Durneva Island

Durneva Island or Dūrnev Araldary (Russian: Ostrov Durnëva) is a coastal island near the entrance of the Dead Kultuk (former Komsomolets Bay) of the eastern Caspian Sea. It is located north of the Buzachi Peninsula and 41.6 km north of Turum. It ranks 4th on the list of the most beautiful islands in Kazakhstan. Administratively Durneva Island belongs to the Mangystau Region of Kazakhstan. Durneva is most likely the island known as Ile des Cygnes on early maps of the Caspian Sea (Swan Island). Fedor Ivanovich Soimonov was the first to correctly chart the island during the 1719 Caspian Expedition, which surveyed the Caspian Sea from 1719 to 1727.

The Durneva Island has got all exotic wildlife, mangrove forest reserves, mesmerizing lagoons, and of course, perfect white sand beaches. But there is one more element that brings travelers to surf. There are great waves, swells, and shops that attract surfers who were lucky enough to find out about this gem! You’ve got a couple of options of where to stay when you visit. This lively little island town is filled with restaurants, resorts, shops, and people- yet still encapsulates that small beach town charm.

Location: Caspian Sea, Kazakhstan