Wildlife The Falklands are synonymous with wildlife holidays and
the natural world. The abundance and accessibility (for those who
enjoy travelling slightly off the beaten track) of the wildlife,
all within its natural environment, have rightly earned us the name
“Galapagos of the South”. Here the wildlife comes close
to you, stops and take a glance, before waddling on past in total
disregard to your presence, or if you stay perfectly still will
take a closer look at you than you ever thought possible!
Five breeding species of penguin (Magellanic,
Gentoo, Rockhopper, Macaroni and King, and the chance of seeing
up to seven different species), the world’s largest colonies
of Black-browed albatross, the curious and internationally endangered
Striated caracara, the endemic Steamer duck, the lumbering but impressive
Elephant seal, Sea lions, dolphins and even Killer whales, are just
some of the highlights of a Falklands wildlife based holiday.
Military
History
Tumbledown, Harriet, Goose Green, San
Carlos … all became household names in 1982 during Argentina’s
brief occupation of the Falkland Islands. Guided tours of these
and other battlefields, and the cemeteries and memorials are a must
for anyone with an interest in military history. Darwin
(from where you can explore San Carlos and Goose Green), Pebble
Island and Port Howard
are the destinations to include in an itinerary concentrating on
this aspect of the Falklands. Our experienced guides will really
bring this subject alive for those with even the vaguest interest.
It is easy to combine this particular interest with the Falklands’
other attractions if a more general/mixed interest tour is preferred.
Botany
The Falklands are not just about wildlife …. over 160 species
of plant have now been identified with 14 of those listed as endemic,
making the Falklands a seriously viable destination for a botany
based holiday. Despite the obvious lack of trees, there is a wealth
of attractive and colourful plants, as well as few edible ones such
as the native diddle dee berry or teaberry, to be found proving
that Darwin’s description of the vegetation as” wiry
grass and … monotonous brown colour” was rather harsh.
Weddings
Why not try the Falkland Islands as the latest wedding destination.
The laws are relatively simple, and we at International Tours &
Travel Ltd. can deal with all the ground arrangements for you –
the actual location for the service, catering, accommodation, domestic
flights to the honeymoon destination and other smaller details to
make the whole event run smoothly. A backdrop of rocky cliffs, penguins
surfing in on the waves to a deserted white sandy beach, dolphins
frolicking in the shallows and bright blue skies – a perfect
setting for a wedding.
Photography
The Falkland Islands are extremely photogenic and a paradise for
anyone with the remotest interest in photography - regardless of
whether the person behind the lens is an amateur or a professional.
You will need plenty of memory/film for a visit to the Falklands,
such is the extent of material that you will find to photograph
here. Wildlife or watering holes, people or places, skylines or
sea scenes there is an image around every corner. The light and
colours are a photographer's dream and the fearless nature of the
wildlife makes for extraordinary photographs.
Painting
The vibrant colours of nature and variety of landscape in the Falkland
Islands make this an unrivalled destination for artists. With low
edged light, silhouetted shapes at sunset, incredible skies and
a never-ending choice of nature’s subjects for the artist
to capture, is it any wonder that so many visitors class the Falklands
as the perfect blend of hobby and holiday?
Fishing
A fishing trip to the Falkland Islands is a unique experience and
can provide a sport of the highest quality – our rivers have
been compared to rivers in Scotland. You fish amidst spectacular
scenery and amazing wildlife and relax in the warmth of comfortable
lodges and cottages offering genuine Falklands hospitality.
When to Fish and The Catch
The sea trout season runs from 1 September to 30 April. Catches
in the rivers are heavily influenced by rainfall with ideal spate
conditions likely in September/October and March/April. Also at
these times and during the intervening months the sea creeks and
estuaries are good locations, especially as the tide starts to flood.
Falklands game fishing has developed quite recently compared to
other parts of the world. Sea trout (Salmo trutta), common
to northern Europe, was introduced to Falkland rivers only just
fifty years ago and this fast growing migratory fish quickly established
itself around the islands to provide some of the finest sea trout
fishing available today. Their size, fighting qualities and seeming
“lack of shyness” makes them attractive to fishermen.
Sea trout of 2lbs to 7lbs are common with fish in excess of 10lbs
taken every season. The current record of 22lbs 12.5ozs was taken
by Alison Faulkner from the San Carlos on 25 March 1992.
Naturally rivers have their populations of resident brown or Falkland
trout (Aplocheton Zebra) which, although generally smaller
than their migratory cousins, provide fine sport on the appropriate
tackle.
When fishing tidal waters it is very
likely you will come into contact with the Falkland mullet (Eleginus
Falklandicus Nototheniidae). Like the European species, it
follows the tide into the shallows where it can be seen moving,
usually with an obvious wake. However it is not related, being much
larger and stronger with fish recorded in excess of 20 lbs. Locally
it is much valued as a game fish taking bait, spinner of fly to
provide an exciting surprise to the unsuspecting trout angler.
Equipment
The rivers are well suited to fly fishing with treeless banks, however
a strong wind often blows and medium or tip action rods rated AFTM
7, 8 or 9 are recommended. This also enables long casts in low water
and bright conditions or when fishing the estuaries. The usual sea
trout fly patterns are effective. Should you be inclined, a spinning
rod for tidal work and mullet fishing would be a useful addition
to your gear.
Visitors are encouraged to return all fish
to the water. Rivers normally available are privately owned and
in the absence of any contrary advice from the owner it should be
assumed that a catch and release policy applies. It is strongly
recommended that barbless hooks be used. The maximum number of fish
allowed to be taken by a fisherman on any one day varies from river
to river and should be ascertained from the guide/ghillie or landowner
in advance.
Locations Warrah (West Falkland) You are accommodated in
the comfortable lodge at Port
Howard settlement. The guide transports you northwest some 12
miles away to the river winding its way through spectacular scenery.
You can also fish its main tributary, Green Hill Stream, or make
a short journey to Many Branch Creek to the north. There is excellent
opportunity for success in the creeks nearby not only for sea trout
but also for mullet.
Chartres (West Falkland)
This river can be fished from the Port
Howard base, being some 1.5 hours drive away. Little
Chartres Farm is the starting point. A fishing lodge is currently
under construction at Little Chartres.
Roy Cove (West Falkland)
Relatively unexplored fishing grounds – try your hand on Herbert
Stream and then relax at the end of the day in the comfortable cottage
at Crooked Inlet Farm.
San Carlos (East Falkland)
This river can be fished from Stanley (2 hours by North Camp track)
or more comfortably from Port
San Carlos (20 minutes) where accommodation is available in
a self-catering cottage (meal packs or alternative catering can
be arranged on request). Although night fishing is not common practice
in the Falklands, conditions on this river are ideal for it to be
tried.
Murrell (East Falkland)Located within 20 minutes drive
of Stanley, this river was one of those stocked originally.
Read recommendations from a local fishing guide...click
here to go the the Port Howard settlement page and find out
more
