SEA LION ISLAND TOUR

Sea Lion Island is a premier remote tourist destination lying 10 miles (16km) south of the mainland East Falkland. The island has a total area of 905 ha. It was originally a sheep farm, however, being free of cats, rats and mice it is a designated National Park and a RAMSAR site.

Sea Lion Island is a premier remote tourist destination lying 10 miles(16km) south of the mainland East Falkland. The island has a total area of 905 ha. It was originally a sheep farm, however, being free of cats, rats and mice it has been selected for a designated National Nature Reserve and as a Ramsar site. The island is extremely picturesque with stunning beaches and views. The tour will begin in Stanley at the Visitor's Centre car park where passengers will be transferred to Stanley Airport to board the Sikorsky Helicopter. An informative waterproof folder containing a map with hike route and wildlife outlined will be given to all passengers. The route to Sea Lion Island has been chosen to provide breathtaking shore views of East Falklands and of remote offshore islands such as Lively Island and Bleaker Island. The flight time to Sea Lion Island will take 35 minutes.

The tour depending on weather or logistics will begin either at the North end of the island at the Sheffield War Memorial (1982) and the Rockhopper colony or at the airstrip near the Lodge. Your guide will be a qualified and informative employee of Falklands Conservation a local independent wildlife charity based in Stanley. A bird checklist, map, further information, a pencil and a bottle of water will be provided to each passenger. The Sealion Island warden will also meet the tour group and accompany the group on the walk.

After a leisurely but fairly demanding walk packed with different birds and habitats to observe, an amazing end is provided by a large colony of breeding Elephant seals, gentoo and magellanic penguins. There is a good possibility to observe Orca Whales off the coastline trying to feed on returning penguins or seal pups. With the tour guide and island warden passengers will be allowed to wander in this area at their leisure taking time to observe the other birds which abound the shores of this island.

Tea/cookies and restrooms will be made available in the privately owned Lodge.

DURATION: 4 hrs 30 mins

TRANSPORT: Helicopter

PAX: 16 only

HIGHLIGHTS

• 3 breeding species of penguins (rockhopper, gentoo & magellanic)
• Elephant seal colony (over 2000 individuals in the height of the season)
• 1982 Sheffield war memorial on Sea Lion Island
• Breeding southern giant petrel colony
• Killer whale pods regularly observed off shore
• Extensive tussac grass
• Over 40 species of breeding birds (including the endemic tussac bird and the striated caracara)
• Breeding colony of southern sea lions
• Easy walking terrain

NOTES:

• The tour will involve approximately 70 mins flying time weather dependent.
• 3hrs 20 minutes hours on the ground at Sea Lion Island.
• Passengers must be fit, bring sensible walking shoes and warm waterproof clothing.
• British International operates the Sikorsky S61N helicopter used for this tour powered by two1500 shaft horsepower General Electric CT58-140-2 engines.
• Need to know the weight of luggage carried in advance
• Safety video needs to be shown on board previous to tour
• Restrooms provided on Island for passengers
• Bottle of water and information pack available to each passenger

It must be stressed that all passengers must be fit and have good walking boots/shoes. The Falklands Conservation guide will accompany the group along the hike as well as the Sealion Island Warden who lives on the island.

There will be first aid kits and hikers will be in radio contact with the Lodge on the island at all times.