Custom Designing Pampered Adventure since 1966
Destinations
Experiences
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L A D A T C
O T O U R S Custom Designing Pampered Adventure since 1966 |
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| HOME | South America | Falkland Islands | Antarctica | Unique Destinations |
Unique Experiences |
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WILDLIFE & ACTIVITIES During more than a century of habitation this island has had only three owners, all environmentally conscious, and an absence of cats and rats, making the luxuriant, well established hedges and trees an attractive home to many small birds such as the Cobb’s wren, Black-chinned siskins, Long-tailed Meadowlark and Falklands thrush. It qualifies as an Important Bird Area (part of FK17), a global standard set by BirdLife International. The sandy beaches, rolling hills and low cliffs are superb platforms from which to view the multitude of sea and shore birds that either breed or feed on and around this island. These include Gentoo and Magellanic penguin, Yellow-billed pintail and Flightless steamer ducks, Magellanic oystercatchers, the rare Striated caracara, Red-backed hawk and Ruddy-headed geese. A growing colony of Southern elephant seals can be found at the far north west point of the island. Both the north and south of the island provide great hiking opportunities, taking in interesting flora, long white sand beaches (some good beachcombing), penguin colonies, and sheltered dunes which make great picnic spots. One hundred and seven different plants have been identified including the uncommon yellow orchid, the rare endemic hairy daisy and whitlow grass.
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West Point Island by boat The sailing time between Carcass and West Point on SeaQuest is approximately 40 minutes. During the crossing the dolphins and birds swooping down to feed in the rich seas will keep you entertained. Occasionally you will also be able to spot whales (sei whales are the most commonly seen in the Falklands). Once on West Point Island you are free to explore the picturesque settlement and make your way to the wildlife hotspot called Devil's Nose Cliffs. You can make your own way to Devils Nose or a ride may be available in a ubiquitous Land Rover. Over 2000 pairs of Black-browed albatross breed here alongside over 500 pairs of Rockhopper penguins. On the journey to or from West Point, SeaQuest can circumnavigate West Point Island to give spectacular photographic opportunities of the cliffs and gullies home to over 14,000 pairs of Black-browed albatross. The circumnavigation of the island is weather and seas permitting. SeaQuest can trasnport up to 12 passengers in comfort and there is easy viewing during the journey as the passenger cabin is surrounded by windows. Mike and Nicky McCrae are your captain and guide respectively for the day. The tour includes a smoko break on arrival at West Point and a packed lunch which is prepared for you that morning on Carcass Island. |
