Rimsky-Korsakov Archipelago

Islands Island group in the Sea of Japan near Vladivostok

Off Vladivostok in Primorsky Krai, the Rimsky‑Korsakov islands offer boat trips, coastal bird colonies and summer shoreline outings from the city.

The Rimsky-Korsakov Archipelago is a small group of islands off the coast of Primorsky Krai in the Russian Far East, situated in the waters of Peter the Great Gulf in the Sea of Japan. The group is named after the Russian composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov.

The islands are of interest for seabird colonies, coastal geology, and short boat excursions from nearby ports; they do not offer developed tourist infrastructure. Access is typically by private boat or local charter from coastal towns in Primorsky Krai.

The islands were charted and named during Russian imperial and later coastal surveys of the Peter the Great Gulf. Their naming reflects a Russian tradition of commemorating cultural figures in geographic names.

The archipelago lies off the southern Primorsky Krai coastline near Vladivostok and other coastal settlements of Peter the Great Gulf, in the Sea of Japan.

Tips for Visiting Rimsky-Korsakov Archipelago #

Arrange boat transport from Vladivostok with a licensed local operator - day trips and charter boats depart from the city's marinas and are the usual way to reach these islands.
Visit in the local summer (June-September) when sea conditions are calmer and seabird/sea-mammal activity is highest; morning departures often offer the calmest water for landings and photography.
Before you go, check with the operator about restricted zones or seasonal closures - some islands in the Primorsky region have access limits, and operators will handle any required permissions.