Wildlife at the World’s Edge
Falkland Islands
December 7 to 17, 2028
Safari Overview
Step into one of the most wildlife-rich regions of the Southern Hemisphere on this focused Falkland Islands expedition. Exploring Bleaker Island, Sea Lion Island, and East Falkland, you’ll experience three distinct ecosystems known for dense seabird colonies, abundant marine mammals, and remarkably intact coastal habitats.
Bleaker Island offers excellent seabird and marine mammal viewing in a walkable setting. It’s sweeping bays and productive waters support Imperial Cormorants, Slender-billed Prions, and a significant colony of Black-browed Albatross, while Gentoo, Magellanic, and Rockhopper Penguins nest along beaches and in tussac grass. Sea Lion Island offers exceptional access to wildlife within a compact area. Southern elephant seals and Southern sea lions haul out along white-sand beaches, often at close range. Gentoo, Rockhopper, and Magellanic Penguins nest in accessible colonies, creating outstanding opportunities for observation and photography. Offshore, we watch for orcas that occasionally patrol the shoreline. Daily walks across open grasslands and along dramatic coasts provide varied perspectives and consistent wildlife encounters. On East Falkland, you’ll visit a large King Penguin colony and explore rolling landscapes that support upland species and waterfowl. The schedule remains flexible to take advantage of weather, light, and wildlife activity.
Comfortable lodges and hearty local cuisine provide a welcoming base each evening. Guided by experienced naturalists, this expedition emphasizes meaningful time in the field, small-group camaraderie, and exceptional wildlife viewing and photography in one of the world’s most remote island environments.
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRIP?
- Explore Three Unique Islands: Discover the contrasting beauty of Bleaker Island, Sea Lion Island, and Volunteer Point, each offering exceptional wildlife density, dramatic coast scenery, and unparalleled photographic opportunities.
- Observe Four Iconic Penguin Species: Encounter Gentoo, King, Rockhopper, and Magellanic Penguins, including the largest accessible King Penguin colony outside South Georgia.
- Spot Marine Mammals & Birds of Prey: Witness Southern elephant seals, South American sea lions, orcas, and rare raptors, including the Striated Caracara, found in few places on earth.
- Volunteer Point King Penguin Experience: Walk among thousands of King Penguins set against the backdrop of white sand and luminous blue waters.
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: March 2026
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 7 | Travel to Punta Arenas, Chile. Travel to Patagonia’s southernmost city, the gateway to the Falkland Islands. | ||
| Dec 8 | Arrive in Punta Arenas. Explore coastal landscapes and local wildlife before settling in for the night. | Hotel Cabo de Hornos, Punta Arenas, Chile | |
| Dec 9-10 | Fly to Stanley & Bleaker Island. Hike through Rockhopper Penguin colonies and explore sweeping bays and productive waters supporting Imperial Cormorants, Slender-billed Prions, and a large Black-browed Albatross colony. Scan beaches and cliffs for sea lions, dolphins, Striated Caracaras, Peregrine Falcons, and abundant waterfowl. | Bleaker Island Lodge, Bleaker Island | B, L, D |
| Dec 11-13 | Fly to Sea Lion Island. Transfer by internal flight to one of the Falklands’ most wildlife-rich destinations. Spend full days exploring Gentoo, Rockhopper, and Magellanic Penguin colonies while observing southern elephant seals, Southern sea lions, Giant Petrels, and possibly orcas offshore. | Sea Lion Lodge, Sea Lion Island | B, L, D |
| Dec 14-15 | Return to Stanley & Visit Volunteer Point. Fly back to Stanley to tour historic sites, watch Sooty Shearwaters return to Kidney Island at dusk, and visit the Falklands’ largest King Penguin colony. | The Malvina House Hotel, Stanley | B, L, D |
| Dec 16 | Return to Punta Arenas & Depart. Fly back to Punta Arenas and connect with your flight home. | B, L | |
| Dec 17 | Arrive home. |
Get the Full Daily Itinerary
Our Trip Leaders
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Scott Davis
Scott DavisScott, co-owner and co-CEO of Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris, is an expert wildlife, nature, and travel photographer. Trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, he's explored all seven continents for research and photography. National Geographic, BBC, Animal Planet, NY Times, and other prestigious publications have featured his inspiring work. Scott's passion for teaching and talent for capturing the essence of his subjects make him a highly sought-after tour leader.
