Highlights of the Falkland Islands
8 days, 7 nights
Summary of Nights
Duration - 8 days, 7 nights: Darwin 1n, Pebble Island 2n, Sea Lion Island 2 n, Stanley 2n.
Itinerary
Day 1-2: Arrive Mount Pleasant Airport early afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Darwin, a drive of approximately 35 minutes.
There is plenty to see from the 1982 conflict, and then going back some 200 years remnants of the gauchos’ occupation in the 1800’s.
Days 2-3:Transfer by Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) 8-seater Britten Norman Islander aircraft to Pebble Island with a flight time of approximately 30 minutes. The relatively low level flying provides passengers with exceptional views of the Falklands coastlines and inland scenery.
Pebble Island is one of the larger outlying islands, and the landscape varies greatly from large ponds and moorland, to long sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. This diverse countryside offers shelter and protection to an equally wide-ranging breeding population of birds and mammals. Many thousands of Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins breed each summer along with raucous congregations of Southern sea lions. The ponds on the east of the island, many of which are within walking distance of the lodge, are home to Chiloe wigeon, Grebes, Black-necked swans and a multitude of other wildfowl and wading birds. The full day guided tour in 4x4 vehicle offers ample opportunity to see the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery further afield from the settlement. Your accommodation on Pebble Island will be at Pebble Lodge, previously the farm manager’s house and situated in the centre of the farm settlement. Now, although ideally adapted to the needs of the visitor, it retains the warm and friendly atmosphere of a large farmhouse
Days 4-5: Transfer by Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) 8-seater Britten Norman Islander aircraft flight to Sea Lion Island. The relatively low level flying provides passengers with exceptional views of the Falklands coastlines and inland scenery.
Sea Lion Island is one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago and the most southerly inhabited island but its sheer abundance of wildlife in such a small area makes it a prime destination.
An introductory and orientation tour upon arrival will point out the principle areas of interest by vehicle. However, everything is in easy walking distance of the lodge – a map and guidelines for safe wildlife viewing are given out on arrival.
The internationally endangered Striated caracara, Antarctic skuas, Southern giant petrels, and a host of passerines can all be seen on this island.
Not to be missed are the southern sea lions at East Loafers, and the elephant seals which bask on the white sandy beach at the appropriately named Elephant Corner. The latter are close enough to be seen from the lodge bar! Keep an eye open and there is the odd killer whale to be spotted off shore as well.
Day 6-7: Transfer by FIGAS to Stanley.
Following arrival at Stanley Airport, a city tour will take in both the historic and most modern parts of this small and remote capital city, as well as a visit to the museum and the Magellanic penguin colony at Gypsy Cove, before dropping you off at the Malvina House Hotel.
A full-day guided excursion in 4x4 vehicle to Volunteer Point will be a highlight of this trip. With the white sandy beach and turquoise waters, this destination has a Caribbeanesque feel to it, but the King, Gentoo and Magellanic penguins will bring you back to the Falklands.
There is a host of other wildlife to be seen along the beach and on the lagoons, as well as spectacular scenery as you traverse the north of East Falkland.
Day 8: Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport by private vehicle. |