Named after the unusual and attractive pebbles found on the beaches, this 24 mile long island is the third largest in the archipelago. Sandy beaches, moorland and rocky peaks, extensive ponds and wetlands which are home to some 42 breeding bird species including over 1000 pairs of Imperial Shags, Gentoo, Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins. Eight of the Falkland endemic plants grow on the island including the Vanilla Daisy and the Lady’s Slipper.

Off road tours offer the chance to visit both the East and West end of the islands, both offering an array of wildlife and historical sites.

Airstrip

Pebble made the headlines during the 1982 conflict when British Forces attacked the islands’ Argentine-occupied airstrip. Today, fly-in visitors to Pebble Island land on the same airstrip raided by the SAS in 1982. A small cairn near the airstrip commemorates the action.

Memorial

There is also the memorial to the H.M.S. Coventry which, was bombed and sunk some 11 miles north of Pebble on 25 May 1982

West End

The West End Tour covers the more rugged part of Pebble Island and features three mountains; First, Middle and Marble scattered with fascinating rock formations and varied flora. Gaze across the vista before you and soak up the views of the undulating mainland of West Falkland and neighbouring islands of Keppel and Saunders . Let the turquoise waters and peaceful beaches of Green Rincon and Berntsen Bay restore you.

Bountiful wildlife awaits. Visit one of the Falkland Islands’ largest Rockhopper colonies where you may also spot the odd Macaroni lurking and be equally surprised at just how far the Gentoo and Magellanic penguins have ventured from the ocean to take up residence. Other birdlife that you will see include a southern giant petrel colony, nesting variable hawks, turkey vultures, skuas, peregrine falcons as well as striated and southern caracaras.

Pebble is also dotted with remnants of the events of 1982. View the remains of several Argentine Daggers/Mirage aircraft shot down during the conflict and see the remains of a Skyvan close to the airstrip along with a cairn commemorating the infamous SAS raid (site of the first land based action in 1982). Experience the poignancy of the Argentine Learjet memorial in honour of those airmen who were shot down and crashed close to Marble Mountain along with the HMS Coventry memorial on First Mountain.

In contrast, the East End Tour covers the spectacular sea cliffs of Cape Tamar where turkey vultures and rock shags nest along with the sprawling Southern Sea Lions. Later in the season you can often see whales blowing offshore and albatross gliding majestically overhead.

Be enthralled by wildlife-rich wetlands where all 18 resident species of waterfowl embrace their serene fresh water surroundings. Species such as Black Necked Swans, Chiloë Wigeon and Silver Teal are frequently seen along with more rare sightings such as the Red Shoveler and Cinnamon Teal.

This end of the island truly is a Penguin Lover’s Paradise; some of the highest concentrations of Magellanic penguins nest here in addition to countless accessible Rockhopper and Gentoo colonies.

Whilst Elephant Beach (the longest sand beach in the Falkland Islands) will entice you to venture around its elegant wine glass curve on a voyage of natural discovery.

Accommodation

Pebble Island Lodge

Traditional Falkland farm house provides a superb base from which to explore the wildlife rich environment.

More info