Ten places on Sakhalin Island that define the destination. Each is a different expedition — lighthouse, cliff, bay, volcano, island — and each has its own travel window and logistics.

1. Cape Aniva Lighthouse

The abandoned Japanese lighthouse on a rock outcrop at Sakhalin's southern tip. Built in 1939, reached only by sea. A 6-7 hour boat trip from Novikovo. Season: June — September, weather permitting.

2. Cape Velikan (Giant's Cape)

Limestone arches, sea stacks and grotto shorelines on Sakhalin's eastern coast. Sea excursion from Okhotskoye village. Best in calm weather — arches are fragile and the swell shifts access.

3. Tikhaya Bay (the Quiet Bay)

Zhdanko Ridge towering above an amber-sand crescent. Classic day hike plus beach. Accessible by 4WD from Makarov. Can be combined with Cape Evstafiy.

4. Busse Lagoon

A shallow brackish lagoon known for oysters and bird migrations. Gastronomic tours include a shellfish picnic. Reachable from Okhotskoye.

5. Moneron Island

Russia's first marine nature park. Underwater visibility up to 35 metres — the best diving in Russian Far East waters. Sea crossing from Nevelsk (3 hours). Overnight stays only.

6. Lyagushka Rock (the Frog)

A 40-metre pillar in the Aniva district, sacred to the indigenous Ainu. Short hike from Vestochka village. Open year-round.

7. Mount Chekhov

The highest peak near Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk at 1,045 metres. 4-5 hour ascent through spruce forest to alpine meadows. Season: June — October.

8. Cape Ptichy (Bird Cape)

A rare basalt arch carved by the sea. Reached by 4WD from Okhotskoye. Best at low tide — you can walk under the arch.

9. Cape Krilon

The southernmost point of Sakhalin, facing Japan's Rebun Island across the La Perouse Strait. Multi-day 4WD expedition only — roads are rough, weather windows narrow.

10. Lake Tunaycha

The island's largest lagoon, fed by the Sea of Okhotsk. Birdwatching, pike fishing, seaside swimming. Accessible by asphalt road from Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk (1.5 hours).

Planning your visit

Reaching most of these sites requires 4WD, boat or both — they are not day-trips on public transport. AMIST arranges logistics, permits and guides. A seven-day Sakhalin tour covers 4-5 of the ten comfortably.