Falklands Wildlife Tour | Rainbow Tours

Itinerary Highlights

Remote wilderness landscapes
Spot at least 5 species of penguins
Whale spotting opportunities
Observe wildlife at close quarters
Abundant Marine life in the Falklands
Insight into the turbulent history

What's Included

Flights
Accommodation Throughout
Transfers

8 nights from £3,045 per person

Kristen Lanskail-Morris

Travel Specialist

0203 131 4707

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

With its windswept islands, long white sandy beaches, coves, cliffs and an intriguing history, this remote Southern Atlantic archipelago is really one of a kind. For the wildlife enthusiast, this tour to the Falkland Islands will not leave you disappointed, spot abundant bird life from the internationally endangered Striated Caracara, Antarctic Skuas or Southern Great Petrels, to Rockhopper, Gentoo, King and Magellanic Penguins. Share the beaches with Elephant seals, sea lions and spot Minke and Killer whales from shore or your boat. Taking in some of the Falklands' highlights, this is just a suggested itinerary we know works well. Please discuss your interests with our specialists to create a tailormade itinerary personalised for you.

Please note, the Falklands can be reached via scheduled flights from Chile, LATAM fly once a week (Saturdays) from Santiago via Punta Arenas to Mount Pleasant, alternatively there is a direct charter flight from RAF Brize Norton.

Travelling within the Falklands is much more than just a mode of transport, it is a big part of the adventure. The light aircraft, inter-island flights are known as FIGAS (Falkland Islands Government Air Services) flights and FIGAS passengers will experience sublime views. Locals and tourists alike use the five Britten-Norman BN-2B Islander planes just like local buses – a means to an end to get to their final destination. Please be aware there is a luggage allowance of 20kg on FIGAS flights.

Itinerary

Day 1 Santiago - Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands - Darw

Today you will fly from Santiago to Mount Pleasant in the Falklands, via Punta Arenas. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to Darwin House for 1 night. Named after the famous naturalist Charles Darwin who visited the Islands in the 1830s, Darwin provides its visitors with an insight into the Falkland’s history. There is plenty to see from the 1982 conflict, and going back some 200 years’ remnants of the gauchos’ occupation in the 1800’s. Darwin House is a beautifully renovated farmhouse with views over Choiseul Sound and the picturesque settlement. The waterfront setting makes it a fantastic place to start your wildlife watching – Night herons, Ruddy-headed Geese and Blackish Oystercatchers are almost often spotted. Approximately 3km from the lodge, Goose Green can be explored independently on foot. Breakfast and dinner

Day 2 Fly to Carcass Island

Today fly to Carcass Island for a 2-night stay. This is one of the most picturesque outer-lying islands, with well-established hedges and trees attracting many small birds such as the Cobb’s wren, Black-chinned siskins and Falkland’s thrush to nest around the settlement buildings. The picturesque sandy beaches, rolling hills and low cliffs are superb platforms from which to view the multitude of sea and shore birds that either breed or feed on and around Carcass Island. From here, enjoy the settlement gardens, which have almost a tropical feel with their Monterey cypress trees, New Zealand cabbage palms and flax and colourful array of flowers. Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 3 West Point

Today enjoy spectacular sea-views on a full day boat excursion to West Point Island. Black-browed Albatross and magnificent cliff scenery on one of the Falklands most picturesque islands are the main attractions. The boat transfer can be extended to include whale and dolphin spotting as well as a circumnavigation around West Point Island, weather permitting. With around 500 pairs of rockhopper penguins, and nearly 2,000 breeding pairs of black browed albatross this area is a nature lover’s haven. Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 4 Fly to Pebble Island

Fly to Pebble Island for 2 nights at Pebble Lodge, a comfortable converted farmhouse with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Pebble Island is one of the largest outlying islands with a hugely diverse landscape from moorlands, large ponds and one of the longest beaches in the archipelago. This area is home to many thousands of Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic Penguins. 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. During your stay, head out on a full day guided tour by 4x4 vehicle with plenty of opportunity allowing exploration further afield from the settlement. Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Day 6 Fly to Stanley

Today take a flight to Stanley, the capital of the Falklands. Before being taken to your hotel, a city tour takes in both the modern parts of this small, remote town as well as the historic parts and a visit to the local museum. Breakfast

Day 7 Volunteer Point

Today is a guided excursion in 4x4 vehicle to Volunteer Point, home to the largest breeding colony of King penguins along with Magellanic & Gentoo species. The white sandy beach and turquoise waters give the area a tropical feeling but the King and Gentoo Penguins will bring you back to the remote Falklands. Many other wildlife species can be spotted along the beach and on the lagoons, as well as spectacular scenery as you traverse the north of East Falkland. Today includes a packed lunch and fees into the reserve. Breakfast & packed lunch

Day 8 Mount Pleasant - Santiago

Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport by private vehicle for your return flight to Santiago in Chile, via Punta Arenas. Take this opportunity to spot more wildlife in this remote wilderness, keep an eye out for Red-backed buzzards en route! Breakfast

Kristen Lanskail-Morris

Travel Specialist

0203 131 4707

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

Pricing Information & Dates

8 nights from £3,045 per person

Kristen Lanskail-Morris

Travel Specialist

0203 131 4707

I'm here to tailor-make your perfect holiday. Give me a call and I'll use my expertise to create your personalised experience.

Enquire

Price Includes

Return International Flights as per the itinerary
All airport taxes and security charges
Accommodation and meals as specified
Transfers as specified
Activities and excursions as specified
All entrace fees on sightseeing tours as specified

Flights from Santiago, Chile to Mount Pleasant in the Falklands. Meals as specified. All domestic flights.

Price Excludes

Travel Insurance
Any meals not specified in the itinerary
Tips and gratuities
Optional excursions

International flights from the UK.

Why Choose Us?

Passionate travel experts

We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences

Personal & tailor-made

You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love

Responsible by nature

We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours