Island hopping (8d/7n)
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 with a flight time of approximately 25 minutes. 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, the only purpose built lodge in the Falkland Islands, and 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 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 orner. 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 Pebble Island.
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 full day guided tours in 4x4 vehicle offers ample opportunity to see the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery further afield from the settlement, as well as perhaps 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 Carcass Island.
This is one of the most picturesque outer-lying islands, with the luxuriant, wellestablished hedges and trees attracting many small birds such as the Cobb’s wren, Black-chinned siskins and Falkland’s thrush to nest around the settlement buildings. 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 guided excursions on this small island. From here 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.
INCLUDED IN THE TARIFF:
· Full board accommodation (all meals included) at Sea Lion Island
· Full board accommodation (all meals included) at Pebble Island
· Full board accommodation (all meals included) at Carcass Island
· Hotel accommodation including breakfast at The Waterfront Hotel, Stanley
· All domestic flights
· Airport transfers as listed
· Excursions as listed:
- Introductory tour on Sea Lion Island
- Introductory tour on Pebble Island
- Boat trip to West Point Island on Carcass Island
- City tour & museum visit in Stanley
Day 3 - 4: Transfer by FIGAS to Pebble Island.
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 full day guided tours in 4x4 vehicle offers ample opportunity to see the abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery further afield from the settlement, as well as perhaps 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 Carcass Island.
This is one of the most picturesque outer-lying islands, with the luxuriant, wellestablished hedges and trees attracting many small birds such as the Cobb’s wren, Black-chinned siskins and Falkland’s thrush to nest around the settlement buildings. 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 guided excursions on this small island. From here 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.
INCLUDED IN THE TARIFF:
· Full board accommodation (all meals included) at Sea Lion Island
· Full board accommodation (all meals included) at Pebble Island
· Full board accommodation (all meals included) at Carcass Island
· Hotel accommodation including breakfast at The Waterfront Hotel, Stanley
· All domestic flights
· Airport transfers as listed
· Excursions as listed:
- Introductory tour on Sea Lion Island
- Introductory tour on Pebble Island
- Boat trip to West Point Island on Carcass Island
- City tour & museum visit in Stanley