Sea Kayaking in Kamchatka

Duration11days

Price fromUSD $3,000 ?Currency ConversionConverted from USD based on the latest exchange rate. Final amount and payment will be in USD. Final conversion rate is determined by your bank.

Trip StyleSea Kayaking

Time of yearJuly-August

Kayaking in Kamchatka you’ll explore secluded bays, islets and sea caves, getting you closer to the wild inhabitants than you ever imagined.

This epic Kamchatka Sea Kayaking tour covering roughly 110km of rarely visited Pacific Coast will take you to parts of this dramatic region only accessible by small sea craft. Tracing the peninsula’s shoreline south from the calm waters of Avacha Bay, you’ll paddle beneath the shadows of snowy volcanoes and explore mysterious sea caves.

Visit the incredible Starichkov Island Nature Reserve – one of the Pacific’s largest seabird colonies, and impressive Russkaya Bay for world-class marine mammal encounters. Discover a side of the Kamchatkan wilderness only a few have ever experienced on an unforgettable Russian Sea Kayaking adventure.

Kamchatka sea kayaking tour highlights:

  • Be immersed in the scenic splendour of Avacha Bay, a tranquil harbour surrounded by soaring cliffs and coastal forests. Dramatic rock formations rise from the water, including the ‘Three Brothers’, said to be the guardians of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.
  • The vast colonies of seabirds that nest on Starichkov Island Nature Reserve are a breathtaking sight. You’ll see thousands of cormorants, gulls, guillemots and puffins, while in the morning, dozens of large seals can be found sunbaking on the rocks.
  • Russkaya Bay is located in the south-western part of the Avacha Gulf, whose craggy shores are reminiscent of the Norwegian fjords. The panoramas of imposing inland volcanoes add to the dramatic impact of being inside this spectacular bay.
  • Enjoy free time and optional activities in Kamchatka such as Valley of Geysers - the second biggest geysers' field in the world.
  • Hike active Mutnovsky volcano and embark on a walking excursion at the Vachkazhets are Mount which is one of the most beautiful in Kamchatka.

Vast, rugged, and largely uninhabited, the peninsula’s coastline is truly spectacular. A Kamchatka Kayaking expedition is truly the adventure of a lifetime.

Our journey begins in Avacha Bay. One of the world’s largest bays, Avacha provides a safe harbour for ships servicing the Kamchatkan capital of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. From here, we start paddling southwest, savouring the unique experience of maneuvering between the hulls of huge ships anchored in near the port. We traverse through the narrowest part of Avacha Bay, enclosed on all sides by lush green hills and snowy volcanoes. Out here in the vastness of the Pacific, you’ll ride swirling waves like a giant carousel.

As we venture further south into a sparsely populated territory, we’ll spot more and more amazing wildlife, as the chances of heart-stopping close encounters with ocean giants such as whales and stellar sea lions increases. Throughout this Kamchatka kayaking trip, you’ll be sharing the waters with orcas, humpback and minke whales, while sea otters and seals are guaranteed to make a regular appearance. Brown bears are often spotted ambling along beaches of the peninsula’s uninhabited bays.

This is a challenging backcountry kayaking and camping expedition, suitable for experienced long-distance ocean paddlers. You’ll put your skills against some of the most remote tracts of wilderness on the planet, navigating past dramatic capes and riding the swirling Pacific surf.

Accompanied by an experienced guide, you’ll experience coastal Kamchatka as a true pioneer of adventure travel. The majestic landscapes, thrilling wildlife encounters and sheer remoteness of Russia’s Far East are sure to leave you with astounding memories not soon forgotten.

Arrival

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Departure

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Accomodation

Mixed (hotel, tents)

Trip style

Sea Kayaking

Duration

11 days / 10 nights

Action rating?

     

Group size

2-8 people

Type of tour

Private

Itinerary View map

Day 1 Welcome to Kamchatka

Arrive in Petropavlovsk -Kamchatsky, the administrative, cultural and industrial center of Kamchatka, home to around 180,000 people.

