Cost per person is $7,999
Single supplement is $1,500
The Falkland Islands, home to five species of penguins, are one of the last untouched wildlife wonders of the world. Unspoiled beaches, islands and cliffs provide a natural safe-haven for many species that have made the Falklands their home. Watch albatross soar gracefully through the air against a backdrop of beautiful blue sea and sky. Elephant seals and Southern sea lions breed here, and Orcas patrol the waters in pursuit of a meal. Sit patiently alongside nesting penguins and wait for the fluffy chicks to come and take a look at you! The possibilities for enjoying this extraordinary wildlife experience are endless, as are the photographic opportunities.
This is an Ecotour that will make a difference to you, and to the areas we visit.
We will donate to the important work of Falklands Conservation.
We will employ local people.
We will use locally owned and operated lodges and outfitters.
We will use local goods and services.
Upcoming Dates
Saturday, November 2, 2024 to Saturday, November 9, 2024
Availability — Trip now FULL and closed to enrollment
Saturday, March 1, 2025 to Saturday, March 8, 2025
Availability — OPEN to enrollment
Itinerary
Day 1: Santiago, Chile to Sea Lion Island, Falkland Islands
Plan your arrival to Santiago, Chile so that you can join us on the Lan Chile flight from Santiago, Chile to Mount Pleasant Airport in Stanley, Falkland Islands. We are met on arrival and immediately transfer to Sea Lion Island on a local FIGAS flight. We settle in on arrival with plenty of time to wander to the penguin colonies visible from the main lodge. Sea Lion Island is a famed breeding site for Southern elephant seals and has a breeding colony of Southern sea lions as well. Killer whale pods are regularly seen patrolling the shoreline in search of prey. It is an amazing location to wander and explore, and all is accessible on foot.
Sea Lion Island Lodge (D)
Day 2: Sea Lion Island
We have a full day to explore Sea Lion Island, home to Magellanic, Gentoo and Rockhopper penguins, as well as the Southern elephant seals, and perhaps Southern sea lions. Sea Lion Island also has an exceptional collection of small birds not seen elsewhere (thanks to no predators), and is home to two endemic species, the Cobb’s wren, which is particularly tame and approachable, and the Falkland Islands Flightless steamer duck. We will see breeding South American terns, Blackish and Magellanic oystercatchers, Kelp geese, Upland geese, Striated caracaras, Magellanic snipe, Black-Throated finch, Grass wren and Falkland thrush.
Sea Lion Island Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 3: Sea Lion Island
Today is a walking tour of the whole island, from one end to the other. We venture to the far end of the island where the King cormorant and Rockhopper penguin colonies are located. What a sight! In the afternoon we explore the beaches close to the lodge where Southern sea lions are breeding, and the bull Elephant seals are finishing their annual molt - having finished breeding. At high tide the tidal pool at one end of the beach is a known haunt of Killer whales trying to grab young seals and sea lion pups.
Sea Lion Island (B,L,D)
Day 4: Sea Lion Island to Bleaker Island
Today we say farewell to Sea Lion Island and hop a short distance north to the nearby and equally remote Bleaker Island. This island is known for its varied coastline and boasts beautiful white sandy beaches. It also has nesting populations of Gentoo, Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins, plus numerous waterfowl such as Silvery grebe, Chiloe wigeon, Speckled and Silver teal, and Ruddy-headed geese that nest on and around Big Pond. Numerous smaller birds such as Tussacbirds and Magellanic snipe are also seen here. The Southern sea lion colony is a short walk from the main lodge.
Bleaker Island Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 5: Bleaker Island
Today we will explore Bleaker Island in more detail. You can visit the Magellanic penguins, which have several nesting areas, or an unusual Rock cormorant colony. This is also an exceptional place to watch – and photograph – Rockhopper penguins returning to their nests, through heaving surf, and then up rocky headlands. Possibly the most dramatic site, however, is the noisy and easily accessible King cormorant colony which numbers over 20,000 birds. Lots to explore!
Bleaker Island Lodge (B,L,D)
Day 6: Bleaker Island to Stanley
Today will be our last full day of exploration out in the “camp” (what the outer islands and surrounds are called in the Falklands). We will then head back to the charming Capital City of Stanley, population almost 2,000 inhabitants. We will settle into the Malvina House Hotel, and from here you can easily visit the local museum, which details the remarkable history of the Falklands, with a wonderful exhibit that details all aspects of the Falklands War with Argentina. Dinner tonight is on your own and an opportunity to explore some of the local dining options or perhaps one of the local pubs, where you can meet some of the friendly locals.
Malvina House Hotel (B,L)
Day 7: Stanley
Our last full day in the Falklands will be an "off-road cross-country" journey, a true Falkland experience! We will aim for an early morning departure to visit Seal Bay, located on the north coast. What is truly special is that Seal Bay has ALL 5 species of penguins found in the Falklands, Gentoo, Rockhoppers, Macaroni, Magellanic, and King penguins, as well as King cormorants and occasionally Sea lions. We will enjoy our farewell dinner at our hotel tonight after a very full day.
