Wildlife and Mystery at the World’s Edge
Falklands & Easter Island
October 28 to November 12, 2027
Safari Overview
Limited to just eight guests, travel to two of the most remote and compelling destinations in the Southern Hemisphere, where exceptional wildlife and deep cultural history come together in one thoughtfully designed journey. Led by expert naturalist and photographer Scott Davis, you’ll receive guidance to make the most of every wildlife encounter and photographic opportunity.
In the Falkland Islands, unique and special wildlife spectacles unfold all around you. Sea Lion Island offers incredible, up-close viewing of southern elephant seals and sea lions, along with accessible penguin rookeries and the chance of spotting orcas near shore. On Bleaker Island, walk among dense seabird colonies, with opportunities for Black-browed Albatross, Imperial Cormorants, and multiple penguin species—Gentoo, Magellanic, and Rockhopper—nesting in close proximity. On East Falkland, visit one of the largest King Penguin colonies in the Falklands and explore open landscapes that support a variety of upland birds and waterfowl. Daily outings are paced for observation and photography, with flexibility and virtually unlimited time in the field to take advantage of weather and light. Evenings are spent in comfortable lodges, with hearty meals and time to review images and share insights.
Immediately following your exploration of the Falkland Islands, you will continue to Easter Island (Rapa Nui), one of the archaeological wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you will shift from a wildlife focus to cultural exploration. Visit Ahu Tongariki, home to 15 restored moai, and photograph these iconic statues at sunrise and sunset. Explore Rano Raraku, the quarry where the moai were carved, and Orongo, site of the historic Birdman ceremonies overlooking the Pacific. Additional visits to Ahu Akivi and Ahu Akahanga provide further context into the island’s history and spiritual traditions. With dedicated time for photography and interpretation, this portion of the trip offers a meaningful look at one of the world’s most fascinating and ancient cultures.
This journey balances active exploration, expert guiding, and a strong photographic focus in two truly extraordinary locations.
WHY CHOOSE THIS TRIP?
- Two Iconic Destinations, One Journey: Combine the raw wildlife of the Falklands with the cultural and archaeological depth of Easter Island for a truly distinctive experience.
- Expert Guidance: Travel with an experienced naturalist and photographer who helps you spot wildlife, understand behavior, and elevate your photography in the field.
- Incredible Wildlife Viewing: Walk among penguin colonies, observe elephant seals up close, and experience one of the Southern Hemisphere’s richest wildlife regions.
- Easter Island Cultural Depth: Explore the iconic moai, volcanic landscapes, and sacred sites of Rapa Nui, with dedicated time for storytelling and striking sunrise/sunset photography.
- Photography-Focused Itinerary: Flexible daily plans maximize light and conditions, with dedicated time for sunrise, sunset, and real-time shooting guidance.
TRIP MAP
NOTABLE EXPERIENCES
Itinerary Updated: May 2026
| Date | Description | Lodge | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 28 | Travel to Santiago, Chile. | ||
| Oct 29 | Arrive in Santiago. Meet up with Scott before settling in for the night. | Holiday Inn, Santiago Airport, Santiago, Chile | B, L, D |
| Oct 30–31 | Fly to Stanley & Sea Lion Island. Transfer by internal flight to Sea Lion Island, one of the Falklands' most wildlife-rich destinations. Explore Gentoo, Rockhopper, and Magellanic Penguin colonies. Observe southern elephant seals, southern sea lions, Giant Petrels, and, with luck, orcas cruising offshore in this compact yet remarkably diverse ecosystem. | Sea Lion Lodge, Sea Lion Island | B, L, D |
| Nov 1–3 | Fly to Bleaker Island. Transfer by internal flight to Bleaker Island. Hike through Rockhopper Penguin colonies. Bleaker Island has sweeping bays and productive waters that support Imperial Cormorants, Slender-billed Prions, and a significant colony of Black-browed Albatross. Scan beaches and cliffs for sea lions, dolphins, Striated Caracaras, Peregrine Falcons, and abundant waterfowl across pristine coastal habitats. | Bleaker Island Lodge, Bleaker Island | B, L, D |
| Nov 4–5 | Return to Stanley & Visit Volunteer Point. One more internal flight back to Stanley where you'll tour historic sites, watch the Sooty Shearwaters nightly return to Kidney Island, and then visit Falkland's largest King Penguin colony. | The Malvina House Hotel, Stanley | B, L, D |
| Nov 6 | Flight to Santiago. Take a flight back to Santiago in preparation for the next island adventure. | Holiday Inn, Santiago Airport, Santiago, Chile | B, L, D |
| Nov 7 | Flight to Easter Island and Sunset at Tahai. Explore Ahu Tahai and Ahu Akivi. Sunset photography at Tahai. | Hotel Altiplanico, Easter Island | B, L, D |
| Nov 8-9 | Touring Island Sites and Boat Tour. Explore Rano Raraku, Ahu Tongariki, and Ahu Akahanga. Visit Orongo village and Ahu Vinapu. Afternoon boat tour to motus (Islets). | Hotel Altiplanico, Easter Island | B, L, D |
| Nov 10 | Sunrise Photo Shoot and Flight to Santiago. Sunrise photo shoot at Tongariki before flying back to overnight in Santiago. | Holiday Inn, Santiago Airport, Santiago, Chile | B |
| Nov 11 | Fly from Santiago to Ushuaia or Home. Catch your flight to Ushuaia to join our South Georgia/Antarctic Peninsula trip or to catch your flight home. | B | |
| Nov 12 | 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 | $13,600 |
| Single Supplement | $1,700 |
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 | May 21, 2027 | Remaining Balance |
Payments are due based on the schedule above. All reservations 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 in the Falkland Islands.
- Accommodations for the nights of October 29 through November 10.
- Meals from breakfast on October 30 through breakfast on November 11, except meals listed in the Not Included section.
- Meet and greet in Mataveri and two boat trips on Easter Island.
- Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.
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 Santiago and Mount Pleasant and Santiago to Easter Island will be added to your trip balance based on rates at the time of booking the flights. The estimated cost is $1,600.
- Dinner on Nov 6, 10, and 11, breakfast on Nov 7, lunch on Nov 10 and 11
- Passport and visa fees.
- Any arrival and/or departure taxes.
- We can arrange extra hotel nights in Santiago 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
On the Falkland Islands, 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. On Easter Island, average temperatures can range from 62°F (17°C) at night up to 73°F (23°C) during the day, with an average of eight days of rain in the month.
Fitness Level
This trip involves long days in the field, so come with good energy levels! It also 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 Santiago, Chile (SCL) by 11:59pm on October 29.
- Depart from Santiago, Chile (SCL) after 8:00am on November 11. If you are continuing on our South Georgia/Antarctic Peninsula trip see the Flights section in its itinerary for departure information.
Flights we book
- The once-weekly flights between Santiago, Chile (PUQ) and Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands (MPN) on October 30 and November 6 and the round-trip flights from Santiago, Chile to Easter Island on November 7 and 10; we’ll add the final flight costs 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 November 4.
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, small boat, 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:
- 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.
Conditions
Read our current Terms and Conditions.