Getting to know distant Sakhalin

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In this tour, you will go on vacation to Sakhalin Island. You will walk around the city, visit the famous Aniva Lighthouse, learn how to get oysters, see the rookeries of sea lions and taste the fresh seafood that the Far East is famous for.

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Sightseeing tours

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

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Tour highlights

Sakhalin dinner

You will taste the famous hemultan soup, salads from Sakhalin wild plants (fern, burdock)

Marine inhabitants

During sea crossings, you can meet sea lions, seals, dolphins and killer whales

Master class on opening oysters

Go to a unique seafood "restaurant" with wild oyster tasting

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Sightseeing tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Meeting at the airport. Transfer to the hotel, accommodation.
Attention! Check-in at the hotel from 14:00 (early check-in is possible with an additional 50% per room per day).
15:00 City tour (2 hours).
During the tour, you will learn how the city grew and developed during the period of Japanese rule (at that time, it was called Toyohara), you will see preserved Japanese buildings built in the same distant times, including one of the oldest buildings built in 1908 and the most striking buildings built in 1937.
Get acquainted with the most beautiful places of the modern, cozy city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, and the main attractions of the island capital: the observation deck of the STK "Mountain Air", which offers a magnificent view of the whole city
Attention! The ascent to the middle platform is carried out by motor transport.
We will visit three squares — Lenin, Victory and Glory, as well as Chekhov Cent Square.
17:10-18:00 Welcome dinner in Sakhalin style.
We will begin our journey with an introduction to Sakhalin cuisine. At our dinner you will taste the famous hemultan soup, salads from Sakhalin wild plants.
Over dinner, we will discuss the details of the trip and give you the necessary attribute for a trip to Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands.
The weather on Sakhalin and the Kuril Islands is changing very quickly, and to make your trip comfortable, we have prepared a raincoat for you. Your clothes will always stay dry, even in the most inclement weather.
Transfer to the hotel. Rest.

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Day 2 - Aniva Lighthouse and lunch with oysters at Busse Lagoon
05:45 Car pickup at the hotel, departure to the place of the general gathering of the group at the Aniva lighthouse.
Important! The night before, order your breakfast with you at the hotel reception.
06:00 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Novikovo village.
08:30 Arrival in the village. Novikovo. Briefing, preparation for going to sea.
09:00 Departure from Novikovo village on PVC motorboats.
11:00 Arrival at Aniva Lighthouse.
12:00 Transfer to Cape Marble.
During sea crossings, we can meet sea lions, seals, dolphins and killer whales.
13:00 Arrival at Cape Marble. A walk, a photo shoot.
13:30 Departure to the village. Novikovo.
14:30 Arrival in the village. Novikovo. Preparation for departure to the village of Muravyovo (laguna Busse).
14:45 Transfer to Busse Lagoon.
15:15 Arrival at the lagoon coast.
A master class on opening oysters. PHOTOSESSION.
Lunch of freshly caught seafood and wild oysters. There will be a lot of oysters!
You will have an exciting journey to a unique "restaurant" of seafood cuisine with tasting of wild oysters, completely unique in their taste qualities, which you can try only on Sakhalin.
On the menu: ½ glass of wine, fresh scallop, red caviar, sliced fish, wild oysters with lemon and branded oyster sauce; baked oysters with cheese and garlic; dish "Sakhalin childhood" (seasonal fish baked in burdock leaves); Sakhalin ear; fresh vegetables; fruit drink; tea/Coffee.
18:00 Transfer from Busse Lagoon to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
20:00 The end of the excursion to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Return to the hotel or to the gathering place.
Dinner on your own.
Attention! While on board a swimming vehicle, you must adhere to generally accepted norms of behavior, not create dangerous or threatening situations. A life jacket must be worn, if you are seasick, you must take a medication for motion sickness. During excursions, take care of cultural and historical monuments, as well as take care of nature.
A boat trip depends entirely on the mercy of the sea. In case of bad weather conditions and inability to go to sea, the boat trip will be canceled or replaced with an auto tour to Cape Evstafia.
Aniva Lighthouse — on this route, on the way by boat by sea, do not forget to take a raincoat, hat, cotton gloves.
Lunch with oysters: take your favorite wine with you. Dry white wine, prosecco and brut go well with oysters.

