SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive in Stanley

Arrive at Mount Pleasant airport and transfer 45-minutes to the settlement of Darwin, situated on Choiseul Sound on East Falkland Island (or the 'Malvinas' as they are known by Argentina).

Situated on the Patagonian Shelf in the South Atlantic Ocean, this remote archipelago consists of 778 islands and islets, with the two largest being West Falkland and East Falkland. Check in and enjoy the rugged beauty and wealth of seabirds found on this far-flung British Overseas Territory.

Day 2: Explore Darwin & the Falklands Battlefields

Today explore the picturesque settlement of Darwin, named after the famous naturalist Charles Darwin, who visited the Falklands in the 1830s.

Enjoy a half day guided tour of the San Carlos, Goose Green and Darwin area to see some of the places that became household names during the 74-day Falklands War in 1982. Experienced guides will bring these events to life as you visit both the British and Argentinian war cemeteries, as well as many of the battlefields, to gain insight into the fierce battle for the reinstatement of a British flag over Goose Green.

Going back some 200 years, you can also see remnants of the much earlier occupation by Argentinian gauchos (cowboys). Afterwards relax on Darwin's waterfront, which is a great place for birding. Sightings of night herons, ruddy-headed geese and blackish oystercatchers are almost certain.

Day 3: Fly to Sea Lion Island

This morning transfer to Darwin airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Sea Lion Island, one of the most southerly islands in the Falklands.

Designated a Ramsar birding site of international significance, this island is home to the largest breeding colony of southern elephant seals in the world.

Day 4: Sea Lion Island

Today explore the wildlife of Sea Lion Island - from its colony of southern elephant seals, which number almost two thousand at the height of the breeding season in October, to its gentoo penguins, sea lions and hunting killer whales.

Enjoy the solitude of this remote island that has no steep hills to climb but does have high, rocky cliffs and spectacular wildlife. On lower lying land, majestic white sandy beaches and large areas of tall, tussac grass create alternative habitats and sheltered areas.

Day 5: Fly to Carcass Island

This morning transfer to Sea Lion airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Carcass Island, situated in the northwest of the Falklands.

The tiny settlement is nestled in a sheltered harbour, with wonderful views of the sea and the soft chalky-white outcrops of the Needles.

Day 6: Carcass Island

Carcass Island has been a sheep farm for more than a century and is rich in wildlife with songbirds, waterfowl, penguins and elephant seals. Sea lions and dolphins are often seen and fur seals can occasionally be found in the tall tussac grass.

Named after a ship, HMS Carcass, the island has many rocky ridges and steep hills to tempt walkers, as well as more gentle slopes and stunning beaches. Choose from a quick but strenuous hike up nearby Stanley Hill or a longer walk to Leopard Beach. Mount Byng is the highest point at 700 ft (213 m) with fantastic views. If you continue to Elephant Flats, you will find the elephant seals.

The birds are amazingly tame here and include the southern caracara, the endemic Cobb’s wren, long-tailed meadowlark and the tussac-bird. Magellanic penguin burrows are close to the settlement and gentoo penguins are found further afield.

Day 7: Fly to Stanley

This morning transfer to Carcass Island airstrip for your light aircraft flight to Stanley.

On arrival enjoy a full day private tour in a 4x4 vehicle to Volunteer Point. With its white sandy beach and turquoise waters, this area has a Caribbean feel - but  its iconic king and gentoo penguins will remind you that you are in 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 island.

Afterwards check in to your accommodation in the capital town of Stanley.

Note: A packed lunch and all entry fees are included today.

Day 8: Fly Home

Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport for your flight home.

PRICING

Price is based on two adults sharing en-suite accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis. RAF Flights from Brize Norton in Oxfordshire are not included and need to be booked direct.  

We offer a choice of islands, so please discuss your requirements with us. All accommodation is subject to availability.

It is essential that you have personal holiday insurance. The FCO should also be consulted.