Stanley Marathon in the Falkland Islands

Arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport on East Falkland Island on an afternoon flight. Transfer to Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands and the host of the Falklands marathon for the past 5 years.

Today is the Stanley Marathon, the world’s Most Southerly AIMS-Certified Marathon at a latitude of 51° S, 57° W. The route starts in Stanley and stretches out to the island's airport before doubling back. A host of Falkland natives or "kelpers" as they call themselves take part alongside international runners.The abundant wildlife dotted along the course makes this marathon very unique, particularly the different varieties of penguins which flock to the islands to breed.

Click here for more details about the Stanley Marathon including registration information

Transfer by Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) aircraft to Sea Lion Island. The relatively low level flying provides passengers with exceptional views of the Falklands coastlines and inland scenery. Your accommodation here is at Sea Lion Lodge, just minutes walk from a rich variety of wildlife.

Sea Lion Island is one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago, and the most southerly inhabited islands, and is home to only the lodge and some magnificent wildlife – it is 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.

Morning transfer by FIGAS to Carcass Island.

Enjoy two days on one of the most picturesque of the outer-lying islands, with its 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 there are no fixed excursions on this small island.

Your accommodation will be in the Manager’s House, which will give you a wonderful opportunity to mingle with true Falkland Islanders and sample their organic vegetables, meat, and dairy products.

You will also be able to enjoy the settlement gardens which have an almost a tropical feel with their Monterey cypress trees, New Zealand cabbage palms and flax and colorful array of flowers.

Fly on FIGAS to 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.

Here you can visit some of the places that became household names during the 74 day conflict in 1982 between Argentina and England over the sovereignty of the Falklands. 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.

Transfer overland from Darwin to Mount Pleasant. Catch an afternoon flight back to Punta Arenas, or connect to Santiago on an evening international flight. With more time, travel from Punta Arenas to Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia or continue north to the Lake District, wine country, Easter Island, or the Atacama Desert.