Three islands: Sakhalin — Kunashir — Shikotan

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An unforgettable trip to the three islands of the Far East!

You will go out to the Sea of Okhotsk by boat, visit picturesque bays, see volcanoes and the endless Pacific Ocean, walk along interesting routes and relax in thermal springs.

Location

Russia, Sakhalin region, Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk

from

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

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Tour highlights

Food tour to Tikhaya Bay

Admire the lagoons, grottoes, gorges and taste the Far East!

Jeep tour to Cape Giant

Take a walk along the seashore and admire the beauty of the stone arches and columns

The Breath of the Earth

You will visit real active volcanoes and walk through fumarole fields

Robinson Crusoe Bay

Enjoy the views of a dozen green islets scattered in the turquoise ocean water

Boat trip

Travel along the Sea of Okhotsk to the Kuril Islands

Sakhalin delicacies

You will taste crabs, fish, seafood and delicious caviar

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, acquaintance with the city
Meeting at the airport of the recommended flights at 09:15 and 12:35, transfer to the hotel.
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.
Right after lunch, we will introduce you to our 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 - Food tour "Tikhaya Bay"
Breakfast at the hotel.
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.
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 — fish soup, freshly boiled crab, caviar, oriental salads, pancakes with caviar, Sakhalin tea with herbs and berries.
Rest.
In the evening, return to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Dinner (on your own).

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Day 3 - Jeep tour to Cape "Bird", cape "Giant"
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
08:30 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
The journey time is about 3 hours (100 km one way, difficult road) with stops at observation decks.
Cape Velikan is located in the Korsakovsky district on the east coast of the Tonino-Aniva Peninsula behind the village of Okhotskoye. The name of the cape was given by the great navigator Ivan Fedorovich Kruzenshtern.
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 — dishes from the chef, made from freshly caught seafood. Oriental salads and, of course, real Sakhalin tea.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner (on your own)

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Day 4 - Departure to Kunashir
09:00 Transfer to the seaport of Korsakov.
10:00 Registration on the ship.
After checking the tickets and documents, we board the ship and get to the lobby, where the check-in desk is located and the staff checks passengers into the appropriate cabins.
12:00 Departure of the ship to Yuzhno-Kurilsk (O. Kunashir).
Lunch and dinner on the ship (independently).
Day 5 - Arrival on Kunashir. Pacific ocean. South Kuril Cape
18:00 Arrival in Yuzhno-Kurilsk (O. Kunashir).
Meeting at the seaport, transfer to the hotel, accommodation.
Sunset meeting on the Pacific coast with a glass of sparkling wine!
One of the business cards of Kunashir is the South Kuril Cape, where an abandoned lighthouse is located.
Dinner at the cafe.
Day 6 - The fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano
10:00 Visit to the Museum of Local Lore, a tour of the museum.
11:00 Departure for the route "The Great fumarole field of the Mendeleev volcano".
The Mendeleeva volcano, located in the southern part of Kunashir Island, belongs to specially protected natural areas and in 1983 was awarded the status of a state natural monument.
At the foot of this active volcano, overgrown with bamboo, there are still Japanese thermal baths, where, according to legend, Emperor Hirohito bathed.
By transport up to the 17th km, then a trekking route of about 3 km in one direction.
The route passes through a protected area. The nature of these places is unique. Centuries-old trees with trunks up to 2 meters in diameter, thickets of Kuril bamboo, the purest mountain streams.
The approach to the fumarole field.
Here you can feel the hot "breath" of the earth.
Its surface is more like a Martian landscape.
Small and large steaming fumaroles, cedar elfin and a view of the Hokkaido Mountains.
Parking is 2 hours.
Lunch (lunch box).
Optional bathing in wild hot springs.
Return to the 17th kilometer.
A trip to the cascade of waterfalls of the Sour River (swimming optional).
In the evening, return to Yuzhno-Kurilsk.
Dinner at the cafe.

