International Tours & Travel Highlight of the Month May / June 2012

Local Spotlight :: Destinations within the Falkland Islands

Bleaker Island

Lying to the southeast of Lafonia, East Falkland, this long (approximately 12 miles) and thin island, never more than 2 miles 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 privately owned and run as an organic sheep and cattle farm which operates smoothly in conjunction with tourism.

Visitors can enjoy a large amount of wildlife in a very compact area and the wildlife sites of most interest are all conveniently located close to the settlement. The highlight of the island is the Rockhopper penguin colony of some 750 pairs situated only a short walk from the cottage. Further south a Gentoo penguin colony and scattering of Magellanic penguins can be found. Long Gulch is fringed with tussac grass which attracts many smaller birds such as Grass and Cobb’s wrens, and around 9,000 pairs of King cormorants form the main seabird colonies along the cliff tops. The islands ponds are home to White-tufted and Silver grebes, Chiloe widgeon, Speckled and Silver teal, as well as the occasional Black-necked swan. At least 37 species of bird are known to breed on the island.

Striated caracaras, Southern Sea lions and Elephant seals are regular visitors from nearby Sea Lion Island or the small offshore tussac islands. The open country and long sandy beaches of Bleaker Island offer some great hiking opportunities during which visitors should also look out for some of the local vegetation such as the Yellow orchid, the attractive Dog orchid and the Lady’s Slipper.

Bleaker is open year round. Two choices of accommodation:

Cassard House :: Newest accommodation on the island just complete in 2011
• Accommodation for up to 8 people in 3 double rooms and 1 twin room
• All rooms are ensuite
• Large conservatory with stunning views of the surrounding area
• Central heating
• Gas cooking facilities • 24 hour electricity
• TV, Video/DVD & hi-fi

Cobb's Cottage
• 3 bedrooms (2 twin, 1 single)
• One bathroom
• Large open plan lounge and kitchen area
• Small balcony
• Central heating
• 24 hour power
• Gas cooker, fridge
• All bed linen, towels, crockery and cooking utensils provided

~A small store provides a limited but adequate range of tinned and dried foodstuffs, as well as fresh eggs and vegetables. Complimentary pack of home-made biscuits and Bleaker Island organic lamb on arrival.
~Please ask us about pre-catered home-cooked meal packs available from Stanley.


Pebble Island

Pebble Island, at 19 miles (31 kms) 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 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.

In addition, each year the island seems to act as a magnet for many rare avian visitors from mainland South America and beyond. Pebble was proud to announce a record sighting of 7 different species of penguin throughout the 2004/05 season. Marine mammal enthusiasts can look out for Southern
sea lions hauled out along the coast.
Pebble also has something for the historian with many reminders of the 1982 conflict, including remains of aircraft destroyed when British special-forces raided the island’s Argentine-occupied airstrip. Visitors to Pebble Island today land on the same grass airstrip that saw the first land-based action of the Falklands War. There are several memorials, most notably a large cross erected on a scenic hillside not far from the settlement, that looks out to where HMS Coventry was sunk by Argentine jets. Overland tours are a must given the size of the island – and the experienced drivers/guides will make sure that you don’t miss the particular points of interest.
The two fully guided tours in 4x4 vehicles offer ample opportunity to see the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery further a field from the settlement.

Pebble Lodge is open from October to March.

Pebble Island Lodge
• Converted farm house
• 6 rooms (2 double, 3 twin, 1 single)
• All ensuite
• Full board accommodation only (packed lunches provided on request)
• Large lounge and honesty bar
• Guided tours ranging from 5 to 8 hours depending on weather and specific interests • Drop off/pick-up service available for hikers

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