Wednesday, June 13, 2018
Seeking the ultimate island adventure fix? Set your sights on the prodigious Falkland Islands.
Located on the Patagonian Shelf in the South Atlantic Ocean and claimed by Britain in 1765, the Falkland Islands sit atop many a traveler’s bucket list. And with more wildlife than people (think hordes of penguins, seabirds, whales and seals), this archipelago of more than 750 islands and islets is a nature lover’s dream.
Whether you prefer to experience the history of this beautiful slice of the world, witness significant wildlife events (October is when you’ll spy Gentoo and Magellanic penguins laying their eggs and December is when said eggs begin hatching!), or simply explore the miles of stunning landscape, your options for an unforgettable experience abound.
Learn the History
Having changed hands between France, Spain and Britain since their discovery, the Falkland Islands hold a history rife with possession claims, occupations, diplomatic relations, upheaval, and battles. Visitors are welcome to explore the artifact-rich island museums, memorials scattered throughout, and the San Carlos Cemetery, which commemorates the battleground of the 1982 war between Britain and Argentina. Additional memorials are located in Goose Green and Darwin, and a site at Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands, marks the spot of Argentina’s surrender.
Take in Some Adventure
While dramatic landscapes, stunning beaches and magnificent bird and animal life are the features most associated with this part of the globe, opportunities for adventure aren’t far behind. Fishing, hiking, paddling, kayaking, mountaineering, 4-x-4 off-roading, boating, and island-to-island flights have become increasingly popular with visitors, and are just some of the many ways to experience the beauty and diversity of this incredible land.
Experience the Unmatched Wildlife
Deemed one of the world’s last great wilderness destinations, beaches here are teeming with penguins (there are five species throughout), hundreds of thousands of albatross, seabirds, land birds, sea lions, whales, dolphins, seals and more. You’re all but guaranteed to spot at least a few of the aforementioned while walking, driving, flying or boating around the islands and islets, but experiencing the area with an unforgettable 14-day excursion with Terra Incognita Ecotours will grant you up-close-and-personal encounters with elephant seals, killer whale patrols, sea lions, colonies of penguins, their fluffy chicks and more.
Photograph Like a Professional
Even if your camera skills are subpar, you can’t help but snap stellar photos in these otherworldly surroundings. Bring your best lens, schedule off-peak visits to well-known photography spots whenever possible, and plan on walking as much of the islands and islets as possible. A must on your itinerary: Volunteer Point, where you’ll not only find the largest colony of King penguins, but a stellar white-sand beach backdrop to boot.
