Hello there! We decided to take a break in Vladivostok for the second time last year.
Initially, we preferred to relax at Andreikovka bases, but now it's getting too pricey, and the service is pretty subpar. Plus, our kids are getting older, and they get bored in the village.
In 2022, we stayed at a hostel on Krygin Street near the Tokarevskiy Lighthouse, and we didn't have any issues with beach relaxation. This year, we rented an apartment in the Lugovoy area, planning to soak up the sun on the city beaches 'Sports' and 'Anniversary', but after one trip, we decided against it.
Everywhere, there were crowds of people, and it was chaotic. I was taken aback by the presence of a drinking crowd on the beach and the complete indifference of the beach administration to this mess. The biggest minus, however, was the dirty and murky water in the sea.
After checking the GIS, we decided to settle on the Akhlestyev Bay beach.
The beach location is on Russkiy Island, near the Primorsky Oceanarium. We took the 74 bus to get there (in addition to the 15 and 77 routes). From Lugovoy to the Oceanarium stop, it's about a 30-minute ride (in this direction, the buses run frequently).
When crossing the Bosporus via the Russkiy Bridge, you get to enjoy stunning views of the strait.
Russian IslandI have to say, the Russian Island itself is a real gem. The roads are smooth, there are plenty of new buildings, and the campus and Far Eastern Federal University look like they're straight out of a model village.
This place is like night and day compared to Vladivostok - it's like comparing Sirius to Adler.
DFWUTo get to the final stop at the Oceanarium and then walk down to the beach takes some effort.
The first thing that hits you is the pretty long queue of cars, some people park on top, others wait for the entrance down below. I'm not sure what the ticket system is, but you have to drive through a boom gate.
We walked, the footpath is wide, asphalted, and the views are stunning - it's a real pleasure to walk. The journey takes about 10 minutes at a leisurely pace.
The beach itself isn't huge, but it's really cozy.
As you enter the beach, you're greeted by a cute little wooden sign and the words 'I love the sea'.
What really stood out to me was how clean and well-maintained the area is. The entire space is paved with nice-looking tiles, and there are wide, smooth wooden walkways that add a really nice touch.
The atmosphere on the beach is pretty relaxed and peaceful. People are just chillin', swimming, and enjoying nature.
There's no music, no loud noise, no annoying vendors or rides, just a calm and family-friendly vibe. Some people like to lounge on beach chairs, while others bring tents and umbrellas.
We're actually camping with a lightweight tent, and it's been a lifesaver. It protects us from the scorching sun, wind, and even light rain.
August was a great time to visit the beach, with plenty of space to relax and soak up the sun. We found a perfect spot, with no one in sight for about 20 feet around us.
The shoreline was spotless, with a nice mix of pebbles and sand. However, as we walked further towards the rocks, we noticed more trash and debris. It seemed like the cleaning efforts were less frequent in this area, but it was also less crowded.
But the real showstopper was the seaweed that washed up on the shore. It was like a natural wonder, with giant strands of green stretching out as far as the eye could see.
The water is warm and clear, and the entry into the water is super smooth.
The bottom is sandy in some places.
I really loved how smooth the entry into the water was - the sea is shallow, with waist-deep water just 100 meters from the shore, and the waves are almost non-existent, making it a perfect spot for a family vacation.
I even enjoyed swimming in this water, which is a rare thing for me - I'm not a fan of murky or wavy seas, and I've never ventured into the water above my knees in Crimea or Sochi.
There are plenty of activities on the beach, including bike, scooter, and skateboard rentals.
My husband rented a snowboard from them.
No deposit or prepayment was required, they gave us a snowboard, a vest, and a time-tracking card.
The rental prices are totally reasonable.
My husband managed to get in a hour of kayaking and also take the kids for a spin - the kids were stoked to see all the seaweed around the island and the starfish near the rocks.
The beach has four decent change rooms, placed at opposite ends of the beach.
The food places on the island are priced pretty standard, we didn't try them for lunch but it seemed like they were doing a good trade.
Behind the food stalls, you can walk along the asphalt path to the restrooms.
The beach has 4 portable toilets, which aren't the best, but they're decent considering the alternative.
To keep the beach clean, there are plenty of trash cans scattered around.
I'm really happy with this beach, and we've visited it three times - both on sunny and cloudy days.
It's a great, clean beach with clear water right in the city, and I'd definitely recommend it.
I'd happily go back for more.