9 days
Fixed dates
16 people
from 10 years
Basic
Hotel
Russian
Gastronomy, Trekking, Excursion tours
See the sunrise before anyone else in the country and watch the sunset on the seashore, see stone arches sculpted by wind and waves and a ghost lighthouse, feel the sensation of flight while keeping your feet firmly on the ground, touch a 70-million-year-old rock, and spend a day on the famous gastronomic island... This is an incredibly rich and emotional tour that will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Sakhalin.
Sakhalin is like a treasure chest, filled with beautiful, valuable, and diverse natural gems! On this tour, you'll see the most famous and captivating of these treasures, many of which have become symbols of the island. You'll visit two Japanese-built lighthouses: the famous Aniva Lighthouse, oozing with mystique, and the Slepikovsky Lighthouse, located on Sakhalin's only sandy beach. You'll escape the hustle and bustle, immersed in nature, on an excursion to Tikhaya Bay or on a walk between Cape Ptichiy and Cape Velikan, with their stunning stone arches. You'll try to hear the whistle of a Japanese ghost locomotive, which, according to legend, still echoes along the abandoned railway near the Devil's Bridge. You will collect amber on the seashore and admire the incredible color of the Turquoise Lakes, walk through the Torii gate, make a secret wish, and sit on a rock that is tens of millions of years old.
Mysteries and legends, human-made creations and fantastic landscapes, verdant slopes and sheer cliffs, Japanese heritage and tragic chapters of history—Sakhalin is multifaceted and amazing. But people also come here, of course, for the freshest seafood delicacies. And you'll have the opportunity to savor them to the fullest, because one day we'll head to the gastronomic Lake Busse, where a delicious lunch and an oyster-eating masterclass await you. You can also take edible gifts from Sakhalin home: on our last day, on the way to the airport, we'll make a stop at a fish market.
*You can choose a hotel that suits your level of comfort. Please note: the final cost of the tour depends on the location.
A cozy and modern hotel in the tourist center of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, just 300 meters from Victory Square. The rooms have everything you need: satellite TV, toilet room with shower, disposable slippers, bath amenities. Guests especially appreciate the pleasant, light-filled common lounge areas and delicious, hearty breakfasts.
A beautiful, stylish hotel in a park area of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk, just a 15-minute drive from the airport. The interior is decorated in a combination of European and Japanese styles, reflecting the eclectic architecture of the city itself. On the hotel territory and inside, in the common areas, there is an abundance of greenery and flowers, and the rooms are equipped with everything you need. Responsive staff will make your stay as comfortable as possible.
The hotel is located opposite a picturesque park area, it has its own spa, sauna and several restaurants where you can enjoy Japanese, Asian, Serbian and international cuisine. Elegant, spacious rooms are decorated in light colors and have everything for a pleasant and comfortable stay. Rooms on the upper floors offer panoramic views of the hills surrounding Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Check-in is at 2:00 PM, after which you'll have an hour to rest and change. At 3:00 PM, we'll depart for a tour of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk—a fascinating city where traces of the island's Japanese period are everywhere, harmoniously woven into its modern architecture. You'll see the Victory Memorial Complex and the church with the largest outdoor mosaic in the world, and visit the Local History Museum, housed in a Japanese building built in 1937. You can also enjoy panoramic views of the regional capital from the observation deck.
Today we'll head to Tikhaya Bay, a picturesque spot ranked among the most beautiful beaches in our country. Along the way, we'll make several stops at interesting locations where you can take stunning photos. You'll stroll along the seashore, collecting amber; see the graceful Torii Gate, the symbolic entrance to the Shinto shrine located in the village of Vzmorye; and visit one of the highest (and according to some sources, the highest) waterfalls on the island, Klokovsky. We'll also stop in a fishing village, where you'll have the opportunity to stroll through a crab market and purchase seafood delicacies. Finally, we'll reach Tikhaya Bay, safely sheltered from the sea winds. Here, we'll have lunch with a beautiful view of the bay and take a walk.
The mysterious Aniva Lighthouse, perched on the rocky cape of the same name, is one of Sakhalin's most fascinating and captivating locations. Built by the Japanese in 1939, it was finally abandoned in 2006, and since then, it has been gradually deteriorating under the influence of wind and waves. It's a mysterious, yet somewhat melancholy sight, offering dozens of stunning photos. You can also climb to the top floor of the lighthouse for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. During this trip, we'll also visit Cape Mramorny and Cape Bely Kamen—less well-known than Aniva, but complementing the unique and inimitable natural landscape of Sakhalin. Return to the city by 4:00 PM, with free time.
