Falklands • 14 Day • Maximum 5 Guests • Exclusive Expedition
Ultimate Falklands
14 Day Falklands Ultimate Expedition
An immersive photography journey through one of the South Atlantic's great wildlife destinations.
The Falkland Islands are home to spectacular coastlines, vast open landscapes and an incredible diversity of wildlife. From thriving penguin colonies and nesting albatross to elephant seals, sea lions and countless seabirds, the islands offer some of the world's finest opportunities for wildlife photography.
Join internationally award-winning wildlife photographers as we explore this remote archipelago, visiting some of the Falklands' most iconic wildlife locations. With long days in the field, you'll have the opportunity to photograph multiple penguin species, dramatic coastal scenery and remarkable wildlife behaviour in a destination few photographers experience.
Designed for photographers of all experience levels, this small group expedition combines expert guidance, exceptional wildlife encounters and plenty of time in the field to refine your photography while exploring one of the South Atlantic's most remarkable destinations.
This is more than a photography workshop. It's an opportunity to immerse yourself in one of the world's great wildlife destinations and return home with unforgettable memories and an outstanding collection of images.
Expedition Details
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2026
28 November – 12 December 2026
Matt Smith, Expedition Leader12 – 26 December
Scott Portelli, Expedition Leader -
Day 1 – Arrive at Mount Pleasant Airport and transfer to Stanley. Overnight at the Malvina House Hotel before the expedition begins.
Days 2–6 – Explore the spectacular Steeple Jason Island, one of the most remote and wildlife-rich islands in the Falklands. Photograph the world's largest Black-browed Albatross colony, gentoo and Magellanic penguins, striated caracaras, Falkland skuas, South American fur seals and southern sea lions in an extraordinary coastal landscape.
Days 7–9 – Travel to Volunteer Point, home to the Falklands' largest King Penguin colony. Photograph king, gentoo and Magellanic penguins along pristine white sand beaches while staying with the local warden and enjoying extended time with the wildlife.
Days 10–12 – Discover Sea Lion Island, renowned for its exceptional wildlife diversity. Photograph southern elephant seals, southern sea lions, rockhopper, gentoo and Magellanic penguins, birds of prey, cormorants and, if conditions allow, pods of orcas hunting offshore.
Day 13 – Return to Stanley for your final evening, with time to relax and reflect on an unforgettable wildlife expedition.
Day 14 – Transfer to Mount Pleasant Airport for your onward flight home.
Please note: This is a sample itinerary only. The exact schedule may vary depending on weather, wildlife activity and local operating conditions.
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14 Day
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Mount Pleasant (Falklands).
Travelers can reach the Falklands from Santiago or Punta Arenas in Chile with LATAM. Flights depart from Santiago and touch down in Punta Arenas before travelling on to Mount Pleasant Airport.
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Maximum 5 Guests
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Twin Share: £14,970 (all inclusive)
Single Supplement: Available on request (subject to availability)
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£1500 (non refundable)
Expedition Highlights
Travel as part of an exclusive expedition with a maximum of five participants, ensuring personalised guidance and exceptional wildlife access.
Photograph King, Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins across some of the Falkland Islands' most iconic locations.
Visit Steeple Jason Island, home to the world's largest Black-browed Albatross colony and extraordinary seabird populations.
Explore Volunteer Point and experience the Falklands' largest King Penguin colony on pristine white sand beaches.
Discover Sea Lion Island, renowned for southern elephant seals, sea lions, fur seals, birds of prey and spectacular coastal scenery.
Enjoy incredible opportunities to photograph albatross, seals, dolphins, cormorants and over 200 bird species in their natural environment.
Receive personalised photography tuition and field guidance from a professional wildlife photographer throughout the expedition.
What’s Included
Comprehensive pre-departure information
All accommodation throughout the expedition (shared twin accommodation)
All meals during the expedition
Airport transfers within the Falkland Islands
All internal flights within the Falkland Islands (3–4 scheduled flights)
All 4WD transfers and wildlife excursions
Conservation and national park fees
Expert guidance and personalised photography tuition from professional photographers
What’s Not Included
International flights to and from Mount Pleasant Airport, Falkland Islands
Airport departure taxes and airline-imposed fees
Passport, visa and travel documentation costs
Comprehensive travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover
Accommodation before or after the expedition (including overnight stays in Santiago if required)
Personal expenses, including laundry, drinks and souvenirs
Excess baggage charges on internal flights
Please note: Internal flights within the Falkland Islands include a 20 kg luggage allowance. Excess baggage is charged by the local airline at the applicable rate per kilogram, per flight sector.
Itinerary
An immersive wildlife photography expedition through one of the South Atlantic's greatest natural treasures.
The Falkland Islands are one of the world's most rewarding wildlife destinations, where vast open landscapes, white sand beaches and rugged coastlines provide a spectacular backdrop for extraordinary wildlife encounters. Home to four species of penguins, the world's largest Black-browed Albatross colony, southern elephant seals, sea lions, fur seals, dolphins and more than 200 bird species, the islands offer exceptional opportunities for photographers and nature lovers alike.
Join internationally award-winning wildlife photographers on this exclusive expedition, limited to just five participants, as we explore three of the Falklands' most iconic wildlife destinations over two unforgettable weeks.
Our journey begins in Stanley before travelling to the spectacular Steeple Jason Island, home to the world's largest Black-browed Albatross colony, thriving gentoo and Magellanic penguin colonies, giant petrels, fur seals and southern sea lions.
From there, we'll visit Volunteer Point, one of the Falklands' most celebrated wildlife locations, where hundreds of King Penguins share the coastline with gentoo and Magellanic penguins against a backdrop of pristine white sand beaches.
