Falkland Islands - January 2027
Join Tracey on this photography tour to the magical islands of the Falklands. The Falkland Islands is truly a magical place for Wildlife Photographers. It offers stunning white sandy beaches, beautiful blue seas and untouched landscapes. A vast amount of animals and birds in the exquisite environment for you to watch and enjoy. This tour is now fully booked.
Let’s go shoot:
The Falkland Islands archipelago is made up of more than 700 islands and has a hugely varied coastline from rugged coastal cliffs to miles of undisturbed, white sandy beaches.
After spending a month here myself, for this tour we aim to spend our time in three of the main island locations to give the best opportunities for species.
The Itinerary:
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Wednesday 13th January 2027
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
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Thursday 14th January 2027
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 - Full board basis.
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Friday 15th January 2027 to Monday 18th January 2027
Using FIGAS,, we will transfer to Stanley Airport for onward internal flight to Bleaker Island for four nights’ accommodation at Cassard house on a full board basis. Flight timings will be finalised the day before but there will be time for some afternoon and evening photography on our arrival - Full board basis.
An orientation tour has been booked to show the islands highlights along with vehicle hire.
Bleaker Island
Being a long thin island, it has a very extensive coastline that attracts a multitude of wildlife. The island hosts a massive imperial cormorant colony, three types of breeding penguins, wildfowl, and sea lions haul out on the rocks and offshore tussac islands. The wildlife is conveniently located close to the settlement where two houses accommodate visitors.
The wildlife and beautiful landscapes can be reached via short or more extensive walks or self-drive 4×4 vehicle hire. -
Tuesday 19th January to Sunday 24th January 2027
Depending on flight times, we may get chance for some morning photography before FIGAS, transfer us to Sea Lion Island for six nights accommodation on a full board basis. An orientation tour has been booked to show the islands highlights
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.
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Monday 25th January to Tuesday 26th January
Depending on flight times, we may get chance for some morning photography before FIGAS, transfer us to Saunders Island for four nights
Upon arrival you will be transferred to the Rookery cabin for two nights self-catering accommodation.
Please note that the Rookery Inn has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, kitchen and bathroom facilities 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 Rookery
A popular place to stay, the Rookery sleeps four and is close to penguin colonies, black-browed albatross colonies and cormorant colonies. This is also home of the famous ‘Penguin Shower’.
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Wednesday 27th January to Thursday 28th January 2027
Today we will transfer to the Saunders Island Settlement for two nights self-catering accommodation. We will take the remaining meal packs from the Rookery with us.
A trip to the Neck will take place on both days
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.
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Friday 29th January 2027
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.
Transfer from Stanley Airport to the Malvina House Hotel for four nights' accommodation on a full board basis.
Some time to do the tourist things in and around Stanley. Time to get those Souvenirs.
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Saturday 30th January 2027
A fully guided 4x4 trip to Volunteer Point will be run today. Based on departure from Stanley 3:30pm to capture sunset and return to Stanley around midnight. A packed meal will be provided by the hotel
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Sunday 31st January 2027
A fully guided 4x4 trip to Volunteer Point will be run today and a packed lunch will be provided by the hotel. Departure from Stanley around 8:30am and return late afternoon.
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Monday 01st February 2027
A fully guided 4x4 trip to Volunteer Point will be run today and a packed breakfast will be provided by the hotel. Based on departure from Stanley approximately 2am to capture sunrise and return to Stanley by mid –day.
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Tuesday 02nd February 2027
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.
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Wednesday 02nd February 2027
Arrive back at Brize Norton in UK.
The Details:
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Tour Overview:
Duration: 22 Days
Spaces: Max 4 Spaces
The Falkland Islands is truly a magical place for Wildlife Photographers. It offers stunning white sandy beaches, beautiful blue seas and untouched landscapes. A vast amount of animals and birds in the exquisite environment for you to watch and enjoy.
The Falkland Islands archipelago is made up of more than 700 islands and has a hugely varied coastline from rugged coastal cliffs to miles of undisturbed, white sandy beaches.
After spending a month here myself, i have based this tour spending quality time on five of the main island locations to give the best opportunities for species and photographic opportunities. Having longer at each location also allows for bad weather days as often an entire island visit can be missed due to bad weather if only staying for 2 nights..
Our time will be spent at Bleaker Island, Sea Lion Island, Saunders Island (The Rookery & The Neck) and Volunteer Point.
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Malvina House Hotel
Ideally located in the Stanley area, Malvina House Hotel promises a relaxing and wonderful visit. The property offers guests a range of services and amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience. Service-minded staff will welcome and guide you at Malvina House Hotel. Designed for comfort, selected guestrooms offer flat screen television, carpeting, clothes rack, linens, sofa to ensure a restful night.
