Sakhalin — Iturup | Big Country Travel

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Early booking promotion — prices for the tour are valid for 2024.

This is a journey where everything is possible — to walk around volcanoes, swim in hot springs, breathe in the ocean and taste its gifts.

We will travel by land, water and air, stay in cozy hotels and spend our free time from excursions as we like. You won't get bored!

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

from

Early
booking

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Wonders of the Far East

Volcanoes, boiling rivers, a hot waterfall and the Pacific Ocean are waiting for us

Walking on the water

Take a boat ride, catching sea spray and looking out for wildlife

The Old Lighthouse

We will climb the Aniva Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of two coasts of Sakhalin at once

Gastronomic delight

We will try a variety of seafood and local traditional dishes – fish soup, freshly boiled crab and pancakes with caviar

Alien landscapes

Let's go to a wild deserted beach in white and black watercolor, surrounded by azure water

Stone arches and kekurs

Let's get acquainted with the bizarre rock structures created by the wind and sea waves

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. City tour
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel.
It is necessary to arrive on the island before 13:00. Group transfer on the day of the start of the tour only for flights 9:15 and 12:35.
Important! It is necessary to have WhatsApp at the beginning of the tour and provide an up-to-date phone number. All information is sent to the chat group.
Accommodation at the hotel starts at 14:00 (early check-in is possible for an additional fee).
After accommodation, we go for lunch to one of the best Japanese restaurants — seafood dishes.
Immediately after lunch, we will introduce you to the cozy city. The guide will tell you about our region and its rich historical past.
At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel or to the funicular station of the STK "Gorny Vozdukh" to meet the sunset on Mount Bolshevik (optional).
Free time.
Dinner (on your own).

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Day 2 - The bay is Quiet
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
09:00 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk by bus.
The journey time with stops is about 3 hours, 143 km in one direction.
On the way, we will visit the Amber coast, where the sea throws out amber, Sakhalin has its own special type of amber — requenide.
Next, we will stop by to see the Japanese Torii gate, which was installed in front of Shinto temples.
An intermediate stop in the village of Vzmorye, where you can buy freshly caught crabs (boiled).
Arrival at Tikhaya Bay.
A walk along the coast — lagoons, grottoes, gorges and of course the Bird Market on the island of "Noticeable".
Go up to the sea terraces, there is a magnificent panorama of the surroundings of the Bay.
Lunch — traditional Korean Hemultan soup, freshly boiled crab, caviar, Far Eastern salads (Sakhalin wild plants), various snacks and Sakhalin tea with herbs and berries.
Rest.
In the evening, return to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (approximate time of return at 19:00).
Dinner (on your own).

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Day 3 - Cape "Bird" and "Cape Giant". Departure by jeep
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
09:00 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in prepared jeeps.
The journey time is about 3 hours (100 km one way, difficult road) with stops at observation decks.
Walking along the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk — magnificent stone arches, columns and kekurs created by wind and sea waves, grottoes and bird bazaars of amazing beauty.
Lunch — fish soup, snacks, Far Eastern salads and of course real Sakhalin tea.
Free time.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner (on your own).

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Day 4 - Departure to Kurilsk on Iturup
Please note that the sequence of excursions on Iturup Island may change places depending on the time of arrival / departure of the aircraft. Changing the sequence does not affect the execution of the program in any way.
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant, transfer to the airport.
Check-in and baggage check-out.
Departure to Kurilsk.
Arrival on the island Iturup (Kurilsk).
Meeting at the airport, transfer to the hotel, accommodation.
After the placement, check out the route.
There are 20 km on the way with stops at observation decks.
Arrival at the foot of the Baransky volcano.
You can already feel the "hot breath of the earth" here.
In the thickets of the Kuril bamboo there are two small boiling lakes of turquoise "Blue eyes".
The sulfuric acid waters of these lakes burst out of the bowels of the earth and give rise to the Boiling River with boiling "boilers" and clouds of hot steam.
The thermal complex of the Baransky volcano on the Boiling River is a unique, stunningly beautiful place.
Natural stone bowls and baths with water temperatures from 42° to 70° and a hot waterfall are a real oasis among volcanoes and taiga.
Rest. Bathing (paid separately, optional).
Return to the city in the evening.
Dinner at the hotel cafe.

