CHEESEMANS’ ECOLOGY SAFARIS
555 North Santa Cruz Avenue
Los Gatos, CA 95030-4336 USA
(800)527-5330 (408)741-5330
[email protected]
cheesemans.com
Falkland Islands Extension
Sea Lion and Pebble Islands, plus Stanley area
February 8 to 17, 2018
Magellanic Penguins
EXTENSION OVERVIEW
Explore the diversity of the Falkland Islands with three nights on Sea Lion Island, two nights on Pebble
Island, and two nights in Stanley on East Falkland Island. Sea Lion Island is the most species-rich site in the
Falklands. Observe dramatic cliffside Rockhopper Penguin colonies, burrowing Magellanic Penguins, South
American Sea Lions, and Orcas patrolling for unwary Southern Elephant Seals. Enjoy more variety on Pebble
Island as its landscape changes from long sandy beaches to moor lands and rocky cliffs. Deep ponds and
wetlands provide habitat for Chiloe Wigeon, Black-necked Swans, and Silvery Grebes. Discover the largest
accessible King Penguin colony in the Falklands along the turquoise waters of Volunteer Point.
HIGHLIGHTS
• Walk along Southern Elephant Seal and Gentoo Penguin colonies at Sea Lion Island.
• Spend a full day at Volunteer Point, a surreal experience with King, Gentoo, and Magellanic penguins
along white, sandy beaches.
• Stroll pristine beaches on Pebble Island in search of Rockhopper Penguins and the few resident
Macaroni Penguins.
Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
Itinerary Updated: January 2017
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TRIP OPTION: This is a pre-trip extension to our Antarctic Peninsula Deep South Adventure aboard the
Vavilov February 18 to March 4, 2018; see separate itinerary for details. The information contained in this
itinerary is supplemental to the main itinerary.
LEADER: Scott Davis.
DAYS: Adds 7 days to the main safari to total 22 days including estimated travel time.
GROUP SIZE: 8.
COST: $4,990 per person, double occupancy, not including airfare except internal flights as noted, singles
extra. See the Costs section on page 4.
Date
Feb 8
Feb 9
Description
Depart from home.
Arrive in Santiago.
Feb 10
Fly to Mount Pleasant, Falkland Islands, then fly
to Sea Lion Island.
Introductory tour and explore Sea Lion Island.
Fly to Pebble Island. Explore the diverse
Pebble Island Lodge
landscapes and wildlife habitats.
Fly back to Stanley for city tour and museum
The Malvina House
visit.
Hotel, Stanley
Full day excursion to Volunteer Point.
Transfer to airport, fly from Mount Pleasant to Punta Arenas to join
Antarctic Peninsula tour.
Feb 11–12
Feb 13–14
Feb 15
Feb 16
Feb 17
Accommodation
Santiago Airport
Holiday Inn, Santiago,
Chile
Sea Lion Lodge
Meals
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B, L, D
B, L, D
B, L, D
B, L
LEADER
Scott Davis
Scott is a professional photographer specializing in wildlife, nature, and travel.
Originally trained as a wildlife and marine biologist, his research and photo
assignments took him to the far corners of the globe. National Geographic, BBC,
Animal Planet, and renowned magazines used his photography. His patience for
teaching and love of capturing the essence of his subjects make him one of our most
popular tour leaders.
DETAILED ITINERARY
Feb 8 ~ Depart home
Feb 9 ~ Arrive in Santiago, Chile
Arrive in Santiago, Chile. Transfer to our hotel for a free day to rest or explore historic and colorful Santiago.
Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
Itinerary Updated: January 2017
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Feb 10 ~ Fly to Falkland Islands, then fly to Sea Lion Island
Take the once-weekly flight from Santiago to Mount Pleasant Airport in the Falkland Islands (not included in
trip cost). Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a packed lunch and escorted to your flight to Sea Lion Island.
Feb 11–12 ~ Sea Lion Island
Sea Lion Island is one of the smallest in the Falklands
archipelago (just five miles long and just over one mile
wide at its widest point), and the most southerly-inhabited
island. The sheer abundance of wildlife in such a small area
makes it a must on any Falklands itinerary. Sea Lion Island
hosts over 47 species of bird, including Rockhopper,
Gentoo, and Magellanic penguins; you will be graced by
some of the 2,800 breeding pairs of Gentoo Penguins with
hatched chicks, and scatterings of Southern Giant-Petrels.
Please give giant-petrels a wide berth, they can be very
nervous and abandon their nests with minimal disturbance.
Other birds you may encounter are South American Snipe,
Rufous-chested Dotterel, the endemic Cobb’s and Sedge
Southern Elephant Seals
wrens, small birds that have recently been afforded
protection from the tall grass that has been allowed to grow after the removal of sheep from the island. The
biggest attraction is the large number of Southern Elephant Seals that breed here, principally on the white
sandy beach at the appropriately named Elephant Corner. In February, the young pups and recently weaned
are plentiful on the beach, making for great behavioral watching. Also not to be missed are the South
American (or Southern) Sea Lions at East Loafers. Pods of Killer Whales are also often seen circling close
offshore (usually a treat for the early risers) attracted by the prospect of penguins and seals.
Feb 13–14 ~ Pebble Island
Pebble Island is the third largest offshore island and is home to the longest sand beach in the Falklands.
