On this trip, you will go to explore the islands of Sakhalin, Iturup and Kunashir. 

You will swim in hot thermal springs, walk along the beach near the White Cliffs, see the Aniva Lighthouse, taste oysters, take beautiful photos on the Yankito lava plateau. 

And you can also admire the Kuril Islands from the water during a boat trip in the sunset. 

Location

Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
from
$1,686
+ tickets to the starting point of the tour
No need to pay now
Duration
11 Days
10 Nights
Departures
  • Group departures
    • Dates for next season
    • 29 June – 9 July, 2025
    • 27 July – 6 August, 2025
or
Accommodation
  • Hotel
    6 nights
  • Cabin on the boat
    1 night
  • Guest House
    3 nights
Comfort
  • Basic+
  • Midscale
  • Upscale
  • Premium
Difficulty
Moderate
Involves moderate physical activity
Group
Up to 16 people
Minimum age
8 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

Golovnin Volcano Caldera
Take a walking route to one of the most interesting places on the island Kunashir, and then swim in the Hot lake
Tastes of the Far East
Get acquainted with Sakhalin cuisine and eat plenty of delicious seafood
Bathing in thermal springs
Relax in the pleasant warming baths and gain strength for the next days of the trip
The Old Lighthouse
You will reach the lighthouse at Cape Aniva, which was built in 1939
Boat trip to the White Cliffs
Disembark at the beach with the famous rocks consisting of volcanic glass and pumice, and stroll through the canyon
A walk through the fumarole field
Go to the Mendeleev volcano, on the slopes of which there are many fumaroles and hot springs

Itinerary

  • Day 1 - Guided tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Welcome dinner

    Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

    Meeting at the airport. 

    Transfer to the hotel, accommodation. 

    Check-in at the hotel from 14:00 (early check-in is possible with an additional 50% / room / day).

    Sightseeing tour of the city (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 (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 Center Square.

    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 after dinner. Rest. 

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  • Day 2 - Flight to O. Iturup. Jeep tour to the foot of the Baransky volcano
  • Day 3 - A boat trip along the coast. Sailing Bay. Sopochnoe Lake. White rocks. Hot Water thermal springs
  • Day 4 - The Museum of Local Lore. Jeep tour to Kasatka Bay. A mirrored beach. The Devil's Rock. Thermal springs "Baths"
  • Day 5 - Jeep tour to the Yankito lava plateau. Exit from Kurilsk to Yuzhno-Kurilsk
  • Day 6 - Arrival by sea on Kunashir Island. A walk along the coast
  • Day 7 - The caldera of the Golovnin volcano. Lakes are Boiling and Hot
  • Day 8 - The fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano
  • Day 9 - Excursion to Cape Columnar. Flight to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
  • Day 10 - Aniva Lighthouse and lunch with oysters at Busse Lagoon
  • Day 11 - Transfer to the airport
Difficulty
Involves moderate physical activity

Accommodation

Accommodation
  • Hotel
    6 nights
  • Cabin on the boat
    1 night
  • Guest House
    3 nights
Comfort
  • Basic+
  • Midscale
  • Upscale
  • Premium

The tour provides accommodation in hotels along the route.

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

For double occupancyAdditional payment for single accommodation on the island Iturup, Kunashir IslandChild under 12 years old in double or triple occupancy
174 37812 000171 378

An additional fee for a guaranteed room with amenities in the Kasatka Guest house on Iturup Island is 4,500 rubles per room.

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

 For double occupancyFor single occupancyExtra nights
double/single room
Youth 3*8 70014 7002 900 / 4 900
Squirrel 3*9 60016 3503 200 / 5 450
Jubilee 3*9 90016 0203 300 / 5 650
Gagarin 3*10 80017 4003 600 / 5 800
Mega Palace Hotel 4*11 70019 9503 900 / 6 650
Santa Risot Hotel 4*
(two 1.5-double beds)
15 00025 8005 000 / 8 600
Santa Risot Hotel 4*
(one large bed)
15 75027 2105 250 / 9 070
Paradise Risot Hotel 4*18 00033 0006 000 / 11 000

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

  • transfer to arrival / departure (meeting /departure) is available for an additional fee: 600 rubles per person one way, within the city, without arrival at the market;
  • the tourist must independently arrive at the gathering place of the group for transfer to the airport upon departure to the Kuril Islands, the place and time for collection is confirmed the day before or independently arrive at the airport;
  • upon the group's return from the Kuril Islands, the transfer takes tourists 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 or The Santa Risot Hotel or 3 nights
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
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 in 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
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
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
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
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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Motor ship "Igor Farkhutdinov" 1 night
Kasatka Guest House 3 nights
The Iceberg-1 Hotel 3 nights

Tour conditions

Group
up to 16 tourists
Minimum age
8 years old
Duration
11 days 10 nights
Group meets at
Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

Included in price

  • guided tours according to the program;
  • transfers according to the program;
  • accommodation on the island Iturup standard rooms at the Kasatka Guest House;
  • accommodation on Kunashir Island in the Iceberg Hotel, building 1, standard rooms with amenities per block;
  • meals according to the program;
  • transportation services on the routes;
  • excursion service on Sakhalin Island;
  • escort by guides to Kunashir Island, Iturup Island;
  • entrance tickets to the springs;
  • registration of permits for staying in the border zone on the island Iturup, Kunashir Island;
  • accident insurance, insurance coverage up to 100,000 rubles.;
  • raincoat.

Paid extra

  • flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
  • accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — from 8,700 rubles/person. for 3 nights;
  • additional payment for single accommodation on the island Iturup, Kunashir Island — 12,000 rubles.;
  • additional payment for a guaranteed room with amenities in the Kasatka guest house on Iturup island — 4,500 rubles per room;
  • when booking accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk on your own, please note that a transfer for arrival / departure (meeting / departure) is provided for an additional fee of 600 rubles/person one way, within the city, without arrival at the market;
  • air ticket on the route Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk — Kurilsk / Yuzhno-Kurilsk — Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk: 
    • adult — 14,800 rubles.;
    • child 2-12 years old — 7,950 rubles.;
  • ticket for the motor ship "Igor Farkhutdinov" on the route O. Iturup (Kurilsk) — Kunashir Island (Yuzhno-Kurilsk), travel time ~20 hours:
    • a place in a cabin of 3 categories, 4-bed, facilities on deck:
      • adult — 2,650 rubles.;
      • a child 2-12 years old — 1,930 rubles.;
    • a place in the cabin of the 2nd category, 4-bed, cabin facilities:
      • adult — 3,350 rubles.;
      • a child 2-12 years old — 2,230 rubles.;
    • a place in the cabin of the 1st category, 2-bed, cabin facilities:
      • adult — 4,050 rubles.;
      • a child 2-12 years old — 2,630 rubles.;
    • a place in a luxury cabin, 2-bed, cabin amenities (2 rooms: living room + bedroom):
      • adult — 4,750 rubles.;
      • a child 2-12 years old — 2,975 rubles.;
  • meals on the ship, drinking water;
  • dinners on the island Iturup, indicated in the program marked "independently";
  • surcharge for early check—in at the hotel - 50%/room/day;
  • the surcharge for late check—out from the hotel is 50%/room/day.

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.

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).
Can the program change?
What is necessary to obtain passes to the Kuril Islands?
Are plane tickets included in the price of the tour?

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification
  • from
    $1,686
    29 Jun – 9 Jul, 2025 11 days 10 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now
  • from
    $1,686
    27 Jul – 6 Aug, 2025 11 days 10 nights
    Submit request
    No need to pay now

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
    2 more photos