The Falkland Islands

We had a fabulous time travelling from island to island watch wildlife- highlights were penguins and Orcas. We loved catching the little aeroplanes between the islands and the amazing hospitality and friendliness of the Falkland Islands. Naturetrek were amazing - we were delayed going and returning from holiday. They were very quick to keep us informed and sort us out.

Gobsmacked. The very small numbers of guests on each island and the manner in which the wildlife approached guests out of curiosity led to great joy. Big moments: 'I feel a disturbance in the force' - look up, group of killer whales heading towards shore. Strolling through the tussac alongside pingys walking around sleeping elephant seal pups while caracaras look on from the tops of the tussac. Basically one long highlight from start to finish. Bearing in mind it was Matthew Capper first visit to the Falklands, he was on the ball from the first minute with spotting and identification and he put in the effort to facilitate and coordinate so well that we could be left alone to enjoy it all a lot of the time - exactly what you want for a wilderness.

The Falkland Islands was a fantastic remote location full of wildlife, where anything can happen. From day one of our holiday we knew it was going to be an adventure of a lifetime and it didn’t disappoint. From the moment we visited Sea Lion Island and saw Killer Whales and Elephant Seals, we were in paradise. All the accommodations, food, travelling in 4x4 comfortable vehicles across the rugged terrain met all our expectations. We would definitely return to visit the islands we have not visited. Andy was a very knowledgeable guide, he was patient, approachable and most of all very funny and loved his job, nothing was too much trouble when any questions were asked of him, he’s definitely the best guide as his photography and birding knowledge was outstanding.

The local leader, Andy Pollard was excellent. He lived on the Islands so knew a lot about the way of life there and was also knowledgeable about the fauna and flora we found. He had a group of six who all had slightly different interests and he made sure that everyone had their expectations met. I loved the wildlife. There was plenty of time to just sit and watch which is what I wanted to do rather than be dragged off to the next thing. The pace of the holiday was excellent.

Our 17 night trip included stays on Carcass, Sealion & Pebble Islands plus 2 nights each at Port Howard & Stanley. Every day included birding highlights, particularly penguins, of which we saw 5 species, plus nesting Black-browed Albatross. In addition we visited Southern Elephant Seal colonies where Orca were seen coming close inshore. The accommodation was in warm comfortable lodges and the food was well prepared and greatly enjoyed. More than anything the people running the lodges made us very welcome and catered for our needs and engaged with us, as if we mattered to them. Our leader was charming, considerate and humorous and ensured everyone got the most from the trip. He offered help and advice with photography and ensured everyone got a chance in the best seats in the vehicles.

So many new experiences, animals, places, locations (beautiful scenery) and best of all fantastic birds, especially the 5 different species of Penguin. All accommodation was clean and homely, with excellent home cooked meals and even home made cakes and cookies were taken out on day trips to have at elevens's. The FIGAS flights, choppy boat trips, and off road vehicles made this a fun packed holiday to remember for ever. This holiday was made even more fun by our Trip leader Kevin, who was very informative, new everything about Cameras and photography, but above all was a great laugh.

A group of 7 including our tour leader, a well travelled naturalist with Royal Photographic distinction, spent two weeks hopping around the Falkland Islands using the local FIGAS Normander light aircraft, an experience in itself. On land around the islands 4x4 vehicles were used to convey us to wildlife hot spots where we were able to explore the flora and fauna at leisure. The birds on the Falklands are more confiding than most, were relatively indifferent to our intrusion and provided great photographic opportunities at close quarters. On two separate days we saw King, Gentoo, Rock-hopper, Macaroni, and Magallenic penguins. We sampled the excellent Falklands hospitality at lodges on Carcass, Sea Lion, and Pebble Islands as well as at Port Howard with our final stop over at a hotel in Stanley. Overall the weather was very kind to us. The wind speeds were a little higher than normal for November but this added to the drama of seascapes and our amusement as we observed silvery and white crested grebe appearing and then disappearing on the crests and in the troughs of waves of the inland pools.

It is obvious that this is a small company because there is the personal touch at each stage.

Thank you for the marvellous trip to the Falklands. The expectations were very high, the realisation excelled them. Will was the perfect guide. Thanks again.

This trip more than lived up to our expectations! The bird & marine mammal life were exceptional; the hotels/lodges were splendid and each offered some superb food...the flights...were well organised...our travelling companions provided good company... We would certainly recommend the trip to any potential penguin/albatross/seal lovers!

Service from Naturetrek office - very efficient and helpful. (Leader was) helpful, caring and attentive. This was a very enjoyable holiday, a wonderful experience to be able to watch wildlife at such close quarters.

Overall, a brilliant holiday. The local guide, Alan Henry, was excellent and of course had lots of in depth knowledge of the best places to take us to. I fell in love with the Rockhopper Penguins!

The holiday was superb. The Falklands are a wonderful place to visit and I consider myself privileged to have been there. Sitting two or three feet from Rockhopper Penguins is a magical moment.

This was a brilliant holiday and very well organised.

Alan Henry is a superb leader - very knowledgeable about everything: birds, plants, weather etc. He was very helpful and encouraging. He was excellent in dealing with a few situations that could have tested a lesser man. All in all, a fantastic holiday made special not only by seeing so many birds but by being on the same flight as the 53 veterans on their way for Armistice Day. Super men with very intimate stories of '82. Very humbling. Thank you.