From the airport, you’ll be transferred to a guesthouse in town, where you will take your time to relax and acclimatise. Meet a guide for a tour of Petropavlovsk, allocation of equipment and a short briefing on a tour ahead.

Day 2 Avacha Bay and Starichkov Island

Set out from the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Head southwest, traversing the calm waters of Avacha Bay, enclosed on all sides by green hills and snowy volcanoes. Our journey begins at Srednyaya Lagernaya Bay, the small part of scenic Avacha Bay – one of the world's biggest bays. From here we start paddling southwest, savouring the unique experience of manoeuvring between the hulls of huge ships anchored in the bay. We traverse through the narrowest part of Avacha Bay, enclosed on all sides by lush green hills and snowy volcanoes. Out here in the vastness of the Pacific, you’ll ride swirling waves like a giant carousel.

After a while, you’ll start to notice the accumulation of rocky debris sticking out of the water, signifying our approach to Starichkov Island Nature Reserve. This incredible wilderness is one of the most spectacular sights of Kamchatka – made up of long white beaches, a labyrinth of weatherworn rocks and colonies of sea birds in breathtaking numbers. Red-faced and pelagic cormorants, Pacific gulls, kittiwakes, Pacific and spectacled guillemots, tufted puffins and horned puffins are just some of the birds that nest here in the summer. In the evening, we set up a camp on a white pebbled beach on the island.

If we have time in the evening, a trek to the middle Starichkov will take us to a solar-powered lighthouse with jaw-dropping views of Vilychinsky, Koryak, Avachinsky and Kozelsky volcanoes. The evening provides atmospheric light for photography, with the sun dropping behind the mountains and the Kamchatka sky transformed into a delicate palette of oranges and pinks.

Day 3 Vilyuchinskaya and Zhirovaya Bays

After circumnavigating the island, we head to the most picturesque bays of Kamchatka – Vilyuchinskaya and Zhirovaya. Vilyuchinskaya Bay goes deep into the land. Its coasts are almost parallel to one another and all together stretch for 17.5km. Being one of the most beautiful bays of Kamchatka, it offers a stunning view of the nearby Vilyuchinsky volcano.

Zhirovaya Bay stretches for 13.5km between capes Kruty and Razdelny. It offers a 3km long sandy beach. This bay is one of the most beautiful places in Kamchatka. Several waterfalls flow from the surrounding cliffs. Year-round visitors come here for fishing, kayaking and scuba diving.

Set up a camp at Zelyony (“Green”) Cape and enjoy starry nights sky.

Day 4-5 Kekurny Cape and Russkaya Bay

Our destination for today is Kekurny Cape.

Here will be greeted by the sight of dozens of largo (common seals) basking in the early morning rays. The seals are bold, playful and curious and not at all afraid of kayakers. The north side of the island is a reliable spot to watch dolphins play, and to observe the magnificent Steller sea lions, the heaviest of all sea lions and one of the rarest. Next, we head to the charming bay of Russkaya (“Russian Bay”), located in the south-western part of the Avacha Gulf. The craggy shores of the bay offer impressive sights, reminding of a Norwegian fjord and serving as a natural shelter for ships in the past.

The panoramas of the imposing inland mountains and volcanoes add to the dramatic impact of being in this spectacular bay. With a bit of luck, we’ll spot whales on their migration route. Killer (“Orca”) whales and dolphins are also common in the surrounding waters.

Day 6 Heading back to the city

Board a Sea Catamaran from the cruise back to the city. On the way, we will enjoy marine wildlife watching, sea fishing and sunbathing. Share some stories with your friends about the trip, as today is our last day in Kamchatka. Upon arrival at the seaport, you’ll be transferred to the guesthouse in the city.

Day 7 Free day or optional activities

This day is planned as a spare day in case of bad weather. Or you can choose to join one of the optional excursions we have on offer, such as helicopter excursions to the Valley of Geysers or Kuril Lake (for brow bears watching), cultural immersion at the ethnic centre, rafting and fishing and others.