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Day 3 - Amber coast and Tikhaya Bay
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant or cafe (if breakfast is included in the room rate).
10:00 Departure on the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Tikhaya Bay route.
11:00 Stop in Starodubskoye village — "Amber coast of Sakhalin".
The local sahalinite amber has a beautiful black tea color with a cherry tint.
11:30-12:30 Movement in the village of Vzmorye.
On the way, we will visit the torii gate of Higashi Shiraura Jinja Temple.
Torii (from Japanese, "bird's roost") — ritual gates installed in front of the shrines of the Japanese Shinto religion.
The temple itself was destroyed in Soviet times, currently, through the efforts of the government of the Sakhalin Region and public organizations, the territory on the site of the former temple complex has been put in order, the object is considered a historical monument.
12:30 Stop in the village. The seaside. Visit to the crab market.
Let's stop at the so-called crab market, where crabs are sold as seeds in central Russia.
Those who wish will be able to do a photo shoot and buy crabs for every taste, so that they can then taste the gifts of the sea on the shore of Tikhaya Bay.
13:00 Departure to Tikhaya Bay.
13:30 Arrival at Tikhaya Bay. A walking tour of the bay is quiet.
15:00 Hiking lunch with seafood by the sea.
The bay is Quiet and so small that it is simply not marked on many maps.
The sand here is only on the coastal strip, and everything else is black—brown rocks and huge stones that once rolled down to the very edge of the water.
There is everything here: bizarre rocks, lush vegetation, huge stones "baked" millennia ago by a diligent hostess Nature, the unpredictable Sea of Okhotsk and noisy seagulls living on a rock island with the exact name "Noticeable".
If you are a romantic, you will definitely find a modest edelweiss — a symbol of love and fidelity.
16:00 Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
18:00 The end of the tour. Return to the hotel or to the gathering place.
Dinner (on your own).
Recommendations: on this route, it is advisable to have comfortable sneakers or trekking shoes, rubber slippers for walking on a rocky bottom in water, mosquito repellent, for those who want to swim — bathing accessories, a towel.
In case of adverse weather conditions, do not forget to take a raincoat and rubber boots.
Day 4 - The end of the program. Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Breakfast at the hotel.
Check-in before 12:00 (late check-out is possible with an additional 50% per room per day).
Transfer to the airport with the opportunity to visit (by prior arrangement) the fish market.
Important: The transfer is provided to guests who have paid for accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

3 nights

Comfort

Basic+
Midscale
Upscale
Premium

The tour provides accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (extra charge).

An additional fee is paid for the hotel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (cost for 1 person for 3 nights), RUB.:

Hotels	For double occupancy	For single occupancy	Additional nights: double/single
Youth 3*	8700	14700	2900/4900
Squirrel 3*	9600	16350	3200/5450
Jubilee 3*	9900	16020	3300/5650
Gagarin 3*	10800	17400	3 600/5800
Mega Palace Hotel 4* (one large bed)	11700	19800	3900/6600
Mega Palace Hotel 4* (two 1.5-double beds)	11700	22800	3900/7600
Santa Risot Hotel 4* (two 1.5 double beds)	15000	25800	5000/8600
Santa Risot Hotel 4* (one large bed)	15750	27210	5250/9070
Paradise Risot Hotel 4* (one large bed)	18000	33000	6000/11000
Paradise Risot Hotel 4* (two 1.5-double beds)	18000	36000	6000/12000

Attention! When booking accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on your own, please take into account:

arrival/departure transfer (pick-up/drop-off) is provided only to the base hotels;
the tourist must independently arrive at the starting point of the group excursions according to the program, the place and time for collection is confirmed the day before, at the end of the tour, tourists are delivered only to the base hotels.

The Yubileynaya Hotel

The Yubileynaya Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a 10-minute walk from the Gorny Vozdukh Ski Center. It offers rooms with a microwave, a sauna and free private parking.

The rooms at the Yubileynaya Hotel are decorated in a classic style and feature a work desk and a bathroom with a hairdryer.

The Time Cafe serves European and Oriental cuisine, and there are several restaurants within a 10-minute walk of the hotel.

Guests can relax in the sauna. Gagarin Park, where entertainment programs are held, is a 3-minute walk from the Yubileynaya Hotel.

Yubileynaya Hotel is a 10-minute drive from Khomutovo Airport. An airport shuttle service is available upon request.

