Kuril Islands & Kamchatka

Itinerary

Day 1: Kushiro, Japan

Your voyage departs from the lively port town of Kushiro on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. In the late afternoon, your fine Russian officers and crew welcome you onboard Marina Svetaeva as you set sail into the Pacific Ocean.

Days 2-3: Kunashir Island

You explore Kunashir, southernmost of the Kuril Islands and still claimed by Japan. After clearing customs, you may visit Cape Stolbchaty, a geological wonder of striated rock intrusions and an example of the constant volcanic forces that have shaped these islands. The northern reaches of the island are part of the Kurilsky Nature Reserve. Located at the base of Tyatya, a spectacular active volcano with a picture-perfect cone, this reserve is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including the majority of Kunashir's brown bear population. Cruising along the coast, you explore the numerous bays that offer superb hiking opportunities. Here you find Kuril bamboo growing amidst stone birch trees, tundra slopes covered with colourful splashes of wildflowers backed by smoking volcanoes.

Day 4: Iturup Island

The largest island of the Kuril chain, you hope to make some landings along the little-visited shores of Iturup today. Weather permitting, you plan to visit the spectacular caldera of Lion's Mouth Bay. The vast bay is almost completely encircled by the rim of a now extinct volcano, in some places rising 500 metres straight out of the water. The nutrient-rich waters surrounding Iturup Island are home to over 20 species of marine mammals, with Dall's porpoises and the Pacific white-sided dolphin commonly seen here.

Days 5-9: Central Kuril Islands

Your itinerary is now completely in the hands of the weather gods. There is a wealth of possible landings and your guides will choose those that best suit the prevailing conditions. Your shore excursions may include: Brat Chirpoi with its beautiful cliffs of nesting seabirds and large sea otter colonies; the spectacular volcanic island of Ketoi; the dramatic cliff line of Broutona, home to thousands of guillemots, kittiwakes, tufted puffins and auklets; the magnificent emerald green caldera of Yankicha; Skaly Lovushky and its boisterous Steller's sea lion colony; or beachcombing along the black sand beaches of Onekotan.

Day 10: Paramushir & Atlasova Islands

Today you may indulge in a cliff-top hike on Paramushir Island. Five of Paramushir's twenty volcanoes are still active and you aim to walk among spongy tundra and wildflowers for better views of this picturesque island. A birdwatchers paradise, during your walks you may see among others Siberian rubythroat, rough legged buzzard, snow bunting and the exquisite harlequin duck. This afternoon you may land at the majestic island of Atlasova. Made up of a single active volcano rising dramatically over 2,300 metres straight out of the water, this is one of the most beautiful of the Kuril Islands. If conditions allow, you may have the chance to explore the small specks of rock known as the Ptichy (Bird) Islands. Home to prolific number of birds including pigeon guillemots, tufted puffins, common murres and black-legged kittiwakes, the islands also support healthy numbers of sea otters and harbour seals.

Day 11: West Kamchatka Coast

Today you aim to explore the south-west coast of the Kamchatka peninsula. You may take a Zodiac cruise up the Ozernoya River, surrounded by colourful birch forests and tall grasslands. This will be your first chance to view the famous volcanoes of Kamchatka. One of the most geologically active areas on the planet, the Kamchatka Peninsula features over 300 volcanoes, 29 of which are still active.

Days 12-13: East Kamchatka Coast

You cruise north along the impressive mountain range of the east Kamchatka coast to Vestnik Bay. Both ashore and from the ship you'll see snow-capped volcanoes, waterfalls and plenty of marine life. You may visit Utashud Island, where you can observe delightful, entertaining sea otters as they go about their business and numerous seabirds such as horned puffins nesting among the sea stacks. Weather permitting, an optional helicopter excursion will offer an unforgettable ride over numerous volcanic mountains to Kurilskoye Lake. This picturesque lake is home to one of the biggest salmon spawning grounds in Asia and is a favourite haunt of the rare Steller's Sea Eagle and large Kamchatka brown bears, the undisputed masters of this part of the world.

Day 14: Petropavlovsk

This morning you dock early at Petropavlovsk, situated on the shores of Avacha Bay below a backdrop of snowy volcanic peaks. This is a fantastic base for exploring the wilds of the Kamchatka Peninsula. Enjoy a day tour, taking in the main city sights, visiting a sled dog kennel and a cultural show from the native Itelmen people. You overnight in your Petropavlovsk hotel.

Day 15: Depart Petropavlovsk

Your adventure ends today, with transfers to the airport to connect with your onward flights.