Pebble was named in the 1760’s after the beautiful semi-precious pebbles that were discovered on its
western beaches. The landscape of Pebble Island varies greatly from pristine beaches, moor lands, and rocky
peaks to an extensive area of ponds and wetlands, and dramatic coastal cliffs. All of these provide vital
breeding habitats for an incredible list of resident bird species. The deep ponds on the east of the island,
many of which are within walking distance of the lodge, are home to Chiloe Wigeon, Silvery Grebes, Blacknecked Swans, and multitude of other wildfowl and wading birds. Many thousands of Gentoo, Rockhopper
and Magellanic penguins breed on Pebble Island each summer.
Feb 15 ~ Return to Stanley for city tour and museum visit
You’ll bid the outer islands farewell to return to Stanley, capital of the Falkland Islands. The timing of your
charter flight depends on weather and other flight schedules, but will likely be around midday. With a
population of around 2,000, Stanley is the smallest and most remote capital city in the world, in many ways
like an English village from decades ago with the addition of a Government House, a cathedral, and a wide
range of amenities and services. The city is built on a north-facing slope to catch the sun throughout the
year, looking across Stanley Harbor with its wealth of seabirds and trickle of shipping. Stanley’s historical
interest is associated with the great age of sail when rounding Cape Horn was the most daunting nautical
passage on the planet. Some of those ships still lie in the harbor, abandoned after a Cape Horn battering. A
self-guided Maritime History Trail has been set up in Stanley and guidebooks are available from local shops.
Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
Itinerary Updated: January 2017
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Stanley depicts a new vibrant Falklands, and is home to many successful businesses, with deep-sea fishing,
tourism, farming and most recently oil prospecting being the principle earners.
Feb 16 ~ Excursion to Volunteer Point
After about a 2.5-hour drive by Landrover, you’ll arrive at the white sandy beach and turquoise waters of
Volunteer Point, a destination with almost a Caribbeanesque feel to it, but the King, Gentoo, and Magellanic
penguins will bring you back to the Falklands. Discover the largest accessible King Penguin colony in the
Islands outside of South Georgia, containing approximately 1,000 adults. You may also find other wildlife
such as Long-tailed Meadowlarks, Austral Thrush, South American Snipe, and South American Tern, Blackish
and Magellanic oystercatchers, and Upland, Kelp, and Ruddy-headed geese. Enjoy the spectacular scenery as
you traverse the north of East Falkland.
Feb 17 ~ Fly to Punta Arenas to join Antarctic Peninsula Voyage
You’ll fly out on the once weekly flight to Punta Arenas where you will meet up with passengers for your
Antarctic Peninsula Deep South expedition. We will have optional day excursions planned for February 18
and 19, flying to King George Island on February 20. More details on these optional excursions will be in the
Trip Materials documents.
COSTS (all costs are in US dollars)
Cost
Type
Extension Cost, double occupancy
Single Supplement (subject to
availability)
Cost per Person
$4,990
$650
This cost will be added to your main safari balance. The payment schedule and cancellation policy is the
same as the main safari.
Included
• Internal flights in the Falklands (Stanley to Sea Lion Island, Sea Lion to Pebble Island, and Pebble
Island to Stanley).
• Meals from breakfast on February 10 through lunch on February 17.
• Accommodations for the nights of February 9 through February 16.
• Airport transfers on February 10 and 17.
Not Included
• All airfare (except flights listed as included), airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
• Passport and visa fees.
• Gratuities: Tipping is, of course, discretionary, however we suggest budgeting about $10 per
participant per day for February 11 to 16 for our island guides and hotel staff (total of $60 per
participant) for guides and hotel staff.
• Accommodations in Punta Arenas on February 17 and 18. We can arrange these nights for an extra
cost.
• Optional day excursions in Punta Arenas on February 18 and 19.
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Itinerary Updated: January 2017
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•
Emergency medical and evacuation insurance, and trip cancellation insurance. For more information
see www.cheesemans.com/travel-insurance
OTHER DETAILS
Climate
Daytime temperatures are generally 40 to 50°F (10 to 15°C). Wet, penetrating cold is not usually a problem,
but you will need to protect against almost constant wind and sea splash, especially when riding in the
Zodiacs. Mittens, warm hat, layers of clothing, parka, and waterproof outer garments are necessary.
Fitness Level
This safari requires the ability to hike moderate distances, perhaps up to three miles, with small elevation
gains. Please contact us if you have any health concerns that may make this trip challenging.
Transportation
You’ll travel by bus, land rover, small boat and small plane. Repacking and leaving some luggage temporarily
in Stanley may be necessary as there will be strict luggage weight limits and space on flights. More
information will be provided in the Trip Materials.
Accommodations
The accommodations vary among the islands and outside communication is limited.
Flights
International airfare is not included in trip costs, but internal flights in the Falklands are included. Detailed
logistical information and the contact information for our recommended flight-ticketing agent are included
in the Trip Materials we will send you. Please let us know if you are arriving earlier or staying later.
Flights you (or a travel agent) book: Arrive in Santiago, Chile (SCL) by February 9. Continue to Stanley,
Falkland Islands (MPN) via Punta Arenas, Chile on February 10 on a once-weekly LAN Airlines flight. Depart
from Stanley on February 17 to Punta Arenas.
Flights we book for you: Flights from Stanley, Falkland Islands to Sea Lion Island, Sea Lion Island to Pebble
Island, and Pebble Island to Stanley. The cost of these bookings are included in the tour cost.
Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris
Itinerary Updated: January 2017
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