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Another option

Belka Hotel

The first hotel in the Far East, made according to Finnish technology in a wooden style made of milled timber.

The three—storey building with a basement was built according to an individual project developed by Japanese architects, with maximum preservation of all the unique properties of wood - a healthy microclimate, special deep warmth, comfort, creating a favorable atmosphere and giving a sense of security and peace. Within the walls of the hotel there is an atmosphere of warm, taiga wood in its pristine beauty.

Hotel It was opened in 2003.

Renovated in 2019.

In all rooms: TV, Internet Wi-Fi, safe, air conditioning, refrigerator, mini-bar, bathrobe, slippers, personal hygiene products, hair dryer.

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Another option

Gagarin Hotel

Gagarin Hotel it 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

Paradise Risot Hotel

A new hotel has opened in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the immediate vicinity of the Mountain Air ski resort.

Paradise Resort Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, 4.3 km from Victory Square. It offers a restaurant and a bar. The resort offers family rooms.

Rooms at the resort are equipped with a desk and a flat-screen TV. Rooms at Paradise Resort have a private bathroom with a bidet and a hairdryer. The windows offer views of the city. All rooms are equipped with a refrigerator.

A buffet breakfast is served daily at the hotel.

The hotel staff speaks English and Russian and will be happy to provide guests with information about the region at the reception.

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Another option

The Santa Risot Hotel

Santa Risot Resort Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, next to the picturesque Gagarin Park at the foot of Parkovaya Mountain, a 10-minute drive from the city's business district. It offers a sauna, a hot tub, a restaurant and a tennis court.

The Rubin Restaurant serves Russian, European, Pan-Asian and Japanese cuisine. At the Kristall Bar, guests can order exotic cocktails, which can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace with panoramic views.

Rooms at the Santa Risot Resort feature a balcony and free Wi-Fi. They are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV and a minibar. The private bathrooms are equipped with toiletries, bathrobes and a hairdryer.

The Santa Risot Resort features a spa complex with a sauna with a swimming pool, as well as a well-equipped gym. In winter, guests can take skiing lessons and rent ski equipment.

The resort is just 3 km from the center of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and the train station. Free private parking is available on site.

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Another option

Mega Palace Hotel

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

Yunost Hotel

Yunost Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, 300 metres from Victory Square. It offers a restaurant, a shared lounge and free private parking. The hotel is 4.1 km from the center of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and 4.4 km from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Train Station. Those who wish can book family rooms.

Rooms at Yunost Hotel are equipped with a flat-screen TV with cable channels. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom. Bed linen and slippers are provided.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 20 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

4 days 3 nights

Group meets at

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

guided tours according to the program;
transfers according to the program;
meals according to the program;
transportation services on the routes;
accompanied by professional instructors on all routes;
accident insurance, insurance coverage up to 100,000 rubles.;
raincoat.

Paid extra

air and railway tickets to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
hotel accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
meals that are not included in the program.

It's important to know

Camping equipment:

clothes:
- a warm sweater;
- warm wool socks;
- windbreaker;
- windproof and waterproof jacket;
- raincoat;
- thermal underwear;
- t-shirts;
- shorts;
- bathing suit;
headdress, accessories:
- a panama hat or a cap;
- knitted hat;
- sunglasses;
- cotton gloves;
shoes:
- comfortable sneakers, worn, with a tenacious sole or trekking boots, waterproof sneakers;
- sandals for walking on water, slates.

A raincoat and raincoats for shoes will be issued before the start of the tour.

On each route, you must have a change of clothes and shoes with you.

Documents:

passport, voucher;
medical insurance policy;
insurance policy;
birth certificate (if a child is flying with you).

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Reviews

AA
Alexey Alexandrovich Tolmachev

13 Nov, 2024

about provider

The experience was incredible: the vast Pacific Ocean, the Sea of Okhotsk, rolling hills, volcanoes, mountain roads by jeep, miles of sea journeys, and new friends along the way. In Kurilsk, we were warmly welcomed and surrounded by kind, helpful people. A special thanks to Guram and Svetlana, Igor and Nikita. And many thanks to the 'Big Country' team, especially Dmitry. Explore the wonders of Russia...

13 Nov, 2024

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Getting to know distant Sakhalin

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

Reviews

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