The distant Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic are one of the most fascinating places to visit on the planet. Rich in biodiversity they offer a rare opportunity to observe wildlife up close in their natural habitat. This unique expedition offers the opportunity to discover the archipelago for the first time or, for those that may have previously visited en-route to the Antarctic Peninsula, the chance to rediscover its many wonders and explore the region in more depth. We have timed our expedition for January when the weather and wildlife-viewing opportunities are optimal, the penguin colonies will be loud and active and we can witness young gentoo and rockhopper penguin creches whilst the friendly and inquisitive Commerson’s dolphins play in the surf and albatross brood-guard their fluffy chicks.
The scenery and unspoilt landscapes of the Falkland Islands upon which tourism has failed to leave footprints of any great number or significance is truly spectacular. The wildlife on the 420 rocky islands is staggering and it really is an enchanting place with a unique character, a true outpost and particularly fascinating for the British whose presence in one form or another dates back to the 18th century when whalers and sealers would use the islands for shelter. Rolling hills are interspersed with bogs and small lakes, creating a habitat for penguins and seabirds which nest amongst tall tussock grass, while seals and whales cavort along the coast.
The Falkland Islands are a true paradise for bird lovers; over 220 species have been recorded here many of which are remarkably numerous and tame. The islands are a sanctuary of the elegant albatross which soars graciously against the blue sky and highlights of our expedition for bird enthusiasts will include our visits to Steeple Jason Island where 70 percent of the world’s population of black-browed albatross can be found, the raucous chatter of a rockhopper colony and the opportunity to see one of the worlds rarest raptors, the striated caracara.
To enjoy the wonders of this faraway paradise in the company of a small and enthusiastic party is the perfect way to achieve the most from a visit to this extraordinary place. Our highly adaptable Zodiac craft will allow us to enter tiny inlets and marvel at some truly wondrous sites. Whilst at sea or in between our landings you can pass the time looking for wildlife on deck, attending the series of lectures by our expert expedition team or simply relaxing on board.
- New Island’s Wildlife Haven, Falkland Islands: Explore New Island’s breathtaking cliffs and white sand beaches, home to the world’s largest population of slender-billed prions, black-browed albatross, and rockhopper penguins, with visits to the Captain Barnard Museum and diverse bird colonies.
- Steeple Jason’s Massive Albatross Colony: Witness the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony on Steeple Jason, spanning five kilometers with over 250,000 breeding pairs, alongside southern rockhopper penguins and imperial cormorants, viewed during a scenic morning ship cruise.
- Stanley’s Historical and Natural Treasures: Spend two days in Stanley, the Falkland Islands’ capital, with a walking tour of Christchurch Cathedral and the Historic Dockyard Museum, plus options for a 4x4 expedition to Volunteer Point’s king penguin colony or hikes offering stunning views and 1982 conflict battlefields.
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Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Fly by scheduled flight.
Arrive and transfer to our centrally located hotel for an overnight stay. This afternoon is free to relax in the hotel or maybe join an orientation tour of the city including the Plaza de Mayo, the Cathedral and the Cabildo (Old City Hall) before we continue towards the most traditional neighbourhood of Buenos Aires, San Telmo which is characterised by its old colonial houses and the cobblestoned streets. Our guided tour will end in La Boca with the opportunity to look around the colourful zinc houses which used to be the refuge and home for the first immigrants and popular artists. The evening is free for independent exploration.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Ushuaia. On arrival we will transfer to the MS Island Sky and start our adventure this evening as we cruise down the Beagle Channel. Here the mountains, still partly unmapped, drop as sheer, densely wooded cliffs into the channel and penguins, dolphins and South American sea lions abound in the channel.
Enjoy a relaxing day on board. Watch out for wildlife, such as the albatrosses, prions and petrels that frequently follow the ships and join some lectures in the lounge as we prepare for our time in the Falkland Islands.
New Island has a fascinating history with the abundance of wildlife and sheltered harbours having attracted sealing and whaling operations from 1774. Today it is known for its breathtaking landscapes, spectacular cliffs and white sand beaches. The island is home to forty bird species, including the world’s largest population of slender-billed prions, black-browed albatross, striated caracara and southern rockhopper penguins and due to the variety and density of birdlife, New Island is also classified as an Important Bird Area and National Nature Reserve. The island is home to 73 native and six of the 14 national endemic plant species such as lady’s slipper, clubmoss cudweed, vanilla daisy, coastal nassauvia, woolly ragwort and smooth ragwort. Landing this morning at Coffin Harbour we will have a chance to visit the Captain Barnard Museum before walking to see the resident black browed albatross and rockhopper penguins. Over lunch we reposition to North Harbour to access the colonies of Magellanic penguins, gentoo penguins and albatross. Those feeling active may decide to take a hike amongst the spectacular scenery.
