Beginner's Guide to Falkland Islands

Banking

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The Falkland Islands Pound is equal to One Pound Sterling with notes and coins being similar to those in the UK except for their design. There are generally no currency restrictions. British currency is generally accepted in the Islands but it is requested that you exchange this at the Bank as soon as possible. There is no charge for exchange. Charges are made, however, for other currencies. Exchange facilities are available at the Standard Chartered Bank in Stanley.

Religion

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The main religion in the Islands is Christianity. Churches and sects on the Islands include: Church of England, United Free Church, Evangelist Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Lutheranism, and Seventh-day Adventism. The Anglican parish of the Islands is under the direct jurisdiction of the Archbishop of Canterbury. The Falklands form an Apostolic Prefecture of the Catholic Church.

Shopping

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Stanley has a wide variety of shops. There are two supermarkets and numerous smaller shops. There are great buys on local crafts in many shops. You can find knitwear made with Falklands wool, paintings by local artists, wooden sculptures, and jewelry made from the semi-translucent Falkland pebbles. Don’t forget to get your tiny pot of Diddle Dee Jam. The story goes that if you eat the distinctly flavored Diddle Dee while visiting, you will always return to the Falkland Islands. But the Falklands are famous for their wool. It is used throughout the world to improved blended wools by adding softness and durability.

Sources:

www.tourism.org.fk
www.falklandislands.com
en.wikipedia.org

Falkland Islands - 1 to 3 Day Itinerary Overview

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There are many reasons to visit the Falkland Islands. Most visitors come here to view wildlife, to enjoy the excellent fishing, to take in the beautiful scenery, and see the historical sites.

You really need at least a week in the Falkland Islands. It’s very difficult to take a 1- to 3-day trip to the Falkland Islands and see everything you need to see. Plus the travel time makes it almost impossible to do as well. However, if you are limited as far as time, here are some suggestions of what you might do in that timeframe.

Note: Reservations must be made ahead of time while staying outside of Stanley or what’s referred to as “in camp.” Contact numbers are provided.

If You Have One Day

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It’s virtually impossible to do much in the Falkland Islands in one day because of travel time to arrive in the islands. However, if you are already in the islands, here’s a sample itinerary for one day in the Falkland Islands.

When you arrive at the Mount Pleasant Airport, you will need to travel 35 miles to the historic port city of Stanley. This is where the itinerary begins.

While in Stanley, you can visit the small but excellent Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust. Here you will get a taste of the many aspects of the Falkland’s rich and varied history covering domestic, maritime, social, military, and natural history. If you have a particular subject you want to know more about, be sure to ask the staff. Many first-time visitors are amazed at the amount there is to see at the museum.

If you would rather spend your whole day enjoying the wildlife, take a 3.5-hour 4WD drive with a guide/driver to Volunteer Point. Here you can see numerous Magellanic and gentoo penguins in the largest colony of king penguins. Be sure to take your camera, plenty of film, and your binoculars for off-shore sightings.

If You Have Two Days

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If you have two days to explore the Falkland Islands, you will also want to start in Stanley. After you explore the town and museum (see day one itinerary), you have two options for the following day. You can either enjoy the wildlife by taking the Volunteer Point tour (see day one itinerary) or you can travel by 4WD with a guide/driver to the historic town of San Carlos. San Carlos is the site where the British forces came ashore in 1982. You can visit the battlefields, but be aware that there are still unexploded land mines located here. They are clearly marked and you can find a map of them at Town Hall. You can also take a tour where you will get more details. Don’t be alarmed to see military activity around the base at Mt. Pleasant.

If You Have Three Days

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If you have three days in the Falkland Islands, you have a little more time to customize your trip. Do you want to spend your time learning about history of the Falklands, focus on viewing the amazing wildlife, or perhaps do some excellent fishing? The following itineraries are geared toward each of these activities.

Option 1: General Itinerary with Historical Sites

Day One

Arrive at the Mount Pleasant Airport and transfer to the historic port town of Stanley. Here you can stay at the Malvina House Hotel. The hotel, built in the late 1960s, was converted into a hotel in 1983 and has been renovated since then. It is within walking distance of all points of interest in Stanley. This is the largest hotel in Stanley with 18 rooms. All rooms have private bathrooms. You will find a bar/lounge and the Conservatory Restaurant which is a renovated original 19th century conservatory. You can also make arrangements to store you large luggage here while you travel in the islands.

