Sakhalin. Shikotan hike + sea cruise to Kunashir and Iturup

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Shikotan is tacitly recognized as the most picturesque island of the Kuril Islands. Artists came here, films were shot here, and now photographers are rushing here — everywhere you look, it's fabulous! There are stunning coves with a rugged coastline, wide green valleys, many rivers and fish.

There are no active volcanoes, the highest point of the island is Mount Shikotan (412 m). There are no bears on the island either — ideal for those who dream of visiting the Far East, but are afraid of encountering clubfoot.

The program consists of two parts — a hike through Shikotan and an introduction to Iturup and Kunashir. There is also a third part — a cruise along the Sea of Okhotsk on a motor ship, which you will certainly remember. The program depends on the schedule of the ships and the weather, which may cause them to be canceled or postponed.

The route is of medium difficulty, requires a good level of physical fitness. The main thing is to be prepared for possible severe weather conditions and dynamic planning.

The discount for the first 5 places is 5,000 ₽. Check availability when booking.

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin region

from

Contact the tour coordinator

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

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Tour highlights

Cape Edge of the World

The main point of attraction on the island. The southeastern most territory of our country

Sunsets and sunrises

Most overnight stays are right on the coast. You will fall asleep and wake up to the sound of waves.

Fresh seafood

We will definitely try fresh caviar and fish, as well as delicious crab.

