Falkland Island Life
Days 1-2 Arrive Falkland Islands / Transfer to Darwin
Arrive Mount Pleasant Airport early afternoon, transfer by private vehicle to Darwin, a drive of approximately 35 minutes.
For the rest of today and Day 2, enjoy exploring Darwin and the surrounding area. Visit the cemeteries and battlefields from the 1982 conflict between Britain and Argentina, walk on the world's southernmost suspension bridge, learn about the area's long history of sheep farming, and begin your wildlife watching by looking for night herons, ruddy-headed geese, and blackish oystercatchers. A visit to the nearby Gentoo penguin colony at Newhaven is also a possibility. (B,L,2D)
Days 3-4 Port Howard, West Falkland
After breakfast, transfer by Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) 8-seater Britten Norman Islander aircraft to Port Howard, where you'll spend the next two days. The relatively low-level flying provides passengers with stunning views of the Falklands' coastlines and inland scenery.
In the afternoon, you'll visit one of the Falklands' few remaining large--and one of the most picturesque--working farms. A guided walking tour of the settlement includes stops at the shearing shed where the farm's 47,000 sheep are shorn, the 1982 war museum, the local school room, and the harbor, where you may have the chance to see a local pod of dolphins.
On Day 4 you will travel by Land Rover to the Fox Bay settlement, with a stop at Hawksnest Pond for a picnic lunch. While eating, be on the lookout for some 18 species of freshwater fowl, including the black-necked swan. Included in this full-day excursion are a peat cutting demonstration, a visit to two 1982 aircraft crash sites, and one of the Falklands' richest fossil beds. (2B,2L,2D)
Days 5-6 Sea Lion Island
Morning transfer by FIGAS to wildlife-rich Sea Lion Island.
Sea Lion Island is the most southerly inhabited island and one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago, but it is still a prime destination due to the sheer abundance of wildlife found in such a small area.
Upon arrival, a 2-hour orientation tour by vehicle will acquaint you with the principle areas of interest. During the rest of your time on the island, you’ll be able to explore on foot, as most of the sites are within walking distance of the lodge.
Forty-seven different species of breeding birds make their home on Sea Lion Island, including the endangered Striated caracara, Antarctic skuas, Southern giant petrels, and a host of passerines. But birds aren’t the only wildlife here! Southern sea lions play in the waters around East Loafers, and the Elephant seals bask on the white sandy beach at the aptly named Elephant Corner. The latter are close enough to be seen from the lodge bar! If you keep your eyes open, you may be fortunate enough to see a killer whale off shore as well. (2B,2L,2D)
Day 7 Stanley, East Falkland
Morning transfer by FIGAS to Stanley on East Falkland. (B)
Following arrival at Stanley Airport and prior to your arrival at your hotel, a city tour will take in both the historic and most modern parts of this small and remote capital city, as well as a visit to the museum and the Magellanic penguin colony at Gypsy Cove.
Day 8: Fly Chile and return home
This afternoon, transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport by private vehicle. Your route will take you past many of the 1982 battlefields, and more historic relics from the gaucho era of the 1800s. Return to Chile and continue home or on to further South American adventures. (B)
|