In Stanley you can explore the charming town and visit the small but excellent Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust. Here you will get a taste of the many aspects of the Falkland’s rich and varied history covering domestic, maritime, social, military, and natural history. If you have a particular subject you want to know more about, be sure to ask the staff. Many first-time visitors are amazed at the amount there is to see at the museum.

Day Two

Travel by 4WD with a guide/driver to the historic town of San Carlos. San Carlos is the site where the British forces came ashore in 1982. You can visit the battlefields, but be aware that there are still unexploded land mines located here. They are clearly marked and you can find a map of them at Town Hall. You can also take a tour where you will get more details. Don’t be alarmed to see military activity around the base at Mt. Pleasant.

Day Three

Travel by road to Darwin (under 2 hours from Stanley). This site retains evidence of the 1982 conflict. Here you can see the Argentine cemetery, the old Darwin cemetery, the memorial to Colonel H. Jones, the grave of Flight Lieutenant Nick Taylor, and the memorial to the Parachute Regiment.

Return to Mount Pleasant Airport (only 30 minute-drive) for your return flight.

Option 2: Wildlife Itinerary

Day One

Arrive at the Mount Pleasant Airport and transfer to the historic port town of Stanley. Here you can stay at the Malvina House Hotel. You can explore the charming town and visit the small but excellent Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust. Here you will get a taste of the many aspects of the Falkland’s rich and varied history covering domestic, maritime, social, military, and natural history. If you have a particular subject you want to know more about, be sure to ask the staff. Many first-time visitors are amazed at the amount there is to see at the museum.

Day Two

Take a full-day excursion with a driver/guide by 4WD vehicle to Volunteer Point which is approximately 3.5 hours from Stanley. Here you can see numerous Magellanic and gentoo penguins in the largest colony of king penguins. Be sure to take your camera, plenty of film, and your binoculars for off-shore sightings.

Day Three

Take a half-day trip to Kidney Cove by 4WD vehicle to view species of penguin. Return to Mount Pleasant Airport for return flight.

Option 3: Fishing Itinerary

Day One

From Mount Pleasant International Airport, take an internal flight to Port Howard (approximately 25 minutes). Here you can stay at the Lodge which includes full board accommodation (see details below).

Port Howard Lodge
Accommodation: 4 Twin rooms, 2 Double rooms, 2 Single rooms, 1 children's room
Features: 4WD vehicle trips, hill walks, and the best fishing in the Falklands.
Contact: Port Howard Lodge
Tel/Fax: (500) 42187 (Bookings) Guest phone: (500) 25125 - Pay phone
email: porthowardlodge@horizon.co.fk
.
Day Two

Fish on the Warrah River. This is a short river but offers great sport fishing with a reputation for the size of its fish rather than for quantity. The Warrah’s main tributary, Green Hill Stream, offers an alternative with several excellent pools.

Day Three

Spend half a day fishing on the Chartres River. The Chartres River, a little over an hour’s drive from Port Howard, is known for its consistent numbers of 3 to 6 pounders rather than the size of the fish. A pool not to be missed on this river is Mrs Mac’s.
Take an internal flight back to Mount Pleasant Airport for a return flight.

Sources:
www.southtravels.com
www.tourism.org.fk
www.ladatco.com
www.falklandislandsholidays.com

Falkland Islands - Weeklong Itinerary Overview

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There are many reasons to visit the Falkland Islands for a week. Most visitors come here to view wildlife, to enjoy the excellent fishing, and to take in the beautiful scenery. Below you will find three different itineraries: a wildlife itinerary, a fishing itinerary, and a general itinerary that includes some wildlife viewing.

Note: Reservations must be made ahead of time while staying outside of Stanley or what’s referred to as “in camp.” Lodging that is self catering means that you will need to bring supplies with you. Contact numbers are provided as well.

Option 1: Wildlife Itinerary

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From Mount Pleasant International Airport, take an internal flight to Pebble Island (approximately 25 minutes). Here you can stay at the small lodge located on the island. See details below.