Cassard House, Bleaker Island
Opened for business in November 2011 and was upgraded in 2021. This eco-friendly house provides excellent facilities for up to eight guests, and is ideally suited for tour groups, family outings and special occasions.
The spacious accommodation comprises three twin-bedded rooms and one double room, each complete with an en-suite shower room. A large lounge with adjoining dining area and bar room, link through to a spacious sun lounge, thus allowing ample public space for all guests. The well-equipped kitchen, where meals are prepared for full board guests and where self-catering guests can prepare meals is appropriately located close to the dining area.
Facilities include a flat-screen television, DVD player, mini hi-fi with IPOD dock, a trust bar and wi-fi connectivity throughout.
Roof-mounted solar panels provide hot water and under-floor heating, with high levels of insulation and triple-glazed windows ensuring a cosy atmosphere, whilst the large sun lounge and wind powered electricity, boosted by photo voltaic solar panels, come together to guarantee that the natural elements are fully harnessed. The house was built to be airtight with a mechanical ventilation with heat recovery (MVHR) system.
Sea Lion Lodge
The only hotel on the island, Sea Lion Lodge is a welcoming and homely establishment with en-suites in every room and offers spectacular wildlife on the door step.
Purpose built in 1986, the Lodge is centrally heated throughout and there are two spacious living areas with a well-stocked library of wildlife books along with a conservatory. The Pintail Lounge Bar is a perfect place to enjoy a drink after a day exploring, and a guest computer is stored in the Peregrine Lounge. Wi-Fi hotspot cards are available for purchase.
The Lodge offers a cooked breakfast, a light lunch, tea and a three-course dinner, using as much fresh, local produce as possible.
The Rookery, Saunders Island
Also a popular location to stay, the Rookery cabin is walking distance away from Rockhopper, Gentoo, and Magellanic penguin, Black-browed Albatross, and Cormorant colonies. You will also often see whales blowing off shore. The accommodation has 2 twin rooms, 24-hour power, refrigerator, cooker, microwave, and bathroom with shower.
The Settlement, Saunders Island
Refurbished bunkhouse that has 5 rooms, a full kitchen, 24-hour electricity, satellite TV, and a WIFI hotspot. You are also within walking distance to the original British settlement
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Pre-trip advice
3 months prior to travel you will receive a comprehensive document that provides packing advice so you are prepared for your trip
Tour language
This tour is an English-speaking tour.
Vaccinations \ Health
Wild Aperture are not qualified or legally allowed to provide vaccination or medical advice. You should consult your travel nurse or doctors for specific medical advise and up to date advise on vaccinations required. We suggest doing this at least 2-3months prior to travel or sooner if this allows.
Fitness Level Required
Although this is very much an outdoor trip in some remote places, they are all very accessible. The walking activities are not long or hard.
Camera Equipment
For this trip you ideally need a variety of lenses. Firstly the longest lens you have (300mm to 500mm). A 70-200mm or 100-400mm lens is great for flexibility. A wide angle lens would also be very useful as the wildlife can get pretty close
Further information on photography equipment will be supplied as part of your pre-trip advice.
Wi-Fi Network Access
All you need is a WiFi / phone card, which can be purchased at most hotspot locations and retail outlets in Stanley and MPC. Cards are available in £5 and £10 denominations. A £5 WiFi / phone card will give you 50 minutes of surfing. Once you’ve switched on your laptop or device, you simply search for the Sure Hotspot connection and enter the details on the card.
It is important to log out when finished. If you should lose the logout page, you can log out manually by visiting https://wifi.sure.co.fk/logout.html or by completely switching off WiFi on your device and you will be logged out automatically after 5 minutes.
Travel Insurance
It’s strongly recommended to purchase your own travel insurance at the time of booking to cover any eventualities should you need to cancel your trip due to unforeseen circumstances as both the deposit and final balances are non-refundable. Guests travelling without their own travel insurance do so at their own risk.
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Group Photo Workshop Cost: £8695
Non-refundable 25% deposit of £2173.75
*Single rooms are available whilst staying in Stanley only. This would be £1145 per person.
Payments accepted by Bank Transfer
*Please see Terms & Conditions for payment details
What’s Included
● All transfers Overland & Air as stated
● Full board \ Self-Catering accommodation as stated
● All meals as stated
● Access permits as required
● Services of a photographic host
Not Included
● International flights to/from Mount Pleasant using the MOD service from Brize Norton (full details on booking this once you have confirmed your place on the trip) – Approx flight cost is £2252
● Any other meals not mentioned above
● Any personal expense such as beverages / drinks bill at the hotels, snacks whilst travelling, telephone bills, airport tax etc
● Tips & gratuities. E.g. local guides/drivers
● Personal Travel insurance
Irreplaceable memories,
captivating images.
It's your time:
Reserve your space today:
It all starts with your deposit, from that point, the ball is rolling and we’ll send you the information pack. See you soon!