Malvina House Hotel (B,L,D)
Day 8: Stanley to airport and flights headed home
Today we depart before lunch to Mount Pleasant Airport for our Lan Chile flight to Punta Arenas - this Lan Chile flight continues on to Santiago, arriving to Santiago at 9:20pm.
(B)
Travel Information
Thanks for choosing Falkland Islands with Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc. It is our pleasure to help you plan for your upcoming ecotour. To ensure that your travel arrangements are made to your satisfaction, please take a few minutes to read through this information.
What you need to have with you on your trip:
Passport: If you are a U.S., U.K., Australian or Canadian citizen, you will need a passport, valid for six months from the date of completion of your trip.
It is always a good idea to make a photocopy of your airline tickets and of the pages of your passport that have the number, your photograph and other pertinent information. Keep the copies separate from the originals.
Visas: Please consult the United Kingdom consulate or embassy nearest you for visa requirements to enter Falkland Islands. If a visa is required, you are responsible for obtaining it.
Documents for children under the age of 18, not traveling with both parents: The U.S. government is increasingly requiring that minors under 18 years of age traveling alone, with grandparents, or with one parent/legal guardian only, carry a notarized document signed by both parents or by the parent/legal guardian not traveling with the child. We suggest you obtain such a document (noting the age of the child, relationship to traveling adult(s), dates of travel, and destination) to avoid potential problems. For example, in the case of divorce, the parent with legal custody must sign the permit, and the accompanying adult must carry proof of this fact. In addition, if the child’s surname differs from that of either parent, you may want to carry the child’s birth certificate.
Emergency Contact number while on your ecotour:
Call COLLECT (813) 476-2810
Security: There are currently no security problems in Falkland Islands. Please feel free to check with the US State Department for any updates or change in conditions.
Practical Information
Currency: Rates effective January 2016. The currency of Falkland Islands is the Great Britain Pound (GBP) and 1 USD = 0.67 GBP. Importantly there are no ATM machines in the Falkland Islands, and any US dollars must be in mint condition - crisp, clean, no rips, no writing, no imperfections whatsoever - if you wish to exchange them for Great Britain Pounds.
Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Falkland Islands, we suggest you change some currency into small denomination Great Britain pounds for smaller purchases such as refreshments or other miscellaneous expenses.
Health: All information we obtain regarding health precautions is received from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta at 404.332.4559 or www.cdc.gov.
Please note that Terra Incognita Ecotours, Inc., as a travel company, is in no way authorized to prescribe any inoculations or medications. We recommend that you consult your personal physician or a travel clinic specialist for medical advice, showing him or her the brochure that indicates the places you will be visiting. Your physician is most familiar with your personal medical history and is best qualified to determine your particular needs. It is always advisable to have physical and dental check-ups before you leave.
There are no specific health advisories in effect for the Falkland Islands.
Swimming: There are not really any opportunities to swim during the ecotour, though the Malvina House Hotel in Stanley has a sauna and jacuzzi.
Time Difference: Falkland Islands is one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time.
Weather: Falkland Islands has a largely cool/chilly temperate climate. Because Falkland Islands lies in the Southern Hemisphere, the warmest months are December, January and February (summer), and the coldest June, July and August (winter). Importantly, rain and strong wind is possible at any time, even though we travel in the Falkland Islands summer season and no matter the island, the mornings and evenings are cooler and nights can be cold.
Lodging Info
Sea Lion Island Lodge
Sea Lion Lodge is a 3 star hotel and the most southerly British Hotel in the world. The accommodation is welcoming, homey and very comfortable. The Lodge, purpose built in 1986, and the locally based staff ensure that their guests are superbly looked after throughout their stay. The lodge and settlement were completely upgraded in 2008. Guests can expect all the home comforts including central heating and en-suites in every room. Sea Lion Lodge is comprised of 10 rooms and is the only hotel or lodge on the island, so privacy is guaranteed! The Lodge offers spectacular views of the South Atlantic – there is nothing but water between Sea Lion Island and Antarctica.
Bleaker Island Lodge
The guest house offers a comfortable, friendly atmosphere and a home away from home experience. It opened for business in November 2011 and was upgraded in 2021. This eco-friendly house habits spacious accommodation comprises twin-bedded rooms and/or double rooms, each complete with an en-suite shower room. A large lounge with adjoining dining area and bar room, link through to a spacious sun lounge, thus allowing ample public space for all guests. The well-equipped kitchen, prepares delicious meals, and other facilities include a flat-screen television, DVD player, mini hi-fi with IPOD dock, a trust bar and wi-fi connectivity throughout. Magellanic, Rockhopper and Gentoo penguins all breed here, and numerous other birds can be seen, as the island is rat and cat free.
Malvina House Hotel
Malvina House Hotel is situated in the heart of Stanley, capital of The Falkland Islands. With beautiful views overlooking the natural harbour and only a few minutes’ walk from shops, pubs and historic sites and monuments. The hotel combines the convenience and comforts that you would expect in any capital city whilst encompassing a small town atmosphere. With 35 modern comfortable en-suite bedrooms, a spacious lounge bar, and a newly extended and refurbished restaurant with an award winning chef utilizing local Falklands produce incorporating international experience and flair. There is also a spa room with jacuzzi and sauna to help you relax and unwind.