Island Life
Duration - 8 days, 7 nights: Darwin 2 nights, Port Howard 2 n, Sea Lion Island 2n, Stanley 1n

Day 1-2: Arrive Mount Pleasant Airport early afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Darwin, a drive of approximately 35 minutes.
Darwin, named after the famous naturalist Charles Darwin who visited the Islands in the 1830s, provides its visitors with a selection of Falklands history. There is plenty to see from the 1982 conflict, and then going back some 200 years remnants of the gauchos’ occupation in the 1800’s.
Darwin House, where you will spend your first night in the Falklands, is a modern farmhouse with its bedrooms having views over Choiseul Sound, the picturesque settlement and Wickham Heights.

Day 3-4: Transfer by Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) 8-seater Britten Norman Islander aircraft to Port Howard.
The relatively low level flying provides passengers with exceptional views of the Falklands coastlines and inland scenery. Port Howard Lodge with its well-manicured lawns, including a putting green, will be the ideal location from which to explore farming life Falklands style.
A chance to see one the Falklands few remaining large farms (and one of the most picturesque) in action, with a guided walking tour of the settlement taking in a visit to the shearing shed where the farms 47,000 sheep are shorn, the 1982 war museum, the local school room and dolphin spotting in the harbour.

On Day 3 you will travel by the ubiquitous Land Rover to Fox Bay settlement with a stop at Hawksnest Pond on the way for a picnic lunch while viewing some 18 species of freshwater fowl, including the black-necked swan. Included in this full day excursion are a peat cutting demonstration, a visit to two 1982 aircraft crash sites, and one of the Falklands richest fossil beds.

Day 5-6: Transfer by FIGAS to Sea Lion Island where you will stay at the purpose-built Sea Lion Lodge.
Sea Lion Island is one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago, and the most southerly inhabited island, but is still the prime destination with the sheer abundance of wildlife in such a small area making it a must on any Falklands itinerary. An introductory and orientation tour by vehicle upon arrival will point out the principle areas of interest, however everything is in easy walking distance of the lodge – a map and guidelines for safe wildlife viewing are given out on arrival. The internationally endangered Striated caracara, Antarctic skuas, Southern giant petrels, and a host of passerines can all be seen on this island. Not to be missed are the Southern sea lions at East Loafers, and the Elephant seals which bask on the white sandy beach at the appropriately named Elephant Corner. The latter are close enough to be seen from the lodge bar! Keep an eye open and there is the odd Killer whale to be spotted off shore as well.

Day 7: Transfer by FIGAS to Stanley
Following arrival at Stanley Airport and prior to your arrival at the Malvina House Hotel, a city tour will take in both the historic and most modern parts of this small and remote capital city, as well as a visit to the museum and the Magellanic penguin colony at Gypsy Cove.

Day 8: Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport by private vehicle. Your route will take you past many of the 1982 battlefields and, more historically, relics from the gaucho era of the 1800’s.

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Day 1-2: Arrive Mount Pleasant Airport early afternoon, transfer by Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) 8-seater Britten Norman Islander aircraft to Sea Lion Island where you will stay at the purpose-built Sea Lion Lodge. The flight time is approximately 30 minutes. The relatively low level flying provides passengers with exceptional views of the Falklands coastlines and inland scenery.

Sea Lion Island is one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago, and the most southerly inhabited island, but is still the prime destination with the sheer abundance of wildlife in such a small area making it a must on any Falklands itinerary. An introductory and orientation tour by vehicle upon arrival will point out the principle areas of interest, however everything is in easy walking distance of the lodge – a map and guidelines for safe wildlife viewing are given out on arrival. The internationally endangered Striated caracara, Antarctic skuas, Southern giant petrels, and a host of passerines can all be seen on this island. Not to be missed are the southern sea lions at East Loafers, and the elephant seals which bask on the white sandy beach at the appropriately named Elephant Corner. The latter are close enough to be seen from the lodge bar! Keep an eye open and there is the odd killer whale to be spotted off shore as well.

Day 3-4: Transfer by FIGAS to Saunders Island, and then overland to The Neck.
This 30,000 acre island is still an active sheep farm and is important historically for being the site of the first British settlement in 1765. However the attraction to the wildlife enthusiast is undoubtedly the Black-browed albatross colony which stretches along the north coast to the narrow sandy isthmus known as the Neck. This is unquestionably one of the Falklands best wildlife sites with King and Rock shags, Gentoo, Rockhopper, Magellanic, King and, if lucky a few Macaroni, penguins to be seen as well as the albatross. All this wildlife is right at your doorstep at this fully equipped but isolated self-catering style accommodation. Food can be bought in a small store at the settlement, or alternatively if you would rather not waste a moment’s wildlife viewing, preprepared meals can be provided at additional cost.

Day 5-7: Transfer by FIGAS to Stanley
Following arrival at Stanley Airport and prior to your arrival at the Malvina House Hotel, a city tour will take in both the historic and most modern parts of this small and remote capital city, as well as a visit to the museum and the Magellanic penguin colony at Gypsy Cove.

On Day 6 a full-day guided excursion in 4x4 vehicle to Volunteer Point will be a highlight of this trip. With the white sandy beach and turquoise waters this destination has a Caribbeanesque feel to it, but the King and Gentoo penguins will bring you back to the Falklands. There is a host of other wildlife to be seen along the beach and on the lagoons, as well as spectacular scenery as you traverse the north of East Falkland.

