Overview of Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands, 500 km / 310 mi east of the
Patagonian coast, may appear to be a somewhat unlikely paradise, but for
adventurous travellers who love to discover virgin lands full of
wildlife they are the fulfilment of their dreams.
With more penguins than people – almost 500,000
breeding pairs of penguins compared to a human population of a mere
2,967 - along with lots of other migratory birds and mammals, both on
sea and land, the Falkland Islands is the ideal spot hop off the tourist
track and go on an independent discovery trip. Despite a small populace,
the Falkland Islands have a turbulent history and land disputes have
raged since 1766.
Today, Argentina claims the islands their own and
works to require the United Nations to use both their Spanish and their
English name. The two biggest and most populated of the over 200 islands
are East Falkland and West Falkland. The capital, Stanley, is located on
East Falkland, as is the international airport. There are four other
airports on other islands, one of which is paved, and flights are the
only way to reach some of the remote spots on the islands. The most
popular reason to visit is for the scenic beauty and to encounter local
wildlife. Environmental protection is high on the Island's agenda. Birds
and marine species are the most prevalent animals and include five
species of penguins, four species of seal, albatross, petrels, the
Falkland Flightless Steamer duck (Logger Duck) and other duck species,
geese, hawks, falcons; the Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) is a rare
bird of prey found only on the Falkland Islands and some islands off
Cape Horn. Porpoises and dolphins are often sighted and occasionally
whales.
Itinerary
Day 1
Saturday: Mount Pleasant - Malvina House
Upon
arrival to Mount Pleasant Airport you will be taken to Malvina House,
where you will spend your first night in the Falklands. Following a
tradition that can be traced back to the 1880’s, this cozy place, which
just recently went through an extensive refurbishment and now has a
newly designed bar, and a larger inviting restaurant.
Day 2
to Day 4 Sunday to Tuesday: Pebble Island
After a
hearty breakfast at Darwin House, transfer to Goose Green just 10
minutes away, one of several grass landing strips on the islands. Board
one of the Falkland Islands small aircrafts for a short (25 minute)
flight to Pebble Island; a 24 miles / 38 km long Island and the fourth
largest island of the Falklands. Its diverse terrain offers vast white
sandy beaches, moor lands and rocky peaks, an extensive area of ponds
and wetlands, and dramatic coastal cliffs. They all provide for vital
breeding habitats for numerous birds. Thousands of Gentoo, Rockhopper
and Magellan penguins breed on Pebble Island each summer. Each year the
island seems to act as a magnet for many rare avian visitors from
mainland of South merica and beyond. Marine mammal enthusiasts for
example, can observe congregations of Southern Sea Lions. Our
accommodation lodge originally served as the farm manager's house of the
estate. Now, the managers welcome visitors from around the world to the
traditional Falkland farm house. The lodge provides for an insight into
work with some 10,000 sheep. From here you can also explore the island
and at the same time enjoy the highest standards of hospitality and
customer service. Overnight stay at Pebble Island.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)
Day 4
to Day 6 Tuesday to Thursday: Sea Lion Island
After a
short flight with the Falkland Island Air Service you will arrive at Sea
Lion Island. Welcome and then transfer by Land Rover to the nearby
lodge. After lunch an orientation drive is scheduled, to observe the
premier wildlife destination of the Falklands. The Island is home to 49
species of visiting or nesting birds, at times up to 5 species of
penguins. The beaches host the biggest Elephant Seal breeding population
of the Falklands with South American Sea Lions breading beneath the
cliffs. Occasionally we will also see Leopard Seals and Fur Seals. A
brigade of Orcas patrols the coastlines during the Elephant Seal
breeding season from September to November. On Sea Lion Island many
small birds including the endemic cobs wren can also be observed. It is
easy to explore the island, which is 5 miles / 8 km long and just over a
mile at its widest point. Beautiful tussac plantations cover one fifth
of the island and provide for a perfect habitat and protection for much
of the islands' varied fauna. You will visit the main places to spot
wildlife and get interesting briefings on the wildlife and the island's
history. Return to the Sea Lion Lodge, built in 1986, where all rooms
have en suite bathrooms. Excellent food and wine are served in
attractive surroundings. After an exciting day of explorations, feel
free to relax in the lounge bar which provides for reference books,
magazines and some popular board games. Overnight stay at Sea Lion
Lodge.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 6
Thursday: Port Stanley
After
breakfast you will fly back to Port Stanley. Upon arrival a transfer
will take you to the Guest house. The afternoon is at leisure. Stanley
has several attractions to offer which you can discover easily on your
own. The capital of the Falkland Islands is a bright picturesque town
overlooking the harbour. With approx. 1.600 residents, it offers all the
facilities you would find in a small English town – post office, bank,
some small shops, swimming pool and well equipped leisure centre, pubs
and guest houses. There is an excellent museum dedicated to the heritage
of the islands and a self-guided maritime history trail. Stanley harbour
is probably the largest graveyard of 19th century shipping in the world
and the trail signposts explain the rich maritime history of this once
busy harbour. Overnight stay at the Malvina House. (Breakfast)
Day 7
Friday: Full day excursion to Volunteer Point
After
breakfast you will start a full day Land Rover excursion to Volunteers
Point, one of the very few places to spot King Penguin colonies outside
the Antarctic.
You will enjoy this amazing wildlife experience. Overnight stay at
Darwin House. (Breakfast/Lunchbox)
Day 8
Saturday: Departure
In due
time transfer in regular coach to Mount Pleasant International Airport
for your LAN Chile flight to Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt or Santiago
(Breakfast).
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