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Day 5 - "White Rocks", "Black Rocks", "Prostor" bay
Breakfast in the hotel cafe.
10:00 Departure for the route.
"White Rocks" are white crested ridges of bizarre shapes, cut by canyons.
The landscape is constantly changing due to the fact that the rock (volcanic glass and pumice) is soft and prone to weathering and erosion.
A wild deserted beach in white and black watercolor (white quartz and black titanium-magnetite sand), azure-colored water and volcanoes on the horizon.
"Black Rocks" is a basalt columnar structure — solidified volcanic lava.
Lunch on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.
After that we will go to the waterfall "Maiden braids".
Return to Kurilsk, visit the thermal complex "Hot waters" (optional).
Transfer to the hotel.
Dinner (on your own).

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Day 6 - Kasatka Bay
Breakfast in the hotel cafe.
Kasatka Bay, a rocky massif in Kasatka Bay, Pacific Ocean.
10:00 Departure to the route by car for about 60 km.
Inspection in the bay of the "Devil's Rock" with the remains of Japanese fortifications and an underground hospital.
Tunnels were cut through the rocks by the Japanese for military purposes.
It was from here, from Kasatka Bay, that the Japanese aircraft carrier squadron moved out in November 1941 to strike the American naval base Pearl Harbor.
You will see the old Burevestnik airport and, most impressively, the way that the residents of Iturup traveled to fly off the island.
Lunch on the shore of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Free time, rest.
Return to Kurilsk, visit the thermal bath complex (optional).
Dinner at the hotel cafe.

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Day 7 - Yankito lava plateau, departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Please note that the sequence of excursions on Iturup Island may change places depending on the time of arrival / departure of the aircraft. Changing the sequence does not affect the execution of the program in any way.
09:00 Drive to the Yankito plateau, Kuril Bay — frozen volcanic lava in the form of a pile of rocks on the shore.
Extraordinary landscapes and mysterious, exciting silhouettes in the fog.
Transfer to Kurilsk airport.
Check-in and baggage check-out.
Departure to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, transfer to the hotel.
Free time, dinner (on your own).

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Day 8 - Free day
Free day (reserve, in case of late arrival from Kurilsk).
In our free time, we offer to visit the unique memorial and museum complex "Pobeda" (on Victory Square) on our own.
As well as the Sakhalin Museum of Local Lore, it is located in a building built in 1937 for the museum of the Karafuto Governorate in the forms of Japanese medieval architecture, built in the style of "Teikan—zukuri" - this is the only building in this style in Russia.
The Cathedral of the Nativity, admire the Giant mosaics laid out of Jerusalem stones, and the mosaic painting depicting the Savior is the largest in the world.
The frescoes were made by the best Russian icon painters, and they can be used to study the entire history of Christianity.
Souvenir shops are also required to visit.
Lunch, as well as dinner on your own.
Day 9 - The legendary Aniva Lighthouse
06:00 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk travel time is about two hours (about 120 km. One way).
08:00 Arrival in the village of Novikovo, briefing on safety rules.
Boarding the boats, departure to the Aniva lighthouse (travel time about an hour).
Arrival at the Aniva Lighthouse.
In good weather, disembarkation from boats is possible.
You will be able to go inside the lighthouse and see with your own eyes how everything was arranged inside.
Climb to the very top, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the two coasts of Sakhalin, washed by the Sea of Okhotsk and the Sea of Japan.
The end of the lighthouse tour.
Departure to Cape Marble, located 16 km north of Cape Aniva.
Arrival at Cape Marble — a walk along the shore.
Everyone can visit the White Stone — an interesting pile of white stones among the black rocks.
The way back to the village of Novikovo, where you transfer to a car and go to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Dinner (on your own).

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Day 10 - Departure
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Room release.
Transfer to the airport only for flights departing at 11:15 and 14:35. For other flights, you need to get to the airport yourself.
Check-in and baggage check-out. Departure.

Difficulty

Suitable for everyone

Accommodation

Hotel

9 nights

Comfort

Upscale
Premium

The tour provides accommodation in a hotel of your choice in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in a selected hotel and in a hotel in Kurilsk (Camellia).

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

hotel/accommodation	Double room	Extra charge for a single room
"Gagarin"	160 000	20 400
"Squirrel"	158 000	19 400
"Commander"	157 000	19 550
Mega Palace	180 000	26 000

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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Another option

Gagarin Hotel

The rooms are decorated with elements of Japanese and European styles. They are equipped with a work desk and a TV with over 100 satellite channels. Featuring a bathtub, the private bathroom also comes with a hairdryer, bathrobes and slippers.