On Day 7 a full day excursion by launch and 4x4 vehicle to Kidney Cove will give you the opportunity to see the colourful town of Stanley from the sea. A 20 minute launch trip from Stanley will take you to Sparrow Cove where you vehicle and guide will meet you for the tour of the gentoo, rockhopper and king penguins of Kidney Cove. From this trip you will certainly be able to appreciate how quickly you can leave the hustle and bustle of even a small town behind and enjoy the tranquillity of camp.

Day 8: Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport by private vehicle.
Your route will take you past many of the 1982 battlefields and, more historically, relics from the gaucho era of the 1800’s.

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Falklands Quest
Duration - 15 days, 14 nights: Darwin 2 nights, Pebble Island 2n, Saunders Island 2n, Carcass Island 2n, Port Howard 2n, Sea Lion Island 2n, Stanley 2n

Day 1-2: Arrive Mount Pleasant Airport early afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Darwin, a drive of approximately 35 minutes.
Darwin, named after the famous naturalist Charles Darwin who visited the Islands in the 1830s, provides its visitors with a selection of Falklands history. There is plenty to see from the 1982 conflict, and then going back some 200 years remnants of the gauchos’ occupation in the 1800’s. Darwin House, where you will spend your first night in the Falklands, is a modern farmhouse with its bedrooms having views over Choiseul Sound, the picturesque settlement and Wickham Heights.

Day 3-4: Transfer by Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) 8-seater Britten Norman Islander aircraft to Pebble Island. The relatively low level flying provides passengers with exceptional views of the Falklands coastlines and inland scenery.

Pebble Island is one of the larger outlying islands, and the landscape varies greatly from large ponds and moorland, to long sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. The deep ponds on the east of the island, many of which are within walking distance of the lodge, are home to Chiloe wigeon, Grebes, Black-necked swans and a multitude of other wildfowl and wading birds. The half and full day guided tours in 4x4 vehicle offer ample opportunity to see the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery further afield from the settlement, as well as hunting for the semiprecious stones that give the island its name. Pebble also has something for the historian with some 1982 conflict debris. Alternatively relax in the comfortable lodge, previously the farm manager’s house, which offers views across the island to Elephant Beach that has even doubled as an airstrip for the Islander aircraft.

Day 5-6: Transfer by FIGAS to Saunders Island, and then overland to The Neck.
This 30,000 acre island is still an active sheep farm and is important historically for being the site of the first British settlement in 1765. However the attraction to the wildlife enthusiast is undoubtedly the Black-browed albatross colony which stretches along the north coast to the narrow sandy isthmus known as the Neck. This is unquestionably one of the Falklands best wildlife sites with King and Rock shags, Gentoo, Rockhopper, Magellanic, King and, if lucky a few Macaroni, penguins to be seen as well as the albatross. All this wildlife is right at your doorstep at this fully equipped but isolated self-catering style accommodation. Food can be bought in a small store at the settlement, or alternatively if you would rather not waste a moment’s wildlife viewing, preprepared meals can be provided at additional cost.

Day 7-8: Transfer by FIGAS to Carcass Island.
This is one of the most picturesque outer-lying islands, with the luxuriant, well-established hedges and trees attracting many small birds such as the Cobb’s wren, Black-chinned siskins and Falklands thrush to nest around the two cottages that accommodate visitors. The sandy beaches, rolling hills and low cliffs are superb platforms from which to view the multitude of sea and shore birds that either breed or feed on and around Carcass Island. This destination gives you the opportunity to explore completely at your own leisure as your stay will be in either Rose or Valley self-catering cottages from where you will also be able to enjoy the settlement gardens which have almost a tropical feel with their Monterey cypress trees, New Zealand cabbage palms and flax and colourful array of flowers. A small shop for food purchases is available.

Day 9-10: Transfer by FIGAS to Port Howard where you will stay at Port Howard Lodge - with its well-manicured lawns, including a putting green, this is an ideal location from which to explore farming life Falklands style.
A chance to see one the Falklands few remaining large farms (and one of the most picturesque) in action, with a guided walking tour of the settlement taking in a visit to the shearing shed where the farms 47,000 sheep are shorn, the 1982 war museum, the local school room and dolphin spotting in the harbour.

Day 11-12: Transfer by FIGAS to Sea Lion Island where you will stay at the purpose-built Sea Lion Lodge.
Sea Lion Island is one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago, and the most southerly inhabited island, but is still the prime destination with the sheer abundance of wildlife in such a small area making it a must on any Falklands itinerary. An introductory and orientation tour by vehicle upon arrival will point out the principle areas of interest, however everything is in easy walking distance of the lodge – a map and guidelines for safe wildlife viewing are given out on arrival. The internationally endangered Striated caracara, Antarctic skuas, Southern giant petrels, and a host of passerines can all be seen on this island. Not to be missed are the Southern sea lions at East Loafers, and the Elephant seals which bask on the white sandy beach at the appropriately named Elephant Corner. The latter are close enough to be seen from the lodge bar! Keep an eye open and there is the odd killer whale to be spotted off shore as well.

Day 13-14: Transfer by FIGAS to Stanley
Following arrival at Stanley Airport and prior to you arrival at the Malvina House Hotel, a city tour will take in both the historic and most modern parts of this small and remote capital city, as well as a visit to the museum and the Magellanic penguin colony at Gypsy Cove.

On Day 14 a full-day guided excursion in 4x4 vehicle to Volunteer Point will be a highlight of this trip. With the white sandy beach and turquoise waters this destination has a Caribbeanesque feel to it, but the King and Gentoo penguins will bring you back to the Falklands. There is a host of other wildlife to be seen along the beach and on the lagoons, as well as spectacular scenery as you traverse the north of East Falkland.

Day 15: Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport by private vehicle. Your route will take you past many of the 1982 battlefields and, more historically, relics from the gaucho era of the 1800’s.

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