Penguins, seals, albatross - all in their natural environment, without viewing platforms or hundreds of other people to jostle with to get the perfect photograph; white sandy beaches, rolling grasslands, superb walking opportunities, clear unpolluted skies and crime free.
If the natural world is more appealing to you than city life then the Falklands may be the destination for your next holiday. We are quietly confident that by the time you leave you will fully understand why the Falkland Islands are the natural choice.
The Falkland Islands are renowned for their spectacular wildlife. The majority of destinations we offer in the islands provide a good opportunity to view many species of birds and animals. We can advise you on those destinations that offer the most rewarding encounters with our wildlife.
The battlefields and war memorials which remain as a reminder of the Falklands war in 1982 can be visited independently or as part of a guided tour tailored to your requests. Memorials close to Stanley are the Liberation Monument, Mount Tumbledown, Cape Pembroke – Atlantic Conveyor Memorial.
Wide open spaces, perfectly clear skies, pure white sandy beaches and refreshingly clean air – coupled with wonderful hospitality, comfortable lodges, great local food and certainly no over-crowding, the Falkland Islands are the perfect destination for a relaxing break away from the real world. The rugged wilderness of the Falkland Islands and the diversity of the landscape make for ideal hiking conditions. Wilderness is in no short supply, with the freedom to explore without the restriction of walking tracks and barriers. Many Falkland Islanders still lead a unique lifestyle in the camp and there are plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience this way of life in the Falklands. Camp derives from the Spanish word campo meaning countryside.
A fishing trip to the Falklands Islands is a unique experience and can provide a sport of the highest quality. Fish amidst spectacular scenery and amazing wildlife. Relax in the warmth of comfortable lodges and cottages offering Falklands hospitality.
Sea Trout Season: 1st September – 30th April. Fish for for sea trout and mullet on the Warrah River staying at Port Howard Lodge. A relaxing trip and casual fishing can be enjoyed at Roy Cove. Close to Stanley, you can fish at the Murrell River or the San Carlos River.
The main season runs from October to April with the shoulders being primarily attractive to those visitors with an interest in fishing. November to February is prime wildlife-viewing time. Take a look at the wildlife calendar to see what stage each species is at in its breeding cycle to help you decide on the timing of your visit. It is possible to visit the Islands anytime of year however most of the main destinations are closed out of season.
The Falklands are sold purely on a tailor-made basis so your itinerary will be created to suit your specific length of stay, interests (whether it be wildlife watching, walking, military history, fishing or just general interest) and budget. In addition, the Falklands are an ideal add-on to a mainland South American holiday or perhaps as a pre or post Antarctic and/or South Georgia cruise tour destination.
Our sample itineraries will give you an idea of what is possible within one to two weeks. Please feel free to suggest any amendments you may wish to ensure you end up with a programme that suits you. Please contact us for further information.
Falklands Conservation hosts plenty of information about the islands' birds and mammals.
Carcass Island lies to the northwest of the Falklands archipelago and is one of the most picturesque outer-lying islands. The island takes its name from HMS Carcass, which, along with HMS Jason, established Port Egmont on Saunders Island in 1766–67.
On Carcass Island there are large sand bays, a tidal rock point to the north-west and cliffs and slopes along the north-eastern coast. There are several fresh water ponds which are important for wildfowl. The highest point is Mount Byng, 213 metres or 700ft. Careful management has retained an island rich in wildlife with songbirds, penguins and a diverse plant life that includes areas of mature tussac grass. Today the island is owned by Rob McGill and managed by Derek and Bonita Goodwin.
Pebble Island, at 19 miles (31 kilometres) long, is the third largest offshore island. The landscape varies greatly from large ponds and moorland, to long sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. All of these provide vital breeding habitats for a wide-range of birds, including some rare and elusive species.
The ponds on the eastern part of the island, some of which are within walking distance of the lodge, are home to Chiloe wigeon, grebes, Black-necked swans, Yellow-Billed Pintail, Silver Teal and a multitude of other wildfowl and wading birds. Many thousands of Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins breed on Pebble Island each summer, spearheading the incredible list of some 42 resident bird species. If you are lucky you will see the one resident Leucistic rockhopper penguin and also you may have the chance to see the few resident Macaroni penguins. In addition, each year, the island seems to act as a magnet for many rare avian visitors from mainland South America and beyond.
Port Howard is the oldest and largest remaining sheep farm on West Falkland, and a great destination for those wanting to experience all aspects of the Falklands. Although wildlife is not Port Howard’s principle attraction, a Gentoo penguin colony and a large number of waterfowl can be found at Gladstone Bay on Port Purvis, only an hour’s drive from the settlement.
Port Howard offers one of the best golf courses in the Islands. The nine-green/eighteen tees Clippy Hill course offers a challenge to golfers of all standards. With no queues and just a handful of people on the course at any one time, whilst in beautiful surroundings, this is the perfect way to relax. You will have ample opportunity to see a working farm in full flow, especially if you are visiting during the summer season when you may be able to view the process of gathering, sheep shearing, wool classing and baling, and even maybe the final product being loaded onto the intercoastal vessel which also delivers stores, fuel and any personal goods to the farms around the Islands.
This 30,000 acre island, situated about three miles off the north west coast of West Falkland, is still an active sheep farm and is important historically for being the site of the first British settlement in 1765. It is one of the Falklands supreme wildlife sites, with Gentoo, Rockhopper, Magellanic and rare sighting of Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins. Since 1980 a small breeding colony of King penguins has become established. Four species of raptors, King and Rock cormorants, Black-necked swans and many other shorebirds are easily accessible from the settlement or at the many and varied wildlife ‘hotspots’ around the island.
Lying to the southeast of Lafonia, East Falkland, this long (approximately 12 miles or 19 kilometres) and thin island, never more than 2 miles or 3 km wide and in some places almost severed by heavy indentations created by the sea, offers a good range of wildlife including three breeding species of penguin. The island is just a 30-minute flight from Stanley. It is privately owned and run as an organic sheep and cattle farm which operates smoothly in conjunction with tourism.
Sea Lion Island is one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago (just 5 miles, 8 kilometres long and just over 1 mile, 1.5 km wide at its widest point), and the most southerly inhabited island, but it is still a prime destination with the sheer abundance of wildlife in such a small area making it a must on any Falklands itinerary. There are over 47 species of bird to be found, including three species of penguins. Rockhopper penguins congregate at Rockhopper Point which also supports an enormous colony of king cormorants. Gentoo penguins are most common in the sandy areas close to the lodge and the Magellanic penguin burrows can be found in the tussock grass to the south.
Capital of the Falkland Islands, and with a population of around 2,000 it is the smallest and most remote capital city in the world, in many ways like an English village, but with a Government House, a Cathedral and a wide range of amenities and services. It is the usual finishing (and/or starting) point for visitors to the Falklands.
The city is built on a north-facing slope to catch the sun throughout the year, and looks across Stanley Harbour with its wealth of seabirds and shipping. It has much of historical interest mainly associated with the days when great sailing ships and early steam vessels called on their journeys around Cape Horn. Some of those ships still lie in the harbour, abandoned after a Cape Horn battering. A self-guided Maritime History Trail has been set up in Stanley and guide books are available from local shops.
