Kamchatka Tours

I don't know that you will find too many people who have done tours to Kamchatka on this forum.

I would suggest asking companies whose programs interest you for references.

Higher prices companies are likely to be better organized, to follow the program outline more completely, to have people who speak better English, to stay at nicer accommodations.

I would not just turn up. In fact, I am pretty sure that almost nothing can be done independently easily or inexpensively. Programs don't run unless there are a sufficient number of people prebooked and then there might not be room for you.

Ruth

Way to Russia says that there are 3 public buses that run in the summer from Petrazavodsk-Kamchatsky. I wonder if you can fly into the town, book your own hotel, then just take the public bus for your independent excursions. This could also give you some wiggle room in terms of trying to tag along on a tour. If it is not leaving the day after you get there it may be leaving in 4 days and you could fill in the spot on your dance card with a bus trip. One of the destinations is supposed to be lovely. Heck, all of Kampchatka is supposed to be a gem.
When I google Kamchatka I run across some fishing and hunting blogs and articles. I have not run through them yet but I'll bet there are some tips in there.

For sure the only transportation from Petropavlovsk to the Geyser Valley which is the primary destination is by helicopter.

Try Russia Discovery

Tours in Kamchatka are NOT cheap. Their tours are from 21,500 RUB for 13 days.

Edited by: sgushyonka

Been to Kamchatka on Sep-Oct 2007, for a month. Trekking in Kamchatka is complicated to organize - permissions, guard, bureaucracy. We looked for companies too and finally got to the "Kamchatka Lost World" (there were not too many options at that time of the year). We really enjoyed the trek we did with them (Kronotzky reserve, 2 weeks), the staff was good, the coordination too (heli flights).
As for organizing the trip from there - in the other part of the trip we followed this way. Such a trip has the benefits and drawbacks, but anyhow - for a trek you need to look for a tour operator.

While touring on our own we used the help of an American lady lives in PKC suburb. She's a freelancer who organizes tours and hosts tourists. Martha - explorekam@gmail.com
A good travel guide for Kamchatka is Diana Gleadhill's which was published last year.

I am planning a trip to Kamchatka also this summer...I would appreciate any feedback you may have on the tour operators. Thank you!

Here's some advice on independent travel in Kamchatka