Khalaktyrsky Beach

Khalaktyrsky runs for about thirty kilometres east of Petropavlovsk and faces the open Pacific with nothing between it and North America, and the sand is black - fine volcanic material, magnetic enough that a magnet dragged through it comes up furred with grains. Behind the beach are dunes and grass, and on a clear day the Avachinsky and Koryaksky cones stand over it inland. There is a surf scene: the Pacific swell arrives properly, the water is between about four and fifteen degrees depending on season, and schools operate through the summer and autumn with thick wetsuits, hoods and boots as standard. Swimming outside the surfed area is not sensible, since the currents are strong and the water is cold enough to disable quickly. A visitor infrastructure of huts, cafés and a boardwalk has been built at the main access point.

What you actually see

• The black sand - fine volcanic grains, magnetic enough to stick to a magnet.
• The open Pacific - nothing between the beach and North America.
• The surf - a working scene in thick wetsuits, with schools and rental.
• The volcanoes - Avachinsky and Koryaksky standing inland on clear days.

When to go

July to September for the beach; autumn brings the best swell. Half a day. Fog off the Pacific is common and hides the volcanoes.

Honest expectations

Water is between four and fifteen degrees - a full wetsuit with hood and boots is not optional. Currents are strong and swimming outside supervised areas is dangerous. Fog rolls in and removes the view. Wind on the open beach is constant.

Nearby

Petropavlovsk and Avacha bay are west; Nalychevo is inland to the north.