Falkland Islands

The attractive scenery of Carcass Island, situated to the northwest of West Falkland is ideal for hill walking and magellanic and gentoo penguins nest in the soft peaty soil. The island is also home to the fascinating striated caracara, known locally as the Johnny Rook, one of the world’s rarest birds of prey. Nearby West Point Island can be accessed by boat on a day trip. Great numbers of breeding black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins can be seen at a rocky, tussock-covered outcrop known as the Devil’s Nose. A walk up to the summit of Mt Ararat, offers spectacular views to the south and west on a clear day.

Saunders Island was the site of the first British settlement in the Falklands and is now a working farm. This scenic island is made up of two large peaks divided by a thin sandy isthmus called the Neck. One of the archipelago’s wildlife hotspots; Saunders has over 11,000 pairs of breeding black browed albatross, significant colonies of gentoo, magellanic and rockhopper penguins as well as elephant seals, cormorants, petrels and even a few king penguins. Separated from West Falkland by only a very narrow channel, Pebble Island also boasts concentrations of gentoo and rockhopper penguins, plus a substantial sheep population. It was a frontline site during the Falklands conflict and evidence of such can be seen around the coastline.

Port Howard is the largest privately owned settlement on West Falkland, with a permanent population of 20 and 45,000 sheep! The nearby rivers provide some of the best sea trout fishing in the world. Enjoy excellent walking in the area nearby, with Mt Maria, the third highest peak on West Falkland offering breathtaking views from its summit. Yet more penguin colonies can be found nearby and a golf course is within easy reach – the first and second holes interestingly have clearly marked minefields for ‘out of bounds’!