Island trip: Sakhalin — Kunashir — Shikotan for 13 days

A trip to the three islands of the Kuril Ridge is for those who like outdoor activities, hiking in volcanic zones and wildlife watching. 

We will take a walk around Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the capital of the Sakhalin region, collect amber on the coast, and take a look at the Japanese gate of Torii. During the passage through the Sea of Okhotsk, you will have the opportunity to see dolphins and killer whales, and after arrival, embark on an exciting jeep tour of the most iconic places of Shikotan with local hiking.

Our adventure will be not only informative, but also delicious — we will taste local delicacies and enjoy hot lunches in nature.

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
from
$2,752
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
13 Days
12 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • 27 July – 8 August
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    11 nights
  • Cabin on the boat
    2 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale
  • Upscale
  • Premium
Difficulty
Moderate
Involves moderate physical activity
Group
From 15 to 25 tourists
Minimum age
7 years old
Group meet at
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
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Tour highlights

Shikotan Jeeping
We will explore the smallest and at the same time incredibly unique island in the South Kuril Ridge by jeep
Gastronomy of the Far East
We will enjoy delicious Sakhalin fish soup, Far Eastern delicacies, caviar and Sakhalin sweets.
Trekking to the volcano
The whole way we are accompanied by beautiful fields of cedar elderberry and Kuril bamboo
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk Boardwalk
Let's go for a walk through the most beautiful city with lots of alleys and parks, fragrant flower beds and lots of fountains.
A mystical place with its own music
We will relax on the cape, which was formed millions of years ago as a result of the eruption of the Mendeleev volcano, and swim in the sea.
Scenic bathing
If desired, we will swim in the wild thermal springs near the Mendeleev volcano.

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. City Sightseeing Tour

    Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

    Meeting at the airport.

    • If arrival is at 09:15, then transfer to the hotel, we leave our things.

    Free time is 2.5-3 hours.

    Please keep in mind that check-in at the hotel is at 14:00.

    • If arrival is at 12:30, then we immediately go to the restaurant.

    Welcome lunch at one of the best Japanese restaurants.

    Sightseeing bus tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, the capital of the Sakhalin region.

    A modern, beautiful city with a history.

    Return to the hotel.

    Dinner (on your own).

    2 more photos
  • Day 2 - Tikhaya Bay, Noticeable Island, eastern coast of the Sea of Okhotsk
  • Day 3 - Departure by boat
  • Day 4 - Shikotan and Kunashir
  • Day 5 - The fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano
  • Day 6 - Cape Columnar, Stolbovskie springs, White Monks rocks. The Sea of Okhotsk
  • Day 7 - Golovnin volcano. Lakes are Boiling and Hot
  • Day 8 - Departure of the Admiral Nevelskoy motor ship to Shikotan Island
  • Day 9 - Jeep tour of the most iconic places of Shikotan Island with local hiking
  • Day 10 - Mount Shikotan. Departure to Sakhalin
  • Day 11 - Arrival at the port of Korsakov
  • Day 12 - Free day
  • Day 13 - Transfer to the airport
Difficulty
Involves moderate physical activity
Tour organizer's comments

The tour provides hiking trails of moderate difficulty, including those with constant climbing, as well as jeep rides.

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    11 nights
  • Cabin on the boat
    2 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale
  • Upscale
  • Premium

The tour includes accommodation in hotels, a motel and a cabin on the ship.

The cost of the tour for 1 person is 216,000 rubles.

The surcharge for 1-bed accommodation is 41,000 rubles.

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

  • for a 2-bed suite at the Flagship Hotel (with amenities) on Kunashir Island – 9,000 rubles/person (4 nights);
  • for a 1-bed room at the Iceberg 2 hotel (with amenities) on Kunashir Island – 9,000 rubles/person (4 nights);
  • for a 2-bed suite at the Iceberg 2/Iceberg 1 hotel (with amenities) on Kunashir Island – 9,000 rubles/person (4 nights).
Paradise Resort Hotel 4* 4 nights

Paradise Resort Hotel is a new level of relaxation. The hotel is located in the area of Victory Square, which is important for the city, in the ecological area at the foot of Mount Bolshevik. Here you can relax away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This is a place that makes you fall in love with the mountains at first sight. The restaurant, comfortable rooms, Aquamarine water and wellness center, you can warm up body and soul after exciting descents.

"Flagship" 4 nights
The cabin 2 nights
Ostrovnoy Motel 3 nights

Tour conditions

Group
From 15 to 25 tourists
Minimum age
7 years old
Duration
13 days 12 nights
Group meets at
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

  • airport — hotel — airport transfer;
  • tour guide services;
  • meals according to the program:
    • 3 meals a day on Kunashir;
    • 3 meals a day on a Shikotan;
  • Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Korsakov Port — Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk transfer;
  • accommodation according to the program:
    • accommodation in Yuzhno-Kurilsk at the Flagship hotel;
    • accommodation on Shikotan at the Ostrovnoy Motel;
    • accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk at the Paradise Resort Hotel 4*;
  • port charges;
  • bed linen on the ship;
  • transportation services according to the program;
  • accompanying instructors-guides on the routes;
  • Kurilsky Nature Reserve pass;
  • border pass to Kunashir Island and Shikotan Island.

Paid extra

  • flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
  • tickets:
    • tickets for the Korsakov — Yuzhno-Kurilsk/Malokurilskoye — Korsakov motor ship, 4-bed cabin — 16,000 rubles/person. (the price is preliminary, to be specified);
  • meals on the ship;
  • dinners in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
  • The surcharge for 1-bed accommodation is 41,000 rubles.;
  • additional payment for an increased comfort level of living on Kunashir (optional);
  • early check-in and late check-out;
  • medical insurance.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • 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).
What rules must be followed for safety?
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?
Is accident insurance included?
What documents are required to obtain a pass to the Kuril Islands?
Are there any possible changes in the program?

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $2,752
    27 Jul – 8 Aug 13 days 12 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now