FalFlkndIslands
As far south as they are, the Falklands are not part of Antartica, and you needn't prepare for extreme conditions. A good rule of thumb to remember is that London is as far north of the Equator as the Falklands are south. Annual rainfall is between 14 and 25 inches (34 to 64.5 cm.)
Remember that sun and wind can cause painful burns. Use sunscreen and wear a hat.
Getting there:
Although getting to the islands was possible only by sea for centuries, today, if you go to the Falklands, go by air.
There are direct flights from Chile, either from Santiago or Punta Arenas, to Mt. Pleasant International Airport. Many travelers find it cheaper to get to Punta Arenas by other means, then take the weekly flight there.
From the UK, flights from RAF Brize Norton leave twice weekly, or travelers may fly British Airways to Punta Arenas and the catch the DAP flight to Mt. Pleasant.
Mt. Pleasant is 35 miles southwest of Stanley. You can get into Stanley by taxi, or by pre-arranged pick up by C&M Travel. The island's domestic airport is Stanley Airport, only three miles out of town.
Getting around:
Travel between islands is by air, with The Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), which operates between Stanley and Darwin, San Carlos, Port Howard, Sea Lion Island, Carcass Island, Pebble Island, and Fox Bay Island (East or West) as arranged.
Travel by water is by request with the inter-island ferry MV "Tamar FI" which publishes a schedule a few weeks in advance of travel. Reservations are required.
There are tour operators such as Golden Fleece Expedition Cruises who will take you to some of the outer islands or provide an islands tour. Some will also take you to South Sandwich or to Antarctica.
Coach busses provide transportation and sightseeing in Stanley, where you can also rent a car in Stanley. In camp, some of the lodges provide 4WD's for their guests. Inquire when you make your reservations. The terrain is hilly, with low mountains, with low scrub grass and very few trees. While you're driving, you'll see rocky formations and curious stretches of rocks, called stone runs, that come down the sides of hills.
The Falklands have few main roads and many dirt tracks suitable only for 4WD. Be prepared to walk, and distances to various places are given in how long it takes to walk. Half a day's wall, full day's walk are common terms. Make sure you have a sturdy pair of walking shoes or boots.
The largest event on the islands is Sports Days, held alternately in camp or in Stanley, either on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) or in late February. These two-day events are a time to get-together, make or renew friendships, compete in horse racing, bull riding and sheep-dog trials. The parties go on for hours. Non-residents are welcome, but make sure you make your reservations for a place to sleep in advance.
In camp, you may learn about sheep raising at a lodge, or visit the wildlife preserves, particularly on Sea Lion and Pebble Islands. You'll find moors, hills, lakes and grasslands. Be careful though. Where you see white grass, even though the ground looks firm, it's not. The coastlines are rocky, rugged and spectacular.
Remember that sun and wind can cause painful burns. Use sunscreen and wear a hat.
Getting there:
Although getting to the islands was possible only by sea for centuries, today, if you go to the Falklands, go by air.
There are direct flights from Chile, either from Santiago or Punta Arenas, to Mt. Pleasant International Airport. Many travelers find it cheaper to get to Punta Arenas by other means, then take the weekly flight there.
From the UK, flights from RAF Brize Norton leave twice weekly, or travelers may fly British Airways to Punta Arenas and the catch the DAP flight to Mt. Pleasant.
Mt. Pleasant is 35 miles southwest of Stanley. You can get into Stanley by taxi, or by pre-arranged pick up by C&M Travel. The island's domestic airport is Stanley Airport, only three miles out of town.
Getting around:
Travel between islands is by air, with The Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), which operates between Stanley and Darwin, San Carlos, Port Howard, Sea Lion Island, Carcass Island, Pebble Island, and Fox Bay Island (East or West) as arranged.
Travel by water is by request with the inter-island ferry MV "Tamar FI" which publishes a schedule a few weeks in advance of travel. Reservations are required.
There are tour operators such as Golden Fleece Expedition Cruises who will take you to some of the outer islands or provide an islands tour. Some will also take you to South Sandwich or to Antarctica.
Coach busses provide transportation and sightseeing in Stanley, where you can also rent a car in Stanley. In camp, some of the lodges provide 4WD's for their guests. Inquire when you make your reservations. The terrain is hilly, with low mountains, with low scrub grass and very few trees. While you're driving, you'll see rocky formations and curious stretches of rocks, called stone runs, that come down the sides of hills.
The Falklands have few main roads and many dirt tracks suitable only for 4WD. Be prepared to walk, and distances to various places are given in how long it takes to walk. Half a day's wall, full day's walk are common terms. Make sure you have a sturdy pair of walking shoes or boots.
The largest event on the islands is Sports Days, held alternately in camp or in Stanley, either on Boxing Day (the day after Christmas) or in late February. These two-day events are a time to get-together, make or renew friendships, compete in horse racing, bull riding and sheep-dog trials. The parties go on for hours. Non-residents are welcome, but make sure you make your reservations for a place to sleep in advance.
In camp, you may learn about sheep raising at a lodge, or visit the wildlife preserves, particularly on Sea Lion and Pebble Islands. You'll find moors, hills, lakes and grasslands. Be careful though. Where you see white grass, even though the ground looks firm, it's not. The coastlines are rocky, rugged and spectacular.