WILD FALKLANDS

15 - 29 NOVEMBER 2025

king penguin - volunteer point

 
 
 

An epic wildlife photography journey. You don’t want to miss this!

 

Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)

* 14 Nights Accommodation (shared)

* All meals included whilst in the Falklands

* An unforgettable wildlife experience!

* The best light for photography - no time restrictions!

* Expert Photographic Tuition from award-winning photographer David Stowe

* Penguin, Albatross and Cormorant colonies

* Elephant Seals and other marine mammals

* All internal flights (3-4 x local flights within the Falklands)

* 4WD excursions, conservation fees

* Maximum 5 guests

* ALL SKILL LEVELS catered for

* Guide: David Stowe




£11970 per person* tbc

*twin share.
Single supplement available only for limited nights in Stanley and Sea Lion Island for ¢1500.
note price in GBP. price subject to change

southern rockhopper



Experience the Falkland Islands in the most intimate and beautiful way, by joining us on this land based tour, hopping between islands on small planes. We will have a maximum of 5 guests so that we are able to visit the best islands where accommodation is very limited.
This is quite honestly one of the most incredible places I have ever been to!

No cruise ship time conStraints or huge numbers of people.

Just us… and the PENGUINs!


… ok there are heaps of other birds too

.. but really, penguins!

… oh and some seals too

 
A friend said, ‘David Stowe and Scott Portelli are running a photography tour to the Falklands. You should go’,
and that was all the encouragement I needed.
I had some idea of what to expect but the reality exceeded all expectations. Dave and Scott are great photographers of course, but they are also kind and attentive, and great company. The Falkland Islands are spectacular — rugged and wild, with beautiful white sand beaches and rivers of stone — and the bird life is remarkable.
You’ll see penguins, Southern Giant Petrels, vast flocks of cormorants, Johnny Rooks (Striated Caracara), and waterfowl of all kinds, including the glorious Upland and Kelp Geese and Flightless Steamer Ducks. There are Elephant Seals, too! They are all great photographic subjects and Dave and Scott will help you get the best shots. You’ll treasure the memories.
— Bronwen S
 
 
 
 

The Falkland Islands are small, rugged and sparsely populated, so accommodation is very limited in most places.
The only hotel is when we are in Stanley. The best islands to visit are mostly small farming islands and lodgings are quite small and basic. Rooms in these locations are shared throughout; some places are quite cosy, and there is definitely no ability to have a single supplement.
So if you are uncomfortable with the idea of being close with other people this perhaps isn’t the place for you.
The upside is of course the ability to walk outside and be free to roam and photograph the incredible wildlife at our doorstep and have almost infinite space to yourself!

 
 
 
 

DRAFT ITINERARY - note this is subject to change

November
15th : Arrive in Stanley (Malvina Hotel)

Stanley is the tiny capital of the Falklands, village-sized but with a lot to explore along the sheltered harbour. You can do a tour of the city and visit to the museum to discover more about the social and maritime history of the islands, along with natural history. We head for Kidney Island to see the sooty shearwaters as they fly back to the colonies at sunset.

16th - 20th : Volunteer Point - 4 nights

Volunteer Point is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in the Falklands. There is an abundance of bird activity in the area and is home to the largest king penguin colony in the Islands, as well as gentoo and magellanic penguins, waterfowl and other birds. Volunteer Beach itself is a beautiful white sandy beach, approximately 2km long, and is where many of the penguins can be seen entering and leaving the ocean. we will camp here for 4 nights and be guests of the warden during our stay.

20th - 22nd : Stanley overnight, Day trip to Murrell Farm/Kidney Cove on 21st

This is one of the Falklands best kept secrets and only 15 minutes from town. Followed by about an hour of overland track, you eventually come to the Rockhopper and Cormorant colony on the edge of one of the most picturesque backdrops in the Falkland’s. Stunning rocky coasts, with lush green grass, bright yellow lichens and red sorrel completing the myriads of colour. The highlight is the Rockhoppers coming in through the Gultch and making their way back to the colony. The landscape has mountain backdrops and coastal vistas. From the Rockhoppers an overland drive takes you to the Gentoo Penguin colonies, where adults shelter and protect their small chicks. A small contingent of King Penguins are present in this area as well. The country hospitality is second to none as our host drives across this vast property frequented by penguins, shorebirds and sealions.

