Small Group Safari

Wildlife of the Falkland Islands in Depth

Around 300 miles from the coast of South America, the Falkland Islands are seriously underrated. These rugged islands boast sandy beaches, rolling hills, fantastic hiking opportunities and wildlife in droves! Penguins surf up onto the beaches, dolphins swim through the bays, albatross soar through the skies and sea lions laze in the sunshine.

Duration 10 days
Price From $6,013
When Nov
Destination Falkland Islands
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A 10-day expedition exploring the rugged islands of the Falklands, experiencing all the wildlife it has to offer - from £4,295 per person sharing, excluding international flights.

Safari Overview

Journey to the Falkland Islands in search of the wildlife that calls this rugged place home. Sailing from Puerto Madryn in Argentina, you will be given the opportunity to experience all the wildlife that this incredible location has to offer. Travelling on the M/V Plancius or M/V Ortelius will give you the opportunity to visit as many of the islands as the weather permits, and with a flexible itinerary, the wildlife here is the focus of your journey.

You will have the opportunity to visit the largest black-browed albatross colony in the world, with over 110,000 birds. Then head to Saunders Island to see rockhopper, king, Magellanic and gentoo penguins, and explore the capital of Stanley with its colourful houses and distinctly British charm on this 10-day adventure.

What makes this trip extraordinary?

  • Comfortable accommodation combined with intrepid adventure across the windswept islands.
  • Test your photography skills as a wide variety of seabirds swoop around the ship.
  • Watch for dolphins swimming just off the bow of the ship.
  • Visit islands where the penguins outnumber people and observe them in their natural habitat surfing the shore.
  • Marvel at huge breeding colonies of southern elephant seals.

Day by day

Day 1

Puerto Madryn, Argentina

Today you’ll board your ship in the beautiful seaside town of Puerto Madryn, and depart the port in the afternoon. Settle into your cabin, meet the crew, and your fellow guests as you set sail towards the Falklands! Spend some time on the deck and watch out for the Southern Right Whales as the Golfo Nuevo is known for them at this time of the year.

Days 2-3

At Sea

Take some time out while at sea and get to grips with your camera. Sea birds will swoop around the ship as you sail allowing you to learn how to capture that perfect shot. Keep your binoculars to hand so that you can keep an eye out for albatrosses, storm petrels, shearwaters and diving petrels.

Days 4-8

Falkland Islands

You'll spend the next five days exploring as much of the Falkland Islands as possible, with a fully flexible itinerary allowing you to visit a number of destinations, depending on time constraints and weather conditions. Possible stops include Steeple Jason, home to the world's largest black-browed albatross colony, and Sea Lion Island, named for the approximately 2,000 southern elephant seals who flock to the area to breed. Make sure to soak up the quaint British-style cultural landmarks at Port Stanley, and take a picture beneath the town's huge whalebone arch. You'll be able to explore the Falklands on two planned excursions per day.

Day 9

At Sea

Head back out to sea with your course set for Ushuaia. Spend the day relaxing after your adventure and take a minute to celebrate with a toast in the evening as you enjoy one final dinner on board with your fellow travellers.

Day 10

Ushuaia, Argentina

This morning, arrive into Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast, if you have time take a trip to the End of The World Museum before catching your flight home.

Your Expedition at a Glance

Locations in and around the Falklands

  • Steeple Jason: The world’s largest black-browed albatross colony of over 110,000 birds calls this wild and rarely visit island home. The wind and the waves make it hard to visit, but if you are able to make a stop here, you’ll be one of just a few!

  • Carcass Island: Home to breeding Magellanic and Gentoo penguins, Carcass Island is a fantastic spot for photographers with huge numbers of penguins lining the windswept beaches.

  • Saunders Island: Without a doubt one of the highlights of any trip, this is the place to see the beautiful black-browed albatross. You will also witness breeding imperial shags along with rockhopper, king, Magellanic and gentoo penguins.

  • West Point Island: Here you will see black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins.

  • Grave Cove: Perfect for anyone who wants to stretch their legs after being on the ship, this is a great visit for hikers with plenty of routes to explore as well as fantastic views as well as an array of wildlife.

  • Volunteer Point: Home to a large king penguin rookery, and white sand beaches, this is a perfect spot for wildlife lovers to relax and take in the majestic islands.

  • Port Stanley: Home to charming British style pubs, a quaint traditional post office, and colourful houses, Stanley has several pretty walks and a handful of shops to explore. Send a post card from the small post office, and visit the church with its huge whale bone arch.

  • Bleaker Island, Sandy Bay: An easy walk across the island will take you out to see gentoo, Magellanic and rockhopper penguins.

  • Sea Lion Island: Very exposed, and tough to land at, however if you are lucky and the weather allows you will be able to witness the largest breeding colony of southern elephant seals in the archipelago. With approximately 2,000 seals on the northern beaches this time of year. For those wanting to walk further, a decent hike leads you to a southern sea lion haul-out.

Trip Details

Dates and Prices

This is a small group departure on either the M/V Ortelius or M/V Plancius leaving on set dates. Please enquire for more information.

Please also note that the trip price excludes international flights.

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