Wednesday 22nd January 2025

We will take the MOD service from Brize Norton airfield in Oxfordshire. The 18-hour flight leaves in the evening and will involve a stop (for re-fuelling and the chance to stretch our legs) at the Ascension Island. Although more expensive than the route via Santiago this is a much quicker route and one which avoids the real risk of baggage issues of the scheduled alternatives.

*Flight booking information\guide lines to be advised

Thursday 23rd January 2025

Arrive at Mount Pleasant Airfield where we will be met and transferred to our hotel in Port Stanley where we can settle in, acclimatise, and get some rest after a long flight

Overnight: Port Stanley (Full Board Basis - Drinks not included)

Friday 24th January to Saturday 01st February 2025

Using FIGAS, we will transfer to Stanley Airport for onward internal flight to Sea Lion Island to the south of East Falkland where we will be based for 8 nights. Flight timings will be finalised the day before but there will be time for some afternoon and evening photography on our arrival

Sea Lion Island

Sea Lion Island is located to the south of East Falkland. The terrain is mainly low lying but with spectacular cliffs at the southern end. Tussac grass proliferates, providing the perfect habitat for a range of wildlife. It is an Important Bird Area with Gentoo, Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins (Macaroni Penguins can also sometimes be seen). There are many other species on the islands like Rock Shags, Imperial Cormorants, Cobb’s wren, Magellanic snipe and tussac birds. Ninety-five percent of the Falklands’ elephant seal population live here. Sealions breed on the coast and killer whales are frequently observed offshore.

Overnight: Sea Lion Lodge (Full Board Basis - Drinks not included)

Saturday 01st February to Friday 07th February 2025

Depending on flight times, we may get chance for some morning photography before FIGAS, transfer us to Saunders Island. We will be transferred to the Neck Cabin for six nights self-catering accommodation.

Quad rooms (2 bunkbeds). Facilities such as the kitchen and bathroom are shared. It is very basic accommodation but the wildlife here is incredible (so worth the short-term discomfort in comparison to the other cosy lodges you will stay in.

This is a self- catering facility. It will be as clean as the last occupants left it. You will be given clean bedding and towels on arrival (so will need to make up and strip your own beds).

Meal packs will be flown from Stanley for us. These consist of breakfast, items to make a packed lunch plus, frozen pre-cooked suppers e.g. lasagne, stew etc plus soft drinks and tea/coffee/milk) to be flown from Stanley to Saunders Island so that when we arrive the packs will be transported to our accommodation so that we have everything we need catering-wise.

Saunders Island – The Neck

Named after 18th century British Admiral and site of the first British settlement in the Falklands, Saunders is located in the northwest of the archipelago. Saunders is the second largest offshore island and has very varied terrain, from rocky hills to sweeping shorelines. It is an Important Bird Area and has exceptional wildlife. All five breeding species of penguin can be seen here along with black-browed albatross and many other birds. All species are within a short walking distance from the cabin.

Overnight: The Neck Cabin, Saunders Island (All meals & Drinks Included - Self Catering)

Friday 07th February to Tuesday 11th February 2025

Depending on flight times, we may get chance for some morning photography before we transfer to the airstrip for our onward internal flight to Stanley. We then have an overland transfer to Volunteer Point for four nights full board accommodation – 2 x twin rooms & 1 x double room (Max 6)

We will have four nights at Volunteer which gives everyone an opportunity for evening and early morning’s photography here.

Volunteer Point receives daytime visitors from cruise ships etc but this is usually late morning to early afternoon. The rest of the time we have Volunteer Point to our group and have access to more areas than the daytime visitors

Volunteer Point

Named after the ship, the Volunteer, Volunteer Point is part of Johnson’s Harbour Farm and located in the northeast of East Falkland. Accessible by road and then overland vehicle journey. The peninsula boasts a stunning, long, white sand beach and is home to a variety of birdlife. It is a privately owned Nature Reserve and an Important Bird Area. The largest breeding group of king penguins on the islands are found here. A cacophony of sounds greets visitors on arrival, from the King, Gentoo and Magellanic colonies. The birds are remarkably approachable, and the photographic opportunities are endless at what is one of the most scenic locations in the world that the Penguins breed at.

Overnight: Volunteer Lodge (All meals & Drinks Included)

Tuesday 11th February 2025

We have a final opportunity of a photography day at Volunteer Point before we are picked up and transferred back to Port Stanley for three nights' accommodation

Overnight: Port Stanley (Full Board Basis - Drinks not included)

Wednesday 12th February 2025

You can have a free day in Port Stanley or a day trip to Cape Bougainville

Cape Bougainville

We will be collected from our accommodation by a driver/guide in a 4x4 vehicle, to encounter the beguiling wonderment of Cape Bougainville. Let the tranquil pace of life here envelop you and restore a sense of soothing calm. Watch in awe as the fearless Rockhopper Penguins clamber and claw their way up seemingly impossible rocky cliff routes having been hurled ashore by the mighty breakers. These charismatic characters will undoubtedly keep you entertained for hours. Nesting nearby you will also see colonies of King Cormorants. Pay close attention to the sea of black, white and yellow before you as the more unusual Macaroni penguins are known visitors to this area (although in much smaller numbers). Consequently, there are occasional instances of inter-breeding and so you could also witness mixed pairs raising a chick. Sea Lions also reside here, typically taking it easy snoozing the hours away in the snug tussac grass or nestled amongst the cliff tops.

Quite simply, this tour will enable you to capture infinite interactions between wildlife and the surrounding landscape, a truly unique experience. The journey to Cape Bougainville takes approximately 2 hours 20 minutes each way with the majority of travel undertaken on gravel roads.

Rest assured that the off-road section (approximately 30 minutes) is on a relatively smooth track and therefore suitable for most travellers. Please note that there are no toilet facilities available at Cape Bougainville.

Overnight: Port Stanley (Full Board Basis - Drinks not included)

Thursday 13th February 2025

You can have a free day in Port Stanley or a day trip to Yorke Bay\Gypsy Cove

Yorke Bay\Gypsy Cove

Yorke Bay\Gypsy Cove are less than 4 miles from Stanley. These secluded crescents of white sand are well protected and a favourite feeding ground for a variety of waders, waterfowl, and gulls. The main attraction is a colony of some 300 pairs of Magellanic penguins which nest in burrows dug into the soft, peaty soil between the tussock grass. Other birds include oystercatchers, kelp geese, Falkland steamer ducks, rock cormorants and dolphin gulls.

Overnight: Port Stanley (Full Board Basis - Drinks not included)

Friday 14th February 2025

For our final early start we will sadly be heading to Mount Pleasant Airport for the long flight back to Brize Norton, again with a short refuelling/leg-stretching stop at Ascension Island.

Saturday 15th February 2025

Arrive back at Brize Norton in UK.