The Falkland Islands, 500 km / 310 mi east of the Patagonian coast, may seem a somewhat unlikely paradise, but for adventurous travelers, who love to discover wildlife-rich virgin ground, far off the trodden path, the Falkland Islands offer all they have been looking for. With more penguins than people - almost 500,000 breeding pairs of penguins compared to a human population of a mere 2,967 - along with lots of other migratory birds and mammals, both on sea and land, the Falkland Islands are a perfect place for wildlife observation and independent discovery.

Despite a small populace, the Falkland Islands have a turbulent history and land disputes have raged since 1766. Today, Argentina claims the islands and labors to require the United Nations to use both their Spanish and English names. East Falkland and West Falkland are the two biggest and most populated islands of the archipelago, which numbers more than 200 islands in total. The capital, Stanley, is located on East Falkland, as is the international airport. There are four other airports/landing strips on other islands, one of which is paved, and flights are the only way to reach some of the remote spots on the islands.

The most popular reason to visit is for the scenic beauty and to encounter local wildlife. Environmental protection is high on the Island's agenda. Birds and marine species are the most prevalent animals and include five species of penguins, four species of seal, albatross, petrels, the Falkland Flightless Steamer duck (Logger Duck) and other duck species, geese, hawks, falcons. The Striated Caracara (Johnny Rook) is a rare bird of prey found only on the Falkland Islands and some islands off Cape Horn. Porpoises and dolphins are often sighted and occasionally even whales. The Falklands provide an excellent base for nature lovers to observe Antarctic wildlife.

Saturday: Mount Pleasant - Malvina House

Personal meet and greet at Mount Pleasant Airport and transfer to the islands Capital, Stanley and the Malvina House Hotel for overnight stay on a Bed & Breakfast basis.

Sunday to Tuesday: Pebble Island

After a hearty breakfast at Darwin House, we transfer to Goose Green, one of several grass landing strips on the Islands just 10 minutes away. Board one of the Falkland Island's small aircrafts for a short (25 minute) flight to Pebble Island, a 24 miles / 38 km long Island, the fourth largest island in the Falklands. Its diverse terrain comprises of vast white sandy beaches, moor lands and rocky peaks, an extensive area of ponds and wetlands, and dramatic coastal cliffs. All of these provide vital breeding habitats for numerous birds. Thousands of Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellan penguins breed on Pebble Island each summer. Each year the island seems to act as a magnet for many rare avian visitors from mainland South America and beyond. Marine mammal enthusiasts can observe congregations of Southern sea lions at their haul out rocks. The lodge originally served as the farm manager's house on the estate. Now the managers welcome visitors from around the world to their traditional Falkland farm house. From here, you can explore the island and experience a Falkland farm working with some 10,000 sheep, while enjoying the highest standards of hospitality and customer service on the lodge. Overnight stay at Pebble Island.( B,L,D)

Tuesday to Thursday: Sea Lion Island

After a short flight with the Falkland Island Air Service you will arrive at Sea Lion Island. Welcome and transfer to the nearby lodge by Land Rover. After lunch an orientation drive is scheduled to visit the premier wildlife observation destination of the Falklands. The Island is home to 49 species of visiting or nesting birds, at times up to 5 species of penguins. The beaches host the major breeding Elephant Seal population of the Falklands: South American Sea Lions breed beneath the cliffs. Here Leopard Seals and Fur Seals can also occasionally be observed. A pod of Orcas patrol the beaches during the Elephant Seal breeding season September - November. It is easy to explore the island, which is 5 miles / 8 km long and just over a mile at its widest point. Beautiful tussac grass covers one fifth of the island and provide a perfect habitat and protection for much of the islands' varied fauna. You will visit the major sites to spot wildlife and have an interesting briefing about the wildlife and island's history. Return to Sea Lion Lodge, built in 1986, where all rooms have en suite bathrooms and excellent food and wine are served in attractive surroundings. On Sea Lion Island many small birds including the endemic cobbs wren can be observed. After an exciting day of exploration feel free to relax in the lounge bar, which provides reference books, magazines and some favorite board games. Overnight at Sea Lion Lodge. (B, L, D)

Thursday: Port Stanley

After breakfast you will fly back to Port Stanley. Upon arrival a transfer will take you to the Guest house. The afternoon is at your leisure. Stanley has several attractions to offer which can be explored easily on your own. The capital of the Falkland Islands is a bright picturesque town overlooking the harbor. With approx. 1.600 residents, it offers all the facilities you find in a small English town - post office, bank, some small shops, swimming pool and well equipped leisure centre, pubs and guest houses. There is an excellent museum dedicated to the heritage of the islands and a self-guided maritime history trail. Stanley harbor is probably the largest graveyard of 19th century shipping in the world and the trail signposts explain the rich maritime history of this once busy harbor. Overnight stay at the Malvina House. (B)

Friday: Full day excursion to Volunteer Point

After breakfast you will start a full day Land Rover excursion to Volunteers Point, one of the very few places to spot King Penguin colonies outside the Antarctic. You will enjoy this amazing wildlife experience. Overnight stay at Darwin House. (B,BL)

Saturday: Departure

In due time transfer in regular coach to Mount Pleasant International Airport for LAN Chile flight to Punta Arenas, Puerto Montt or Santiago (B).

Rates for 2011 - per person

Rates may vary due to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Included:

7 overnights with breakfast, 2 lunch, 1 lunch box, 3 dinners, air fare Darwin to Pebble Island, Pebble Island to Sea Lion, Sea Lion to Stanley (only 14kgs allowed), transfer in and out without guide, transportation and excursions as mentioned, bilingual guide.

Not Included:

international airfares, airport taxes, travel insurance of any kind, meals not mentioned in the itinerary, expenses of a personal nature, tips or gratuities

Notes:

• Rates are subject to reconfirmation.
• Local authorities request payment of 20 British Pounds (£) when you leave the islands.
• Season is from October to March, out of season the program can be operated, but in an adjusted version.

For further information and booking inquiries please send us and e-mail.

Hotels used for this Itinerary