Sample Itinerary: 8 Days – Falklands Encounters
This is the perfect itinerary for those seeking vast array of wildlife and breath-taking scenery – photographic opportunities abound with this trip. Admire the spectacular black-browed albatross colony on Saunders Island as well as the rockhopper penguin colony on the northern cliffs. A short walk away lies a white sandy beach where you can watch Gentoo and Magellanic penguins leaving and returning to their colonies, a fabulously captivating sight at sunrise or sunset. Next, you move on to Carcass Island which has sandy beaches, rolling hills and low cliffs. Perch on the cliff-tops to view the multitude of sea and shore birds on the island. Spot bird the endemic Cobb’s Wren, Gentoo and Magellanic penguins or the endangered striated caracara. Whilst at Carcass, you can also enjoy a day trip to nearby West Point Island where you will find over 2,000 nesting pairs of black-browed albatross, hundreds of rockhopper penguins and rock cormorants. On the return journey, depending on the weather, the boat can circumnavigate West Point Island to reveal spectacular photographic opportunities. A day you will never forget!
Day 1
Darwin
Arrive Mount Pleasant International Airport. Met by Falkland Islands Holidays representative and transfer overland to Darwin/Goose Green settlement for overnight stay at Darwin House, a most comfortable lodge located by the sheltered waters of Choiseul Sound an excellent start to any Falklands holiday! Located on the waters edge, with a selection of land and sea birds to view, wander around the settlement or venture slightly afield to visit Goose Green or the various memorials dedicated to the 1982 conflict. Alternatively you may wish to spend your first night in Stanley which can also be arranged if preferred.
Day 2 & 3
Saunders Island
Internal FIGAS (Falkland Islands Government Air Service) flight to Saunders Island. Meet and transfer to a choice of locations the NECK cabin or the ROOKERY cabin for 2 nights on a self-catering basis. Both locations offer some of the Falklands prime Black-Browed Albatross colonies and at the Rookery, the chance to see a natural “shower facility” for the superb Rockhopper colony. Fantastic photography opportunity!
A photographer’s paradise with infinite subject matter comprising natural scenic beauty and captivating wildlife. Saunders Island was the site of the first British settlement in 1765 and the ruins of the settlement at Port Egmont can still be seen today. In addition to hosting visitors, Saunders is still run as a family owned sheep farm.
All flight times on FIGAS will be notified the day prior to departure. Baggage allowance on FIGAS is 20kg per person. Excess is charged per kilo per flight and is payable locally.
Day 4 & 5
Carcass Island
Transfer to airstrip for your internal FIGAS flight Carcass Island. Meet and transfer to the main house for 2 nights accommodation on a full board basis. During your time on Carcass you may explore at leisure including walks to such locations as Leopard Beach and Stanley Hill both scenic and offering an array of wildlife and photographic opportunities.
Aptly named after the sloop HMS Carcass that visited in 1766, Carcass settlement is a wonderful almost tropical escape, with its New Zealand cabbage palms and flax, Monterey cypress trees and attractive flower gardens. The island boasts mature tussac plantations and is cat and rat free enabling smaller birds such as the endemic Cobb’s wren to flourish. Away from the settlement Gentoo and Magellanic penguins can be found along with Yellow-billed pintail duck, the endemic Flightless steamer duck, Magellanic oystercatcher, Striated caracara and Variable hawks.
A full day tour to West Point Island can be arranged at an additional cost. Take to the seas on Seaquest (a motorised catamaran) for approximately 1 hours crossing. Explore Devil’s Nose, where Black Browed Albatross and Rockhopper can been seen, explore Mount Ararat and if weather is favourable it may be possible to circumnavigate the island. The trip will last approximately 8 hours “smoko” and a packed lunch are provided.
Day 6
Stanley
Internal FIGAS flight to Stanley. Meet and transfer to Malvina House Hotel for 2nts accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Remainder of day free to explore the small capital of Stanley. Perhaps visit the small museum which is just opposite the hotel, Christchurch cathedral, whalebone arch and walk along the seafront taking in the various monuments and sites, along with the wildlife spotting.
Day 7
Volunteer Point Day Trip
Full day excursion with your driver/guide to Volunteer Point. Travelling overland in 4 x 4 vehicles passing Johnsons Harbour you will arrive at Volunteer Beach where our largest colony of breeding King Penguins, will be seen along with Gentoo and Magellanic. A packed lunch included
ALTERNATIVES A choice of other wildlife locations or battle site tours are also available if required.
Day 8
Transfer overland to Mount Pleasant Airport for your return flight. Pick up time for this transfer will be advised the night prior to departure.
