About Aaltje van Zoelen Expertise Any general questions about travel in Eastern Russia, specific orientation nature travel through Kamchatka, Kuriles, Sakhalin and Chukotka
Experience
Past/Present Clients US Department of Agriculture
Foundation for Russian American Economic Cooperation
Society Expeditions, Zegrahm, Marine Expeditions, etc.
Question Greetings!
Is independent travelling allowed on the Kuriles? Are there any ferry connections to the Kuriles from Skhalin?
With many thanks in advance!
Pierre Bouchard
Answer Dear Pierre:
The only way to travel trhough the Kuriles is to work with a local Sakhalin tour agency that can assist you with your arrangements. Accomplished tour agencies in Sakhaling are hard to find, they still operate under the soviet system.
In addition the ferry transportation system is unreliable and difficult to book. The ferry operates on a schedule that is determined upon the freight it carries i.e. wherever the freight goes you go. It is also impossible to book tickets ahead you just have to go to the booking office in Korsakov where you board the vessel and see if tickets are available on the days it operates. Then you might not get to your destination. Travelling on the islands is also very difficult as customs and immigrations can really make things difficult for you if you do not have the right documentation.
There is air transportation to both Kunashir and Iturup but it is a small plane and it only operates in good weather conditions. This means that you might have tickets for an upcoming flight but you cannot get on because previous travelers have booked on a flight that has been cancelled.
The islands are, however worth your patience, they are aboslutely beautiful and the people are incredibly hospitable. Hotels are really not available but home stays can be arranged.
