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.

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

Thermal springs, waterfalls, and volcanoes. A pristine nature reserve mostly covered in a thick forest, Paramushir Island has a total of 23 volcanos and is filled the rocky peaks and craters. Aptly named "whale bay", Krasheninnikova Bay welcomes dozens of whales every year.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - 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.

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

Matua Island was transformed into a Japanese fortress during World War II, with underground canals, an airfield and navy docks. According to legends, there is an underground city yet to be discovered that was used for research during the war. Now uninhabited, the island has captivated Russian military historians who consider the island an open-air museum of war.

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.

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.

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.

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

See the beautiful contrast of white pumice cliffs carved by the winds against the Okhotsk Sea and black hexagonal pillars of volcanic magma, topped with green fields. On the slopes of Demon Mountain in the north of the island, you will witness one of the highest waterfalls in Russia, Ilya Muromets Waterfall.

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

The largest and southernmost island of the Kuril chain, Kunashiri island is formed by four active volcanoes. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cape Stolbchaty, with 50-million-year old basalt columns forming the dramatic cliff faces that protrude from the ocean. Explore fumarolic fields, steaming hot springs, and volcanic crater lakes. More than 200 brown bears roam the island, waiting for the salmon to overcrowd the rivers.

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