Fly by light aircraft to Sea Lion Island — the Falklands' premier wildlife reserve — for an extraordinary concentration of five penguin species, elephant seals, sea lions, and soaring albatross in one untouched landscape. The ultimate bucket-list day in the South Atlantic.
What to expect
The 35-minute FIGAS Islander flight south is itself a spectacle — aerial views of the archipelago's countless bays, inlets, and white-sand beaches. Sea Lion Island greets you with a cacophony of king cormorants, rockhopper penguins, and the thundering bulk of southern elephant seals challenging each other on the beach. Guided walks with the island's expert warden reveal gentoo, magellanic, and macaroni penguins within metres of each other. The island's Sea Lion Lodge provides exceptional local knowledge and a warming lunch.
Good to know
FIGAS schedules are subject to weather — book as early as possible and accept that flexibility is required. Coordinate carefully with all-aboard time; this is a full-day commitment of 7–8 hours. Capacity on each Islander aircraft is tiny — this excursion genuinely sells out weeks ahead on cruise ship call days.