Falkland Islands - a spectacular archipelago of 700 islands. A virtual paradise near the southern tip of South America; where the vast open spaces, pristine environment and feeling of timelessness, are a sheer assault on your senses. For an off the beaten track travel destination, where you can unwind yourself and journey through nature's landscape, Falkland Islands is just the place for you !
Whether as part of your cruise itinerary, sailing right across the Atlantic or making a short detour from Argentina, a visit to the Falkland Islands is an unforgettable encounter with nature at its enchanting best. The Falkland Islands consist of two islands, EAST FALKLAND and WEST FALKLAND, together with about 776 smaller islands. A proper hotel stay in either of the major islands or a camp-out in the smaller islands for an out-of-the-world experience, gives you a taste of the spectacular wild life and old-world countrified ambience. Cuisine throughout is primarily, traditional British.
Surrounded by the cool waters of Southern Atlantic, the Falkland Islands have a narrow annual temperature range, with low rainfall and high winds. So the weather adds on to the nature's glory. October through March is a great period to experience the wild beauty of these islands. However, as Falkland Islands is in the Antarctic Ozone hole, using sunscreen is advisable. You can access Falkland Islands by two major flight routes. However, you ought to opt for travel by sea. Visiting the islands aboard an expedition vessel or cruise liner, offers you the advantage of off-shore tours with natural vistas of remote islands and sites not easily accessed otherwise. You can take your pick from ice-breakers and yachts to luxury liners. Indeed you will be spoilt for choice by the dozens of cruise operators that include Falkland Islands in their route. At the same time, you must avail of the nine-seater Britten Norman Islander aircrafts operating between the islands, for a breathtaking aerial view of the archipelago.
EAST FALKLAND, with Mount Usborne, offers you a plethora of trip choices to suit your interest and pace. A visit to the southern-most capital in the world, Stanley is also a must. You can soak yourself in Falkland's interesting maritime history preserved in its museum, or explore its heritage by taking Battlefield tours that take you to historica sites and memorials across the islands. For the traveler with a philatelic bent, the Philatelic Bureau at Stanley is bound to tease the collector with its magnificent stamp issues.
WEST FALKLAND, with its mountain range, the Horny Mountains and its geological history, is a veritable delight for geologists and nature lovers. Port Howard is on the eastern side, on the lower slopes of Mount Maria. With two airstrips, a golf course, a ford and a sheep farm complete with shearing sheds, a visit to this delightful port-town is bound to thrill you.
The other islands worth mention are Sea Lion Island, Pebble Island, Saunders Island, Carcass Island. New Island and West point Island. A haven for wildlife enthusiasts and botanical experts, Falkland Islands continues to enthrall the curious visitor, just as it fascinated Charles Darwin on his visit to the islands way back in the 19th century. Home to the King and Gentoo penguins, besides the elusive Macaroni penguin, the black-bowed albatross and giant petrels, Falkland islands remain the largest breeding grounds for these birds. The presence of these amazing birds in vast numbers is an awesome sight to behold. You may even come across breeding sites of giant elephant seals, Falkland Islands fur seal or the solitary leopard seal on many of these islands. A bird lover's paradise, these islands also beckon the whale watchers seen offshore around the breeding colonies of seals in the summer months. If you are gung-ho on fishing or angling, you must make time for fishing.
Falkland Islands will offer you an amazing wilderness fishing experience, with its eclectic range of un-spoilt locations, coastal estuaries, isolated rivers and fast running streams. You can even avail of Falkland's exclusive fishing zone of 200 nautical miles. The peak fishing season here is from 1st September to 30th April. If you wish for a carefree stay tailored to your needs, book your accommodation in advance, and take you pick from self-catering, B&B, guest house, lodge or hotel stays on West or East Falklands, or any of the outlying islands.
The Falkland warmth and hospitality with its morning baked treats and noon-time smoko' is sure going to grab you. For an amazing journey to the edge of the world to realms of tranquility and natural wilderness, to experience nature in its true form amidst pounding waves and sculpted shores, make Falkland islands your next travel destination.