07.06.2017 - End of Season Falklands Trip Report - Opportunities for 2017/18 Season

In response to the ban on foreign flagged charter vessels in the Beagle Channel our first Falkland Islands cruise in April was a welcome success. This two week cruise was a recce which combined a scuba diving operation for underwater photography/filming and also a general wildlife cruise. As a result of this trip, during March/April 2018 we will be running 2 x two week charters in the Falkland Islands. These cruises are prime time for scuba divers and snorkelers and the intention is to run one of those two trips dedicated to them. The other will be a wildlife cruise hitting all the hot spots during a circumnavigation of the archipelago ending in Stanley.

Kelp Camp by Justin Hoffman www.justin-hoffman.com

Read on for professional diver and naturalist Justin Hofman’s summary report and video of this trip.

Whether it's hiking to a penguin colony, finding solitude on a scenic hilltop, or visiting local homesteaders, the Falkland Islands have so much to offer adventurous travelers looking for something different for their next vacation. Known for its flourishing marine bird populations, the Falkland Islands have become a well-known wildlife hotspot but very few people take the time to explore the myriad of islands and bays for more than a few days.

"With a capable expedition yacht like Pelagic Australis we were able to access well-protected anchorages and make great use of our weather windows. Speaking of weather, it can be beautifully raw on these islands, so traveling with experienced sailors in a capable vessel is a must when visiting the Falklands. Running Pelagic Australis under full sail among the wave-worn cliffs of the outer islands while albatross soared and dolphins jumped through the cold waves was one of the highlights of my expedition career. Anyone who loves the raw beauty of the ocean, solitude among wildlife, and the thrill of true exploration will love this archipelago of friendly locals and stunning scenery."

Albatross chick Steeple Jason by Justin Hoffman www.justin-hoffman.com

"Our expedition around the islands on Pelagic Australis was one of the most photographically productive trips I have ever been on. Most expedition ships gloss over these islands on their way to and from somewhere else but having local knowledge and plenty of time allowed us to make the most of the weather and wildlife in a way almost no one else has done before."

"I have been to the Falklands several times, but never had the time to thoroughly explore like this. I have a newfound appreciation for the place and can't wait to get back there and keep exploring, especially underwater. The highlight of the trip for me was having the remote island of Steeple Jason, one of the great wildlife destinations on our planet, all to ourselves for two and a half days."

One of our South African charter guests Pieter Joubert also chips in from the point of view of a non sailing client looking for an adventure:

"The Falkland Islands are so far off the beaten track and so remote that under normal circumstances I would have never considered it as a holiday destination, the sailing aspect on offer was the main attraction. How little I realized what I was about to discover.

This is one of the few remaining wilderness destinations where one can experience miles of unspoiled landscapes and out of this world nature in many form both on land and at sea. Cruising the archipelago by yacht is not only one of the most environmental friendly ways to experience the Falklands Islands but also gives one the mobility at will to really explore.

Waking up in the morning to an unpolluted night sky (clouds permitting!) where one can still see the stars and hear birdlife and have seals, penguins and dolphins playing next to the yacht is a great way to welcome an amazing sunrise. With long hikes during part of the day led by one of the knowledgeable Pelagic Australis crew was a good opportunity to work up an appetite for lunch – then it was on to another new anchorage.  Sailing through the Falkland Islands like this offers a beginner like me the experience of navigating in calm waters but also the experience of limited ocean sailing while offshore without being days at sea or losing touch with the land.

Sunrise over Grand Jason. Copyright Clinton Bauder.

Every evening we were in a spectacular anchorage – in time for a great dinner - where plenty of jokes, experiences and views were shared over a few bottles of wine before it was time to tuck in for an early night with a book from the Pelagic library." Pieter Joubert Johannesburg.

 

Trips on Offer for 2017/2018 

Falkland Islands during March/April 2018 We will be running 2 x two week charters in the Falkland Islands. Guests join the Pelagic Australis by Land Rover from the Mount Pleasant Airport and join the vessel in Port San Carlos which is the staging point for the remote West Falklands, and there the adventure cruise begins. These cruises are prime time for scuba divers and snorkelers and the intention is to run one of those two trips dedicated to them. The other will be a wildlife cruise hitting all the hot spots during a circumnavigation of the archipelago ending in Stanley.

Detailed Dates in 2018:

Trip 1 March 24th to 7th of April

Trip2  April 14th to April 28th 

Go to: http://www.pelagic.co.uk/prog_fi2018.asp for full details and logistics and email skipnovak@pelagic.co.uk to discuss your trip in more detail.

Other trips on offer for the 2017/2018 season: 

South Georgia October 14th to November 11th Join three members of the University of Maine Climate Change Team plus Skip and help take ice cores and cruise the north coast of the island. 2 places still available. See more details>>

Antarctica “Ice With Everything” 1 - 21 Dec 2017  – a 21 day early season cruise and for sure you will see plenty of ice! 5 places available. More details>>

Delivery from Stanley to Cape Town May 5th to June 15th. 42 days and 5000 miles of sailing. More details to follow. 6 places available