Falkland Islands Photo Adventure

Dates: October 16-31, 2026
Fee: $10,495 (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

$10,495

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 ideally suited for this early-season window. Penguins and other birds will be nesting and mating, offering compelling opportunities for behavioral photography. At Volunteer Point, expect to see plenty of fluffy brown first-year King Penguin chicks - always a source of humor, tenderness, and endless photographic inspiration.

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. Informal image reviews and group discussions will provide additional inspiration and help refine your creative approach throughout the trip.

This is an active, outdoor-focused adventure. While we won’t be hiking long distances with our gear, you can expect to spend several hours each day on your feet, immersed in wildlife experiences. Reaching some penguin colonies may involve walking up to 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 journey.

Bird and Wildlife Highlights

Below is a list of species commonly or occasionally observed during this tour. The Falklands’ unique mix of sub-Antarctic and temperate species ensures that every outing offers new discoveries and photographic variety.

Species observed on all trips
Upland Goose, Brown Skua, Dolphin Gull, Kelp Gull, Southern Rockhopper Penguin, Southern Giant-Petrel, Imperial Cormorant, Turkey Vulture, Austral Thrush

Regularly observed species
Ruddy-headed Goose, Falkland Steamer-Duck, Crested Duck, Yellow-billed Teal, Snowy Sheathbill, Rufous-chested Dotterel, Macaroni Penguin, Black-browed Albatross, Dark-faced Ground-tyrant, Correndera Pipit, Long-tailed Meadowlark

Occasionally observed species
Kelp Goose, Flying Steamer-Duck, Magellanic Oystercatcher, Two-banded Plover, White-rumped Sandpiper, Magellanic Snipe, South American Tern, Magellanic Penguin, Northern Giant-Petrel, White-chinned Petrel, Great Shearwater, Sooty Shearwater, Magellanic Cormorant, Black-crowned Night-heron, Variable Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Crested Caracara, Grass Wren, White-bridled Finch

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 southern most 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 and explore before the journey begins.

Saturday, 17 October – Fly to Stanley, East Falkland (2 nights, full board)
Arrive in the capital of the Falklands, settle in, and begin to soak up the island atmosphere. This is a perfect opportunity to adjust to the slower pace of island life, meet fellow travelers, and prepare your gear for the days ahead.

Sunday, 18 October – Cape Bougainville
Head out on a full-day adventure to Cape Bougainville, home to a wide variety of birdlife—some nesting close by, others flying along the rugged coast. This will be our first chance to photograph Rockhopper Penguins, and possibly the rare Macaroni Penguins that occasionally nest among them. A packed lunch will be provided by the hotel.

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 islands, 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 colony. Capture the playful antics of Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins and the regal beauty of the Kings. Watch for tender interactions between adult Kings and their fluffy brown chicks.

Thursday, 22 October – Fly to Bleaker Island (2 nights)
After our time at Volunteer Point, we fly to Bleaker Island - a peaceful, remote haven rich in wildlife. Look forward to close encounters with Rockhopper and Gentoo Penguins, as well as a large, easily accessible colony of Imperial Cormorants. Expect to see an array of other bird species and some marine mammals as well.

Friday, 23 October – Bleaker Island
Enjoy a full day exploring this pristine island. With minimal human presence, the wildlife here is calm and approachable - ideal for creative storytelling images in golden light and dramatic weather.

Saturday, 24 October – Fly to Pebble Island (2 nights)
Today we travel north to Pebble Island, known for its varied terrain and diverse habitats - from sweeping 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)
We continue south to the spectacular Sea Lion Island, a true 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
Spend three full days immersed in raw wildlife drama. Elephant Seals battling on the beach, peak Sea Lion pupping season, and perhaps even Orcas hunting in the shallows. Add to that vast penguin colonies starting their nesting season, nesting birds of prey, and ever-changing light - this is the pinnacle of wildlife intensity and photographic opportunity.

Friday, 30 October – Return to Stanley (1 night)
Transfer to the airstrip for your return flight to Stanley. In the afternoon, a shared boat trip to Kidney Island (weather permitting) offers one last extraordinary experience. After a 30-minute ride, you’ll find yourself surrounded by seabirds, Rockhopper Penguins, Sea Lions and at sunset, the spectacle of over 100,000 pairs of Sooty Shearwaters returning to their nests. A packed meal will be provided by the hotel, as we’ll return after dark.

Saturday, 31 October – Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport
Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport for your LATAM flight back to Punta Arenas - 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 $975.
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