A sea expedition is the only way to explore the entire Kuril chain. On this cruise, you will enjoy comfortable accommodations and a wide range of activities, including trekking, hiking, Zodiac cruises, fishing, and soaking in hot springs.
Every morning, you will wake up in a new location and explore nine islands of the Pacific Ocean Necklace in a single journey.
On this journey, you will explore the Northern, Central, and Southern Kuril Islands. During the day, you will land on uninhabited islands, hike to volcanoes, head out by boat in search of whales, and encounter Steller sea lions and seabirds. For your comfort, you will be divided into groups according to fitness level, allowing you to choose the adventures that suit you best. Each group will be accompanied by experienced guides.
In the evenings, you will return to the vessel to unwind in the cozy lounge, relax in the sauna, attend a lecture, or watch a documentary about the Kuril Islands in the onboard cinema.
Hike to one of Alaid’s side craters on Atlasov Island and enjoy views of the highest volcano in the Kuril Islands
Ascend to the legendary “volcano within a volcano” — Krenitsyn
Cruise into Kraternaya Bay on Yankicha Island, one of the most scenic spots in the Kuril archipelago
Walk along Iturup’s famous White Cliffs, stretching for 28 kilometers along the coast
Descend into the caldera of Golovnin Volcano and discover its volcanic lakes, Goryacheye and Kipyashcheye (“Hot” and “Boiling”)
Admire the towering polygonal columns of Cape Stolbchaty, formed by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago
This is the general plan of the expedition; the route may vary.
In the morning, you will be transferred from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to the port. You will board the Professor Khromov, meet the expedition team, and attend a safety briefing.
Today, the vessel will sail through Avacha Bay, the largest bay in Eurasia. From the open decks, you will enjoy spectacular views of Kamchatka’s “home” volcanoes — Avachinsky, Koryaksky, Kozelsky, and Vilyuchinsky.
Today, you will discover Atlasov Island, the northernmost island of the Greater Kuril Chain. It is home to Alaid, the highest volcano in the entire Kuril Islands at 2,339 meters. The Japanese considered Alaid’s silhouette even more perfect than that of Mount Fuji.
After your excursion, you will return to the vessel and, by evening, reach Antsiferov Island, the summit of an extinct volcano. You will admire its dramatic volcanic landscape and one of the largest Steller sea lion rookeries in the Kuril Islands.
Today, you will land on Paramushir Island in the spectacular Krasheninnikov Bay. You will enjoy panoramic views of the active Karpinsky and Lomonosov volcanoes, as well as the imposing Fussa Volcano, which rises more than 1.7 kilometers above sea level. The surrounding landscapes are reminiscent of atmospheric Japanese woodblock prints.
You will cruise along the island’s shores by Zodiac, getting a close-up view of vast seabird colonies. You may also encounter whales and orcas feeding in the coastal waters.
In the morning, you will land on Onekotan Island and hike to the Ring Ridge, which offers the best views of Krenitsyn Volcano, rising 1,324 meters above sea level. The landscape is truly spectacular: Krenitsyn is a “volcano within a volcano,” with its cone rising from the middle of Ring Lake, which fills the caldera of the ancient, collapsed Tao-Rusyr Volcano.
The trek is challenging, covering around 15 kilometers round trip with an elevation gain of 600 meters. However, the extraordinary views from the top make the effort worthwhile.
Today, the vessel will anchor off the coast of Yankicha Island, one of the most scenic places in the Kuril archipelago. In the center of the bay, you will see two towering islands surrounded by emerald-green slopes.
On the island, you’ll have the opportunity to soak in natural hot springs and observe seabirds and rare Commander Arctic foxes, which are listed in the Red Data Book of Russia.
Today, you will explore the central part of Simushir Island. You’ll hike 8 kilometers to Zavaritsky Volcano, with an elevation gain of around 450 meters. Your efforts will be rewarded with an impressive view of the volcano’s caldera and its inner lake, which is completely enclosed and has no connection to the ocean. On a clear day, you may also be able to see the central part of the Greater Kuril Chain from here.
In the afternoon, you can choose an activity to suit you: go fishing for cod and rockfish or hike to the border post in Kitoboynaya Bay.
Today, you will land on Chirpoy Island, home to two volcanoes — Chirpoi Volcano, rising 624 meters, and Snow Volcano, at 395 meters.
You’ll have the opportunity to hike up Black Volcano and enjoy beautiful views of the neighboring islands, a lava tongue, and fumarolic vents in the volcano’s crater. Nearby, you’ll see Steller sea lion rookeries and colorful seabird colonies, which you’ll approach by Zodiac.
Today is dedicated to Iturup Island, the largest of the Kuril Islands. The island is famous for its White Cliffs, unusual rock formations that stretch for 28 kilometers along the coast.
The cliffs are made of soft pumice formed by a volcanic eruption. Strong winds and storms from the Sea of Okhotsk have sculpted the pumice over time, giving the cliffs their distinctive, deeply textured surface. Below, the cliffs contrast with the dark gray sand, and their upper slopes are covered in lush green vegetation.
