EXCURSIONS TERRESTRES

Travel by 4x4 to a remote beachside nature preserve to observe and walk among a colony of King penguins, Gentoo penguins and Magellanic penguins. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a scenic two and one-half hour’s drive north to Johnson’s Harbour and then on to Volunteer Point via a 4x4 vehicle. Along the way, you may spot remnants of the 1982 Falklands War, the result of the Argentine invasion of the British-owned islands. Still, it is the natural beauty and abundant wildlife of this rugged landscape that are most impressive. Birds in particular are the attraction at Volunteer Point, a nature preserve that supports the largest concentration of King penguins in the islands. Volunteer Point is also home to a multitude of Gentoo penguins, Magellanic penguins and dozens of other avian species. As you walk along the beach, you will observe these birds interacting in their native habitat. At up to three feet tall, king penguins look regal even waddling about. Their size and bright orange coloring on their heads and beaks make them easy to distinguish from the other penguins. Gentoo penguins are smaller and sport white feather caps, while Magellanic penguins feature two distinct black stripes across their chests and often bray like donkeys. You may also see ruddy-headed geese, black-throated finches and peregrine falcons, which can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per mile. Before rejoining your vehicle and traveling back to Stanley, you will be provided a boxed lunch.

Drive off road in a 4x4 vehicle to several colonies of penguins, where you will have time to photograph them and observe their fascinating behavior. After departing from the pier, you will set off on an exhilarating ride in a 4x4 vehicle, the last 12 miles or so off road. Upon arriving at Port Louis Farm, a member of the family that owns the property will accompany your small group to Seal Bay.

Your first stop will be at a colony of Rockhopper penguins. These birds are easy to identify by their spiky yellow and black head feathers. Unlike most penguins that waddle, Rockhoppers bound along the rocky shoreline. They are among the world’s smallest penguins and amusing to watch in their natural habitat.

Continuing on, you will drive through the shallow waters of Swan Pond, where lunch will be set up on the beach. While dining, you can expect to see all sorts of indigenous birds such as oyster catchers, grebes and kelp geese.

You might also see sea lions and a variety of penguins, including Magellanic penguins. They are named for Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan because the birds were spotted on his attempt to circumnavigate the world in 1520.

You will also pause for photos at a nearby colony of Gentoo penguins. These charismatic birds have red-orange beaks and peach-colored feet, so they clearly stand out against the coastal rocks. Being streamlined with strong flippers, Gentoos are the world’s fastest diving birds.

OVERVIEW

Get a good look at rural life in the Falklands by visiting a farm that epitomizes how agricultural methods have been modernized over time. Upon arriving at the Fitzroy Farm, you will watch working dogs herd sheep into a shed for shearing, a traditional practice that still has great value. During the demonstration that follows, you will learn how the wool is handled from shearing to market. You will also see a collection of farm vehicles that have replaced horses in the fields. At midday, you will take a break known as a smoko and enjoy homemade scones and pastries while discussing farm life. Another topic well worth covering is the farm’s role in the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom. Later, you will see how vegetables are grown in polytunnels to protect them from climatic changes and interact with the some of the miniature horses and dogs that are farm pets.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Gain an understanding of how farming has been modernized at the Fitzroy Farm.
• Watch fascinating herding and sheep-shearing demonstrations.
• Savor fresh-baked scones and pastries during a midday break known as a smoko.
• Discover the role that Fitzroy Farm played in the Falklands War in 1982.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Travel to the Bluff Cove Lagoon on an adventure to discover the King penguin and Gentoo penguin colony in this natural habitat. Visit the Wild & Woolly gift shop, the museum and enjoy complimentary home-made goodies at the Sea Cabbage Café. Start with a scenic 30 minute drive on mini-buses. Upon arrival at the lagoon, you’ll be met by rangers and will be able to wander around the penguin colony and along the sandy white beach at leisure. There are approximately 1,000 pairs of Gentoo penguins and a growing colony of King penguins here. The site is very photogenic with a large lagoon and long sand beach, home to a variety of seabirds. Sea lions and dolphins have been spotted here on occasion. The Sea Cabbage Café offers comfortable, warm rooms, heated by a traditional peat stove. Here you can enjoy delicious home-made cakes, cookies, and scones with coffee or hot chocolate. The Bluff Cove Museum by the beach depicts life in the Falklands and tells the story of Bluff Cove. Visitors can find out about the farm, the wildlife and Penguins and Pioneers. There is a small gift shop offering unique souvenirs, including Bluff Cove Tweed made with the wool of the Bluff Cove sheep. Credit cards can be used.

