Weddel Island

Weddel Island


Weddell is the largest offshore island in the Falklands group offering 63,000 acres and many spectacular miles of coastline for exploration. Though Weddell suffered from the introduction of land-based predators like the Patagonian fox during the mid 1900s, the island still offers access to a variety of wildlife such as gentoo and magellanic penguin, sea lions, striated and crested caracara, variable hawk and numerous breeds of small birds. Foxes, though reduced in population can still be seen along with a small herd of reindeer more recently introduced. Albatross and petrels can be observed feeding offshore.
There are many walking opportunities on the island including Mount Weddell, for fantastic views across the island, and full day excursions to Loop Head. 4WD tours and drop-offs are also available.
Excellent self catering accommodation is available in the main settlement. Camping is possible.
Sea Lion Island

Sea Lion Island


Sea Lion Island, is often considered the top wildlife destination of the Falkland Islands due to the close proximity of many breeding species to the island's Lodge. The island itself is five miles long and just over a mile wide at its widest point, so just the right size to spend a day, or more, exploring. Beautiful tussac plantations cover one fifth of the island and provide a perfect habitat and protection for much of the island's varied fauna, including elephant seals and sea lions. Opportunities for photography and wildlife watching are limitless and start literally steps away from the Lodge.
Besides the tussac, there are sand beaches, cliffs, freshwater ponds and heathland, all with their own wildlife. The 47 different species of breeding birds to be viewed on the island include three species of breeding penguins and five different birds of prey. Every year brings exciting sightings of vagrants. Pods of killer whales (most notable between November and January) circle the island in pursuit of the elephant seals and sea lions that breed there. Leopard seals and larger whales are also seen from time to time.
A memorial to the HMS Sheffield, sunk in nearby waters, is situated on the island. 4WD tours with a knowledgeable guide can be arranged around the island.
Comfortable accommodation is available at Sea Lion Lodge.
Saunders Island

Saunders Island



Saunders Island is one of the largest in the archipelago at over 31,000 acres. Rich in wildlife and history – the island boasts four species of breeding penguin (gentoo, king, magellanic, rockhopper) and a spectacular black-browed albatross colony on its northern cliffs, the Rookery. The Neck, located on a narrow isthmus of sand, is frequently visited by Commerson's and Peale's dolphins and many seabird species. The combination of wildlife and natural, scenic beauty afford some of the best photography opportunities in the World.
Port Egmont, a short walk from the current settlement, was chosen as the first British settlement in the Falklands in 1765, and remains from the original buildings are still clearly visible. A visit to this historic site can be included in a two-hour return hike from the settlement, including an exhilarating walk up Mt Egmont – which affords expansive views over Saunders and neighbouring Keppel Island. Look out for the old ammunition box which contains a flag to hoist to give the feeling of being a real explorer!
Self catering cottages are available in the settlement and also at the idyllic locations of the Neck and the Rookery. Tours and drop-offs can be arranged.
Carcass Island

Carcass Island


Carcass Island, named after HMS Carcass, has been owned by Rob and Lorraine McGill for over 30 years and has been developed in to one the premier destinations of the Falkland Islands. Cat and rat free it is a haven for small bird species including the endemic Cobb’s wren, dark-faced ground tyrants, and tussacbirds. Straited cara-caras, known locally as "Johnny Rooks" are prevalent and short-eared owls breed in the island's forest. Elephant seals bask on the northern beaches, magellanic penguins reside close to the settlement, gentoo penguins and other marine mammals inhabit the southern end of the island.
The scenery is varied with beautiful white sandy beaches, tussac paddocks, rocky hills and clifftops; Carcass Island is a fantastic destination for both walking enthusiasts and those who prefer just a short stroll or drive to a scenic spot.
Carcass Island Farm House provides comfortable lodgings with lush garden surrounds. 4WD trips around the island can be arranged and a day-long boat trip to West Point Island, (see Cruise Ship Landings page for more details) where black-browed albatross breed, can also be organised.
Pebble Island