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Day 7 - The caldera of the Golovnin volcano. The Lakes are Boiling and Hot
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.
10:00 Departure towards the village of Golovnino (Veslovsky Peninsula).
A path with a stop at the observation deck for a short rest and make the most beautiful shots.
Upon arrival, parking on the Golovninsky cliff for inspection and photography.
Moving towards the Golovnina caldera, the lake is Boiling and Hot.
A 2.5–3 hour walk along a dirt road, about 7 km. one way.
The whole way is accompanied by the most beautiful fields of cedar elfin.
The parking time in the caldera is about 2 hours.
Lunch (lunch box).
The volcano is a caldera about 4 km in diameter, surrounded by a ridge (541 m).
At the bottom of the caldera there are four small domes and two craters — lakes Boiling and Hot.
The Golovnin volcano caldera is unique for its ongoing volcanic activity.
A jet of superheated steam and boiling water can suddenly strike from the bottom of a Boiling lake — incredible
A sight!
One of the salt fields of Lake Goryachy once spewed a stream of liquid sulfur, which poured into the lake and froze there with a bizarre tongue.
Swimming in the lake is "Hot".
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner at the cafe.

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Day 8 - Cape Columnar. Thermal springs
09:00 Breakfast at the cafe.
10:00 Departure for the route.
Cape Columnar on Kunashir is one of the most amazing and unique places on earth. It is a unique geological formation that arose as a result of fossilization of basalt lava.
Pouring out of the mouth of the Mendeleev volcano more than 6 million years ago, the lava got into the water column and, under the influence of certain temperatures, divided into absolutely regular 5-6-sided columns, and then rose from the ocean to the surface.
Residents of Kunashir say: "Whoever has not seen Cape Columnar, has not seen Kunashir."
Stolbovskaya ecological trail, exit to the coast.
Inspection of rocks of volcanic origin.
The cape, open on three sides, is located on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.
Beautiful "aquariums" and lagoons with crystal clear azure water.
Majestic "organs" made of frozen lava.
Return to Yuzhno-Kurilsk, visit the thermal springs of the village of Hot beach (slightly acidic, carbon dioxide-nitrogen, sulfate-chloride-sodium waters with a high content of methane, boron bromine).
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Dinner at the cafe.

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Day 9 - Departure to Shikotan
11:00 Transfer to the seaport of Yuzhno-Kurilsk (Kunashir island).
After checking the tickets and documents, we board the ship and enter the lobby where the reception is located.
The staff places passengers in the appropriate cabins (according to the tickets).
14:00 Departure of the ship to Shikotan Island.
Lunch on the boat on your own.
18:00 The approach of the ship to the port of Malokurilsky (Shikotan island).
Meeting at the port, transfer to the hotel, dinner.
Free time
Day 10 - The cape is the Edge of the World. Nameless Bay
Breakfast at the hotel.
10:00 Departure to cape "Edge of the world".
When you get here, the meaning of the name immediately becomes clear.
A breathtaking view of the vast expanses of the Pacific Ocean opens from above, and the thought involuntarily comes that you are really at the edge of the earth!
This is the farthest point from the capital of Russia — a distance of 7,400 km in a straight line.
A walk to Cape Crab, where the Spanberg Lighthouse is located.
Next, transfer to Bezymyannaya Bay.
According to many eyewitnesses, this bay is the most beautiful natural place on the island because of the scattering of islets located inside the bay.
Lunch — lunch boxes.
Free time to relax.
In warm weather, you can sunbathe and swim in the Pacific Ocean.
Return to the hotel in the evening.
Rest.
Supper.

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Day 11 - Aivazovsky Bay (Church)
Breakfast in the hotel cafe.
10:00 Departure for the route to the village of Krabozavodskoye.
Then a walk to the Aivazovsky Bay, about 6 kilometers in one direction.
On the way we will see the mountains "Tomari" and "Natoro" covered with old fir trees and fir trees.
There are two islands in the bay itself — "Aivazovsky" and "Ninth Shaft".
The island "Ninth Shaft" and the lighthouse located on it were named after the famous painting by the Russian artist Aivazovsky. The island is not covered with bamboo, but with spruce trees pressed to the ground by strong ocean winds.
A walk along the bay.
Lunch.
After lunch, we move back.
Return to the hotel, dinner.

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Day 12 - Departure to Sakhalin
Breakfast in the cafe.
Transfer to the Malokurilskoye seaport (Shikotan Island).
Check-in and baggage check-out.
14:00 Departure of the ship to the port of Korsakov (Sakhalin Island), the journey time is about 18 hours.
Self-catering on the ship.
Day 13 - Arrival to Sakhalin
20:00 Approach of the ship to the port of Korsakov (Sakhalin Island).
Meeting at the port, transfer to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, hotel accommodation.
Day 14 - Cape and Aniva Lighthouse
Breakfast lunch boxes (due to early departure from the hotel).
06:00 Departure from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, travel time about 2 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 15 - Free day
Free day to visit fish markets, Japanese markets and souvenir shops.
You can also go on additional excursions on your free day, for example, the Busse Lagoon lake.

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Day 16 - Completion of the program
Breakfast in the hotel restaurant.
Visit to the fish market (optional).
Transfer to the airport for the recommended flights (departure at 11:45 and 15:00). No transfer is available for other flights.

Difficulty

Involves moderate physical activity

Tour organizer's comments

The tour includes hiking, crosswalks and routes of medium difficulty (3-7 km one way)

Accommodation

Hotel

13 nights
Cabin on the boat

2 nights

Comfort

Midscale
Upscale
Premium

The tour provides accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in the selected hotel, as well as in hotels on Kunashir Island and Shikotan Island, in the cabins of the ship.

The cost of the tour depends on the place of accommodation in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk:

	Double occupancy	Surcharge for single occupancy
"Gagarin" 3*	222 000	41 000
"Commander" 3*	219 000	39 000
"Mega Palace" 4*	233 000	46 500
"Squirrel" 3*	219 000	39 000

Accommodation in other hotels is possible upon request.

In summer, all cabins on ships are made quadruple.

On Kunashir, accommodation in the hotels of the Municipal Unitary Enterprise Yuzhnokurilsky Docker ("House of Friendship", "Breeze", "Representative Center").

On Shikotan, accommodation at the Imperial Hotel in the village of Krabozavodskoye.

Important: when crossing between the Kunashir-Shikotan islands, a sitting place can be provided (the crossing takes 3 hours).

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. There is a private bathroom with a hairdryer and slippers.

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Another option

Gagarin Hotel

This hotel 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.

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Another option

Mega Palace Hotel

This hotel is located on the Russian Far Eastern island of Sakhalin, 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.

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Another option

Belka Hotel

The three-star Belka Hotel is located in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. For guests there are such services as parking, free Internet, safe deposit box, laundry. Guests who want to take a break from the routine are invited to visit the sauna.

The room stock is represented by 46 categories, which vary in roominess and comfort, but despite this, each room is equipped with comfortable furniture, so that even a long stay would be as comfortable as possible. Also, each room has its own bathroom and shower.

Breakfast is served every morning at the on-site restaurant. Lunch and dinner can be ordered by residents for an additional fee, or they can eat in nearby cafes and public catering places.

Nearby attractions include the Regional Museum of Local Lore, the Chekhov Theater Center, as well as the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ.

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Tour conditions

Group

up to 25 tourists

Minimum age

6 years old

Duration

16 days 15 nights

Group meets at

Russia, Sakhalin region, 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 Yuzhno-Kurilsk hotel;
accommodation in the Malokurilsk hotel;
meals specified in the program;
transportation services on the routes;
accompanied by instructors and guides on the routes;
registration of a border pass (the Kuril Islands are a border area).

Paid extra

flights to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and back;
meals not specified in the tour program;
a ticket for the ship on the route port Korsakov — Kunashir — Shikotan — port Korsakov (a place in a 4-seater cabin; we purchase for you on our own) — 15,500 rubles.;
meals on the ship;
transfer on the last day for flights other than the recommended ones.

It's important to know

headdress;
sports sandals;
comfortable sports sandals in which you can walk on water and rocks;
trekking shoes with fluted soles, as well as replaceable dry shoes;
trekking poles;
towel;
sunscreen (SPF) of at least 30 units;
a small backpack for day trips (hands should be free!);
comfortable wind- and moisture-proof jacket;
bathing accessories;
mosquito and tick repellents;
gloves;
long sleeve shirt or sweatshirt;
individual first aid kit;
personal hygiene items.

Dates and Prices

The tour dates are not confirmed yet. Please, for clarification

from
$2,176

17 May – 1 Jun, 2025 16 days 15 nights

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21 Jun – 6 Jul, 2025 16 days 15 nights

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5 – 20 Jul, 2025 16 days 15 nights

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$2,186

16 – 31 Aug, 2025 16 days 15 nights

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30 Aug – 14 Sep, 2025 16 days 15 nights

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Three islands: Sakhalin — Kunashir — Shikotan

Location

Tour highlights

Itinerary

Accommodation

Tour conditions

Included in price

Paid extra

It's important to know

Dates and Prices

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