The Falklands (Isla Malvinas) - 2017

Leaving Puerto Madryn, it took a little over two days to reach Carcass Island, on West Falkland, and the site of our first zodiac excursion. This island is 7.3 square miles in size, was named after HMS Carcass, a ship under Captain John McBride, the original surveyor of the island. The island is now privately owned and is operated as a sheep farm, bed and breakfast lodge and location for visitors to view birds and sea mammals. There are five comfortable basic furnished farmhouse rooms at the Carcass Island Lodge. Meals are included as this is a pretty remote island with no other dining options.  

Carcass Island was a great location for birding enthusiasts. We observed at least 25 different bird species, from large Albatross, Caracaras and Upland Geese to Antarctic Terns and colorful Oystercatchers. It was about the only stop in which we didn’t see elephant seals and fur seals lounging at waters edge, but I suspect we only got a glimpse of a small portion of the island during our three hour visit.

Immediately departing Carcass Island, we sailed for two at-sea days to reach South Georgia. On the return from South Georgia to Ushuaia, we returned to the Falklands for two more days of excursions. During this return route, we spent a day visiting Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, and nearby Gypsy Cove. We bypassed an anticipated landing at Saunders Island due to high winds and swells. Our final Falklands stop at West Point Island.

West Point Island was a highlight of our Falklands excursions. There, zodiacs dropped us off on the wharf for a rare non-wet landing. We had an opportunity to take a short hike and stop within just a few feet of nesting black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins. It was terrific to just sit a while and observe these birds in such close proximity. For those with mobility limitations, Land Rovers were available to drive guests to the observation area. Afterwards, the West Point caretakers invited everyone to teatime, with hot tea and a tabletop full of assorted home-baked cookies.  

West Point Island was our last expedition stop before heading to our disembarcation destination of Ushuaia, Argentina.