- Cost & Payments
- Included
- Not Included
- Climate
- Fitness Level
- Transportation
- Motion Sickness
- Flights
Conservation- Conditions
Cost & Payments
Costs (in US$)
| Type | Cost Per Person |
|---|---|
| Trip Cost, double occupancy | $8,100 |
| Single Supplement | $900 |
Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare (except for three internal flights), singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.
If you are a single traveler, we will try to find a roommate for you, but if we cannot pair you with a roommate, we may charge you a single supplement. Single rooms cost extra, are subject to availability, and cannot be guaranteed throughout the trip.
Payment Schedule
| Payment | Due Date | Amount Per Person |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | Due now to reserve your space | $500 |
| Final | June 30, 2028 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All bookings require a deposit to confirm reservation of your space.
Cancellations
Until the Final Payment due date, deposits are refundable except for a cancellation fee of $150 per person, which can be applied toward another trip if reserved within six months of the canceled trip’s departure date. Cancellations are non-transferable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.
Included
- Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
- All leaders, transport, landing fees, and permits for all activities unless described as optional.
- Three internal flights.
- Accommodations for the nights of December 8 through December 15.
- Meals from breakfast on December 9 through lunch on December 16.
- Transfers from the Punta Arenas Airport to Hotel Cabo de Hornos, regardless of arrival day, from Hotel Cabo de Hornos to the Punta Arenas Airport on December 9, and to the Mount Pleasant Airport on December 16.
Not Included
- Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
- All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees. The round-trip flights between Punta Arenas and Mount Pleasant will be added to your trip balance based on rates at the time of booking the flights. The estimated cost is $450.
- Passport and visa fees.
- Any arrival and/or departure taxes.
- We can arrange extra hotel nights in Punta Arenas for an extra cost.
- Gratuities.
- Mandatory emergency evacuation insurance.
- Optional trip cancellation insurance.
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, alcoholic and other beverages, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.
Climate
Daytime temperatures are generally 50 to 58°F (10 to 14°C) with almost constant wind. All four seasons can be experienced in one day with on and off rain. Prepare with a degree of flexibility in mind, and ensure you have proper outdoor clothing.
Fitness Level
This trip requires the ability to hike moderate distances, perhaps up to three miles, with small elevation gains on slightly rolling or hilly, grass or dirt terrain, and some beach walking on sand. You must be able to get into and out of a Land Rover. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Flights
Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.
Please wait to book your flights until you receive confirmation from your Coordinator that the minimum number of participants has been met to operate the trip. If you choose to book flights before receiving this confirmation, we strongly recommend purchasing flight cancellation insurance to protect your investment.
Flights you book
- Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ) by 11:59pm on December 8.
- Depart from Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ) after 9:00pm on December 16.
Flights we book
- The once-weekly flights between Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ) and Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands (MPN) on December 9 and 16; we’ll add the final cost to your trip balance. Important: if you make your own arrangements, you must contact us before the final payment date so we can cancel your seat on the flight. If you alert us later, you will be responsible for flight cancellation fees.
- Three internal flights are included in the trip cost. Important: the flights within the Falkland Islands have a very strict luggage weight allowance of 20kg (44lbs) total. This means you will need to pack light for the Falkland Islands, but you may leave larger bags with our transfer agent upon arrival in the Falklands for transfer to the Malvina House Hotel on December 14.
FAQ
Accommodations
Motion Sickness
Don’t let a fear of motion sickness keep you away! Motion sickness is usually not an issue, but you do fly on small aircraft. Even those who have experienced motion sickness reported that the incredible wildlife and overall experience were well worth the temporary discomfort. If you are susceptible to motion sickness on small planes or are concerned that you might be, please come prepared! The key to avoiding motion sickness is to act before you experience nausea. Do your own research and consult your doctor before taking any medications. Find more information on our Coping with Seasickness webpage (this information is applicable to any form of motion sickness) and contact us if you have any questions.
Transportation
You’ll travel by bus, Land Rover, and small plane.
Conservation
Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:
- Ecotourism and Conservation for Tanzania
- Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
- Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.
Together, we can continue exploring and cherishing this planet while working toward its long-term protection. Thank you for being part of this important journey with us.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.