At first light we will arrive off Steeple Jason, named after the HMS Jason which came to survey the islands in 1766. Steeple Jason is home to the world’s largest blackbrowed albatross colony, with over 250,000 breeding pairs. The colony spans approximately 200 metres in width and extends an impressive five kilometres along the southwestern seaboard. The island also hosts southern rockhopper penguins and imperial cormorants. A morning ship cruise will observe this amazing site before we sail to Carcass Island arriving over lunch. First inhabited in 1872, Carcass Island boasts a diverse array of natural wonders, including sand bays, ponds, mountains, and cliffs. At our anchorage at Dyke Bay we may be greeted by playful Commerson’s dolphins before we walk to the nearby Magellanic and gentoo penguin breeding grounds. We may also see Falkland skuas, South American terns and grass and cobbs wrens. For those who prefer hiking we can cross the island enjoying some of the inland flora and fauna including the blackish oystercatcher, the blackish chinned siskin and the Falklands thrush, and be captivated by the sight of yellow orchids, white grass, hairy daisies, balsam bog and the iconic diddle dee. Over dinner we will sail the short distance to Saunders Island where we anchor overnight.
Named after British Admiral Sir Charles Saunders, the island was the base for the first British settlement in the Falklands in 1765. We will awake at our anchorage off ‘The Neck’ which is a wildlife haven, teeming with colonies of gentoo, Magellanic, and king penguins. It also boasts a diverse array of shorebirds, including Magellanic and blackish oystercatchers, kelp geese, and Falkland steamer ducks. An active walk will visit the albatross and rockhopper colonies along the north coast which also provide elevated views of both sides of the neck and the stunning white sand beaches. We will sail in the late morning by Rookery Bay which is home to blackbrowed albatross, which nest along the northern slopes for several kilometres. Along the rocky coastline, imperial cormorants and southern rockhopper penguins can also be spotted. In the early afternoon we arrive at Keppel Island, home to the first long term settlement in the archipelago established by the South American Missionary Society in 1855. For the following 40 years a group of British missionaries ran an agricultural settlement here, building storehouses, workshops and cow sheds. Today we can visit the distinctive ruins and remains of the settlements still visible on the island. The island also boasts a diverse range of wildlife including an albatross colony and accessible colonies of gentoo and Magellanic penguins. Small birdlife is commonly observed around the ponds and the quieter areas of the settlement which include Falkland grass wrens, white-tufted Rolland’s grebes, and black-necked swans.
This morning we will sail into the Falkland Sound which divides the two main islands and will land at Port Howard, location of the oldest and largest sheep farm in the Falkland Islands with 45,000 sheep. We will have the opportunity to speak to the owners, learn about farming on the islands and see a working farm in action with sheep shearing wool classing and baling. There is also a small museum providing insight to the 1982 conflict when 1000 Argentine troops occupied the settlement. This afternoon we sail past San Carlos Bay which was a major landing site for British troops during the Falklands War and the location for a five day battle in May 1982.
Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands will be our base for the next two days and during our time here we will organise a number of tours. A walking tour of Stanley will include Christchurch Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the world and the Historic Dockyard Museum where we can learn about the maritime history of the islands. See some of the pioneers’ homes in Drury Street as well as Government House. Wildlife enthusiasts can join a 4x4 off road expedition enjoying the rugged landscape as we drive to Volunteer Point, home to a colony of over 1000 king penguins or alternatively join the expedition team on walks around Gypsy Cove where we find a colony of Magellanic penguins. For those wishing to stretch their legs there will be an opportunity to hike in the mountains surrounding Stanley which offer some fantastic views across Stanley and Port William whilst a battlefields tour will visit some of the major sites from the 1982 conflict. There will also be some free time to explore at your own pace and visit the local shops.
