Best time to visit the Falkland Islands

Wildlife watching is one of the main reasons for visiting the Falkland Islands as well as gaining an appreciation for these wild, untouched habitats. Traditionally, the islands were very farming orientated, but with the help of Falklands Conservation, awareness and appreciation of wildlife has taken hold of islanders, and also tour operators visiting the islands, with many local guides available to lead you to the likes of the sea lion colonies, elephant seals, five species of penguin and 200 species of birds, including the endemic Cobb’s wren and the flightless steamer duck. Whales and dolphins are, of course, the icing on the cake.

One doesn’t really associate the Falklands with island hopping and, with over 700 of them, it would take another Darwin to discover them all. He visited here in the 1830s for a zoological study, and must have been as amazed by the white beaches and eponymous inhabitants of Sealion Island, the birdlife on Carcass Island , including the somewhat vicious straited cara-caras, known locally as "Johnny Rooks", that take no prisoners, and may have something to do with the island’s name. Or Bleaker Island with three species of penguin, imperial cormorants, southern giant petrels as well as the rare flying steamer duck inland. A tailor made trip to the Falkland Islands will help you seek out your favourite island idylls.

Assume history is all about the 1982 ten week long Falklands War between UK and Argentina. The heritage ranges from the ranching gauchos of the early 19th century, the influx of Scottish sheep farmers in the early 20th as well as the, thankfully now history, proliferation of whalers. Not forgetting the history of Britain’s sovereignty first claimed in 1765. Most people refer to themselves as Falkland Islanders, rather than British; their families have lived here and maintained self-sufficient lifestyles for generations. So, it’s not just a matter of ‘don’t mention the war’, it’s remembering that island history stretches way back before it. And indeed, at the moment, with the controversial discussions around island oil reserves, history is possibly in the making once again.

Be an irresponsible wildlife watcher. These landscapes are as precious as the Galapagos in many ways, but with none of the wildlife police around to keep an eye. Do not approach wild animals, and always give them space. Be careful when hiking in grasslands for nesting birds, or indeed mother seals protecting cubs. Bring clean hiking boots with no imported bacteria on the soles and, of course, when hiking or exploring, adhere to the principles of Leave No Trace.