UNDP/GEF
Conservation of Biodiversity on Kamchatka's 4 Protected Areas

Kamchatka excursions and tours

Because Kamchatka is basically a nature based destination, its hospitality infrastructure is somewhat limited. There are some new and modern hotels, but the reality is that when one travels out of the city of Petropalvovsk-Kamchatsky, chances are that accommodations be in small hotels, home stays, simple cabins, and tents.

Kamchatka’s tour companies, however, are able to provide excellent tour products based on their specific expertise. The Kamchatka Ecotourism Society is working towards tourism certification and gathering of Best Practices in order to demonstrate that quality brings success and satisfaction. This effort is championed by the Kamchatka Ecotourism Society.

We recommend that if you wish to experience Kamchatka at its best, you work with people who love to show you their region and who have your safety and care in mind. We recommend that you use one of Kamchatka’s tour operators including our advertisers to choose a special area or activity.

On our web site you will find information about possible activities on Kamchatka. However to help you identify additional optional excursions and tours, that cater to your specific interest, we offer below some suggestions.

Tour Options
Kamchatka Switzerland
Time period: 3-4 days
Season: June through September
Guided excursions may include a visit to Esso and Anavgai located in the Central Kamchatka Mountain Range and Bystrinsky Nature Park.  These small villages inhabited by Koryak, Even, and Itelmen offer both outdoor and cultural experiences.  Usually a visit to the Bystrinsky Nature Park Visitor Center and the Bystrinsky District Ethnographic Museum are part of the tour.  Take a day hike on the park’s ecological trail.  Sometimes a helicopter excursion to some of the Even reindeer camps may be included.

Bear watching in Kronotsky Preserve
Time period: 3-6 days
Season: August 1 – September 30
These tours will be operated in cooperation with the above mentioned protected area.  This area offers bear observation during peak salmon spawning times, with excellent explanations about bear behavior by Preserve biologists.  Groups will be accompanied by a preserve inspector.  Visit the mouth of the Shumnaya River during spawning season where bears congregate, or the Kronotsky “Aerodrome” area, named for its flat tundra nearby.  The tour requires helicopter transportation and therefore can be quite expensive and there may be delays due to weather conditions.

Wildlife observation in Yuzhno-Kamchatsky Reserve
Time period:  5 days
Season:  July 20-September 1
The bear viewing tours to Yuzhno-Kamchatsky Reserve take visitors to Grassy Point Lodge on Kurilskoye Lake.  Using boats, short hikes, and viewing platforms, visitors can see bears and other wildlife during the peak salmon migration.  The tour requires helicopter transportation and therefore can be quite expensive and there may be delays due to weather conditions.

Hot springs enjoyment in Nalychevo Nature Park
Time period:  3-10 days
Season:  June 15-September 30
Experiencing a fantastic skyline of sky scraping volcanoes and mountains from nearly every vantage point awaits visitors to Nalychevo’s hot springs.  The park has 3 hot springs in the central area of the park, and others within a day’s hike of the center.  It’s a 2-day hike each way into the park center, or one can fly by helicopter.  Besides bathing in the hot springs, there are wildflowers to see, trails to hike amidst birches, and birds to see.

One-day excursions may include:

• A cruise on Avacha Bay to Starichkov Island
• Rafting on Avacha River
• Taking the helicopter to Nalychevo Park for a day of hiking and hot springs
• Taking a helicopter excursion to the Valley of Geysers and Uzon Caldera
• Exploring Itelmen culture at Sosnovka village
• Experience dog sledding
• Exploring the cultural aspects of both Petropavlovsk and Yelizovo
• Bathing at a hot springs spa in Paratunka
• Picnicking on the Pacific Ocean beach near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

Two-day excursions may include:

• Climbing Avacha Volcano with a stay at the Avacha Base Camp
• Extending your stay at Nalychevo Park and enjoying a day of hiking the trails.

If you are looking at off-season trip possibilities, April offers fantastic backcountry skiing and ice fishing and the Avachinsky Ski Marathon takes place during this time. Also Kamchatka’s annual spring performing arts festival featuring world class music from classical to native dance performances takes place during April.

Cruises
Kamchatka’s beauty has spread around the world.  Now both expedition ships and larger cruise vessels call on the destination.  For those who savor quick impressions this is the luxury way to visit Kamchatka.  Presently, expedition companies such as Heritage Expeditions, Poseidon Adventures, and Clipper Cruise Lines visit Kamchatka.

Locally several companies offer one-day cruises on Avacha Bay or to the Commander Islands.  Our advertisers can provide more information on these options.