Wildlife of the Falklands

Day 1: arrive Stanley

Arrive at Mount Pleasant International Airport and transfer to Stanley, capital of the Falklands Islands, for an overnight stay (BB).

Days 2-3: Stanley - Pebble Island

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.

Days 4-5: Pebble Island - Sea Lion Island

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.

Day 6: Sea Lion Island - Stanley

Fly with FIGAS to Stanley and transfer to the Malvina House Hotel for your final 2-night stay on a BB basis.

Day 7: Stanley & Volunteer Point

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.

Day 8: depart Stanley

This afternoon transfer to Mount Pleasant International Airport for your flight home.

Notes

Departure times for the FIGAS flights within the Falklands are confirmed the day prior to flying; visitors to the islands require a flexible approach to itinerary planning.