As we sail along the south coast of the Falklands archipelago our Expedition Leader and Captain will look for a suitable landing site based on weather and sea conditions. We may land at Bleaker Island, home to gentoo penguin colonies, as well as shoreline birds such as kelp geese and blackish oystercatchers. Meanwhile a five kilometre roundtrip hike will take us to the rockhopper penguin and imperial cormorant colonies located near the island’s settlement before returning via the ‘Big Pond’. Alternatively Bull Point boasts a diverse array of beach types, supporting a rich tapestry of wildlife. Magellanic penguins nest in burrows along the entire coastline, while white-rumped sandpipers, two-banded plovers, rufous-chested dotterels, and both Magellanic and blackish oystercatchers can be spotted. Ruddy-headed and upland geese graze in the coastal areas, while smaller bird species like white-bridled finches, endemic tussac birds, long-tailed meadowlarks, and austral thrushes also make their home here. During the summer months, Commerson’s dolphins frequently frolic in the surf, while orcas and baleen whales can be spotted along the coast. The rocky beaches and tussac grass provide an ideal habitat for southern sea lions, and occasionally, southern elephant seals may make appearances.
During our final day at sea, our lecture programme will continue in the lounge whilst our naturalists continue to spot wildlife as we return to Ushuaia.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Buenos Aires. On arrival transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay and the remainder of the day is free to relax or for independent exploration.
After breakfast in the hotel we will transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London.
Arrive today.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Island Sky
| Length: | 90 Metres |
|---|---|
| Built/Refurbished: | 1992/2018 |
With a maximum passenger capacity of only 116, a vessel of her size is capable of carrying many more but instead the MS Island Sky has the benefit of unusually large suites, luxuriously appointed public areas and spacious outside decks.
There is a high ratio of crew to passengers- the friendly crew of 75 crew and Scandinavian captains are experienced mariners, having been in service aboard large 2000 plus passenger vessels and who now prefer a less frantic life aboard a small ship. If, like them and us, you prefer a more peaceful life at sea, you will find the MS Island Sky the perfect ship. When choosing the vessel for your next voyage of discovery, you can select a ship with endless entertainment and impersonal service or come with us where peace, high quality service and attention to detail are the order of the day. We promise there will be no organised entertainment, fancy dress, deck games or any of the usual big ship experiences. The atmosphere on board is more akin to a private yacht or country hotel. A little music in the lounge or bar after dinner, guest speakers, informative port briefings from our cruise director and of course good food which may be enjoyed leisurely in the attractive dining room. After a day ashore you will return to the comfort and peace of a well run and exceedingly comfortable ship.
Your SuiteOnboard there are 57 exceptionally spacious and well designed suites. All feature a sitting room area and some have private balconies. The feeling of luxury is enhanced by the wood panelling and brass, which predominates throughout the vessel conveying the atmosphere of a private yacht. The passenger accommodation is arranged over five decks and all suites have outside views. Each affords considerable comfort with en-suite bathroom featuring marble-topped vanity unit with sink and walk-in shower, large wardrobes, dressing table with large mirror and stool and excellent storage. There is a mini-fridge, flat screen television with inbuilt DVD player which can also play CDs and a telephone in each suite. Bottled water, towelling dressing gowns and slippers are also provided for your comfort. Other facilities include a programmable electronic safe, hairdryer, assorted toiletries and individually controlled air-conditioning and heating. The suites on each deck have their own colour theme. Soft hues and blended tones enhance the traditional maritime style making the passenger accommodation an inviting and relaxing place to be.
Your SpaceThe spacious and finely decorated public rooms include a large lounge where daily briefings and talks will be provided throughout the voyage and an elegant bar where a pianist plays periodically throughout the day. The bar also features a 24-hour tea and coffee station. The onboard library is the perfect place to relax with a book and is stocked with reference books pertaining to the places the vessel is visiting along with a selection of games and two computers with internet access. Daily newspapers and magazines are also placed in the library depending on local availability. There is also WI-FI access throughout the vessel. Outside there is a rear sun deck where meals are served in warm weather under shade, a bar and comfortable deck furniture for sun bathing or relaxing with a book. On the top deck there is a Jacuzzi and further observation and sun deck. There is also a small hairdressers on board with appointments made on request.
Your DiningAnother benefit of a small ship is the quality of the cuisine. With only one sitting and a maximum of just over 100 passengers, the galley is able to provide delicious meals. Where possible and when it meets his high standards, the chef will obtain local produce in markets or buy the catch of the day from a passing fishing boat. Such purchases enhance the well stocked larders and bring a local touch to the varied menus.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
