Virtual Press OfficePress ReleasesThe best remote islands to visit in the Falkland Islands The best remote islands to visit in the Falkland Islands
With over 740 individual land masses that make up the Falkland Islands archipelago, there’s an island to suit every intrepid traveller’s visit to this remote, untrodden destination in the South Atlantic. Each island has its own distinct character so from world-class wildlife, pristine wilderness to white-sand beaches, visitors can experience something out of the ordinary. Whether they want to get away from it all, experience a different way of life in the capital city of Stanley or enjoy the miles and miles of peace and quiet on one of the outer islands visitors will relish the diversity of the Falklands.
Here’s a look......
Getting around is very easy – there is a regular light aircraft service (FIGAS) run by the Falkland Islands Government. Fares cost from £30 and daily schedules are announced the previous afternoon on local radio and email.
Sea Lion Island – best for up-close and guaranteed wildlife
One of the main attractions of the Falklands is the friendly wildlife, and by friendly we mean birds that will investigate your worm-shaped shoelaces and penguins that will wander within feet of you to see what you are up to. On Sea Lion Island it’s the sheer abundance of wildlife in a small area that sets this island apart – visitors to the five mile by one mile island can see nearly 50 types of bird species, sea lions, southern elephant seals and three resident orca pods. The island is the most southerly inhabited and the prime island for close-up wildlife encounters, just a 35-minute flight from Stanley.
East Falkland – best for Falklands’ hospitality
Everyone who visits the Falklands will step foot on East Falkland, whether landing by sea or by air, East Falkland is the main access point for all the islands. Stanley, the capital city, is where the majority of the local population resides making it the best island to experience Falklands hospitality. One of the most popular day trips for visitors who come by cruise ship is to see the penguins at Bluff Cove where you can sample a traditional ‘smoko’, which is similar to an afternoon tea, at the Sea Cabbage Cafe.
West Falkland – best for fishing
Brown trout and mullet are abundant and easily caught in the rivers and coastal estuaries of West Falkland. Fish in excess of 5kg (10lbs) are regularly hooked making it unsurpassed for wilderness fishing. There are some first-class trout fishing spots which are easily accessible from Port Howard, Crooked Inlet Farm and over 2,000 lakes and ponds at Fox Bay which are popular with local wildlife. The island is the other ‘main island’ and is just a short ferry crossing or flight from East Falkland. Only 127 people live on the island making is extremely peaceful!
Carcass Island – best for small bird species
Gulls, geese and Cobb’s wren have flourished on the island due to it being cat, rat and mouse free! In fact all manner of small bird species can be found on Carcass as well as a multitude of sea and shore birds. This attractive island in the northwest of the archipelago is privately owned and visitors can stay in the main farmhouse from October to March. From Carcass take the boat to West Point Island where a large colony of black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins resides.
Saunders Island – best for walking
Visitors can explore the 18th century outpost at Port Egmont and then enjoy a varied three-hour walk to the Neck - a narrow, sandy strip - where king, gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguins can be seen. Spouting whales and dolphins can often be observed playing in the surf. Walk along the north coast to the Rookery where Imperial Shag and albatross are often spied. There is self catering accommodation so visitors can take their time exploring this 30,000 acre island, an hours’ flight from Stanley.
Bleaker Island – best for beaches
A short 30-minute flight from Stanley brings visitors to the white sandy beached landmass – Bleaker Island. From the sky, the white-edged outline of Bleaker Island could fool visitors into thinking they were in the Caribbean, until the temperature difference becomes apparent! There is only one accommodation option, Cobb’s Cottage, which is now offering full board from October.
Weddell Island – best for getting away from it all
Weddell is the archipelago’s third largest island and with only two official island caretakers, visitors will often be completely alone to enjoy the wildlife. Enjoy the exclusivity of this southwest island with reindeer and Patagonian grey foxes - two of the lesser known wildlife species that can be found here making the wildlife offering a little more unusual! Peale’s and Commerson’s dolphins play in the surf around the island whilst penguins and sea lions waddle on the shore.
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Media enquiries should be directed to Suzanne Holiday and Tryphena Greenwood at Keene on 020 7839 2140 or falklandstourism@keenepa.co.uk.
Notes for Editors:
• Falklands Exposed is sponsored by Footprint travel books and Outdoor Photography magazine.
• The categories for the competition are wildlife, landscapes, heritage, Island life, active/outdoors and a face from the place.
• For a full list of entry guidelines visit www.falklandislands.com/exposed and click Terms.
• The Falkland Islands have a raw, unspoilt quality that entices locals and tourists back time and again. Visitors to the Islands are spoilt for choice with more than 227 species of identified birds (including several of the world’s largest endangered breeding colonies), as well as whales, dolphins, elephant seals, sea lions, delicate flora and rugged geographical formations.
• The best time to visit the Islands and experience the local culture and wildlife is October to April. The average summer temperature (December to March) is 15º Celsius (59º Fahrenheit) and the Falklands has more sunshine hours and less rainfall than the UK.
• There are over 40 international tour operators offering tailor-made packages and escorted tours to the Falkland Islands. See www.falklandislands.com for the latest list.
• Visitors can reach the Falklands on the weekly LAN Airways flight via Chile or the charter flight operated twice weekly from RAF Brize Norton in the UK by the Ministry of Defence.
