Moneron Island

From the sea, the Russian island with the French name Moneron reminds one of a scenic landscape from the TV show Lost. It is so little that a half-hour boat ride around it will suffice. Even with the hike to the island's highest point, Staritskiy Mountain, a walk around the island takes roughly 6 hours (440 meters or 1443 feet above sea level). This photographer's paradise, on the other hand, draws those who want adventure and are willing to brave the Tatar Strait's waves.

The environment does not disappoint, with hundreds of unusual birds roaming freely on coastal rocks and indigenous fish, unafraid of humans. Moneron Island grass grows taller than the humans who trek its hills in the summer. The underwater environment of Moneron, however, is its most distinguishing asset; some of the underwater animals found here are found nowhere else in Russia.

Location: Sakhalin, Russia

Max length: 7.15 km