Sochi’s resort season has begun, revealing high costs for tourists amid fewer crowds. Many vacationers are finding that a day at the beach can quickly become expensive, with basic amenities and entertainment adding up. Despite the start of the season, beaches are not as crowded as in previous years.
The cost of beach services has increased significantly this year. For instance, at Adler’s central “Chaika” beach, sunbeds are often empty, while the few vacationers prefer to stay close to the water to avoid paying for them. A basic plastic sun lounger costs 800 rubles, while rattan options are priced at 1,000 rubles. Bungalows can go for as high as 4,000 rubles.
Tourists are noticing the high prices for even simple items. Bottled water on the beach costs 100 rubles, and ice cream is 300 rubles. One tourist from Yaroslavl noted that he spent 10,000 rubles a day on small things and entertainment.
Paid beach areas, like the pool at Mandarino Beach, charge 3,000 rubles for adults and 2,000 rubles for children. However, some visitors have found these experiences disappointing, citing high prices and mediocre food. One visitor from Krasnodar spent 3,000 rubles on admission and 1,400 rubles on sun loungers, only to be dissatisfied with the quality of the facilities and food.
Even free beaches are becoming increasingly commercialized. Areas that were once open to everyone are now filled with paid sun loungers, umbrellas, and bungalows. Swings along the water’s edge cost 300 rubles per hour or 2,500 rubles for the whole day.
Beach entertainment options also come at a premium. A short ride on an inflatable “banana” costs 500–600 rubles, while a “cheesecake” ride ranges from 600 to 1,000 rubles. Fifteen minutes on a jet ski costs 1,500–2,000 rubles. More adventurous activities, such as flyboarding, cost 6,000 rubles per hour, and diving excursions can run up to 4,300 rubles for four hours.