Pebble Island

Pebble Island is named simply after the unusual, translucent semi-precious pebbles found on some of the beaches. Located in the north-west of the Falklands’ group, Pebble has something to offer visitors with a range of interests including a huge variety of birdlife, great hiking opportunities and fascinating war history.

Spectacular Elephant Beach is the longest beach in the Falklands at 6.4km (4 miles) long. This lovely stretch of white sand is used occasionally as the airstrip.

The eastern end of the island is heathland with low cliffs and a large number of ponds. These are home to waterfowl and wading-birds including one of the largest concentrations of black-necked swans and occasional sightings of red shoveler and cinnamon teal. Black-crowned night-herons, imperial cormorants, rockhopper, gentoo and Magellanic penguins inhabit the coast. Peregrine falcons have been recorded. The Falkland fritillary butterfly occurs the heathlands whilst sea lions are found on Cape Tamar.

The western end is hilly, with three main peaks. First Mountain is the highest at 277 metres (909 feet), Middle Peak is 214 metres (704 feet) and Marble Mountain 237 metres (779 feet). This small chain makes an excellent walking route, in one or both directions depending on your level of fitness and how much you want to take in.

To the north of the hills is a beautiful coastline with four species of penguin. Macaroni penguins can be found amongst the rockhoppers. Gentoo and Magellanic penguins are here, along with southern giant petrels. Commerson’s dolphins are regular visitors to the shore.

A SAS raid took place on Pebble Island in 1982 to attack an Argentine airfield. This is commemorated by a small cairn. Memorials are also here for the HMS Coventry and an Argentine Learjet hit by a missile.

Pebble Island Lodge is a renovated farmhouse and provides comfortable accommodation in the settlement, conveniently situated at the centre of the island, while The Nest offers self-catering.

To download more detailed information about Pebble Island, click here.