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
Jack Brooker
Travel Specialist
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 Fly UK - Santiago - Mount Pleasant
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 offers visitors insight into the Falklands’ 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 often spotted. Approximately 3km from the lodge, Goose Green can be explored independently on foot.
Enjoy 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 outlying 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, flax and a colourful array of flowers.
Enjoy 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.
Enjoy 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, including 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 opportunities to explore further afield from the settlement.
Enjoy 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 and the historic parts, with a visit to the local museum.
Enjoy breakfast.
Day 7 Volunteer Point
Today is a guided excursion in a 4x4 vehicle to Volunteer Point, home to the largest breeding colony of King penguins along with Magellanic and 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
Enjoy breakfast and a packed lunch.
Day 8 Departure
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!
Enjoy breakfast.
Jack Brooker
Travel Specialist
Pricing Information & Dates
Jack Brooker
Travel Specialist
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 entrance fees on sightseeing tours as specified
Price Excludes
- Travel Insurance
- Any meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional excursions
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
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware
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