***The program can be finished on this day upon request, contact us for prices just for kayaking part of the itinerary (day 1-7).

Day 8 Mutnovsky volcano ascending

After breakfast at the camp, we set out for a full day trek up the Mutnovsky volcano.

The trek is an enjoyable adventure for everyone, with the highlight being a stroll into the active caldera. The trek covers just under 7km, with a rise of 600m. A gentle stroll soon starts to climb steadily on the bedded volcanic rock of the Mutnovsky slopes, following a stream which emerges from the caldera gorge ahead.  Beyond the track, a foot trail climbs past old bore holds spouting steam, with views of a number of peaks in the distance. The route makes a long traverse on a mix of rough tundra, lava blocks and banks of air-fall ash and pumice. It crosses three broad snowfields before a final rise to the mouth of the caldera gorge. The caldera floor is at an altitude of 1,540m, which is still 800m below the ice-capped summit of Mount Mutnovsky. A picnic lunch will take place some distance from the active fumaroles. Afterwards, we’ll return to the city, with a stopover at Opasny Canyon on the way.

Day 9 Vachkazhets volcano

Today we hike around Mount Vachkazhets, a volcano which was once a one-cone volcano before exploding and splitting into three different summits, and explore its surroundings.

Vachkazhets and its surroundings are among the most beautiful spots in Kamchatka, telling a story stretching back to ancient times when Vachkazhets was a one-cone volcano before exploding and dividing into three parts. You will be able to take in the scenic surrounds and appreciate the serene quiet at a picnic lunch during the trek.

Day 10 Free day or optional activities

This day is planned as a spare day in case of bad weather. Or you can choose to join one of the optional excursions we have on offer, such as helicopter excursions to the Valley of Geysers or Kuril Lake (for brow bears watching), cultural immersion at the ethnic centre, rafting and fishing and others.

Day 11 Departure

It's time to say goodbye as our adventure is finished.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure back home. Or prolong your tour in Kamchatka for a couple of more days, enjoying volcanoes trekking or helicopter excursions to the best spots of this beautiful region.

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Have a question about this tour? Our experts will be happy to help

Inclusions

Group arrival and departure airport transfers

All transportation on tour according to the itinerary

Guesthouse accommodation in Petropavlovsk

Sea catamaran accommodation (twin or triple)

Camping on the shores, all equipment

Kayaks and kayaking equipment

All meals during kayaking days onboard of catamaran, breakfasts and dinners in the guesthouse

Local professional English-speaking guides-kayakers

All activities and sights indicated in the itinerary

Russian visa support document (invitation/voucher)

Exclusions

Flights

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees

Optional excursions and activities

Individual transfers, not indicated in the itinerary

Alcohol

Dates & Prices

Dates Availability Price Single sup.  
Jul 4 - Jul 14, 2022
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $3,000 US $300 Reserve

Sea Kayaking in Kamchatka

11 days / 10 nights

From
$3,000
USD

*price is per person, based on min 2 people in the group. Single supplement fees apply

Make an enquiry

Testimonials

Tina DawsonAustralia

"The experience 56th Parallel were able to provide was next to perfect".

Having no clue as what to expect on this once in a lifetime and totally out of my comfort zone adventure, 56th Parallel were able to answer all my questions before deciding to go, and after booking. Although, I was booking from Japan, the ease of the process was comforting.

On the ground, 56th Parallel is teamed up with fantastic operators. They are all very experienced and professional. Kamchatka is a stunning and wild location. We were able to see it in all its glory while kayaking on the Pacific Ocean, trekking on volcanoes and from the air on a day helicopter tour. Your safety is always first and foremost. The experience 56th Parallel were able to provide was next to perfect.

Tina in kamchatka

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Sea Kayaking in Kamchatka

11 days / 10 nights

From
$3,000
USD

*price is per person, based on min 2 people in the group. Single supplement fees apply

Make an enquiry
Click here to subscribe

Why travel to Russia with 56th Parallel?

Destination Specialists

Our team offers over 18 years of experience travelling and planning travel in Russia. Delivering outstanding travel experiences in Russia’s capitals and in some of the most stunning & remote locations takes experience, special access and the right connections. We make sure that all the fine details are handled perfectly so you can enjoy your Russia travel experience.

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The choice to join a small group on a guaranteed departure or chose to travel on your own dates with your own mates. Each destination we travel to in Russia offers an option between private tours and small group tours. Please note: on our adventure tours in remote destinations, we mostly run group tours to keep the cost down.

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+61 412 587 785[email protected]

Sea Kayaking in Kamchatka

Days 11

From USD $3,000

Trip Style Sea Kayaking

Time of year July-August

Day 1: Welcome to Kamchatka

Arrive in Petropavlovsk -Kamchatsky, the administrative, cultural and industrial center of Kamchatka, home to around 180,000 people.

From the airport, you’ll be transferred to a guesthouse in town, where you will take your time to relax and acclimatise. Meet a guide for a tour of Petropavlovsk, allocation of equipment and a short briefing on a tour ahead.

Day 2: Avacha Bay and Starichkov Island

Set out from the port of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Head southwest, traversing the calm waters of Avacha Bay, enclosed on all sides by green hills and snowy volcanoes. Our journey begins at Srednyaya Lagernaya Bay, the small part of scenic Avacha Bay – one of the world's biggest bays. From here we start paddling southwest, savouring the unique experience of manoeuvring between the hulls of huge ships anchored in the bay. We traverse through the narrowest part of Avacha Bay, enclosed on all sides by lush green hills and snowy volcanoes. Out here in the vastness of the Pacific, you’ll ride swirling waves like a giant carousel.

After a while, you’ll start to notice the accumulation of rocky debris sticking out of the water, signifying our approach to Starichkov Island Nature Reserve. This incredible wilderness is one of the most spectacular sights of Kamchatka – made up of long white beaches, a labyrinth of weatherworn rocks and colonies of sea birds in breathtaking numbers. Red-faced and pelagic cormorants, Pacific gulls, kittiwakes, Pacific and spectacled guillemots, tufted puffins and horned puffins are just some of the birds that nest here in the summer. In the evening, we set up a camp on a white pebbled beach on the island.

If we have time in the evening, a trek to the middle Starichkov will take us to a solar-powered lighthouse with jaw-dropping views of Vilychinsky, Koryak, Avachinsky and Kozelsky volcanoes. The evening provides atmospheric light for photography, with the sun dropping behind the mountains and the Kamchatka sky transformed into a delicate palette of oranges and pinks.

Day 3: Vilyuchinskaya and Zhirovaya Bays

After circumnavigating the island, we head to the most picturesque bays of Kamchatka – Vilyuchinskaya and Zhirovaya. Vilyuchinskaya Bay goes deep into the land. Its coasts are almost parallel to one another and all together stretch for 17.5km. Being one of the most beautiful bays of Kamchatka, it offers a stunning view of the nearby Vilyuchinsky volcano.

Zhirovaya Bay stretches for 13.5km between capes Kruty and Razdelny. It offers a 3km long sandy beach. This bay is one of the most beautiful places in Kamchatka. Several waterfalls flow from the surrounding cliffs. Year-round visitors come here for fishing, kayaking and scuba diving.

Set up a camp at Zelyony (“Green”) Cape and enjoy starry nights sky.

Day 4-5: Kekurny Cape and Russkaya Bay

Our destination for today is Kekurny Cape.

Here will be greeted by the sight of dozens of largo (common seals) basking in the early morning rays. The seals are bold, playful and curious and not at all afraid of kayakers. The north side of the island is a reliable spot to watch dolphins play, and to observe the magnificent Steller sea lions, the heaviest of all sea lions and one of the rarest. Next, we head to the charming bay of Russkaya (“Russian Bay”), located in the south-western part of the Avacha Gulf. The craggy shores of the bay offer impressive sights, reminding of a Norwegian fjord and serving as a natural shelter for ships in the past.

