The Kuril Islands are one of those destinations that takes a long time, considerable effort, and serious money to reach. Infrastructure there is virtually nonexistent, transport links are in their infancy, and comfort is essentially out of the question. Of course, the nature is extraordinary — breathtaking scenery, natural wonders, and a truly wild corner of the earth. But all the accompanying discomfort of the journey and accommodation can easily overshadow even the most vivid impressions from the experience. So rather than take that risk, we set out on a yacht cruise.
A week aboard the yacht Omega through the islands of the northern Kurils turned out to be an unforgettable adventure. First and foremost, it was wonderfully convenient. A direct flight to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, then boarding the yacht — and after that all we had to do was enjoy ourselves: take in the scenery, go fishing, and occasionally come ashore for a short walk and a look around. Comfortable cabins made the journey cozy, and the friendly, attentive crew helped us truly unwind and forget our worries. No stress whatsoever!
We revelled in the boundless expanse of the ocean, explored picturesque islands — some inhabited, some barely so. Along the way we got to meet the locals and happily listened to their stories about life in a place so far removed from civilisation. We also dived, fished, and used drones to scout the spots we couldn't physically reach.
Over the course of the expedition we spotted whales, orcas, and seals. With the seals we even managed to dive — they were as playful as ever, and no one escaped their close attention.
All in all, we absolutely loved this format for exploring the Kurils. Below is a short photo diary from our journey.
Find the schedule of our upcoming trips on the trips page! We look forward to seeing you on one of our journeys.
