Sample Itinerary: 8 Days – Falklands Flavour
If you wish to be able to see all the wildlife that the Falkland Islands has to offer whilst being comfortable and well fed, then this is the itinerary for you. Start your trip on Carcass Island – perfect for gentle trekking and covered with wonderful spots where you can stop and admire the multitude of sea and shore birds that can be found on the island. From the endemic Cobb’s wren to Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, the birdlife here is simply wonderful. From Carcass you can take a trip to West Point Island which is home to over 2,000 pairs of black-browed albatrosses, as well as rockhopper penguins and rock cormorants. Next you head to Sea Lion Island – the ultimate place to visit on any Falkland Islands holiday. The island’s spectacular beaches are scattered with colonies of elephant seals and sea lions, and orca pods can be found preying on the young seals from November through December. Birders will be keen to spot the internationally endangered striated caracara as well as Falkland thrushes and black-throated finches.
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 directly overlooking the sheltered waters of Choiseul Sound with beautiful views and surrounded by Falklands wildlife, an excellent start to any Falklands holiday!
Day 2 & 3
Carcass Island
Internal FIGAS (Falkland Islands Government Air Service) flight to Carcass Island. Meet and transfer to the main house for 2nights 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.
A full day tour to West Point Island can be arranged at an additional cost. Take to the seas on the ‘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.
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, please contact us for current charges.
Day 4 & 5
Sea Lion Island
Transfer to airstrip for your internal FIGAS flight to Sea Lion Island. Prime wildlife location. 2 nights accommodation on a full board basis at Sea Lion Lodge. All wildlife locations are easily accessible on foot, however an introductory tour with driver/guide has been included to help familiarize you with the islands layout and wildlife locations, you may then explore the island at leisure.
Day 6
Stanley
Internal FIGAS flight to Stanley. Meet and transfer to Malvina House Hotel for 2 nights accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. Remainder of day free to explore the small capital of Stanley. Perhaps visit the small museum, Christchurch cathedral, whalebone arch and walk along the seafront taking in the various monuments and sites.
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 international flight. Pick up time for this transfer will be advised the night prior to departure.