Pebble Island Lodge
Accommodation: 5 twin rooms and 1 double room. All en-suite.
Features: Guided 4WD vehicle tours, walks, beachcombing, 1982 war history, sea lions, 42 resident bird species including many rarities, breeding Magellanic, gentoo & rockhopper penguins, working farm with 10,000 sheep and other livestock.
Contact: Jacqui Jennings & Allan White
Pebble Island Lodge
West Falkland
Falkland Islands
FIQQ 1ZZ.
Tel / Fax: 500 41093
pebblelodge@horizon.co.fk

Day One

Today take advantage of the guided tours available. A driver/guide can take you by 4WD vehicle to see various wildlife locations around the island.

Day Two

Take an internal flight to Saunders Island. Here you can stay in a self-catering accommodation in the Settlement (see details below). Included in your stay is a tour to the black-browed albatross colony.

The Settlement
Accommodation: Cottage: 3 twin rooms, 1 single room, 1 three-bed room
Stone Cottage: One room with 1 double bed and 2 single beds, 2 twin rooms
Owners: David and Suzan Pole-Evans

Day Three

Take an internal flight from Saunders Island to Sea Lion Island. You will stay at the lodge which includes full board accommodation (see details below). Included with your stay is an introductory excursion by 4WD vehicle with a driver/guide to get you acquainted with the islands and the wildlife. Afterwards you can explore on your own.

Sea Lion Lodge
Accommodation: 6 Twin rooms, 1 Double room, 2 Single rooms
Features: Spectacular wildlife observation. Breeding ground for elephant seals and sea lions, home to 47 species of bird, seasonal visitors off-shore include leopard seals
Owner: Sea Lion Island Ltd. Manager: Robert Mackay
Tel: (500) 32004 Fax: (500) 32003
Guest Phone: (500) 25132 - Pay phone
Email: sealion_lodge@horizon.co.fk

Day Four

Explore Sea Lion Island on your own. Then take an internal flight from Sea Lion Island to Stanley where you can find all types of accommodations. Spend the day exploring the town of Stanley. Visit the museum.

Day Five

Take a full-day excursion with a driver/guide by 4WD vehicle to Volunteer Point which is approximately 3.5 hours from Stanley. Here you can see numerous Magellanic and gentoo penguins in the largest colony of king penguins. Be sure to take your camera, plenty of film, and your binoculars for off-shore sightings.

Day Six

Take a whole- or half-day trip to Kidney Cove by 4WD vehicle to view species of penguin.

Day Seven

Return to Mount Pleasant Airport for return flight.

Option 2: Fishing Itinerary

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Day One

From Mount Pleasant International Airport, take an internal flight to Port Howard (approximately 25 minutes). Here you can stay at the Lodge which includes full board accommodation (see details below).

Port Howard Lodge
Accommodation: 4 Twin rooms, 2 Double rooms, 2 Single rooms, 1 children's room
Features: 4WD vehicle trips, hill walks, and the best fishing in the Falklands.
Contact: Port Howard Lodge
Tel/Fax: (500) 42187 (Bookings) Guest phone: (500) 25125 - Pay phone
email: porthowardlodge@horizon.co.fk

Day Two

Fish on the Warrah River. This is a short river but offers great sport fishing with a reputation for the size of its fish rather than for quantity. The Warrah’s main tributary, Green Hill Stream, offers an alternative with several excellent pools.

Days Three & Four
Fish on the Chartres River. The Chartres River, a little over an hour’s drive from Port Howard, is known for its consistent numbers of 3 to 6 pounders rather than the size of its fish. A pool not to be missed on this river is Mrs Mac’s.
Day Five

Take an internal flight to Stanley. Here you have many options for accommodations. You can stay at a hotel or a bed & breakfast. You can explore Stanley if you’d like.

Day Six

Take a 4WD with a driver/guide to fish for a full day on the San Carlos River. The San Carlos river is well known for Sea Trout; spans up to 40 yards across in places; and has several miles of good, slow flowing fishing water. It rises between Wickham Heights and White Mountain and flows into the Falkland Sound through a long estuary and Port San Carlos.