The panoramas of the imposing inland mountains and volcanoes add to the dramatic impact of being in this spectacular bay. With a bit of luck, we’ll spot whales on their migration route. Killer (“Orca”) whales and dolphins are also common in the surrounding waters.

Day 6: Heading back to the city

Board a Sea Catamaran from the cruise back to the city. On the way, we will enjoy marine wildlife watching, sea fishing and sunbathing. Share some stories with your friends about the trip, as today is our last day in Kamchatka. Upon arrival at the seaport, you’ll be transferred to the guesthouse in the city.

Day 7: Free day or optional activities

This day is planned as a spare day in case of bad weather. Or you can choose to join one of the optional excursions we have on offer, such as helicopter excursions to the Valley of Geysers or Kuril Lake (for brow bears watching), cultural immersion at the ethnic centre, rafting and fishing and others.

***The program can be finished on this day upon request, contact us for prices just for kayaking part of the itinerary (day 1-7).

Day 8: Mutnovsky volcano ascending

After breakfast at the camp, we set out for a full day trek up the Mutnovsky volcano.

The trek is an enjoyable adventure for everyone, with the highlight being a stroll into the active caldera. The trek covers just under 7km, with a rise of 600m. A gentle stroll soon starts to climb steadily on the bedded volcanic rock of the Mutnovsky slopes, following a stream which emerges from the caldera gorge ahead.  Beyond the track, a foot trail climbs past old bore holds spouting steam, with views of a number of peaks in the distance. The route makes a long traverse on a mix of rough tundra, lava blocks and banks of air-fall ash and pumice. It crosses three broad snowfields before a final rise to the mouth of the caldera gorge. The caldera floor is at an altitude of 1,540m, which is still 800m below the ice-capped summit of Mount Mutnovsky. A picnic lunch will take place some distance from the active fumaroles. Afterwards, we’ll return to the city, with a stopover at Opasny Canyon on the way.

Day 9: Vachkazhets volcano

Today we hike around Mount Vachkazhets, a volcano which was once a one-cone volcano before exploding and splitting into three different summits, and explore its surroundings.

Vachkazhets and its surroundings are among the most beautiful spots in Kamchatka, telling a story stretching back to ancient times when Vachkazhets was a one-cone volcano before exploding and dividing into three parts. You will be able to take in the scenic surrounds and appreciate the serene quiet at a picnic lunch during the trek.

Day 10: Free day or optional activities

This day is planned as a spare day in case of bad weather. Or you can choose to join one of the optional excursions we have on offer, such as helicopter excursions to the Valley of Geysers or Kuril Lake (for brow bears watching), cultural immersion at the ethnic centre, rafting and fishing and others.

Day 11: Departure

It's time to say goodbye as our adventure is finished.

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure back home. Or prolong your tour in Kamchatka for a couple of more days, enjoying volcanoes trekking or helicopter excursions to the best spots of this beautiful region.

Included

Group arrival and departure airport transfers

All transportation on tour according to the itinerary

Guesthouse accommodation in Petropavlovsk

Sea catamaran accommodation (twin or triple)

Camping on the shores, all equipment

Kayaks and kayaking equipment

All meals during kayaking days onboard of catamaran, breakfasts and dinners in the guesthouse

Local professional English-speaking guides-kayakers

All activities and sights indicated in the itinerary

Russian visa support document (invitation/voucher)

Not included

Flights

Travel insurance

Russian visa and visa fees

Optional excursions and activities

Individual transfers, not indicated in the itinerary

Alcohol

Dates & Prices

DatesAvailabilityPriceSingle sup.
Jul 4 - Jul 14, 2022
Guaranteed Departures
Available US $3,000 US $300

Start planning your tour

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Prefer to chat? Call us on +61 412 587 785 we will be delighted to be of service.

Sea Kayaking in Kamchatka

If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785

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