Prince William has just arrived in the Falklands to start his six-month search and rescue posting, and we have a few suggestions as to how to fill any spare time he may have on the islands.
With a relatively small population of 2,500 residents but a rather large helping of unspoiled landscapes and abundant fauna, the Falklands are a nature lovers’ paradise. Two of the best spots to see the wildlife in action are:
Volunteer Point
This white sandy beach, a haven of bird activity, is quite literally fit for a (future) king. About 1,500 king penguins call Volunteer Point home as well as gentoo and Magellanic penguins, plus waterfowl and endemic subspecies like the rather brilliantly-named "dark-faced ground tyrant". About two and a half hours’ drive from Stanley, Volunteer Point is the largest, most accessible king penguin colony in the world outside of South Georgia.
Sea Lion Island
Just a 35-minute flight from Stanley, this nature preserve has an incredible amount of wildlife in a small area (the island is just five miles by one mile). There’s the chance to spot three types of breeding penguins, sea lions, and even killer whales that prowl the shoreline.
After long days of training and military meals, William might also be tempted to kick back and relax the way the locals do… at the pub! We think he'd like the Malvina House Hotel, located in the centre of Stanley, the Falklands capital, which offers both panoramic views of the harbour and delicious menus using local produce.
Getting around the Falklands will probably be familiar territory for the Duke as well given his passion for flying. FIGAS - Falkland Islands Government Air Service – flies visitors to a handful of settlements and Outer Islands across the archipelago from Stanley Airport on daily, non-scheduled flights.
Even if you aren't as blue-blooded as Prince William, you can always be sure of a warm welcome from the friendly community of the Falklands. We can take you there: our 7-night Falklands Discovery costs from £3,330 per person including flights from the UK with LAN via Santiago.