Itinerary

The Ring of Fire displays the spectacular results of the forces that shape our world – tectonic plates and volcanism. Active volcanoes, sculpted basalt sea cliffs, archways, tunnels, and lush vegetation provide habitat for an astounding diversity of wildlife. We see large numbers of seabirds, sea lions, otters and whales. Soak in hot springs, hike through megaherb forests, visit Cold War listening posts, secret Soviet Navy bases and remains of Ainu villages.

Day 1
Upon your arrival at Petropavlovsk - Kamchataskiy airport, you will be transferred to Akademik Shokalskiy in the evening for a late night departure.

Days 2-3
We awake to lush valleys and snow-capped volcanoes of Kamchatka’s east coast. Brown bears feast on berries and salmon. Expect Steller sea lions, countless breeding seabirds and seals, whales and otters.

Day 4
On Shumshu, a peaceful river snakes through grassy wetlands with remnant orchids and wild roses. Soviet gulag remains on Atlasova share a volcanic landscape with nesting cormorants. 

Day 5
Of Paramushir’s 23 volcanoes, five are active including Ebeko, which has erupted in the past two years. We take a hike across Onekotan’s autumnal tundra and through bonsai pine forests to Black Lake, watching for red foxes and remains of Ainu dwellings. 

Day 6
Ekarma offers sanctuary to many birds, including puffins, auklets, fulmars and cormorants. Sea otters swim just off the northeastern cape. Traces of Ainu culture await on Shiashkotan. 

Day 7
Northern fur seals, Steller sea lions, auklets and petrels enliven the Lovushki Islands. Cruising Matua’s northwest coast, we see lava flows from Sarychev, which last erupted in 2009. Ashore are WWII remains of Japanese airfield and bunkers. 

Day 8
Fumaroles steam and seabirds nest on steep cliffs around Yankicha’s emerald green caldera. At dawn, thousands of whiskered auklets stream out to sea. We explore the ghostly remains of a secret Soviet Navy base on Simushir. 

Day 9
We zodiac cruise in evocative mists that often engulf Chirpoy Island twin volcanoes. A roar heralds the Steller sea lion colony on Brat Chirpoy Island, while thousands of northern fulmars, albatross and crested auklets float nearby. 

Day 10
Urup offers 120 km of stunning volcanoes, lush vegetation, lakes and rivers. Cruise the Twins, a geological wonderland of twisted basalt sea cliffs, hike up to Japanese bunkers with spectacular views and tufted puffin nests. On the west coast, we may Zodiac through basalt tunnels of Petroskov Rocks. 

Day 11-12
Iturup is Kuril’s largest island, where harbour seals forage in Zolotoy Bay. Przhevalskya Point’s black lava sea cliffs host Japanese cormorants and tufted puffins. We cruise inside Lion’s Mouth Bay, caldera of an ancient shield volcano. At Kurilsk, the locals welcome us with tours and performances. Our final day offers landings depending on local conditions. Along the way we watch for minke whales, harbour seals and pods of Dall’s porpoise. We may find a megaherb forest or hot springs to enjoy. In the Kurils, there’s always scope for surprise! 

Day 13
Arrive early morning at Sakhalin’s southern port, and disembark at the end of our magical adventure before being transferred to your hotel or the airport for your early morning departure.

Activities

How to Prepare

To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe expedition we have developed some import pre-departure information to help you prepare for your voyage. We strongly recommend you download the documents below and read carefully. Our reservation staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Before you depart for your expedition we will send you a detailed pack including your itinerary, travel documents and any other essential information relevant to your voyage.

Is your passport valid? 
Your passport will be required to have validity that will extend to six months after the date of your return.

Visa arrangements? 
Your visa arrangements are your responsibility. Foreigners entering Russian Federation require a valid visa. A tourist visa is issued for a period of 30 days. Please refer to appropriate Consulate in a country of your residence for details. Click here to find your closest Russian Consulate. 

Travel insurance? 
All passengers are required to provide travel insurance details including policy number and emergency contact number to Aurora Expeditions prior to departure. We strongly recommend insurance coverage that includes emergency medical evacuation from the vessel.

Emergency contact details? 
So that you can be contacted in the case of an emergency, remember to provide your family or friends with a copy of your travel documents as well as Aurora Expeditions’ and your Ship’s contact numbers.

Remember to pack any valuables or essential items such as medication in your hand luggage to avoid issues in the case of lost baggage.

Russian Far East Landing & Wildlife Viewing Guidelines

Russian Far East Photography Hints

Russian Far East Clothing Checklist

How to Book

Contact us

If you are interested in an Aurora Expeditions voyage, please contact our sales team to check availability.
Either email an expert here or call our experienced consultants direct on + 61 2 9252 1033 or 1800 637 688 (within Australia).

Complete a booking form

Once availability is confirmed, please download, print and complete the booking form. Please return it to us, along with your deposit to secure your berth.  Please ensure you read the Terms and Conditions of contract before sending us your signed booking form.

Terms & Conditions

Click here to view the terms and conditions.

Preparation for your voyage

On receipt of the booking form, we will contact you to confirm your booking and our reservations staff will send you a comprehensive pre-departure kit. This kit will contain all necessary pre-departure information including visa information, insurance information, a medical and personal details form, comprehensive gear list and information tailored to your voyage.

Aurora Expeditions – Your Personal Travel Agent

Aurora Expeditions is a licensed travel agent. Our experienced reservations consultants all have specialised expertise on the destinations we travel to. Each voyage has a dedicated travel expert solely working on developing dynamic itineraries for our passengers.  Contact our reservations team and allow us to create a personal itinerary to compliment your voyage, including airfares, accommodation, travel insurance and pre and post voyage travel options.

We look forward to assisting you with your journey of a lifetime.

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