Travel in small groups on this 4x4 off road adventure and spend some time with breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins. Join your mini-bus and driver guide at the Jetty Visitor Centre for a 15 minute ride to nearby Newans Farm. Here you’ll meet your 4x4 drivers, who will take you to the nearby Gentoo penguins. Experience an off road adventure and admire the scenery while learning more about the Falklands way of life.

There are approximately 200 breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins at this scenic site. Enjoy approximately 45 minutes with the penguins, before your returning off road journey.

Travel back in time to the main battles fought during the 1982 Falklands conflict and en route, enjoy beautiful panoramas. Your expert guide will explain the events that led up to the fierce battle between Argentina and Britain.

Departing Stanley you’ll travel west while your guide provides an overview of the history of the islands. Enjoy beautiful panoramas taking in Boot Hill and the wind turbines that supply the capital with up to 40% of its energy requirements. Your guide will explain the events that led up to the 1982 conflict ending with the arrival of British Forces at San Carlos on landing day.

Estancia Farm was a base for hundreds of British troops starting in June 1982. A large group of local men and women went to help look after the troops, even using their off road driving skills to move munitions under the cover of darkness up the mountain sides. Your coach will stop here and you can leave the bus to enjoy the views while your guide explains about the “yomp” from San Carlos and the battle for Goose Green.

You’ll make a couple of more stops, one at the site of the wreckage of the Chinook and Puma and another at a location where you can enjoy the view of Stanley and the surrounding five battle site mountains, while your guide provides details about the final battles.

For the nature enthusiast, this is an exclusive opportunity to view Falkland Islands wildlife and flora, including native Falkland birds, approximately 20-30 different species. Drive to picturesque Whalebone Cove, where your walk starts. Your expert guide will distribute a tour specific illustrated checklist and give a general background to Falkland wildlife and what you might expect to see on this tour.

Walk around the coastline to Hadassa Bay, where you might find dark-faced ground-tyrants, Falkland thrush, upland geese and the beautiful long-tailed meadowlark, just to name a few. There are also great views of Stanley and your ship at anchor. You may see shorebirds such as the Falkland flightless steamer duck and rock cormorants and looking out to sea southern giant petrels and sooty shearwaters.

There’s a chance of seeing Peale’s dolphins following tenders back and forth. In this beautiful bay, Magellanic penguins burrow in the grass and the black-throated finch can be spotted. Lots of local flora will be spotted, such as Diddle-Dee, Gorse, Pale Maiden, Falkland Lavender, Wooly Falkland Ragworth and Vanilla Daisy.

On arrival into Stanley Harbour the first thing you’ll notice is the fantastic colors of this capital and what better way to get acquainted than with a guided walk through its picturesque streets.

Your walk takes in key sites around Stanley such as Christ Church Cathedral, Whale Bone Arch, the mizzen mast of the SS Great Britain on Victory Green, the 1982 Battle Memorial, Government House with its beautiful gardens, and the 1914 memorial.

Your guide will give you insight into the local way of life whilst showing you the beautiful capital. The tour ends with a visit to the Historic Dockyard Museum, which depicts the local history. The walk takes a leisurely pace and includes a number of opportunities for photographs, giving you plenty of time to make the most of your visit.

Enjoy an introduction to the Falklands small capital. As your coach drives along Stanley’s main street which runs along the sea front, your expert guide will point out everything that may be of interest. Some of the highlights you’ll see include the cathedral with its whale bone arch, the 1982 Battle Memorial, the Government House, wrecks of the old sailing ships, minefields, and some of the original houses.

You’ll get a good idea of the islanders’ daily life in this rugged, remote but beautiful location. Your guide’s commentary will provide you with additional insight about the Falklands. Drive out of town to see a stunning view of Stanley from the bottom of the harbor and the shipwreck the Lady Elizabeth. The tour ends at the Jetty Visitor Centre where you’ll have the option to visit the nearby Historic Dockyard Museum to learn more about the history of the Falklands, admission is included.