You’ll walk along this spectacular stretch of coastline before heading to the hot springs near Baransky Volcano. The hot water fills numerous pools and basins, formed by nature and enhanced for visitors.
Kunashir is the southernmost island of the Greater Kuril Chain. Its name means “black island” in the Ainu language. The name may refer to its dark coniferous forests and brooding Tyatya Volcano, or perhaps to the abundance of black volcanic sand along its shores.
You’ll travel by bus to the caldera of Golovnin Volcano and descend into its deep crater basin, home to the volcanic lakes Goryacheye and Kipyashcheye (“Hot” and “Boiling”). You’ll have the opportunity to swim in Goryacheye Lake — the water is comfortably warm despite its name.
You will continue exploring Kunashir Island and visit the unique Stolbchaty Cape. It is formed by polygonal basalt columns created by a volcanic eruption millions of years ago. As the basaltic lava cooled and solidified, it formed remarkable stone columns resembling a giant organ in a Catholic cathedral.
In the morning, you will sail past rocky Cape Aniva and, at sunrise, admire the historic Japanese lighthouse standing on the cape.
The vessel will then enter the port of Korsakov. After breakfast, you’ll say goodbye to the expedition team and go ashore. From there, a transfer will be arranged for you to your hotel or the airport.
Rates depend on the cabin type. The price is per person with double occupancy in a cabin.
Triple Cabin — 11,545 USD
Double Cabin — 12,981 USD
Superior — 16,350 USD
Superior Plus — 18,722 USD
Mini Suite — 25,650 USD
Owner's Suite — 31,078 USD
The final price in USD depends on the Central Bank of Russia’s exchange rate.
A 5% bank fee is not included in the USD price. We reserve the right to revise the rate in the event of significant market currency fluctuations (RUR/USD).
This is one of the last few small expedition ships still operating in the Russian Far East and the Arctic. Her size and manoeuvrability make it possible to navigate through narrow straits and anchor in small bays. With Arc 5 ice class (per the Russian register), Professor Khromov is a fully ice-strengthened vessel — perfect for expedition travel.
With just 46 passengers on board, expeditions aboard Professor Khromov focus on getting you ashore as often—and for as long—as possible, with maximum safety and comfort.
Facilities on board: bar, restaurant, lounge, library with a collection of thematic literature, lecture hall, sauna. Access to the navigation bridge, wildlife, and marine life viewing from open decks.
Two lower berths and one upper berth, a porthole, desk, wardrobe, bedside tables, washbasin, and shared bathroom. The cabin is 12 sq.m.
Two lower berths, a sofa, porthole, desk, wardrobe, bedside tables, washbasin, and shared bathroom. The cabin is 12 sq.m.
One upper and one lower berth, a sofa, window, desk, wardrobe, bedside tables, and private bathroom with a shower, toilet, and washbasin. The cabin is 12 sq.m.
Two lower berths or one double bed, a sofa, window, desk, wardrobe, bedside tables, and private bathroom with a shower, toilet, and washbasin. The cabin is 12 sq.m.
A bedroom with a double bed and a living room with a single bed, as well as windows, TV, desk, wardrobe, bedside tables, and private bathroom with a shower, toilet, and washbasin. The suite is 18 sq.m.
A double bedroom and a living room with a single bed and sofa, as well as a TV, fridge, wardrobe, and windows overlooking the bow and sides of the ship. The suite has a private bathroom with a shower, toilet, and washbasin and is 27 sq.m.
Passive relaxation and sightseeing — cruises for example. No physical activities. Good for older people.
Weather conditions can vary widely as you travel through the archipelago — from bright sunshine and temperatures of up to +20°C in the Southern Kuril Islands to around 0°C in the north. Be prepared for strong winds and high humidity. Fog and rain are also possible during the cruise.
Clothing
Footwear
Personal Items
Documents
Three meals a day will be provided on board. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served buffet-style, with hot dishes, fresh vegetables and salads, desserts, and drinks.
You’ll also have complimentary 24-hour access to a tea station with drinks and snacks.
Our chefs can accommodate special dietary requirements if needed, so please let us know in advance.
An expedition team will accompany you throughout the cruise. You’ll be guided by an experienced tour leader and regional experts, who will give themed lectures and presentations on board.
Medical insurance covering emergency evacuation is mandatory. The cost of insurance is not included in the cruise price and must be paid separately. If you need assistance arranging insurance, please let our manager know when booking.
Rough seas are possible, but motion sickness medication is effective and available at the reception desk if needed.
If you’re unsure whether you get seasick, try waiting before taking medication — some travelers find that ignoring mild symptoms helps their body adjust naturally within a few hours.
Helpful tips:
Leave your phone number
and we will definitely contact you
Thank you for contacting us!
We will contact you soon.
Booking application
The Pacific Ocean Necklace 11 days
Thank you for contacting us!
We received your application and will definitely contact you to discuss the details of the trip.
We are currently receiving many requests, and we don't always manage to respond to you promptly. We will contact you during business hours, and if you left an application in the evening, we will contact you the next morning.
