The Kuril Islands, stretching some 750 miles across the Bering Sea between Russia and Japan, are a pristine haven of wildlife. In this “Northern Ring of Fire,” with its 35 active volcanoes, huge colonies of birds dot the rugged cliffs, seal rookeries are scattered along the black sand beaches, and orcas and other whales roam the waters. Originally settled by the Ainu of Japan, the islands are still sparsely inhabited. From the Kurils, we head to the spectacular Kamchatka Peninsula, where some 300 volcanoes form a breathtaking geological masterpiece.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Otaru, Japan / Embark / Sakhalin Island / At Sea

Arrive in Sapporo and transfer to Otaru to board the Orion II. Cruise to Korsakov on the Russian island of Sakhalin and explore the city of Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk. Day 3 is at sea.

Day 4
Urup Island / Chirpoy Island

We explore Urup, a chain of extinct volcanoes that was once inhabited by the Ainu, the native peoples of the Kurils, Sakhalin, and Hokkaido. The remains of ancient settlements can still be found, as well as cabins once used by Russian fur traders. Cruising to Chirpoy Island, we may cruise by Zodiac to see a major Steller sea lion rookery.

Day 5
Yankicha Island / Matua Island

The tip of an extinct volcano, Yankicha Island boasts a stunning panorama, with its steep-walled flooded caldera forming a tranquil lagoon for harlequin ducks, sea otters, and nesting crested and whiskered auklets. We can enjoy a soak in natural thermal spring here. After a wet landing on a black sand beach, we head inland to explore an old Russian airbase, abandoned since the collapse of the Soviet Union, and cruise by Zodiac to view rich birdlife and harbor seals.

Day 6
Skaly Lavushki /Onekotan Island

At remote Skaly Lavushki and Onekotan Islands, seabirds, sea lions, and fur seals greet us as we step ashore from our Zodiacs. Whiskered auklets breed here, and on volcanic Onekotan, we search for red foxes and birdlife including the red-throated pipit. Dallís porpoises surface offshore, along with six species of seals and Steller sea lions, the largest of all sea lions.

Day 7
Atlasova Island / Shumshu Island

Anchoring at Atlasova, we visit Shelakova Bay, where seabirds inhabit rocky ledges and waterfalls tumble to the beach. Views include the perfectly sculptured peak of Vulkan Alaid, the highest in the Kuril Island chain. At Shumshu, the northernmost of the Kuril Islands, we can view hundreds of sea otters in the kelp beds just offshore from our Zodiacs.

Day 8
Vestnik Bay

On the Kamchatka Peninsula, we visit Vestnik Bay in the Yuzhno-Kamchatsky Nature Reserve, we can see the power of Kamchatkaís volcanoes. Ashore we explore coastal forest and discover many bird species such as the Eurasian nutcracker, taiga flycatcher, and red-flanked bluetail. We watch for shy Kamchatka brown bears on the shoreline and Steller sea eagles circling above.

Day 9
Zhupanova River

The Zhupanova River watershed boasts one of the worldís richest rainbow trout habitats and is also a resting place for migratory birds. The Zhupanova, before or during the annual salmon run, is a great place to see brown bears.

Days 10-11
Petropavlovsk, Russia / Kamchatka Peninsula

We arrive in Petropavlovsk, founded in 1740 by the explorer Vitus Bering and the jumping off point for both his expeditions. Weather permitting, an optional helicopter flight (at extra cost) reveals the Valley of the Geysers, with its spectacular geothermal features. Disembark the Orion II on Day 11 and transfer to the airport for flights home.

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What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring walks, and it is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.

Explanation of Trip Levels