Kunashir — the black island of the Kuril Ridge

The Kuril Islands are one of the most inaccessible places in Russia, and Kunashir is a highlight on the map of the Kuril Islands. 

You will have an excursion to Golovnin volcano and a trip to the ecological trail, mud baths, a boat trip and tastes of fresh Kuril delicacies by the sea. 

After visiting this amazing island, you will love it forever!

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
$1,221
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
7 days
6 nights
Departures
14 - 20 Jul
28 Jul - 3 Aug
11 - 17 Aug
25 - 31 Aug
8 - 14 Sep
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    4 nights
  • Cabin on the boat
    2 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale
Difficulty
Moderate
Involves moderate physical activity
Group
Up to 16 tourists
Minimum age
9 years old
Group meet at
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Contact the tour coordinator
Weekdays: 8am - 8pm
Weekends: 8am - 7pm (GMT +3)
Or text us in messengers

Tour highlights

Picturesque lakes
Inside the Golovnin caldera you will see majestic lakes Boiling and Hot
The beauty of the coast
Take a walk along the shore and inspect the kekura Damn Finger and Damn Gate
Far Eastern delights
At lunch in a picturesque place, enjoy the taste of fresh Kuril delicacies
The greatness of volcanoes
Take an excursion to the fumarole field of the active Mendeleev volcano
Memorable shots
You will be able to take impressive photos that will decorate your photo collection
Active leisure
Take a trip to the ecological trail and the Stolbovskiye mud healing thermal springs

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Departure to Kunashir

    08:00 Departure to Korsakov seaport, group transfer.

    Likely gathering locations:

    • Megapalas Hotel, Belka Hotel;
    • the site of the historical park "Russia – my history" (St. Hilarion Troitskiy St., 4).

    10:00 Check-in and boarding the ship.

    12:00 Departure to Kunashir Island (t/x Admiral Nevelskoy or t/x Pavel Leonov). Travel time is ~ 21 hours.

    Important information:

    1. Meals on the ship are paid additionally.
    2. Stock up on drinks and snacks for the trip. Drinks can be purchased on the ship, but they are much more expensive.
    3. Card payments are accepted on the ship, but communication may be "suspended", so always have cash with you.
    1 more photo
  • Day 2 - Arrival on Kunashir Island. The fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano. Bathing in the baths of the Sour stream
  • Day 3 - Golovnin volcano caldera. Lakes are Boiling and Hot
  • Day 4 - Boat trip to Rogachev Island. Kekura Damn Finger and Damn Gate
  • Day 5 - Stolbovskaya ecological trail. Mud healing thermal springs. Cape Columnar
  • Day 6 - Departure of the ship from Yuzhno-Kurilsk
  • Day 7 - Arrival of the ship at the port of Korsakov. Transfer to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Difficulty
Involves moderate physical activity
Tour organizer's comments

Physical fitness and the absence of problems with the musculoskeletal system are important.

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    4 nights
  • Cabin on the boat
    2 nights
Comfort
  • Midscale

The tour includes accommodation in the Iceberg Hotel (building 1, standard rooms, facilities per block) and the ship's cabin (a place in a class III cabin, four-bed with amenities).

The cost of the tour for 1 person is 88,559 rubles.

The surcharge for single occupancy is 4,300 rubles.

The Iceberg Hotel 4 nights

The Iceberg Hotel is a complex of two buildings located side by side at a distance of 30 meters from each other at 5 Oceanskaya Street in Yuzhno-Kurilsk. This street is one of the central ones and has a good location, a calm atmosphere and a comfortable personal space.

The street runs along the high shore of the Pacific Ocean. The distance from the hotel building to the shore is about 50 meters.

In the surroundings you can find a museum of local lore, enjoy the picturesque views of the island's nature and visit many more interesting places.

Each guest is provided with a towel and slippers. Free Wi-Fi is also available on site.

Iceberg-2 (building 2) is a new hotel, built in 2014. All rooms have a full bathroom.

The single rooms have views of the Sea of Okhotsk. In good weather, you can see the Tyatu volcano.

Room stock:

  • 2 suites (1 large bed and sofa);
  • 4 single rooms (one 1.5-double bed).
1 more photo
Cabin on the boat 2 nights

Tour conditions

Group
up to 16 tourists
Minimum age
9 years old
Duration
7 days 6 nights
Group meets at
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

  • guided tours according to the program;
  • transportation services according to the program;
  • accommodation on Kunashir Island: standard rooms at the Iceberg Hotel, building 1, rooms with amenities on the block;
  • meals according to the program;
  • instructor support on all routes;
  • registration of permits for staying in the border zone on the island of Kunashir;
  • accident insurance, insurance coverage up to 100,000 rubles.

Paid extra

  • flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
  • nutrition. not specified in the program;
  • optional guided tours, activities;
  • meals on the ship, drinking water;
  • ticket for the ship "Pavel Leonov" or "Admiral Nevelskoy" on the route O. Sakhalin (Korsakov Port) — Kunashir Island (Yuzhno-Kurilsk port), travel time ~ 21 hours.:
    • adult – 10,300 rubles.;
    • child (2-12 years old) – 6,460 rubles.
  • ticket for the motor ship "Igor Farkhutdinov" on the route Kunashir Island (Yuzhno-Kurilsk port) — O. Sakhalin (Korsakov Port) – detailed information in the "Important to know" section.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

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;
    • rubber slippers for walking on a rocky bottom in water;
    • bath slippers;

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

Additionally:

  • mosquito repellent;
  • towel;
  • raincoat and rubber boots (in adverse weather conditions);
  • a small backpack for carrying bathing accessories;
  • sunscreen;
  • motion sickness pills;

Documents:

  • passport, voucher;
  • medical insurance policy;
  • insurance policy;
  • birth certificate (if a child is flying with you).
What is additionally charged when booking a tour?
What documents are required to obtain a pass to the Kuril Islands?
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?
Are there any possible changes in the program?
Is insurance included in the price of the tour?
How long does it take to issue a pass for foreign citizens?

Dates and Prices

  • $1,221
    14 – 20 Jul 7 days 6 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $1,221
    28 Jul – 3 Aug 7 days 6 nights
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    No need to pay now
  • $1,221
    11 – 17 Aug 7 days 6 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $1,221
    25 – 31 Aug 7 days 6 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • $1,221
    8 – 14 Sep 7 days 6 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now

Reviews Leave a review

  • S
    Sergei
    about provider
    5 Feb, 2025
    4 more photos
    Excellent organization of the tour, including seamless airport transfers. The journeys along the routes were comfortable and well-planned.
  • E
    Ekaterina
    about provider
    5 Feb, 2025
    Thank you so much for an unforgettable trip to the Sakhalin region! A huge thanks for the excellent organization, the care, and the well-thought-out itinerary that adapted perfectly to the weather conditions! We got to see every place at its most breathtaking! A special shoutout to our wonderful guide, Igor, on Iturup—an absolute professional! Traveling with him was not only insightful but also comfortable, enjoyable, and truly special. We left with only positive memories and will gladly recommend your company whenever we get the chance!!!
  • N
    Natalia
    about provider
    4 Feb, 2025
    6 more photos
    I was very satisfied with the organization of the tour. Everything was well-planned, punctual, and ran smoothly. The food was delicious and plentiful.