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Adventure Life VOYAGES
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1655 S 3rd St. W, Ste 1
Missoula MT, 59801 USA

Ship:  Marina Svetaeva

Itinerary:  Kuril Islands & Kamchatka

click to enlarge
  Another volcano in the Ring of Fire

 cabins & deck plans  |  additional itineraries |  cancellation policy

Like giant volcanic stepping-stones, the remote and mysterious Kuril Islands stretch north from Japan to the Kamchatka Peninsula. Access to this magnificent island chain is virtually impossibly by any means other than by ship.

Day 1 : Kushiro, Japan

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

Days 2-3 : Kunashir Island

We explore Kunashir, southernmost of the Kuril Islands and still claimed by Japan. After clearing customs, we 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, we explore the numerous bays that offer superb hiking opportunities. Here we 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, we hope to make some landings along the little-visited shores of Iturup today. Weather permitting, we 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

Our itinerary is now completely in the hands of the weather gods. There is a wealth of possible landings and we will choose those that best suit the prevailing conditions. We plan to make many shore excursions and these 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 we hope to indulge in a cliff-top hike on Paramushir Island. Five of Paramushir's twenty volcanoes are still active and we aim to walk among spongy tundra and wildflowers for better views of this picturesque island. A birdwatchers paradise, during our walks we may see among others Siberian rubythroat, rough legged buzzard, snow bunting and the exquisite harlequin duck. This afternoon we hope to 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, we 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 we aim to explore the south-west coast of the Kamchatka peninsula. We may take a Zodiac cruise up the Ozernoya River, surrounded by colourful birch forests and tall grasslands. This will be our 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

We cruise north along the impressive mountain range of the east Kamchatka coast to Vestnik Bay. Both ashore and from the ship we'll see snow-capped volcanoes, waterfalls and plenty of marine life. We hope to visit Utashud Island, where we 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 we 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. We enjoy a day tour, taking in the main city sights, visiting a sled dog kennel and a cultural show from the native Itelmen people. We overnight in our Petropavlovsk hotel.

Day 15 : Depart Petropavlovsk

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

Ship Description: Marina Svetaeva

Svetaeva was built in the famous Gdynia Poland ship yards in 1989 as an ice strengthened passenger vessel. Pronounced "Svetayva" and named after the famous Russian poet, contemporary of Boris Pasternak and Anna Akhmatova, she was built to transport people across frozen oceans in the Arctic and northern Pacific Oceans. She now spends the northern summers around the coast of the beautiful island of Sakhalin north of Japan. She was refurbished in early 2005 to provide comfortable but not luxurious accommodations for 100 passengers and 41 Russian crew. A helideck was added so that 2 helicopters could provide the magical key to unlock the secrets of the heavily iced coastlines of Deep Antarctica.

A fleet of Zodiacs with outboard motors will add to our ability to come to grips with Antarctica.

The ship is characterized by spacious cabins and large public spaces, including the bridge and outer decks, library, lecture room and bar.

Quad share Two lower berths, a desk, wardrobes and a wash basin. Showers and toilets are located in the companionway outside the cabin.	Triple Share Two lower berths and one upper, a desk, wardrobes and a wash basin. Showers and toilets are located in the companionway outside the cabin.
Twin Share Two lower berths, a desk, wardrobes and a wash basin. Showers and toilets are located in the companionway outside the cabin.	Twin Private Two lower berths, a desk, wardrobes and a private bathroom with shower, toilet and washbasin.
Mini Suite Lounge with desk and settee. A separate bedroom has two single beds. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash-basin. Ample storage. TV monitor, video player, fridge, tea and coffee making.	Suite Large lounge with desk and settee. A separate bedroom has a double and a single bed. Private bathroom with shower, toilet and wash-basin. Ample storage. TV monitor, video player, fridge, tea and coffee making.