Module 4: Outer Islands

Highlights

·          Unrivalled photographic opportunities

·          Access to black-browed albatross colonies

·          Rare and endemic bird species

·          Private destinations

·          Unique wildlife encounters

 

Destinations

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.

Land owners: Mike & Phil Rendell
Ph +500 21084 and +500 32491   E-mail: mrendell@horizon.co.fk
Access: FIGAS approximately 30 minutes from Stanley or scheduled cruise visit

Accommodation: Cobb's Cottage (self catering and full board options)
Ph +500 21084 and +500 32491   E-mail: mrendell@horizon.co.fk

 

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.

Land owner: Rob & Lorraine McGill,
Ph +500 41106   E-mail: lorraine@horizon.co.fk
Access: FIGAS approximately 1 hour or scheduled cruise visit

Accommodation: Carcass Island Farm House (full board)
Ph +500 41106   E-mail: lorraine@horizon.co.fk

 

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.

Land owner: Contact Pebble Island Lodge for information,
Ph +500 41093   E-mail: pebblelodge@horizon.co.fk
Access: FIGAS approximately 35 minutes from Stanley or scheduled cruise ship landing

Accommodation: Pebble Island Lodge (full board)
Ph +500 41093   E-mail: pebblelodge@horizon.co.fk

 

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.

Land owner: Pole-Evans family
Ph +500 41298   E-mail: saunders@cwimail.fk
Access: FIGAS approximately 45 minutes from Stanley or scheduled cruise ship landing

 

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.

Land owner: Managed by Jenny Luxton
Ph +500 41093      E-mail: sealion_lodge@horizon.co.fk
Access: FIGAS approximately 40 minutes from Stanley or scheduled cruise visit
Accommodation: Sea Lion Island Lodge (full board)
Ph   +500 32004     Fax +500 32003   E-mail: sealion_lodge@horizon.co.fk

 

 

Weddell 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.

Land owner: Manged by Martin Beaton
Ph  +500 41093       E-mail: m.h.beaton@horizon.co.fk
Access: FIGAS approximately 70 minutes from Stanley
Accomodation: Mountain View Cottage (self catering)
Ph   +500 22432    E-mail: m.h.beaton@horizon.co.fk or camp at sites scattered across the island

 

West Point Island (cruise ship passengers or boat trip from Carcass Island)

West Point Island lies off the northwest corner of West Falkland. It is a working sheep farm but home to numerous species of plants, birds and marine mammals. The main destination for visitors to this island is Devil’s Nose – a rocky promontory with over 2,000 pairs of black-browed albatross and about 500 pairs of rockhopper penguins. Spectacular cliffs are a feature of the coastline. As well as the rich wildlife, the picturesque settlement and small harbour often teeming with dolphins make this island well worth a visit.

 

FIGAS Flights

FIGAS provides tourists with air service to the following Outer Islands:

 

Bleaker Island

Carcass Island

Pebble Island

Saunders Island

Sea Lion Island

Weddell Island

 

Cruise Ship Landings

 

Each year thousands of tourists make the journey to the Falklands onboard a cruise ship or expedition vessel. This increasingly popular method of travel allows people to visit many sites that remain largely inaccessible to land-based tourists in the Falklands, all from the comfort and safety of a world-class vessel. Most of these vessels visit our seaside capital Stanley, but some operators also include the following outlying islands to provide a true taste of the Falklands.

 

George and Barren Islands

George and Barren Islands are located south of East Falkland and form the southernmost working farm in the Falklands. The islands are free from introduced species such as rats. The small bird population thrives with many breeding pairs of tussac birds and Cobb’s wren. They share the islands with elephant seals, southern sea lions, abundant southern giant petrel colonies and gentoo and Magellanic penguins. Both islands are recognised as “Important Bird Areas”. Shearing demonstrations are sometimes given.

Landing: zodiac
Activities: Walking, photography, Tea and cakes with the family, Shearing demonstrations

 

Grand Jason

The Jason Island group is a chain of remote islands off West Falkland. Grand Jason, as its name suggests, is the largest of the group. Cat and rat free, it is home to a large number of small birds as well as black-browed albatross, striated cara-cara, rockhopper, gentoo and Magellanic penguins. The entire group of islands are either privately owned nature reserves or government owned National Nature reserves and there is no smoking permitted anywhere on the islands. Unpredictable weather and strong tidal currents make landings difficult.

Landing: zodiac
Activities: Walking, photography

 

Grave Cove

Grave Cove is part of Hope Harbour Farm, located on the mainland of West Falkland, adjacent to West Point Island. It is home to the largest colony of gentoo penguins, along with a number of other interesting birds including ruddy-headed geese, speckled teal and crested ducks. Sea lions are often observed. The area has spectacular scenery, with the high cliffs of Death's Head in the distance.

Landing: zodiac
Activities: Walking, photography

 

New Island

New Island is located off Weddell Island in the far west of the archipelago. The most remote of all the inhabited islands in the Falklands archipelago, New Island is a popular destination for small expedition ships who enjoy the stunning scenery, birdwatching, offshore dolphin sightings, as well as penguins, sea lions and fur seals. The entire island is a Nature Reserve and is home to over 40 of the Falklands’ breeding bird species. Ship passengers land steps away from one of the oldest building in the Falklands; built in 1812-13, the Charles Barnard building, having been carefully restored now houses a small museum and visitor centre.

Landing: zodiac
Activites: Birdwatching, walking, photography

 

Steeple Jason

The Jason Island group is a chain of remote islands off West Falkland. Steeple Jason, which rises sharply from the sea, is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic islands in the archipelago. Home to the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony, the area is of significant importance to conservationists. Large numbers of Striated cara-cara, Falkland Skuas and Southern Giant Petrels also breed here. The entire group of islands are either privately owned nature reserves or government owned National Nature reserves and there is no smoking permitted anywhere on the islands. Unpredictable weather and strong tidal currents make landings difficult.

Landing: zodiac
Activities: Walking, photography