lakes in the caldera, one of them is named Goryachye, and the second, which is located directly in one of the craters– is Boiling Lake. There are large amounts of sulfur and sulfide compounds in lakes, and sulfide-sulfur foam floats on Boiling Water.

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Day 7 - Cape Columnar and Mendeleev Volcano Fumarole Field Tour
A day dedicated to the contemplation of nature, cosmic landscapes and a natural monument of world significance.
Breakfast.
Transfer to the starting point of the route.
The route starts from the parking lot.
Departure on a route along a forest path through bamboo thickets.
The trekking route from the parking area to the fumarole fields is 3.5 km (7 km round trip). The route passes through bamboo about 1.5 – 2 meters high.
Arrival at the fumarole field.
Inspection of fumaroles.
Lunch – picnic on the route.
Return to the parking area of the transport.
Boarding a transport.
Transfer to the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.
A 3.5 km one-way trekking route along the coast to Cape Columnar (7 km round trip). Separately, we will suggest the best angles for memorable photos and selfies.
Return to the hotel.
Dinner at the hotel.
Free time.
Fumaroles are cracks from which volcanic gases come to the surface with loud exhaust. They contain sulfur, which crystallizes and decorates the outlets with yellow lace patterns. An extraordinary and spectacular sight, which is difficult to break away from!
Cape Columnar is one of the business cards of Kunashir Island and the entire Sakhalin Region.
The cape was formed as a result of the eruption of the Mendeleev volcano. The whole breed consists of hexagonal and pentahedral regular columns, which are striking in their shape. In some places, the height of the pillars reaches 50 meters.

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Day 8 - Departure to Sakhalin Island. A day at sea
Breakfast at the hotel.
Transfer to the port. Check-in for the flight.
13:00 Departure of the ship.
We go to Sakhalin Island through Shikotan.
Let's remember how our journey began. Parking at the port of Malokurilskoye is 5 hours.
Lunch and dinner by yourself on the ship.
Overnight on the ship
Day 9 - Arrival on Sakhalin Island
The day when Sakhalin welcomes travelers.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner by yourself on the ship.
20:00 Arrival of the vessel at the port of Korsakov.
Transfer to the hotel.
Free time.
Day 10 - Excursion to Tikhaya Bay and Klokovsky waterfall
A day dedicated to silence and the sea.
Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 Departure to Starodubskoe settlement.
Arrival in Starodubskoe settlement, stop at the Okhotsk coast, amber collection.
Departure to the seaside village.
Arrival in the village of Vzmorye.
Stop and inspect the torii gate of the former Shinto shrine.
Arrival at Tikhaya Bay.
Guided tour of the bay. Hot lunch with seafood.
Departure to Klokovsky waterfall.
Ascent to the waterfall, inspection. Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
19:00 Arrival at the hotel.
Dinner on your own.
I. F. Kruzenshtern, the famous Russian navigator, called the bay Quiet for a reason. It is located in the east of Sakhalin, and from the west it is covered by the Zhdanko Ridge. This is a truly heavenly place. The attraction of this place can be called a free-standing rocky islet. It has a wide base and a flat top.
There is no approach to the island. However, it stands out very much and is noticeable even from a distance, which is why it has received such an eloquent name — Noticeable. Noisy seagulls have chosen this place, but apart from them, no one and nothing breaks the natural silence here.
Klokovsky Waterfall is one of the highest waterfalls on Sakhalin, located in the picturesque surroundings of the Makarovsky district and is a sight that fascinates with its pristine beauty.
On the approach to the waterfall, you can hear the characteristic sound of falling water, which, falling from a height of 48 meters and crashing against the rocks, forms a myriad of sparkling splashes. There is a noticeable smell of hydrogen sulfide in the air near the waterfall, and white streaks are visible on the rocky slope along which the water flows — these are the outlets of mineral springs.
The waterfall consists of five ledges, two of which are the most pronounced. Because of this, the Klokovsky waterfall is considered two-stage.
The lush vegetation surrounding the waterfall creates an atmosphere of peace and harmony. Majestic trees entwined with emerald moss, like guardians, protect this natural wonder.
Visiting the Klokovsky Waterfall is an opportunity to touch the wild nature and once again feel its power and greatness.