Scenic spots

Visit the picturesque bays of Aivazovsky, Dimitrov, Bezymyannaya, Mayachnaya

Iturup Island

Waterfalls, volcanic rock outcrops, and seal rookeries

Flora and fauna

Bamboo, mustard gas, guinea pig, bed bug. And the main escorts in the campaign are chanterelles.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Meeting in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
We arrive in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the morning at any convenient time.
Free software — your body needs to adapt to the changing time zone and climate.
How can I spend this day? Get some rest and sleep. After all, we have a difficult 8-hour flight from Moscow. Or you can visit local attractions and take a walk around Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, a city with a rich history, there really is something to see here!
Overnight at the hostel.
Meals at the cafe.
There is a connection and the Internet.
Day 2 - Departure by boat to Shikotan
After breakfast, we drive to Korsakov, about an hour away, from here our journey begins by boat.
The ship departs at 12:00. Accommodation in 4-bed cabins. Meals on the ship are at your discretion: you can buy groceries with you, you can eat in the colorful dining room.
We'll admire Sakhalin from the sea, and if we're lucky, we'll see killer whales and dolphins along the way. We will sail past Cape Aniva and see the famous Aniva Lighthouse.
There is no Internet connection on the ship.
I've been on the road all day.
Meals are served on the ship in the dining room or we buy groceries in advance.
Day 3 - Arrival in Iturup
At 09:00 we arrive at Iturup Island.
A jeep trip to the Yankito plateau or the White Cliffs can be organized for those who wish, while everyone else walks freely in the village. Kitovoye and Kurilsk.
We return to the port in advance, the ship departs at 13:00.
The sea cruise continues.
2 km without backpacks.
There is a connection and Internet on Iturup.
Meals on the ship.
Overnight on the ship.
Day 4 - Stop at Kunashir, arrive at Shikotan
At 09:00 we arrive at Kunashir Island. In good weather, Tyatya volcano and Mendeleev volcano are already on the way.
We leave in Yuzhno-Kurilsk, it will take about 2.5 hours for a walk: we will get acquainted with the village, go to the nearest lighthouse and explore the coast.
The ship departs from the port at 13:00, and we also need to return to the port in advance. The next stop is the final one — Shikotan.
At 17:00 we dock at the island, which already makes a strong impression from the sea.
The ship arrives in Malokurilskoye, a small village with a population of about 1,500 people. Most residents are engaged in fishing and processing of fish. There is a large fish processing plant in the village.
We disembark and immediately set off under backpacks to the nearest parking lot. It's not a long walk, we're setting up camp, cooking dinner.
2 km under the backpack.
There is a connection and the Internet.
Breakfast and lunch on the boat, dinner camping.
Overnight in a tent.
Day 5 - Ascent of the extinct volcano Shikotan, Mayachnaya Bay
Today we are heading to Mayachnaya Bay.
On the way, we descend radially to the island's highest mountain, the Shikotan volcano (412 m). Its main wealth is the views that open around. In clear weather, you can see the neighboring islands of Iturup and Kunashir.
Climbing the mountain is not difficult, especially in good weather. The journey will take 2-3 hours round trip.
We put on our backpacks again and move with our backpacks to another part of the island.
We set up camp by the sea, have dinner.
8 km without backpacks and 7 km under a backpack.
Overnight in a tent.
There is no connection or Internet connection.
Day 6 - Radial exit to Cape Edge of the World and the lighthouse of Shpanberg
The most famous place on Shikotan is Cape Edge of the World. This is not only a stunningly beautiful place, but also the southeastern territory of our country.
The cape is cut off by 40-meter sheer cliffs, against which the stormy Pacific Ocean breaks its waves. It was chosen by artists who came and still come here for inspiration.
On the way, we will definitely stop by to see the old Japanese lighthouse of Spangberg.
The day is rich and charged with breathtaking views. We walk all day without backpacks, and return to camp in the evening.
10 km without backpacks.
Overnight in a tent.
There is no connection or internet connection.
Day 7 - Transfer to Dimitrov Bay via Bezymyannaya Bay
We assemble the camp and head towards Bezymyannaya Bay. This place is famous for the scattering of small islands located inside the bay, and can easily compete with the Icelandic landscapes.
Many of you may have seen this place in a Soviet film about the adventures of Robinson Crusoe.
There will be small fords.
We stop for a big snack, gain strength and set off on our way. We will overcome thickets of bamboo and nettles and partially move without a path. It will take endurance and patience.
In the evening we come to the coast and set up camp. Supper.
10 km under the backpack.
Small fords.
Overnight in a tent.
There is no connection or Internet connection.
Day 8 - Transfer to Gorobets Bay
After breakfast, we assemble the camp and move out under backpacks towards the village of Krabozavodskoye.
The path passes mainly along trails and a dirt road, there will be small fords that you already love. Along the way, we'll see Japanese tanks and the remains of a border checkpoint.
We'll set up camp on the coast in Gorobets Bay.
16 km under backpacks.
The connection will appear near Krabozavodsky.
Overnight in a tent.
Day 9 - Transfer to the Church Bay
Today we are heading to one of the most beautiful bays of the island — Tserkovnaya Bay (Aivazovsky Bay).
We walk along the valley of the Gorobets River between the famous peaks of Natoro Island and Tomari, the road is simple. The bay is famous for its uninhabited satellite islands and a paradisiacal beach.
In Karafuto's time, there was a village and a temple here. According to one version, this is why the name "Church" arose. Walking along the bay, you can see the preserved foundations.
To the northeast lies the small rocky island of Ninth Val, a favorite place for bird colonies.
We set up camp on the coast, admiring the surrounding beauty.
12 km under the backpack.
Overnight in a tent.
There is no connection or Internet connection.
Day 10 - Day trip to the Church Bay
Today you can get a good night's sleep and enjoy a leisurely stroll around the bay.
The most active are invited to the radial exit to Mount Tomari, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The final evening and overnight on the island under the sound of waves.
15 km without a backpack.
Overnight in a tent.
There is no connection or internet connection.
Day 11 - Tserkovnaya Bay — Krabozavodskoye, transfer to Malokurilskoye, ship to Sakhalin
We pack up the camp and set off on our way back to Krabozavodskoye, from where we will take a bus to Malokurilskoye.
We will have some time to walk around the village and the surrounding area, at 22:00 the ship departs from the port.
14 km under the backpack.
Dinner at the cafe.
Communications and the Internet in the villages.
Overnight on the ship.
Day 12 - Return to Sakhalin
In the evening at 20:00 we arrive at the port of Korsakov. We are back on Sakhalin!
We check into the hostel, relax after a long swim.
Overnight at the hostel.
There is a connection and the Internet.
Meals in a cafe or hostel.
Day 13 - Departure day
We say goodbye to the Far East, and fly home at any convenient time.
If you wish, you can stay in Sakhalin for a few more days and see the sights that are not included in our program.

Difficulty

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

Tour organizer's comments

The campaign has been assigned 3 out of 5 maximum categories.

