Lake Baikal charter

Travelers can charter boats to cruise on Lake Baikal, in southern Siberia, during summer season (June-October).

One company, Baikal Explorer (Irkutsk, Russia; phone +7 3952 742440), offers three boats for exploring and fishing. They come with experienced crews and because of their low draft can pull up almost anywhere along shore.

The Nikola and Mirazh each have two cabins (four bunks each, sleeping up to eight), one toilet and one shower plus a cabin for the crew. Daily rate is 35,000 rubles (near $1,193), no meals included.

The Valeriya has eight cabins (sleeps 16), two toilets, shower, sauna, dining room and sundeck. 70,000 rubles ($2,391), with two meals per day.

Hotels, transfers and scuba diving can be arranged.