Bukhta Radosti (The Bay of Joy) is one of the most popular recreational areas among Muscovites and residents of the moscow region. The cozy bay of the huge Pirogovo water reservoir is an ideal place to spend a weekend with your family or in the company of your friends.

The fastest and most convenient way to get there is to take a regular riverboat (‘Raketa') from Severny Rechnoi Vokzal (Northern River Terminus), which is located near metro station ‘Rechnoi Vokzal,' at 51 Leningradskoye Shosse, tel: 457-4050.

‘Raketas' and passenger boats set sail for Bukhta Radosti at 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. and return at 7 p.m., 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. The fare is 50 rubles (adults) and 25 rubles (children) on weekdays and 100 rubles (adults) and 50 rubles (children) on weekends. The journey takes two hours.

On the way, you will see a 6-deck vessel, the Admiral, moored to a wharf on the left bank. The vessel accommodates the Admiral Club — Russia's first water sports club — and is open 24 hours. The club holds Jet Ski and boating races, among other adventures.

The approach to Bukhta Radosti, is a huge water expanse. With the opposite bank barely visible and the sound of waves breaking, it gives a feel of the real sea. Entry to the beaches, equipped with changing booths, is free. Fishing is permitted only with ordinary fishing rods. On weekends and sunny days, the area gets crowded and it can be tough to find a place to sit. There are lots of kiosks offering simple food and drinks.

Bukhta Radosti has become a preferred place for various water sports, specifically surfing and jet-skiing. Regulars say that, you can rent a Jet Ski for $80-100 per hour. You don't need to have a driving license to enjoy jet skiing, but you must wear a life preserver and be strong enough to keep balance.

Boats and waterbikes are available round-the-clock from a renting office for 50 rubles/hour. You can rent sailing boats, catamarans and windsurfs. Nighttime rates are however higher.

If you happen to arrive in Bukhta Radosti with a group of friends, or if you're simply a "Rambo" fan, Paintland Park might be the best choice for entertainment. A paintball ‘game' is $15 or more depending on the number of players. Paintland Park is also accessible by car — 20 km down the Ostashkovskoye Shosse from the Moscow Ring Road.

Not far from Paintland Park, there is a restaurant named ‘95 Degrees.' They have an aquarium from which you can choose fresh fish, especially trout, to be cooked for you. Prices however are on the level with elite restaurants in the city's center — basic dishes start at $15.