Carcass Island

Lying to the northwest of the Falklands archipelago, Carcass Island is one of the most picturesque outer-lying islands and is named after the sloop HMS Carcass that arrived in 1766 with the fleet sent to establish the first British settlement at Port Egmont. In its century of habitation this island has had only three owners, all environmentally conscious, and an absence of cats and rats, making the well established hedges and trees an attractive home to many small birds such as the Falklands thrush and Cobb’s wren.

The sandy beaches, rolling hills and low cliffs are the ideal place from which to view the huge diversity of birds that breed or feed on and around the island. The Gentoo and Magellanic penguin, Yellow-billed pintail, Flightless steamer ducks, Magellanic oystercatchers, the rare Striated caracara and Red-backed hawk are just a few of the birds that can be seen here. There is also a growing colony of Southern elephant seals that can usually be seen at the far north west point of the island.

Stanley Hill, just behind the settlement, gives commanding views across Byron Sound to West Falkland, and from Mount Byng (304m) one can see as far as the Jasons and Pebble Island on one side and away to New Island on the other. Red-backed hawks and the occasional peregrine falcon can be seen on some of the steeper slopes.

Both the north and south of the island provide great hiking opportunities, taking in interesting flora, long white sand beaches, penguin colonies and sheltered dunes which are ideal for a picnic. The lack of predation has left Carcass Island with a slightly different feeling to anywhere else in the Falklands which is immediately evident and which really needs to be experienced rather than described. As there are no guided excursions on the island you will have plenty of time to explore this very special island at your own pace.

West Point Island can be visited by boat (1 hour crossing) on a full day excursion and offers the opportunity to possibly see significant numbers of Black-browed albatross, Rockhopper penguins, and stunning cliff scenery including the cliffs of West Point and the Devil’s Nose.

Our preferred lodge is:
The Manager’s House

Sea Lion Island

Sea Lion Island is one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago (just 5 miles long and just over a mile wide at its widest point), and also the most southerly inhabited island, but it is still a prime destination with the sheer abundance of wildlife in such a small area making it a must on any Falklands itinerary. Beautiful plantations of the spectacular tussac grass cover one fifth of the island and provide a perfect habitat and protection for much of the islands’ varied fauna. Besides the tussac grass, there are dazzling white sand beaches, cliffs, fresh water ponds and heath land, all with their own populations and all within walking distance.

There are over 47 species of bird to be found, including Rockhopper, Gentoo and Magellanic penguins and one of the world’s rarest birds of prey, the Striated Caracara; this is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers. However perhaps by far the biggest attraction is the large number of Southern elephant seals that breed here, principally on the white sandy beach at the appropriately named Elephant Corner. Also not to be missed are the Southern Sea Lions at East Loafers.

Pods of Killer whales are also often seen circling close offshore (usually a treat for the early risers) attracted by the prospect of penguins and seals. The proximity of much of this wildlife to the lodge and the easy walking terrain makes it
a great destination for families or those less agile.

On a more sombre note, Sea Lion Island is the site of the memorial to HMS Sheffield which was sunk by Argentine forces in 1982, and the island is also home to the grave of one of the 3 civilians killed during the Conflict.

Our preferred lodge is:
Sea Lion Lodge

Pebble Island

Pebble Island, at 19 miles (31 kms) long, is the third largest offshore island. The landscape varies greatly from large ponds and moorland, to long sandy beaches and rocky cliffs. All of these provide vital breeding habitats for a wide-range of birds, including some rare and elusive species. The ponds on the eastern part of the island, some of which are within walking distance of the lodge, are home to Chiloe wigeon, grebes, Black-necked swans and a wide variety of other wildfowl and wading birds. Many thousands of Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins breed on Pebble Island each summer, spearheading the incredible list of some 42 resident bird species. In addition, each year the island acts as a magnet for many rare avian visitors from mainland South America and beyond. Pebble was proud to announce a record sighting of 7 different species of penguin a few seasons ago. Marine mammal enthusiasts can look out for Southern sea lions hauled out along the coast.

Pebble also has something for the historian with many reminders of the 1982 conflict, including remains of aircraft destroyed when British special forces raided the island’s Argentine-occupied airstrip. Visitors to Pebble Island today land on the same grass airstrip that saw the first land-based action of the Falklands War. There are several memorials, most notably a large cross erected on a scenic hillside not far from the settlement, that looks out to where HMS Coventry was sunk by Argentine jets.

Our preferred lodge is:
Pebble Island Lodge

Darwin

Named after Charles Darwin, who spent some time here during his travels, the settlement was established in 1859 as a centre first for cattle ranching, and later for sheep farming. At the height of its development, the Darwin community boasted, in addition to the many shepherds and farm hands, master craftsmen, a doctor, a school master, and even a parson. By 1920, however, the site had become too small for the thriving settlement, and over the next 2 years, all the farm buildings, the church, and most of the houses were transferred to Goose Green. It’s hard to imagine now how Darwin was once the largest settlement after Stanley – the permanent population now stands at just 7 but the location has lost none of its appeal.

Now, its proximity to the international airport at Mount Pleasant (about 45 minutes drive) makes Darwin an ideal place to start or finish your Falklands holiday, and having Darwin airstrip right on the doorstep means they are conveniently placed for local flights to other settlements.

This destination is of particular appeal to those with an interest in military history. Fascinating tours for those even with the vaguest of interests cover the battlefields of 1982 and the Argentine and British cemeteries and Darwin and San Carlos respectively.

A visit to Bodie Creek Bridge is also worthwhile as it is the world’s southernmost suspension bridge. Other activities at Darwin include fishing, rather interesting golf on their own 9 hole par 3 course and excellent walking. For those with their own transport, Darwin provides an ideal base for the exploration of Lafonia and the eastern shore of Falkland Sound.

Our preferred lodge is:
Darwin House

Stanley

Situated in the north east of East Falkland and with a population of around 2000, Stanley is the smallest and most remote capital city in the world and in many ways is like an English village, but with a Government House, a Cathedral and a wide range of amenities and services. It is the usual finishing (and/or starting) point for visitors to the Falklands.
Despite its relatively small size, Stanley is a tidy and colourful town offering all the amenities and interests expected of a capital city.

Overlooking Stanley Harbour it is a lovely place to base yourself for a couple of days to relax and take in the walks around the town, the museum, war memorials and the hospitality of the local people. It has much of historical interest mainly associated with the days when great sailing ships and early steam vessels called on their journeys around Cape Horn. Some of those ships still lie in the harbour, abandoned after a Cape Horn battering.

There are a number of excellent excursions from Stanley including:
- Volunteer Point – to see the King penguins, some 1600, also large colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins
- Cape Dolphin – where you can see Gentoo and Magellanic penguins and Sea Lions
- Cape Bougainville – very scenic with large Rockhopper penguin rockery and seals
- Kidney Cove – small colony of King Penguins and Rockhopper penguins
- San Carlos – To visit the British Cemetery at Blue Beach and on the way back the Argentine Cemetery at Darwin.

Our preferred lodges are:
Malvina House
Lafone House
The Waterfront Guesthouse