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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

The Commander Hotel

This hotel is located in the center of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, just a 10-minute walk from the central train station. It offers air-conditioned rooms with a flat-screen TV. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

The bright and elegant rooms are decorated with classic furniture. The floor is carpeted. The rooms are equipped with a fridge and a kettle. The private bathroom comes with a hairdryer and slippers.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 25 tourists

Minimum age

12 years old

Duration

10 days 9 nights

Group meets at

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

transfers according to the program;
accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the selected hotel;
excursion program on Sakhalin;
services of tour guides;
accommodation in the Kurilsk hotel (Camellia);
visiting thermal springs (Baths, Hot Waters);
meals specified in the program;
transportation services on the routes;
accompanied by instructors and guides (on Sakhalin);
escort by guides (on Iturup);
registration of a border pass (the Kuril Islands are a border area).

Paid extra

flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
early check-in at the hotel for arrivals on the morning flight;
flight Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Kurilsk (Iturup) — Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (luggage included, we purchase for you on our own, non—refundable tickets) - 15,000 rubles.;
meals not specified in the program;
thermal springs of the Baransky volcano;
funicular tickets (STK "Mountain Air");
transfer on the last day for flights other than those recommended.

It's important to know

headdress;
comfortable sports sandals in which you can walk on water and rocks;
trekking shoes with fluted soles (water-repellent);
trekking poles;
also replaceable dry shoes;
towel;
sunscreen (SPF) of at least 30 units;
a small backpack for day trips (hands should be free!);
warm clothes (jacket, sweater or similar warm clothes);
jacket (comfortable, lightweight, wind and moisture proof jacket);
bathing accessories;
mosquito and tick repellents;
gloves (rope railings are stretched on the Aniva Lighthouse and Cape Giant, gloves are needed for ease of movement in these locations);
long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt;
water bottle;
individual first aid kit;
personal hygiene items.

Dates and Prices

from
$1,535

1 – 10 May, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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23 May – 1 Jun, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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8 – 17 Jun, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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12 – 21 Jun, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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29 Jun – 8 Jul, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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6 – 15 Jul, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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20 – 29 Jul, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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3 – 12 Aug, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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7 – 16 Aug, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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10 – 19 Aug, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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17 – 26 Aug, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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24 Aug – 2 Sep, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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2 – 11 Sep, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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7 – 16 Sep, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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14 – 23 Sep, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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21 – 30 Sep, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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28 Sep – 7 Oct, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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5 – 14 Oct, 2025 10 days 9 nights

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Reviews

M
Maria

7 Dec, 2024

about tour

The tour was impeccably organized. Galina, our guide, demonstrated excellent knowledge of Sakhalin's history and provided clear, thoughtful answers to all our questions. The team went above and beyond, offering helpful tips on where to eat, which museums to visit, and where to shop for souvenirs, seafood, and imported goods. The dinners were exceptionally well-planned—always delicious, creative, and beautifully presented. On Iturup, we had a less experienced guide, but we were told this was due to the early season. Instead, we focused on enjoying the island's stunning natural beauty. Every excursion was flawlessly coordinated, with safe and comfortable transportation. As for accommodations, be aware of some specifics: at the Komandor Hotel, if you’re on the 5th floor, you may hear noise from the bar on the 6th floor late into the night. It’s best to request a different floor when checking in. Guests at the Gagarin Hotel have also reported noise issues. By contrast, the Belka Hotel is described as quiet and cozy, and the Palace Hotel lives up to its star rating. On Iturup, you’ll stay in a guesthouse where shower gel and shampoo aren’t provided, and you’ll be asked to remove your shoes at the entrance. While this might feel unfamiliar to some, it’s best to be prepared. If you won’t be hiking on Kunashir, you can leave trekking poles off your packing list. All in all, Sakhalin and the Kuriles are breathtakingly beautiful. Just bring a good attitude and enjoy! A big thanks to the team for showcasing this region in all its splendor.

7 Dec, 2024

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M
Maria

6 Dec, 2024

about provider

The team offers not only a variety of tours but also individual one-day excursions.

6 Dec, 2024

5 more photos

Sakhalin — Iturup

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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