Working Hours: Mon-Sun 09:00-20:00 (GMT+3) Tour Operator License: RTO 022273
Expedition Cruises in the Russian Far East
The Far East amazes even those who have seen the whole world. Choose your cruise and pay for it in one click on the website.
We operate in three areas: the Arctic, the Kuril Islands, and the Far East. Our expedition cruises offer vibrant adventures, an enriching educational program, gastronomic experiences, and a professional expedition team.
In 2026, we’ll be landing on uninhabited islands, visiting remote nature reserves, taking boat trips to seal rookeries and towering bird cliffs, and encountering whales and seals in their natural habitat. Most importantly, we’ll be enjoying breathtaking landscapes in the company of curious, passionate travelers. Choose your 2026 adventure!
Expedition Cruises to the Kuril Islands in 2026 with Vasta Expeditions
In 2026, Professor Khromov and Akademik Shokalskiy will complete eleven expedition cruises along the Kuril archipelago. Participants will land on remote islands, hike to volcanic craters, explore caldera bays, and immerse themselves in surreal landscapes. You’ll encounter whales and orcas, observe sea lion rookeries and seabird cliffs, and even soak in remote thermal springs. Highlights include the legendary Krenitsyn Volcano on Onekotan and Crater Bay on Yankicha Island. Each voyage is limited to 44−46 guests. Choose your adventure.
Expedition Cruises to the Commander Islands in 2026 with Vasta Expeditions
In 2026, Professor Khromov will sail cruises between Kamchatka and Chukotka, visiting the Commander Islands. Guests will spend four days exploring the Commanders, visit remote fjords, and experience Russia’s windiest region. Expect close encounters with whales, seabird colonies, sea lions, and much more. Each cruise has just 46 spots. Choose your journey.
In summer and autumn 2026, Professor Khromov and Akademik Shokalskiy will operate cruises between Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky and Sakhalin. Passengers will land on remote volcanic islands, hike to craters, encounter marine wildlife, and approach cliffs and sea lion haul-outs by Zodiac. The Kuril route includes visits to Krenitsyn Volcano and Crater Bay, while the Kamchatka segment features Russkaya and Zhirovaya Bays. Each cruise carries just 44−46 guests. Choose yours.
Expedition Cruises to Southern Kamchatka and Northern Kuril Islands in 2026 with Vasta Expeditions
We have prepared an engaging and informative program to complement your direct impressions of the Far East. You will always have access to a lounge with a maritime library, a bar, a cinema, and a sauna. The captain’s bridge is open to passengers at any time of the day.
We will land in remote bays and on wild islands by motorboats to immerse ourselves in the unknown. The grandeur of untouched nature. The surreal landscapes. The breath of volcanoes on uninhabited islands. Sceneries and life forms change as often as the weather. This journey will change you forever.
Every Day — а New Discovery
Arrival and departure times are local, considering time zone changes. The cruise route, landing locations, and activity schedules may change due to weather or other factors beyond the organizers' control.
Even More Adventures with Land Tours in Kamchatka and the Kuril Islands
Most expedition cruises start or end in Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Discover what you can explore if you have an extra day before or after your voyage.
Be the First to Know About New Routes and Special Offers
Enter your email or phone number to get updates via email or Telegram
The Kuril Islands — 56 Islands of Pristine Beauty
Only four of these islands are permanently inhabited.
Due to their remoteness and 1,200 km span, a unique biosphere has developed and been preserved, boasting an unparalleled diversity of wildlife and plant species.
Tour Leader Mikhail Tigushkin — a Sailing Captain with Over 30 Years of Experience
Traveller
Mikhail has completed a circumnavigation and has repeatedly led Arctic and other expeditions. Aboard the wooden boat "Rusich" (a replica of an ancient Russian sail-and-row vessel), he participated in voyages dedicated to Afanasy Nikitin and Miklouho-Maclay, traveling from Samara to Oman and from Oman to Thailand. He is an expert on the Far East.
On this expedition cruise, Mikhail is supported by an experienced team of professional travelers. They ensure that your time on board and every landing are both exciting and safe.
Originally built in Finland, they were refitted to comfortably accommodate up to 46 passengers. Both vessels feature deluxe and semi-deluxe cabins, twin cabins with en-suite facilities, as well as double and triple cabins with shared bathrooms.\ Guests enjoy access to a spacious lounge and library, a lecture hall, a relaxation room, a bar, and a sauna.
Dining on the Expedition — Delicious Moments Await!
Our cruise chef makes sure every meal is both nourishing and full of flavor. You’ll enjoy a variety of hot dishes, sides, and fresh salads — all with a touch of local specialties. Refueled? Time for new discoveries!
Курильские острова. Самые трудные и недоступные вулканы
Жизнь в Арктике! Белые медведи, китобои и вечные льды
Чукотка! Кладбище китов, птичьи базары
Край Света! Острова Шикотан, Кунашир и Сахалин
We love true adventures that give you the chance to feel like a real explorer. We want to share this joyful experience with people who are just as passionately curious as we are.
Vasta Expeditions' Specialty — Adventure Tourism
Our approach is creating a turnkey adventure. We charter the vessel ourselves for each expedition, and our tour leader is an expert who has personally completed a circumnavigation under sail.