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Day 11 - Cape Giant and Cape Bird Tour
A day dedicated to the sea, the forest and the stone creations of nature.
Breakfast at the hotel.
09:00 Departure to Cape Bird and Cape Giant.
The road along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk and further along the forest road.
12:00 Arrival at the parking place.
12:00-13:30 Walking tour along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk, sightseeing of Cape Bird.
13:30 Hot lunch with seafood.
15:00 Gathering.
Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
18:30 Arrival at the hotel.
Dinner on your own.
Cape Bird and Cape Giant are one of the main natural attractions of Sakhalin. A special feature of the site is the unique rock formations located along the coast and carved by natural forces.
These architectural structures of nature are located in picturesque coves, where on one side there is an endless sea, and on the other side there are mountains with dense taiga forest. Here you can fully feel the power and beauty of Sakhalin nature.

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Day 12 - Completion of the program
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check-out from the hotel.
A visit to the fish market (possible only upon departure after 11:00).
Transfer to the airport.

Difficulty

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour organizer's comments

It is assumed that a fairly serious physical load and endurance will be required, there are steep ascents and descents on the routes. For example, when climbing from the caldera of the Golovnin volcano, in addition to the load on the muscles, there is a load on the respiratory system, since the oxygen content in the caldera is slightly lower.

Accommodation

Hotel

6 nights
Cabin on the boat

2 nights
Guest House

3 nights

Comfort

Midscale
Upscale
Premium

The tour includes accommodation in hotels and in the cabin of the ship.

The cost of the tour:

double occupancy — 262,000 rubles/person.;
single occupancy — 309,200 rubles/person.

The Mega Palace Hotel is located on the Far Eastern Russian island of Sakhalin, at the foot of the Susunai Mountains. The city center is 1.2 km away.

The multi-storey hotel offers modern rooms and apartments with antique-style furniture. All rooms are equipped with beds, a large table where you can work or tidy up. There is a cable TV, a safe. The bathroom has all the necessary plumbing, towels, cosmetics.

There is a tea set and a mini-bar in the rooms. The Marquis Restaurant serves Russian, European and Japanese cuisine, while Serbian cuisine can be enjoyed at the Grill on the Sky Restaurant. There is also an Asian cuisine restaurant "Asia" and a Japanese BamBoo restaurant. Guests can relax at the Duke Karaoke Bar.

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Tour conditions

Group

From 8 to 12 tourists

Minimum age

14 years old

Duration

12 days 11 nights

Group meets at

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

transfers according to the program;
meals specified in the program:
- three meals a day according to the program on the Kuril Islands (Shikotan and Kunashir), except for the period of stay on the ship;
- meals on Sakhalin according to the program: welcome dinner, lunch on the days of the tour, breakfast at the hotel;
Sakhalin Island tour service;
escort by a guide driver on the Kuril Islands (Shikotan and Kunashir);
accommodation specified in the program:
- Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk – double/single room at the 4-star Mega Palace Hotel (TWIN or DOUBLE room);
- Yuzhno-Kurilsk – double/single accommodation in the Kunashir Guest House (TWIN or DOUBLE room, room amenities);
- Malokurilskoye – double/single accommodation in the Zvezda Hotel (TWIN or DOUBLE, room facilities);
accident insurance (coverage up to 2,000,000 rubles);
registration of a border permit for the Kuril Islands.

Paid extra

flight ticket to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
the ticket for the ship on the route port Korsakov — port Malokurilskoye — port Yuzhno-Kurilsk — port Korsakov in the cabin of the 3rd category (four—bed accommodation, facilities in the cabin) - the price is specified;
meals that are not included in the program, or specified "independently".

It's important to know

trekking shoes (preferably not wet) with good foot fixation;
sportswear is convenient for walking cross-country routes;
windbreaker;
change of clothes and shoes;
windproof suit;
photo camera;
a remedy for mosquito and tick bites;
gloves;
swimsuit;
flip-flops.

Dates and Prices

$3,573

1 – 12 Jul 12 days 11 nights

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$3,573

22 Jul – 2 Aug 12 days 11 nights

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$3,573

26 Aug – 6 Sep 12 days 11 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

E
Elena

about provider

1 Nov, 2024

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This tour operator is great! I wish every tour company were just as awesome!