There won't be any serious obstacles in the hike that require special skills, but there will be long hiking days under a backpack, fords, and a trail through bamboo forest.

Good physical fitness is required, hiking experience is desirable.

It is necessary to be prepared for difficult weather conditions.

The main difficulties on the route are:

backpacking day trips of up to 14 km;
off-road, no trails, dense bamboo forest;
small fords;
severe weather conditions are possible.

Accommodation

Tent

7 nights
Guest House

2 nights
Cabin on the boat

3 nights

Comfort

Basic
Basic+

Please note! The cost for the arrival of 30.07-11.08 is 106 600 ₽, for 23.09-05.10 — 99 600 ₽.

In Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk we live in a comfortable hostel in multi-bed rooms. Shared kitchen, toilet, shower.

We live in tents on the active part of the route. The tour club provides free places in 3-4-seater tents, for an additional fee you can rent a double tent. If desired, you can take your own tent, if it meets the necessary requirements and quality.

Tour conditions

Group

up to 23 tourists

Minimum age

12 years old

Duration

13 days 12 nights

Group meets at

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Sakhalin region

Included in price

2 nights in a cozy hostel in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
three meals a day on Shikotan;
Transfer: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Korsakov Port — Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;
bus: Krabozavodskoye — Malokurilskoye;
boat tickets: Sakhalin — Shikotan — Sakhalin;
bed linen on the ship;
port charges on all islands;
registration of a collective pass to the border zone;
airmail delivery of modules with food and public equipment to Sakhalin;
dropping food pods in the middle of the route;
services of certified instructors;
registration of the group in the Ministry of Emergency Situations;
accident insurance;
rental of group equipment (tents, burners, boilers, etc.).

Paid extra

flights to Sakhalin and back — from 28,000 rubles;
rental of personal equipment: backpack, sleeping bag, foam, etc.;
The program on Kunashir and Iturup is optional.;
meals in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and on the ship — from 4,000 rubles;
all expenses related to force majeure or emergencies;
registration of an individual border pass for foreign citizens.

It's important to know

It is very important to choose the appropriate equipment for each hike. Properly selected equipment is the key to your good mood and comfort on the route. Personal equipment should weigh no more than 9-13 kg and occupy about 2/3 of the backpack volume. Don't forget that you still have to carry some of the public equipment and modules with food.

Equipment:

backpack for a long hike (90 liters for men, 70 liters for women) with belt;
a cape on a backpack;
foam (travel mat, polyurethane foam mat, karemat);
the tourist seat;
head-mounted LED flashlight;
trekking poles;
spring-autumn sleeping bag (comfort temperature 0/+5 °C).

Clothing:

sleep clothes;
swimming costume (swimsuit, swimming trunks);
undercarriage trousers (leggings, leggings, thermal underwear);
running top pants (windproof and waterproof);
warm pants for the evening (fleece);
socks or thermal socks;
thermal T-shirt;
long sleeve shirt;
light jacket (vest, thermal);
warm fleece jacket with a neck;
the jacket is windproof and waterproof (membrane);
work gloves;
the cap is light;
headdress (panama hat, bandana, cap, hat);
rain cape with hood;
trekking boots;
flip-flops/crocs/sandals.

Personal items:

passport;
money;
set of dishes (KLMN);
reusable bottle;
toilet paper;
individual first aid kit;
sunscreen and lipstick;
personal hygiene items;
a light towel;
telephone;
medical policy;
sunglasses;
a remedy for ticks.

We recommend adding:

thermos;
photo camera;
matches;
thread and needle;
student ID (if available);
down vest;
dress;
tent;
powerbank.

Dates and Prices

$1,373

14 – 26 Jul 13 days 12 nights

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$1,470

30 Jul – 11 Aug 13 days 12 nights

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$1,373

23 Sep – 5 Oct 13 days 12 nights

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Reviews Leave a review

N
Nadezhda

about provider

14 Jan, 2026

Everything was clear
E
Ekaterina

about provider

16 Dec, 2025

The hike was well organized. The food was high quality, with plenty of sweets :) The providers were always available, answered all our questions, and kept us informed about everything important.
M
Maria

about provider

16 Jun, 2025

Everything has been taken care of.