2023 Vladivostok > Sapporo

The Pacific Ring of Fire

Venture along one of the world's most active plate boundaries. Containing at least a hundred volcanoes, the Kuril Islands rise from the deep, and have developed into a chain of unique and dramatic landscapes, replete with fertile soil and ample wildlife. Traverse its primal beauty on board Scenic Eclipse, exploring the path less travelled with our experienced Captains and Discovery Team.

The perfect conditions have been created for both seabirds and cetaceans. With a terrain that ranges from barren tundra lands to dense forests, and sandy beaches to rocky cliff faces, exploring this diverse and changing region is unlike any other. Discover the history of the indigenous Ainu people, and learn the intricacies of the dispute between Russia and Japan over these remote islands.

Tour Code:: 201V
Duration:: 13 days
Departure City:: Vladivostok
Return City:: Sapporo

Selected Itinerary

13 Day Itinerary

Day 1 - Vladivostok, Russia > Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy

Welcome to Russia. Today you will board your included flight to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy. This evening, sail out of Avacha Bay, one of the greatest natural harbours in the world, and begin your discovery of the Pacific Ring of Fire on board Scenic Eclipse. Join your Captain, crew and new friends and toast to your journey of wonder.

Meals Included: Dinner
Day 2 - Atlasova Island

The northernmost island in the Kuril chain, Atlasova Island features black sand beaches, and wildflowers scattered across the green tundra. Keep your eyes out for frolicking otters and soaring Steller’s sea eagles, the largest eagle in the world. The archipelago’s highest volcano, the Vulkan Alaid, stands at 2,315 metres tall (7,600 feet), and is spoken about widely in local legends. The perfect shape of the mountain is said to have made the neighbouring ranges so jealous that they exiled it to the seas.

Discovery

Join the Discovery Team on a birdwatching walk, or to admire this perfect volcano with our geologist.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Onekotan Island

Home to Krenitsyn, an imposing 1220 metre (4,000 foot) volcano, Onekotan lush tundra rolls into the ocean, with streams and waterfalls tumbling down onto the beach. Use your included binoculars to spot the ezo red fox that inhabits this island.

Discovery

Stretch your legs on a walk through an amazing field of wild flowers towards Black Lake, or enjoy a zodiac cruise to see the active volcano on the nearby Ekarma Islands.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Lovushka Islands

A perfect destination to see marine mammals and seabirds, the Lovushka Islands

Discovery

Join the Discovery Team on a birdwatching walk, or cruise along the coast and admire the wildlife

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Raykoke Island

Raykoke Island is home to one of five major Steller sea lion rookeries on the Kuril Islands, and during summer, is home to one of the largest northern fulmar aggregations on the Kurils.

Discovery

Explore with the Discovery Team on Zodiac, kayak, stand-up paddle board or hiking, and hear about the 2019 volcano eruption and its effects.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Yankicha Island

The Yankicha Island is a standout feature of the Kuril Islands. The steep walled caldera is dotted with hot springs and fumaroles and abruptly bulges out of the ocean. Explore on foot, walking around the grassy slopes of the calderas, and listening to the tunes of the songbirds, the Arctic and Middendorf’s grasshopper warbler.

Discovery

Join the Discovery Team on a walk or hike, keeping your eyes out for foxes, or enjoy a zodiac cruise along the coastline, admiring the incredible amount of alcids. Alternatively, if tides allow, kayak in the magnificent caldera.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 - Simushir Island

Translating to “Large Island” in the indigenous Ainu language, Simushir features a string of four extinct volcanoes surrounded by verdant slopes. Previously home to a secret Russian military base, enjoy the opportunity to wander around the abandoned barracks and other relics of the Cold War era.

Discovery

Wander around the remains of an abandoned Soviet base which is slowly being reclaimed by nature.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 - Urup Island

Emerald green volcanic landscapes emerge from the fog as you wander the beach of Urup island looking for Largha and Harbor Seals, as well as Pacific Sea Otters. Enjoy the soothing sounds of the birds from the forest for the White-tailed Eagle, Harlequin Duck and Gray-tailed Tattler.

Discovery

Explore the birdlife of Urup Island with our Discovery Team, watching out for sea otters along the beach, or kayak along the twisted sea cliffs.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 - Chirpoy Island

Chirpoy Island is the name of twin volcanic islands surrounded by a number of small islets. With striking black lava cliffs providing the rugged charms of a volcanic island, this rare and dynamic landscape offers the opportunity to discover a region that has a stunning yet unique landscape.

Discovery

Walk along the dramatic outline of Chirpoy Island, search for wildlife with the Discovery Team, or choose to marvel at the scenery from a kayak.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 - Tyuleniy Island

This uninhabited island in the Caspian Sea is a nature reserve known for the magnitude of northern fur seals, with Tyuleniy meaning seal in Russian. Stand on the Observation Deck as you approach and listen to the roar. Enjoy the day exploring the island, and taking in all the action happening around you.

Discovery

Observe the seals with our Discovery Team, both in Zodiacs and on shore.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 - At Sea

Relaxation beckons, and with so many choices on board you will be surprised how quickly time passes on board. Choose one of the daily activities, join an entertaining discussion in the theatre or relax in the Senses Spa as you continue sailing the Sea of Okhotsk.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 - Korsakov

Located on the southern tip of Sakhalin Island with a tumultuous history , Korsakov is today a picture of tranquillity. Explore the fascinating town, with a medley of Russian and Japanese structures with modern buildings and museums.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 - Otaru, Japan

Welcome to Otaru. Disembark from Scenic Eclipse after breakfast as you farewell the crew and take away memories of a truly unforgettable cruise.
The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Meals Included: Breakfast