1 st day |
We arrive at Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky airport. After a short excursion we embark our vessel in the port of the city. In the evening we leave the port for our Kamchatka adventure. |
2 nd day |
Small Utashud Isle is rich in wildlife, particularly birds, which nest on the steep rocks, and Sea-Otters on the beach.
In the afternoon we visit Vestnik Bay . The shores are covered by Engelman's birch. The archeological digs and ancient native Kamchadal objects are equally interesting. |
3 rd day |
The central height of Atlasova Island is Alaid (Oyakoba) volcano, the highest one on Kuril Islands . Its eastern peak Khitam is 2 334 meters high and the western peak Nisiiva is 2 289 meters high.
Paramushir Island . The second largest island of Kuril Range, Paramushir is famous for its bears and foxes. There are also several small adjoining islands, on the eastern side, where birds nest and raise their noisy chicks. |
4 th day |
Early in the morning we pass Makanrushi Island where the coastal waters are home to sea lions, and revel in the view of the dramatic Makanrushi volcano.
We head further north and watch Avos Rock famous for looking like a 35-metre high sailing vessel which is a shelter for sea lions breeding close to the bird colonies. In the evening we plan a landing on Onekotan Island- another wildlife paradise for birds nesting at Tsurigane rock, and seal breeding sites. |
5 th day |
Ushishir Islands - Ryponkicha (Kita) Island and Minamisima (Yankicha) Island These tiny isles are real paradise for bird lovers, with Red-throated Pipit, Greenshank, Buff-bellied Pipit, and Rough-legged Buzzard. The Ushishir Islands were favored by the Ainu, the native people of the Kurils. The numerous thermal pools used to be the site of religious ceremonies, and feature in many of the legends of the Ainu. On Yankicha Island we will try to reach the volcano caldera, which forms Kraternaya Bay . There are Auklet colonies on the nearby rocks.
If conditions permit, we will explore the southern capes of Ketoy Island , where there are numerous breeding sites of Steller's Sea Lions and Pelagic Cormorants.
Simushir Island . While approaching the island a huge number of ducks, mainly Harlequins, will meet us. The breathtaking volcanic scenery and wildlife make the island a real treat. We may even see Sea Otters. |
6 th day |
We go on exploring a spectacular birdlife of Broutona Island . This tiny spot of land is a home for the vast colony of Fulmars.
Urup Island is famous for rare bird species and the seals along the coast. There are thermal springs in the upper Taka River . You will also be surprised by the rich flora which includes Cloudberry, Great Bilberry, Seaside Sandplant, Kamchatka Stonecrop, Arctic Daisy, thickets of Kuma-Zasa, Wild Rose and others. |
7 th day |
Iturup Island is the biggest one of the Kuril chain. The local marine wildlife includes 20 species of whales, together with Largha and Harbour seals, and Steller's Sea Lions. Nearly 200 species of birds are found here. 100 species nesting on the island.
Among the sites we plan to visit are:
. the 140-metre Ilia Muromets waterfall, one of the highest in Russia , which falls not far from the shore.
. beaches where the wind and sea have turned soft white pumice rocks into intricate stone decorations.
. good viewing points of the cone of Atsonopuri volcano, which is perfect from any angle. |
8 th day |
Kunashir Island is the most southern island of the Kuril Chain. The island's Nature Reserve is rich in wildlife and unique natural scenery, our day offering several exciting opportunities: we could spot the two-level Tyatya volcano; admire the stunning basaltic formation at Cape Stolbchaty; visit Ptichiy (Birds') waterfall or the Neskuchenskiye springs; search out the northernmost species of wild Magnolia; or watch for some of the large number of rare birds - Japanese Crane, Blakiston's Fish-Owl, Steller's Sea Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Mountain Hawk Eagle and others. |
9 th day |
Landing on Moneron Island . The island is a National Park, set up to protect sea mammals' breeding grounds, rare sea birds' nesting-sites and plants included in the Red Data Book of the Russian Federation. The typical Moneron landscape is a unique combination of volcanic mountains, Alpine meadows and rocky canyons. Meadows with gigantic plants (3-3.5 metres high) cover about a third of the island.
A warm stream in the coastal waters produces an abundance of underwater life and fantastic plants. Even if you are not a diver you'll be able to appreciate this marvellous underwater realm because of the exceptional clarity of the water. It is possible to see to depths of 30 - 40 metres allowing observation of fish, sea-urchins, shellfish and plants even from the vessel's deck. If the water is calm enough, our zodiac-drivers will slow down, or even stop the engines to allow you to admire the beauties of the underwater world. |
10 th day |
-Sakhalinsk. In the morning we disembark the vessel and start our journey home. |
