Seabirds & Seals

Day 1 Arrive Falkland Islands / Transfer to Darwin

Arrive Mount Pleasant Airport early afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Darwin, a drive of approximately 35 minutes.

For the rest of today, enjoy exploring Darwin and the surrounding area. Visit the cemeteries and battlefields from the 1982 conflict between Britain and Argentina, walk on the world's southernmost suspension bridge, learn about the area's long history of sheep farming, or begin your life wildlife watching by looking for night herons, ruddy-headed geese, and blackish oystercatchers. A visit to the nearby Gentoo penguin colony at Newhaven is also a possibility

Days 2-3 Saunders Island

After breakfast, transfer by Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) 8-seater Britten Norman Islander aircraft to Saunders Island, where you'll spend the next two days. The relatively low-level flying provides passengers with exceptional views of the Falklands' coastlines and inland scenery.

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 you’re lucky—a few Macaroni penguins to be seen as well as the albatross.

All this wildlife is right at your doorstep if you choose to stay at the fully equipped but isolated self-catering style accommodation. Food can be bought in a small store at the settlement, or, if you would rather not waste a moment's wildlife viewing, pre-prepared meals can be provided at additional cost. For those who prefer to be less isolated, cottage accommodation is available in the settlement.

Days 4-5 Sea Lion Island

Morning transfer by FIGAS to wildlife-rich Sea Lion Island.

Sea Lion Island is the most southerly inhabited island and one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago, but it is still a prime destination due to the sheer abundance of wildlife found in such a small area.

Upon arrival, a 2-hour orientation tour by vehicle will acquaint you with the principle areas of interest. During the rest of your time on the island, you’ll be able to explore on foot, as most of the sites are within walking distance of the lodge.

Forty-seven different species of breeding birds make their home on Sea Lion Island, including the internationally-endangered Striated caracara, Antarctic skuas, Southern giant petrels, and a host of passerines. But birds aren’t the only wildlife here! Southern sea lions play in the waters around East Loafers, and the Elephant seals bask on the white sandy beach at the appropriately named Elephant Corner. The latter are close enough to be seen from the lodge bar! If you keep your eyes open, you may be fortunate enough to see a killer whale off shore as well.

Days 6-7 Stanley, East Falkland

Morning transfer by FIGAS to Stanley on East Falkland.

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 14 a full-day guided excursion by 4x4 vehicle to Volunteer Point will be a highlight of your tour. With its 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 8 Fly Chile and return home

This afternoon, 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 1800s. Return to Chile and continue home or on to further South American adventures.