Falklands Highlights

"Falklands"

This itinerary is ideal for those visiting the Falklands after a South American Journey and want to enjoy Antarctica wildlife and Falkland way of life, staying in comfortable and conveniently lodging set in the most scenic Islands of the archipelago. You explore:
- Pebble Island known for its breathaking sceneries and penguin colonies.
- Carcass Island with its multitude of sea and land birds. The island is world-famous for its sceneries and hospitality provided by Falkland owners. ( rated by the owner of Lonely Planet Guide Books as his second most favourite Island in the world!).
- Sea Lion Island with its huge colonies of sea lions, elephant seals and 47 species of breeding birds including 4 penguin species. Leopard seals, killer whales and larger whales are sometimes observed.
You can check which species are seen on the main islands in the wildlife document (pdf - 11 Kb)

The Itinerary

Days 1-2 : Pebble Island
Arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport early afternoon and transfer by Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) 8-seater Britten Norman Islander aircraft to Pebble Island with a flight time of approximately 40 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. The deep 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 half and full day guided tours in 4x4 vehicle offer ample opportunity to see the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery further afield from the settlement, as well as hunting for the semiprecious stones that give the island its name. Pebble also has something for the historian with some 1982 conflict debris. Alternatively relax in the comfortable lodge, previously the farm manager's house, which offers views across the island to Elephant Beach that has even doubled as an airstrip for the Islander aircraft.

Days 3-4 : Carcass Island.
Transfer by aircraft (FIGAS) to Carcass Island.
This is one of the most picturesque outer-lying islands, with the luxuriant, well-established hedges and trees attracting many small birds such as the Cobb's wren, Black-chinned siskins and Falklands thrush to nest around the two cottages that accommodate visitors. The 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. This destination gives you the opportunity to explore completely at your own leisure as your stay is in either Rose or Valley self-catering cottages from where you are also able to 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. A small shop for food purchases is available.

Days 5-6 : Sea Lion Island
Transfer by aircraft (FIGAS) to Sea Lion Island where you stay at the purpose-built Sea Lion Lodge.
Sea Lion Island is one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago, and the most southerly inhabited island, but is still the prime destination with the sheer abundance of wildlife in such a small area making it a must on any Falklands itinerary. An introductory and orientation tour by vehicle upon arrival points out the principle areas of interest, 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 7 :Stanley
Transfer by aircraft (FIGAS) to Stanley.
Following arrival at Stanley Airport and prior to your arrival at the Malvina House Hotel, a city tour takes you 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.

Day 8 : Mount Pleasant
Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport by private vehicle. Your route takes you past many of the 1982 battlefields and, more historically, relics from the gaucho era of the 1800's.

Itinerary subjected to change depending on weather conditions. We cannot guarantee you will see all species featured in this itinerary.

General Information

Rated: Easy

Getting there
The most convenient and cheap way to visit the Falklands is as a 8 day extension after a journey into Chilean or Argentinean Patagonia. There are weekly flights, each Saturday, from Santiago de Chile and Punta Arenas, stopping once a month in Rio Gallegos (Argentina).
The RAF flies 6 times a month from Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, UK (airfare is around GBP 1000 / USD 1600 / EUR 1500 return)

When to Go
In broad terms, the Falklands' tourist season is the austral summer, roughly October to April, when the hours of daylight are longest. However, the best time to visit within this period depends on your interest.
Wildlife Migratory species such as penguins, seals and black-browed albatross, arrive to breed in September and depart late March / early April. The young are born and reared in the Islands throughout the Southern summer. Flora follows the usual austral season of growth.
Fishing The sea trout season runs from 1 September to 30 April but September and October and mid February to mid April are acknowledged as best for encountering good runs of sea trout. Falklands Mullet is available throughout the period.
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Fixed Departure dates
Daily with 2 people minimum. (Frequent discounts. ASK !)

Tour Tariff
	Per person	SGL Supp.
USD	$ 1690	$ 309
EUR	€ 1402	€ 257
GBP	£ 946	£173

(*) Price last updated on 12 July 2004. Current price may vary due to elements out of our control, so please always check by sending us a
quotation request .
(**) 2 people minimum
(***) Discount of GBP 30 / USD 48 / EUR 43 for bed and breakfasts accommodation with shared facilities and bus transfers in Stanley
(****) Additional cost of GBP 170 / USD 270 / EUR 240 for full board in Stanley and Carcass island

Included:
* Full board accommodation (all meals included) with ensuite facilities at Pebble
Hotel and Sea Lion Lodge
* Self-catering accommodation at Carcass Island
* Hotel accommodation with ensuite facilities including breakfast in Stanley
* All domestic (FIGAS) flights
* Transfers as specified
* Excursions as specified


Not included: Other meals, drinks, optional excursions, tips

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