Kuril Islands Expedition — Sakhalin & Iturup Adventure
Discover one of the most remote and breathtaking corners of Russia on an unforgettable expedition to the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin, where volcanic landscapes, wild coastlines, hot springs, waterfalls and Pacific Ocean views await. This 9-day adventure tour is perfect for travelers seeking nature, culture, volcanoes and off-the-beaten-path experiences.
Expedition Highlights
- Explore Sakhalin Island’s rugged coastline and dramatic sea cliffs.
- Visit Tikhaya Bay and spectacular rock formations along the Sea of Okhotsk.
- Fly to Iturup Island (Kuril archipelago) and discover active volcanoes, hot lakes, fumaroles and mineral springs.
- Bathe in volcanic hot springs near Baransky Volcano.
- Hike coastal trails and beaches shaped by lava, pumice and basalt rock formations.
- Immerse in remote wilderness on the Pacific Ocean edge.
Tour Overview
Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Destinations: Sakhalin Island, Iturup Island (Kuril Islands)
Style: Active travel, nature, volcanoes & cultural immersion
Guide: English-speaking local guide
Start/End: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia
Destinations: Sakhalin Island, Iturup Island (Kuril Islands)
Style: Active travel, nature, volcanoes & cultural immersion
Guide: English-speaking local guide
Start/End: Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, Russia
Daily Itinerary
Day 1 — Arrival in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Welcome at the airport, transfer to hotel, and city orientation tour including the ski resort for panoramic views.
Day 2 — Southeast Coast — Cape Bird & Cape Giant
Full-day excursion to the scenic southeastern Sea of Okhotsk coast, famous for dramatic rock formations, stone arches and picnic lunch with local products.
Day 3 — Tikhaya Bay Exploration
Drive to the serene Tikhaya Bay on the eastern coast and enjoy the quiet landscapes and dramatic ocean views.
Day 4 — Flight to Iturup Island & Volcano Hot Springs
Fly to Kurilsk (Iturup Island) and visit the Baransky Volcano area with fumaroles, mineral pools and hot springs. Relax in natural thermal waters.
Day 5 — Yankito Plateau & White/Black Rocks
Explore the surreal coastal formations of Yankito Plateau, White Rocks and Black Rocks — unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity.
Day 6 — Pacific Coast & Historical Sites
Visit Kasatka Bay on the Pacific coast and explore WWII-era fortifications, cliffs and tunnels along the rugged shoreline.
Day 7 — Thermal Complex & Return to Sakhalin
Enjoy a final morning at a thermal bathing complex, then return to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk via domestic flight.
Day 8 — Optional Activities in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Free day for optional visits: local museums, cultural sites or shopping for souvenirs.
Day 9 — Departure
Check-out and transfer to the airport for onward travel.
Welcome at the airport, transfer to hotel, and city orientation tour including the ski resort for panoramic views.
Day 2 — Southeast Coast — Cape Bird & Cape Giant
Full-day excursion to the scenic southeastern Sea of Okhotsk coast, famous for dramatic rock formations, stone arches and picnic lunch with local products.
Day 3 — Tikhaya Bay Exploration
Drive to the serene Tikhaya Bay on the eastern coast and enjoy the quiet landscapes and dramatic ocean views.
Day 4 — Flight to Iturup Island & Volcano Hot Springs
Fly to Kurilsk (Iturup Island) and visit the Baransky Volcano area with fumaroles, mineral pools and hot springs. Relax in natural thermal waters.
Day 5 — Yankito Plateau & White/Black Rocks
Explore the surreal coastal formations of Yankito Plateau, White Rocks and Black Rocks — unique landscapes shaped by volcanic activity.
Day 6 — Pacific Coast & Historical Sites
Visit Kasatka Bay on the Pacific coast and explore WWII-era fortifications, cliffs and tunnels along the rugged shoreline.
Day 7 — Thermal Complex & Return to Sakhalin
Enjoy a final morning at a thermal bathing complex, then return to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk via domestic flight.
Day 8 — Optional Activities in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
Free day for optional visits: local museums, cultural sites or shopping for souvenirs.
Day 9 — Departure
Check-out and transfer to the airport for onward travel.
What’s Included
- Accommodation in 4★ hotels in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk and Kurilsk In
- Domestic flights Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk → Kurilsk → Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk
- Meals as specified (breakfasts, lunches, dinners on select days)
- All transfers & transportation according to itinerary
- English-speaking local guide
- Visa support letter (if required)
- Border permit for Kuril visit
Important Travel Notes
- Visitors require a Russian visa and special permits to enter the Kuril Islands.
- Weather in the region can be unpredictable; itineraries may include reserve days.
Why Choose This Expedition
The Kuril Islands Expedition offers:
- A journey to some of the most untouched natural landscapes in Russia.
- Active exploration of volcanoes, beaches and geothermal areas.
- Rare cultural insights into life on Sakhalin and the Kurils.
