Falkland Islands Photo Adventure

Dates: October 16-31, 2026
Fee: $9,595 (includes lodging, air charters and ground transportation in the Falklands)
Deposit: $1,500 (balance due by May 2026)

Limit: 4 (spouses or non-photographers are welcome)

Location

Falkland Islands

Fee

$9,595

Dates

Oct. 16-31, 2026

Fitness Level

Easy to Moderate

Location Images

View Gallery

Often called the Galápagos of the South Atlantic, the Falkland Islands are one of the world’s premier destinations for bird and wildlife photography. Five species of penguins, along with a rich diversity of songbirds, water birds, and birds of prey, offer endless photographic opportunities—and most are remarkably approachable. Imagine sitting beside a bustling penguin colony, waves crashing against dramatic rocky cliffs, as you explore endless compositions with no time pressure. The action is non-stop: penguins launch themselves from the surf, scrambling ashore in chaotic bursts of energy. Just when you think it can’t get any more thrilling, you're surrounded at close range by curious, feisty birds eager to check you out.

This is also peak pupping season for both Elephant Seals and Sea Lions. Massive male Elephant Seals clash in thunderous battles along the beaches of Sea Lion Island—a highlight not to be missed. Sea Lions bring their own high-octane energy to the scene, and with luck, we may even witness Orcas hunting in the shallows.

We’ll be visiting top photography locations suited for this early season window. Penguins and other birds will be nesting and mating, offering compelling behavioral photography. At Volunteer Point, expect to see plenty of fluffy brown first-year chicks providing no shortage of amusing and heartwarming moments.

This tour is designed for intermediate to advanced photographers who are comfortable with their gear. While there will be no formal classroom sessions, Nikhil will offer hands-on guidance in the field—sharing techniques, ideas, and creative prompts to help you make the most of your time in this remarkable environment. We'll also hold informal image reviews and group sharing to inspire fresh approaches and elevate your photography throughout the trip.

This is an active, outdoor-focused trip. While we won’t be hiking long distances with our gear, you can expect to spend several hours a day on your feet, immersed in wildlife experiences. Reaching some penguin colonies may involve walking up to half a mile over uneven terrain, while other wildlife will be just steps from our accommodations. A moderate level of mobility and comfort in outdoor conditions will help you make the most of this unforgettable adventure.

Itinerary
The itinerary below is primarily to give you an idea of the logistics and transfer days/times. For location info and details of possible photographic opportunities, please read the section above.

Friday, 16 October – Arrive in Punta Arenas, Chile
Begin your adventure in the southernmost city of continental South America. Spend the night in this historic gateway to the Southern Ocean. (Tip: Consider arriving on 15 October to allow extra time to rest before the journey begins.)

Saturday, 17 October – Fly to Stanley, East Falkland (1 night, full board)
Arrive in the capital of the Falklands. Settle in, get oriented, and begin to soak in the island atmosphere. This is a great chance to ease into the slower pace of island life and prep your gear for the days ahead.

Sunday, 18 October – Kidney Cove & Kidney Island
Head out on a full-day adventure. Explore Kidney Cove, home to a wide variety of wildlife including Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins, and perhaps your first chance to photograph Rockhoppers. Then take a boat trip to Kidney Island, a nature reserve teeming with seabirds, fur seals, and dramatic coastal scenery.

Monday, 19 October – Overland to Volunteer Point (3 nights)
Enjoy a rugged drive across East Falkland to Volunteer Point, one of the most iconic wildlife sites in the Falklands. Home to the largest accessible King Penguin colony in the Falklands, this area offers unbeatable opportunities for portraits, behavior, and scenic wildlife photography in soft evening and early morning light.

Tuesday & Wednesday, 20–21 October – Volunteer Point
Spend two full days immersed in the life of the penguin colony. Capture the playful antics of Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins, the elegance of the Kings, and the interaction between adults and fluffy brown chicks.

Thursday, 22 October – Fly to Bleaker Island (2 nights)
A haven for photographers, Bleaker Island is peaceful, remote, and rich in wildlife. Look forward to close encounters with Rockhopper and Gentoo Penguins, including a large colony of Imperial Cormorants with easy access. Expect to see an array of other birds as well.

Friday, 23 October – Bleaker Island
Enjoy a full day exploring this island. With minimal human presence, the wildlife is relaxed and engaging—perfect for storytelling images. Capture moments in golden light, dramatic skies, and intimate animal behavior with no distractions.

Saturday, 24 October – Fly to Pebble Island (2 nights)
Travel north to Pebble Island, known for its varied terrain and diverse habitats—from beaches and cliffs to freshwater ponds. This is one of the best places to photograph Black-necked Swans, waterfowl, and other less commonly seen species.

Sunday, 25 October – Pebble Island
A day of discovery awaits. Wander the coastline in search of penguins, ducks, and dramatic landscapes shaped by wind and sea. The combination of wildlife and wild scenery makes this a perfect spot for both telephoto action and expansive environmental portraits.

Monday, 26 October – Fly to Sea Lion Island (4 nights)
Arrive at the spectacular Sea Lion Island, a wildlife hotspot and the grand finale of the tour. With vast beaches, tussock grass, and high cliffs, this island plays host to some of the most powerful wildlife encounters in the Falklands.

Tuesday–Thursday, 27–29 October – Sea Lion Island
Three full days to immerse yourself in raw wildlife drama. Photograph Elephant Seals battling on the beach, Sea Lions on the shore, and possibly even Orcas hunting in the shallows. Add to that large colonies of penguins, nesting birds of prey, and ever-changing light. This is the peak of wildlife intensity—and your chance to create truly unforgettable images.

Friday, 30 October – Return to Stanley (1 night)
Fly back to Stanley for a final night. This is a good time to unwind, back up your photos, and enjoy a celebratory dinner with the group as you reflect on your adventure.

Saturday, 31 October – Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport
Transfer to the airport for your LATAM flight back to Punta Arenas, Chile—bringing home full memory cards, new friendships, and stories from a place like no other.

Itinerary Includes:

All lodging (based on double occupancy) some locations require everyone to share a room; partial single supplement $950.
Ground transportation and private air charter to go from island to island.
Meals at the lodges/camps
All necessary permits and fees
All in field guiding and instruction
Comprehensive and detailed information packet including logistics details, packing and equipment lists, and more

Itinerary Does Not Include:

Airfare to the Falkland Islands
Visa (not required for American citizens)
Travel insurance - insuremytrip.com
Extra activities not specified in the itinerary
Meals in Punta Arenas and the first night at Stanley
Tips for guides/drivers and hotel/lodge staff
Incidentals and souvenir shopping