The Falklands are renowned for their abundant wildlife and this well-paced itinerary features some of the best islands for viewing king, gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins. The sandy beaches of Sea Lion Island are also a favoured haul-out for elephant seals, while Pebble Island has large colonies of imperial shag. On East Falkland, you’ll take a 4WD expedition to view the king penguin colony at Volunteer Point, and you’ll also spend time in the charming capital of Stanley, obtaining a fascinating insight into the island’s culture and history.
This eight-day island-hopping itinerary visits some of the Falklands’ most spectacular wildlife destinations, with plenty of time to witness the archipelago’s amazing penguin colonies and track down some of its rare and endemic bird life. Uncover the turbulent history of this far-flung South Atlantic outpost and marvel at its diverse and abundant wildlife, from the striated caracara – one of the world’s rarest birds of prey – to the stately king penguin. Elephant seals are another highlight and, with luck, you may also see cetaceans such as orca and Peale’s dolphin.
Incorporating two-night stays on both Pebble Island and Sea Lion Island, as well as three nights in the capital Stanley, you will have plenty of time to explore at leisure and take in the rugged scenery of the islands, as well as its quirky culture and poignant history.
Itinerary
Arrive at Mount Pleasant International Airport and transfer to Stanley, capital of the Falklands Islands, for an overnight stay (BB).
Transfer to Stanley Airport for your FIGAS flight to Pebble Island. Named after the unusual and attractive pebbles found on the beaches, this 24 mile long island is the third largest in the archipelago. Sandy beaches, moorland and rocky peaks, extensive ponds and wetlands which are home to some 42 breeding bird species including over 1000 pairs of imperial shags, gentoo, magellanic and rockhopper penguins. Eight of the Falkland endemic plants grow on the island including the Vanilla Daisy and the Lady’s Slipper.
Enjoy a 2-night stay on Pebble Island on a full board basis. One full day tour of your choice is included, taking in either the West or East end of the island. Both offer an array of wildlife and historical sites.
Board a FIGAS flight to Sea Lion Island for a 2-night stay on a full board basis. Sea Lion Island, the most southerly inhabited island of the Falklands group, is five miles long and just over a mile wide at its widest point, – just the right size for exploring. Beautiful plantations of the spectacular tussac grass cover one fifth of the island and provide a perfect habitat and protection for much of the islands’ varied fauna and wildlife, including elephant seals (the largest population on the Islands, with up to 1,800 seals) and sealions.
Besides the tussac, there are dazzling white sand beaches, cliffs, fresh water ponds and heath land, all with their own populations and all within walking distance. The 47 different species of birds which can normally be seen on the Island include five species of penguins and five birds of prey (including the Striated Caracara, one of the rarest birds of prey in the world). In addition, every year brings exciting sightings of vagrants. Pods of killer whales circle the Island in pursuit of the elephant seals and sea lions which breed there. Leopard seals and larger whales are also seen from time to time.
All wildlife locations are easily accessible on foot and you may explore the island at leisure. An introductory tour can be arranged for island orientation on request, additional cost applies.
Fly with FIGAS to Stanley and transfer to the Malvina House Hotel for your final 2-night stay on a BB basis.
Join a full day guided 4WD excursion to Volunteer Point. Named after the ship Volunteer, the Point is home to a 2 mile long white sandy beach, bordered by high grassy banks that provide ideal habitats for three species of penguins: gentoo, magellanic and king.
The Volunteer point king penguin colony is the largest in the Islands, with around 1,300 adults, rearing 400 chicks each year. Over 1,000 pairs of gentoo penguins are resident all year round and many other bird species have been recorded in the area.
This afternoon transfer to Mount Pleasant International Airport for your flight home.
Prices
What's Included
-
Flights between islands
-
Accommodation
-
Daily breakfast, 4 lunches, 4 dinners
-
Excursions as per itinerary
From £2500
7 Nights
Jan-Apr & Oct-Dec
Make this trip yours
Every trip you see here can be adapted to suit you using inside-out knowledge to create one-off experiences created just for you.
Jo
20
Species of whales & dolphins seen
2
Antarctica cruises
Meet your specialist: Jo
With more than two decades at Discover the World, I’ve travelled extensively to many destinations including Iceland, Greenland, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Italy, Spitsbergen, Antarctica, the Falklands, South Georgia, Canada, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Ecuador and Argentina. My real passion is wildlife, particularly marine mammals and I’ve seen over 20 species of cetaceans all around the world. I love small ship cruising, which allows me to get close to the nature.
