World-class wildlife viewing in the Falklands

Travellers searching for a first-class wildlife and wilderness experience should look no further than the newly upgraded Sea Lion Lodge, located on the most southerly inhabited island in the Falklands archipelago.

Home to over 47 species of birds, including three species of penguins, and an estimated 70 species of flowering plants, it’s no wonder that Sea Lion Island is a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts and those with a love of the great outdoors.

In response to a growing demand by consumers for unspoilt, exclusive, off-the-beaten-track destinations, the owners of Sea Lion Lodge have recently completed a series of renovations and refurbishments to provide visitors with comfortable accommodation, as well as work on a wind turbine that provides electricity for the Lodge. Affording spectacular views of the South Atlantic with nothing but water between guests and Antarctica, the Lodge is the only tourist accommodation on this tiny island (five miles long and just over a mile wide). Originally opened by Lord Shackleton in 1988, the upgraded Lodge provides a superb facility for 23 guests to admire the flora, fauna, sealife and birdlife of the island.

The Falkland Islands offer visitors a chance to observe an astonishing diversity of wildlife at a particularly close distance. From late September to April on Sea Lion Island the three penguin species will be incubating and hatching their eggs, making it a magical time to visit. Pods of killer whales in pursuit of elephant seals, breeding colonies of southern sea lions, as well as internationally endangered striated caracara, Antarctic skuas, southern giant petrels, and a host of passerines. No wonder Sea Lion Island is a haven for wildlife watching and photographers alike, as no other island offers such great guaranteed viewing opportunities.

One of only a handful of sites in the world where it is possible to witness the feeding interaction between killer whales and elephant seal weanlings, the Island is being used for a BBC production called LIFE, which follows from the hugely popular Planet Earth and Blue Planet series.

Following the decline of sheep farming and subsequent removal of sheep from the island, native grasses have recovered and one fifth of the island is now covered by beautiful tussac, which provides a perfect habitat for all the wildlife and fauna which make up this island.

Commenting on the upgraded facilities, FITB General Manager, Jake Downing said, “Today’s travellers are looking for ever more unique and breathtaking destinations and want to discover authentic experiences in untrodden, unspoilt locations. The Falkland Islands, and Sea Lion Island in particular, cater to the demands of these travellers, but the exclusivity of the South Atlantic means that they will remain one of nature’s best kept secrets.”

Access to the Island is via a forty minute flight from Stanley followed by a two minute walk from a purpose-built airstrip!

Steppes Travel (steppestravel.co.uk) offers a seven-night ‘Falklands Wildlife’ journey from £1,550 per person including a stay on Sea Lion Island. This package excludes international flights.

For further information on the Falklands Islands, log on to Falklandislands.com and falklands.gov.fk.