On this day, we'll see two of Sakhalin's natural landmarks. The Turquoise Lakes are 20 bodies of water formed on the site of an abandoned quarry. Due to the presence of sulfite in the water, these lakes have an unusual, rich color. The surrounding nature belies the fact that coal and germanium ore were once mined here—the surrounding slopes are overgrown with greenery, which accentuates the turquoise water. After visiting the lakes, we'll arrive at Cape Evstafiya. This is a relatively low cape, but its unique topography creates an indescribable feeling of flight, and the surrounding views are breathtaking. Here, we'll have lunch and take a leisurely two-hour walk along the coast.
Today, you'll see how Sakhalin's wonderful nature blends with man-made wonders—we'll visit a lighthouse and a bridge. First, we'll head to Cape Slepikovsky, which is famous for being home to Sakhalin's only sandy beach. The black volcanic sands provide a beautiful backdrop for photographs and a perfect place to relax, gazing out to sea and enjoying the gentle breeze. The Slepikovsky Lighthouse also stands tall here—like Aniva, it was built by the Japanese. After lunch at a café, we'll take a train to the Devil's Bridge, a lush, green-clad railway span (the line is no longer in operation). Once again, we'll take countless beautiful photos, as well as learn about local legends and stories from our guide.
A trip to Sakhalin without the freshest seafood is unimaginable! So today we're heading to the island's main gastronomic hotspot—Lake Busse. Oysters and scallops, sea urchins and mussels, as well as salmon, thrive here. During the excursion, you'll take a stroll around the lake and see an oyster bed—a shallow shoal inhabited by these marine creatures. Upon returning to shore, a hot lunch awaits you in a tent overlooking the water and a masterclass in oyster eating. In the afternoon, we'll return to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.
It's time to visit the cape you've surely seen photos of while planning your trip! These stunning stone arches rise from the foaming seawater—Cape Velikan—are Sakhalin's signature landmark. We'll drive to Cape Ptichiy, also famous for its bizarrely shaped cliffs, grottoes, and caves where flocks of birds nest. From here, we'll take a leisurely stroll along the coast to Cape Velikan, gazing at the surrounding slopes and enjoying the gentle sound of the waves. The local landscapes are a beautiful backdrop for both captivating photos and a tranquil, almost meditative contemplation of nature. We'll stay in the area of Cape Ptichiy and Cape Velikan from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, where we'll have lunch. At 4:00 PM, we'll head back to the city.
Sakhalin isn't just a picturesque island, but also, according to many, a place of power. After all, among the numerous natural wonders here lie ancient, mysterious, and legendary locations. On the eighth day of the tour, you'll head to one such place—the Frog Remnant, a 70-million-year-old rock formation! Today, the rock towers over endless green expanses, pristine Sakhalin forests, and low hills. But mountain ranges once stood here. They were eroded by the elements, but the remnant remains. It's fascinating to even touch it; it's not every day you get the chance to be near a rock tens of millions of years old! Furthermore, the rock offers a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding area.
Before transferring to the airport, it's time to choose gifts and presents for loved ones and yourself! We'll want to bring back as many delicacies from Sakhalin as possible: the freshest seafood, authentic Japanese sweets, red caviar, or the truly exotic yet incredibly healthy klopovka syrup. We'll stop by markets and shops to ensure you have the opportunity to buy everything you desire. Your purchases will be securely packed—nothing will happen to them during your flight.
Until next time!
The program is suitable for children aged 10 years and older.
Roundtrip airfare from your city to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk is not included in the price. Dinners are also your responsibility.
You can choose the accommodation option that best suits your needs, from 2 to 4 stars. Please note: the final price of the tour will depend on your choice. You can also contact us if you'd like to stay at a resort or hotel not listed in the tour itinerary. If there are available rooms on your travel dates, we'll book it for you and calculate a personalized price!
Clothing: comfortable pants (sweatpants are fine) and comfortable shoes (hiking shoes are fine), as we'll be doing a lot of walking. Bring a windbreaker and a hat, as strong winds are common on the coast. You'll also need insect repellent, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Don't forget personal medication if you need it.
Ask questions to the tour coordinator
Tour from an official tour operator from the Rostourism register