Day Seven

Return to the Mount Pleasant Airport for a return flight.

Option 3: Darwin/Port Howard/Stanley Itinerary

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Day One

Arrive at the Mount Pleasant International Airport. Travel by road to Darwin House located in Darwin (full board accommodation – see details below).

Darwin House Lodge
Accommodation: Lodge: 2 family rooms (double & single), 4 twins
2 Cottages: each has 1 double, 2 twins
Features: Country house style, boat & 4WD excursions, fishing, golf, pony-trekking

Day Two

Take an internal flight from Darwin to Port Howard. Transfer to the Lodge which is a full board accommodation (see details below). Take a farm/settlement tour.

Port Howard Lodge
Accommodation: 4 Twin rooms, 2 Double rooms, 2 Single rooms, 1 children's room
Features: 4WD vehicle trips, hill walks, and the best fishing in the Falklands
Contact: Port Howard Lodge
Tel/Fax: (500) 42187 (Bookings) Guest phone: (500) 25125 - Pay phone
email: porthowardlodge@horizon.co.fk

Day Three

Take a 4WD guided tour to a number of wildlife areas and other settlements on the West Falklands. In good weather, boat trips can be made to nearby Narrows Island to view seals, dolphins and other wildlife. There is excellent hill walking from the Lodge on some of the most scenic mountains in the Falklands, and the adventurous may wish to use the Lodge as a base for longer expeditions. Self-drive Land Rover rental can usually be arranged.

Day Four

Take an internal flight to Stanley. Here you can stay in a hotel or a bed & breakfast. Go to the Visitor’s Center and then explore the Falkland Islands Museum and National Trust. Here you will get a taste of the many aspects of the Falkland’s rich and varied history covering domestic, maritime, social, military, and natural history. If you have a particular subject you want to know more about, be sure to ask the staff. Many first-time visitors are amazed at the amount there is to see at the museum.

Day Five

Take a full-day excursion by 4WD with a driver/guide to Volunteer Point to see the king penguin colony.

Day Six

Check out the following attractions in Stanley:

Cartmell Cottage – This kit house was shipped to the islands from Britain and was one of the first residential properties built in Stanley. The house was gifted to the museum and has become a living archive or “ordinary” life in Stanley.

The Governor’s Taxi - This Austin FX4 was the official transport for the Governor of the Falklands for two decades. This vehicle was built in 1972 and is a traditional London cab. It has been restored and is now used to give tours of Stanley.

Christ Church Cathedral - This is a large brick and stone church which was built in 1892. The stained glass windows are beautiful. Nearby you can see the residence of the governors of the island, the Government house. You can also see the Whalebone Arch which commemorates British rule and the Battle of the Falklands Memorial which commemorates the World War I naval battle of December 8, 1914.

Day Seven

Do some shopping at the many gift shops in Stanley. Many interesting shops and gifts can be found that are unique to the islands.

Return to Mount Pleasant Airport for return flight.

Sources:
www.southtravels.com
www.tourism.org.fk
www.ladatco.com
www.falklandislandsholidays.com

Falkland Islands - Overview and History

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Falkland Islands - Major Cities and Regions

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Falkland Islands - Activities and Attractions

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Falkland Islands - Weeklong Itinerary

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Beginner's Guide to Falkland Islands

Banking

Religion

Shopping

Falkland Islands - 1 to 3 Day Itinerary Overview

If You Have One Day

If You Have Two Days

If You Have Three Days

Falkland Islands - Weeklong Itinerary Overview

Option 1: Wildlife Itinerary

Option 2: Fishing Itinerary

Option 3: Darwin/Port Howard/Stanley Itinerary

Falkland Islands - Overview and History

Overview

History

Government

Economy

Falkland Islands - Major Cities and Regions

Falkland Islands - Major Cities and Regions Overview

Stanley

Darwin

Salvador

Falkland Islands - Activities and Attractions

Overview of Activities

View the Wildlife

Don't-Miss Attractions of the Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands - Weeklong Itinerary

Falkland Islands - Weeklong Itinerary Overview

Option 1: Wildlife Itinerary

Option 2: Fishing Itinerary

Option 3: Darwin/Port Howard/Stanley Itinerary