Pebble Island


Some 24 miles long, Pebble Island is named after the unusual, translucent semi-precious stones found on its beaches. It is one of the most visited sites in the Falklands. Pebble Island has a distinctive mountain range and is home to more than 40 species including gentoo, rockhopper, macaroni and magellanic penguins, imperial cormorant, waterfowl and black-necked swans. The eastern end of the island has wetlands and large ponds with many waterfowl and wading birds
Pebble Island's settlement sits on a narrow neck of land in the middle of this diverse island, close to a 4 mile long sandy beach which sometimes doubles as an airstrip. The Island is also noted for events of the 1982 conflict; the HMS Coventry memorial is situated here. Overland tours are a must to explore all habitats of this island – led by experienced driver/guides.
At the heart of the settlement is Pebble Lodge, originally the farm manager’s house, now converted into comfortable accommodation for visitors.
The beauty of Bleaker Island

The beauty of Bleaker Island



Bleaker Island is home to three species of penguin – Rockhopper, Magellanic and Gentoo – a large imperial cormorant colony, southern giant petrels, many smaller birds and a variety of waterfowl on the ponds. Here you may spot the rare flying steamer duck. Marine mammals are often observed offshore.
The settlement is situated in the middle of the island and still operates a sheep farm. Plenty of walking opportunities are available around the island including long sandy beaches with beautiful views. Listed as an 'Important Bird Area', the land north of the settlement is a designated national nature reserve.
Cobb's Cottage is a recently-built self-catering cottage offering cosy accommodation in the settlement.
Little Chartres

Little Chartres



Little Chartres is sited in the centre of West Falkland with a large variety of tours (battlefield, wildlife) and experiences on offer. Spend time sight-seeing, taking nature walks (including the Little Chartres wildlife reserve for rare plants), chilling out, or helping out on the farm. We have a children’s playground, miniature horses, 6-hole golf course, and trout fishing (fly and spinning equipment available). Camping possible.
Port Stephen

Port Stephen



Port Stephens' rugged headland provides a breeding ground for many rockhopper and gentoo penguins. Just an hour's scenic coastal walk from the settlement lie Wood Cove and Stephens Peak, both excellent for wildlife watching. Further around the south coast, visitors will come across the strange rock formations known as Indian Village. Calm Head, about 2 hours walk from the settlement, has superb views of the jagged shoreline and powerful South Atlantic. A self-catering cottage in the Port Stephens settlement provides a comfortable base from which to explore this area.
Shallow Bay

Shallow Bay



Shallow Bay is situated on the north coast in an area which affords excellent views towards the islands off north-west Falkland. The Old House is a beautiful, stone-built, photogenic building offering self-catering accommodation and the chance to experience farm life. Horse riding, sea trout and mullet fishing opportunities are available. Tours of the area can be arranged including visits to the miniature ponies at Main Point and penguins at Port North.
Mount Usborne and Ceritos Corral

Mount Usborne and Ceritos Corral



Forming the western edge of Wickham Heights, Mt Usborne reaches 705m (2,312ft) - making it the highest mountain in the Falklands. Usborne has a distinctive hulking shape, and rises impressively from the grasslands at its feet. Just under the peak hangs Black Tarn, a small lake formed by erosive forces during the last Ice Age approximately 15,000 years ago - a fantastic location for camping enthusiasts.
At the base of Usborne is Ceritos Corral, a large and well-preserved stone corral built in 1871 by a team of several men for the princely sum of approximately £7. The structure is comprised of approximately 55 yards of stone work and is located next to a running stream. Ceritos is a well protected corral incorporating the nearby rocky hillside. It was used to sort the fattest and best cattle from the resident herd, these animals would then be sent to Stanley for consumption by townsfolk.
Allow a whole day for an expedition to Usborne. Visitors should wear walking boots, wind/waterproof clothing and headgear as the terrain is rough underfoot and the weather highly changeable. Water and snacks are essential. Maps and a GPS for route-finding are strongly recommended; mists can descend very quickly and finding the exact location of a vehicle can be challenging even in the best of weather.
Suggested route: Walk or drive to Ceritos corral. From here, walking is recommended, follow the fence line up the slope until you reach the Phantom crash site – a British fighter jet that came to grief on the slope during a routine flight in October 1983. Continue along the saddle past three rock tarns towards the summit cairn, enjoying the expansive views over Cape Dolphin and Berkeley Sound (the points of Point Stephens, North Arm and Port Howard Mountains are also visible on clear days). To see Black Tarn, head approximately 600 metres to the north of the summit cairn.