22nd - 26th : Sea Lion Island - 4 nights

Sea Lion Island is home to elephant seals, gentoo penguins, magellanic penguins, rock hoppers, sea lions, birds of prey and cormorants. Beautiful tussock plantations cover one fifth of the island and provide a perfect habitat and protection for much of the island’s varied fauna. Opportunities for photography and wildlife watching are limitless and start literally steps away from the purpose-built Lodge. Besides the tussock, there are sand beaches, cliffs, freshwater ponds and heathland, all with their own wildlife. Pods of killer whales may be seen between November and January circling the island in pursuit of the elephant seals and sea lions that breed there. Leopard seals and larger whales are also seen from time to time. A memorial to the HMS Sheffield, sunk in nearby waters, is also situated on the island.

26th - 29th : Saunders Island ‘The Rookery’ - 3 nights

Saunders Island is the second largest offshore island in the Falklands and contains some of the most dramatic landscapes, including wetlands, lakes and some rolling peaks. We will be staying in a small cottage at the Rookery, which is a remarkable place to visit.
There are large numbers of Rockhopper penguins that have established colonies high up on the hills above. Making their daily journey out to sea to forage for food for their young chicks and returning each evening. The highlight is the penguin shower at the bottom of the cliff. As the penguins emerge from the rough sea, they line up for a fresh water stream that cascades from the gully above. There seems to be some penguin etiquette, and any penguin spending too much time under the shower, will be strongly encouraged to move on to let the next Rockhopper have a wash and a drink after a hard day fishing. With one of the larger Black Browed Albatross nesting colonies in the Falklands, the Rookery with its beautiful backdrop sets the scene for large colonies stretching along the northern slopes of Mt Richards on Saunders Island. Black Browed Albatross nest along the cliffs protecting their eggs around October and their chicks once hatched 72 days later.

29th Depart from Mt Pleasant

 

Start/Finish: Mount Pleasant (Falklands). Travelers can reach the Falklands from Santiago or Punta Arenas in Chile with LATAM. Flights depart from Santiago and touch down in Punta Arenas before travelling on to Mount Pleasant Airport.

Inclusions:
All meals, transfers to and from airports, all internal flights (3-4 x local flights within the Falklands), accommodation – shared (14 days), 4WD excursions, conservation fees, photography tuition.

Exclusions:
International flights to Mount Pleasant (Falklands), departure tax, early & late check in/out at lodges/hotels, visas, items of personal nature, overnight accommodation in Santiago prior to tour, excess baggage costs on local flights. 
Luggage allowance on flights between islands within the Falklands is only 20kg. Excess luggage is charged per kilo per flight sector on these flights and is at your own expense.

 
 
 
  • King Penguin

  • Gentoo Penguin

  • Southern Rockhopper Penguin

  • Magellanic Penguin

  • Black-browed Albatross

  • Southern Giant-Petrel

  • Upland Goose

  • Kelp Goose

  • Falkland Steamer-Duck

  • Ruddy-headed Goose

  • Crested Duck

  • Yellow-billed Teal

  • Silver Teal

  • Chiloe Wigeon

  • Imperial Cormorant

  • Magellanic Cormorant

  • White-tufted Grebe

  • Silvery Grebe

  • Brown Skua

  • Dolphin Gull

  • Brown-hooded Gull

  • South American Tern

  • Magellanic Oystercatcher

  • Blackish Oystercatcher

  • Snowy Sheathbill

  • Magellanic Snipe

  • Black-crowned Night Heron

  • Turkey Vulture

  • Variable Hawk

  • Short-eared Owl

  • Striated Caracara

  • Crested Caracara

  • Blackish Cinclodes

  • Dark-faced Ground-Tyrant

  • Austral Thrush

  • White-bridled Finch

  • Long-tailed Meadowlark

  • Elephant Seal

  • Orca

  • Commerson’s Dolphin

king penguin

 

Your guide:


If you have been on a Flock Wildlife Photography Tour then you will already know David Stowe.
With a passion for wildlife and education, Dave will always be happy to offer advice and help you envisage, capture and edit and image.
Read more about him on our About Page, but running another tour to the Falklands has been a huge dream since the last time back before covid.

 
 
 

gentoo penguin

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?

We will send out a detailed packing list prior to the tour.

HOW LONG DO WE SPEND OUT EACH DAY?

That is up to you.  People often choose to be out for sunrise and sunset, depending on the location.  Some days may be a full day tour, other days you can come & go from the accommodation as you please.

ARE MEALS INCLUDED?

Meals are included in the trip price.  As we are moving between different islands, meals will vary in type, but generally they are wholesome hot meals, British in style.  Some accommodations may be self-catering, where you will be provided with a meal pack. Sometimes there will be a packed lunch if we are planning to be out all day.

CAN YOU MEET CERTAIN DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

We will be travelling to remote islands, therefore it is important to let us know in advance of any food allergies or dietary requirements, via the booking form.

WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY?

The Falkland pound, which is equivalent to the British pound. English sterling is universally accepted. U.S. Dollars and Euros are also widely accepted in Stanley at the prevailing rate of exchange.

WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?

We will be staying in farmhouse style lodges which are comfortable and cosy.  Most are catered by our friendly hosts, some will be self-catered with meal packs provided.  Rooms vary between ensuite and having a shared bathroom.

WHAT ARE THE FITNESS REQUIREMENTS?

You must be comfortably able to walk over uneven ground, occasionally longer distances (1-2km+) in order to view wildlife. Often we can get strong winds, muddy or steep terrain, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.  There is no immediate access to emergency medical assistance.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE FALKLAND ISLANDS?

The best months to visit the Falklands are during the southern hemisphere summer. November, December, January, and February are most ideal, with warmer weather and an abundance of wildlife.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

You can get all 4 seasons in 1 day! The average summer daytime temperature is around 15°C, while average night-time temperature is around 5°C. Prevailing winds blow from the west and tend to be stronger in the summer than the winter. The islands are relatively sunny, with about 7.5 hours of daily sunshine in December and January. The west Falklands are generally wetter than the east.

HOW DO I GET TO THE FALKLAND ISLANDS?

There is an international airport, Mount Pleasant Airport, which is about 1 hr drive from Stanley (the capital). This is a military airport that also handles commercial flights. Talk to us before you book your flights.

DO I NEED VACCINATIONS? ARE THERE HEALTH ISSUES THERE?

No vaccinations are required for entry into the Falklands. The Falkland Islands have a good standard of health. However, the only hospital is in Stanley – there are no medical facilities on most islands we will visit. If you are extending your stay into South America, please check the recommended immunisations for these countries.

WHAT ARE THE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES FOR LOCAL FIGHTS?

20kg (excess baggage is currently approximately £1.55 per kg per sector)

HOW DO WE TRAVEL AROUND THE FALKLAND ISLANDS?

We travel between islands on 8-seater aeroplanes, operated by Falklands Islands Government Air Services (FIGAS).  These are low-flying and offer stunning views over the archipelago. We will use 4×4 vehicles to travel over land.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE?

Payments will be handled by Scott Portelli. He can take deposit and payment via credit card, PayPal, or direct bank transfer. Note there is a 2.8% fee on credit card transactions and a 3.5% fee on PayPal transactions

DO WE NEED TO CHANGE MONEY BEFORE WE ARRIVE?

If you would like to use cash (GBP Pound Sterling), bring it with you.  There are no ATMs or foreign exchange in the Falklands, not even at the airport. Visa, Mastercard & travellers cheques are widely accepted in Stanley. 

IS THERE INTERNET ACCESS?

Currently there are a few places in Stanley (the capital) that provide Wi-Fi, but for most of our tour we will be remote with no access to Wi-Fi or cell phone coverage.  There is limited cell phone coverage, that covers only the top half of East Falkland.  Check with your cell phone provider about roaming options.

DO I NEED AN ADAPTOR FOR THE POWER POINTS?

Falklands use the United Kingdom standard system, 240 volts / 50Hz, with a type G rectangular plug. You will need to bring your own adaptors to fit UK sockets.

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIFIC THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO FILM/PHOTOGRAPH?

There is so much diversity in the Falklands.  We can help you to find the best locations to capture what you have in mind. If there is anything more complicated, we can chat about options before you arrive.

WHAT CURRENCY ARE THE TOUR COSTS IN?

Trips to the Falkland Islands are quoted in GBP (British Pounds) and there are multiple payment methods you can use for each tour. Note that credit card payments have a 2.8% fee and PayPal payments have a 3.5% fee. You can use a currency converter to get an idea of the currency conversion or exchange rate. Check out Oanda for latest rates.

ARE THE FALKLAND ISLANDS SAFE?

Yes, in terms of crime, Stanley prides itself on being the safest capital in the world! It’s important to remember that traffic drives on the left side of the road, so if you are not used to that, take extra care when crossing the street!

WILL I NEED A PASSPORT/ VISA TO TRAVEL TO THE FALKLANDS?

You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months after you depart. Citizens of the U.S., U.K., and E.U. do not need a visa to visit the Falkland Islands. However, entry requirements may change. It is your responsibility to check with the consulate for the most up-to-date visa information. All arriving travellers must have a return air ticket or other evidence of prepaid onward travel arrangements. Travelers must also have evidence in the form of cash or credit card of sufficient funds to cover their stay.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Yes, this is essential! It must include medical insurance, and aero-medical evacuation.
We also strongly recommend making sure your camera equipment is fully covered for its true value and overseas travel.

keen to come or find out more?

 

Image Gallery from the last tour we did with Scott Portelli before Covid. All images taken by David Stowe