The seas of Kazakhstan: the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea

‍When we think of Kazakhstan, we imagine vast arid steppes and green mountain ranges with snow-capped peaks. However, the country is also home to two seas: the Caspian Sea and the Aral Sea.

Although they are called “seas,” they are actually vast expanses of salt water, similar to inland lakes, with a fascinating past and an uncertain future.

The Caspian Sea: Kazakhstan's seaside destination

Located in western Kazakhstan, in the Atyrau and Mangystau regions, the Caspian Sea, the world's largest enclosed body of water, also stretches along the coasts of Russia, Turkmenistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan, and is the country's only true seaside destination.

A remnant of an ancient ocean that has now disappeared, the Caspian Sea has played a major strategic role since ancient times. A crossroads for trade between Asia and Europe, it has long been coveted for its natural resources, particularly oil, gas, and sturgeon, famous for its caviar.

Today, the Caspian Sea faces an uncertain future, marked by falling water levels, climate change, and pollution. Nevertheless, cooperation and protection initiatives are developing, offering the possibility of a more sustainable future, particularly through sustainable tourism on its coasts, especially in Kazakhstan.

What to do around the Caspian Sea?

• Enjoy the beach and tourist resorts on the coast.
• Swim in the salty waters of the Caspian Sea, where temperatures become pleasant from June onwards.
• Try out different water sports: jet skiing, paddle boarding, sailing.
• Go on an excursion to the desert region of Mangystau, known for its extraordinary landscapes.

🚙 Join one of our expeditions in the desert region of Mangystau for a 3- to 6-day adventure in a jeep and tent. Encounter camels and explore fossil remains dating back to the Paleolithic era, in the heart of landscapes straight out of another world. Contact us for more details or to find out about upcoming dates!

How to get there?

Domestic flights connect Astana and Almaty to Aktau, a coastal city and starting point for many destinations in the Mangystau region. Aktau is also well connected by bus and train from Kazakhstan's major cities.

The Aral Sea: a unique experience

Once one of the largest inland seas in the world, the Aral Sea is located between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. Its gradual drying up, caused by intensive irrigation policies in the 20th century, has made it a global symbol of environmental issues.

Today, only certain areas, notably the Little Aral Sea on the Kazakh side, are slowly recovering thanks to rehabilitation projects, but its future remains fragile.

What to do around the Aral Sea?

• Explore the old port of Aralsk, once a bustling port city, which gives an understanding of the extent of the sea's retreat. There is a small local museum and remains of the former fishing industry.
• Discover the ship graveyard along the old coastline, which offers a striking landscape that has become emblematic of the disaster.
• Visit the Barsakelmes Nature Reserve, a former island that has been turned into a nature reserve and is home to fauna (many species of which are listed in the Red Book of Threatened Species) and flora adapted to extreme conditions. Access is regulated and only possible with a guide.
• See the Little Aral Sea, saved from disaster by the construction of the Kok-Aral dam in 2005, where fishing has resumed. However, swimming remains marginal and underdeveloped.
• Take part in guided 4x4 excursions, which are essential for exploring remote areas. These tours provide an insight into the history of the Aral Sea and its current environmental challenges.
• Combine your visit with Baikonur, the legendary cosmodrome located about 220 miles to the east. Please note that visits must be planned in advance and authorizations are required.

🧭 Come and discover Kazakhstan's iconic sea with us on our upcoming expeditions. Contact us on WhatsApp or Instagram for more information and to find out the upcoming dates!

How to get there?

Domestic flights and train lines connect Astana and Almaty to Aralsk. Depending on your point of departure, you will likely have to make a stopover in Aktau, so take the opportunity to explore the region!

📘 If your trip to Kazakhstan is no longer just an idea but a real plan, then you might be interested in our 64-page ebook travel guide. It contains practical advice, itineraries, and inspiration to help you organize your adventure with peace of mind. And if you prefer to talk to us directly, don't hesitate to contact us!

📚 You may be interested in these readings:

Travelling to Kazakhstan as a single woman

Do you need a visa to go to Kazakhstan?

Is Kazakhstan dangerous?

Visit Charyn Canyon in Kazakhstan

Budget to go to Kazakhstan

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