Remote and raw New Island lies to the west of the Falkland Islands and the humble human population here is far outweighed by the extraordinary birdlife that resides along its craggy coastline. Out in the tempestuous wilds of the South Atlantic Ocean the island is a sanctuary of animal life - with crowds of rockhopper penguins wrinkled seals and stern-looking albatross among its many residents. The penguins of the Falklands are a sight to see fooling and falling on the beaches before diving in and whipping through the waters. Home to five different species including king penguins - who strut with their orange collars glowing against the pure white feathers of their chests. Sea lions seals and elephant seals bark and lumber along the shoreline while sleek orcas patrol and Peale’s dolphins cut through the waves. Settlement Rookery’s cliffs rattle with the sounds of crashing sea waves and the echoing shouts of hollering black-browed albatross king cormorants and rockhopper penguins. Enjoy gorgeous sweeping landscapes littered with shipwrecks and sprinkles of colourful wildflowers. A warm welcome is guaranteed especially when the local custom of smoko is served up – towering platters of cakes and biscuits with tea and coffee. Things haven’t always been so peaceful here however and you can pay a visit to the battlefields and memorials of the costly war in 1982 when the British and Argentinians clashed fiercely over these islands.
The remarkable beauty of the remote Falkland Islands can best be seen on New Island. The westernmost of the inhabited islands of the archipelago, it is a wildlife and nature reserve, and an environmental conservation group protects its many birds and animals. There are rookeries where Rockhopper Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags share the same nesting area. Black-browed Albatrosses can be seen going about their daily routines and it is easy to spot Upland Geese. More than 40 species of birds breed on the island. Near the landing site is ‘Barnard’s barn’ — a restored stone structure going back to the early 19th century. Lying in the sandy shallows in front of the barn is the wreck of Protector III, an old minesweeper used for seal hunting.
Start Time
Nov 7 6:00AM -03
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End Time
Nov 7 11:00AM -03