Snorkeling with orcas and other whales in Kuril islands

Being part of the the Pacific volcanic ring, the narrow chin of Kuril islands connects Kamchatka and Japan like a bridge. The Islands are the tops of the highest formations of the volcanic ridge with 1000-2000 meters above the water and many more of them hidden in the depth of the ocean. They used to be part of a Japanese military fortress system and still hide secrets of the past. There are more than 150 volcanoes on the islands, 39 of which are legitimately active. This activity has to do with dozens of thermal springs that are common for this area and used for therapeutic purposes. The highest volcano, Alaid (2339 m), is located on the Atlasov's island. Kamchatka and the Kuril islands are the first to see the dawn in Russia.

If you're one of those travelers who think the harder it is to get to a place the better, you're bound to love the Kurils. Nothing here will remind you of conventional beach-lover oriented tours and you'll be able to enjoy the pristine nature of these fire-breathing islands breathing in crispy fresh air and observing what few people have observed. We bet the isolated location and the lack of information about the place have already ignited your interest.

The flora of the Islands is remarkable as well. Traveling around the islands you will visit various climate zones walking out of taiga right into subtropical thickets or from moss-covered tundra into the deep grass jungle.

Animals we can see
Through the expedition, snorkeling with marine mammals will be our main target. We intend to meet a diversity of species, including rare ones. This list includes orcas, humpbacks, gray whales, japaneese right whales, fin whales, sperm whales, northern sea lions, northern fur seals, largha seals and sea otters. Islands are inhabited by polar fox, brown bears, wolverines and other mammals, high cliffs with birds colonies are often to see. We will use every single chance to get as close as possible to the animals.

Our accommodation for the trip is an ocean sailing yacht equipped with engines so that it would be possible to follow the route even in calm weather. With favorable winds the ship goes sailing, though. When not busy exploring the area you'll spend time in one of the double or two triple cabins or on the deck contemplating the beauty around you. All the meet-ups will be held in the spacious cockpit with great views. There are two restrooms with showers on board and the third shower is located on the stern of the vessel, where you can rinse off salty ocean water after swimming or diving. Having returned after a busy adventure route, you will find yourself in the warm and cozy houseboat with a hot shower and a delicious dinner. The crew will gladly show you how to handle basic sailing gear till you get the hang of it and when the sea is calm you'll get a chance to try kayaking ocean-style.

Our route goes through all islands of Great Kuril Ridge. We will cover over 1200 km from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk to Petropavlovsk, so we will be able to see pretty much everything possible in this region. As far as we use small yacht, we will be able to change our route according to guest wishes, land on any island we want and be as close to wildlife as possible. Isn't this what can count for a real adventure? It's time to become a true explorer and ‒ for some of the areas we'll pass – a pioneer!