Falkland Islands wildlife cruise

2010-04-22T21:07:00.004+02:00

Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is best known for the Falkland war between England and Argentina (Argentineans call them Islas Malvinas).

Coastline on New Island and Black-browed albatross on Steeple Jason
Photos by Allan Hansen.

Wildlife

The Falklands is home to an amazing number of wildlife. I would call them the Atlantic version of the Galapagos Islands. Species include penguins, albatrosses and the famous Johnny Rook Caracara.
Checkout Falkland Island wildlife checklist on Falklands Conservation homepage.

Travel route on Falkland Islands

On my trip we visited New Island, Westpoint Island, Carcass Island, and Steep Jason Island.

Show Wildlife cruise to Falkland Islands on Google Maps
Be sure to include Steeple Jason in your trip. It is by far the most beautiful and interesting Island. The landing can be a bit tricky due to occasional big swells, so cross your fingers and prey for fine weather.

Albatrosses

The majority of the world's population of Black-browed albatrosses breed here and most of them (about 250.000) breed on the tiny Steeple Jason Island.

Black-browed albatross colony on Steeple Jason Island.
Photo: Allan Hansen
See also Albatross photos

The population of Black-browed albatrosses has decreased from 468,000 to 382,000 in the last five years mainly due to long line fishing and trawling. Falkland Islands is working hard to stop this and the Albatross and Petrels Programme has declined the number of seabird deaths in Falkland waters by a huge 90%.

Penguins

The Falklands are home to the largest populations on Earth of Gentoo and the Rockhopper penguins.

Rockhopper penguin on Westpoint Island.
Foto: Allan Hansen

Falkland waters

The air is clean and you might get lucky to experience some spectacular sunsets.

Typical Falkland sunset.
Photo: LichtenHansen

The sea is full of life and you might get lucky to see some local dolphins.

Commerson's dolphin leaping out of the water.
Photo: LichtenHansen

Further informations

You will not be disappointed if you decide to go on a cruise to Falkland Islands.

You are welcome to contact me for further information.

Photo Arnakke - Allan Hansen.
Contact Allan Hansen alias LichtenHansen

Antarctica - Best value for your money

2009-09-07T00:52:00.013+02:00

Looking for a trip to Antarctica? Looking for the best value for your money?

From photo-gallery of Penguin pictures

Zodiac cruise to Adelie penguins on iceberg.
Photo: Allan Hansen

I had a hard time trying to decide between the many tour companies arranging trips to Antarctica. It is rather expensive so getting the best value for my money was my first priority. To me best value is to get as many hours on land per day as possible. Most landing size has a limit of 100 visitors on land at a time. That excludes all the larger ships.

Why choose Cheesemans?

After much research I chose to travel with Cheesemans' Ecology Safaris after reading this on their homepage:

Maximum time on shore will be available for photography, wildlife experiences and exploring the landscapes of the great Southern Oceans. Our priority is assuring the most in-depth wildlife experience in the Antarctic, an experience made possible by our excellent itinerary and committed expedition staff.

My first journey with them in 2002/2003 was fantastic so I repeated the trip in 2008 with my wife.

Antarctica travel route.

We embarked on the Polar Star in Ushuaia, Argentina. We had 3 days on the Falkland Island, 6 days at South Georgia Island, 1 day in South Orkney Islands and finally 7 days along the Antarctic Peninsula.

View Antarctica cruise route with Cheesemans in a larger map

Antarctica highlights.

Some of the top highlights on the trip were the huge King penguin colonies at South Georgia Island. Here at Salisbury Plain.

View King penguin colony in a larger size.
200.000 pair of King penguins in one spot is an unforgettable sight.
Photo: Allan Hansen.

More photos.

King penguin pictures here: King penguins at South Georgia Island

Other penguin photos here: Penguin pictures with lots of Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo and Macaroni penguins.

I found my trip to "Antarctica - Best value for your money"
You are welcome to contact me for further informations.

Photo Arnakke - Allan Hansen.
Contact Photographer Allan Hansen.

Remote places travel guide by Photo Arnakke

Falkland Islands wildlife cruise