Our final destination is Sea Lion Island, renowned for its remarkable diversity of wildlife. Here we'll photograph southern elephant seals, southern sea lions, rockhopper, gentoo and Magellanic penguins, birds of prey, cormorants and, if we're fortunate, pods of orcas patrolling the coastline.
With expert photography guidance, extended time in the field and access to some of the Falklands' most remote and wildlife-rich locations, this expedition offers an unforgettable opportunity to capture one of the planet's most remarkable natural environments.
Wildlife Calendar
The Falkland Islands offer exceptional wildlife encounters throughout the season, with each month revealing different behaviours and photographic opportunities. From albatross returning to breed and penguins raising their chicks to elephant seals, sea lions and seasonal wildlife activity, no two expeditions are ever the same.
The guide below provides an overview of what you can typically expect to see during each month of the season, helping you choose the expedition that best matches your wildlife photography interests.
Please note that wildlife behaviour is seasonal and can vary slightly from year to year depending on environmental conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Cancellation Period
Cancellation of a booking or part thereof will incur the following fees based on the notice period prior to any tour. Once travel has commenced, no refunds will be made for any unused services and clients will be responsible for their travel arrangements and insurance.A deposit for any tour is made upon booking to secure your place on the tour, this is non-refundable. By paying the invoice for deposit you accept these terms and conditions.
If a cancellation is made less than 1 month (30 Days) prior to the tour date, we will not reimburse the cost of the tour.
If a cancellation is made within 1-2 months (60 Days) prior to the tour date, we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 10% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
If a cancellation is made within 3 months (90 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 15% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
If a cancellation is made within 3 – 6 months (180 Days) prior to the tour date we will reimburse the cost of the tour up to 20% minus the deposit which is non refundable upon booking the tour and any admin fees incurred.
Cancellations made by the organiser to a tour will be reimbursed in full (Not including the deposit which is Non-refundable).
Note: If the booking has been rescheduled and the cancellation is requested, this will be considered a new booking and subject to our standard terms and conditions.If for any reason weather or operational cancellation of a single day occurs during the tour, there is no refund provided if the circumstances are out of the control of the organiser.
Itinerary Disclaimer
The itineraries on our websites are correct at time of publishing and may differ slightly depending on changes to local operations, foreign policy and laws, availability of resources, flight schedules, and supplier cost. In the case of any changes, the organiser will endeavour to provide an alternative option to continue your itinerary.
Insurance Policy
Travel insurance is NOT included in the cost of your tour. We strongly recommend that passengers arrange their own travel insurance. Insurance is required before arriving at your destination to ensure you are covered for unforeseen situations that may arise to cause loss of luggage, cancellation of flights and tours or medical emergencies.
Scott Portelli and affiliates are not responsible for loss or damage of any equipment whilst participating in these activities. Appropriate travel insurance should be arranged prior to visiting your destination.
Release Forms/Waivers
While the organiser makes every effort to safeguard our clients, we cannot be held responsible for personal injury or loss due to events beyond our control. Wildlife tourism carries inherent risk as you are interacting with wild animals and a signed release form is required from all participants before tour departure. This is signed on the first day of departure or prior to arriving at your destination on each separate tour. Guests are encourage to download this liability waiver and return back to us prior to your tour.
Foreign Currency
As of October 2023, all general tour costs are quoted in $USD as suppliers and operations in the region move to a more stable currency for services rendered. Current exemptions are Norway (quoted in Euros), Falkland Islands (quoted in GBP Pounds), and Australia (Australian Dollars).
For local currency, please notice that Tongan Pa’anga is still the currency used while visiting the Tongan islands and will be the only accepted form of currency for tourist in Tonga. For other destinations, please check which local currency will be required. NOTE: Tour prices are subject to change year on year and will be reflected in the tour itinerary prior to each season.
Visas for Tonga
Please review the visa requirements for your country here
Visas for Norway
Norway’s visa requirements vary according to the traveller’s country of origin, the purpose of traveling and the period of stay. Please review the visa requirements for your country here
Visas for Australia
Please review the visa requirements for your country here
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The expedition begins and ends in the Falkland Islands, arriving via Mount Pleasant Airport. International flights currently operate with LATAM Airlines from Santiago, Chile on Saturdays. Detailed travel information and recommended flight itineraries will be provided prior to departure.
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We recommend packing:
Waterproof jacket and trousers
Thermal base layers
Warm hat, gloves and neck buff
Comfortable hiking boots
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Camera equipment and accessories
Personal medications for the duration of the expedition
A comprehensive packing list will be sent before departure.
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International flights generally include two checked bags up to 23 kg each (46 kg total) when booked through our travel agent.
Please note that internal FIGAS flights between the islands have a 20 kg luggage allowance. Excess baggage is charged at the local airline's applicable rate per kilogram, per flight sector.
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Yes. A departure tax of approximately £32 GBP is payable when leaving the Falkland Islands. Payment is usually accepted in GBP, USD or by credit card, although carrying cash is recommended.
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Internet is available in some locations but is generally limited, slow and intermittent.
Wi-Fi is available at selected accommodation and public hotspots, with prepaid Wi-Fi cards available for purchase. Due to the remoteness of the islands, service can be unreliable, making this the perfect opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself in the experience.
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There are no ATMs on the outer islands, and cash access is very limited. We recommend bringing a small amount of GBP for drinks, souvenirs and personal purchases. Credit cards are accepted in Stanley at most businesses.
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Most days are built around the best wildlife activity and photography opportunities. Depending on the location, we'll often head out for sunrise and remain in the field until sunset, while other days allow you to return to the lodge whenever you choose.
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Yes. All meals are included throughout the expedition.
Meals vary depending on our location, with most accommodation providing hearty home-cooked meals. Some remote locations may provide packed lunches or self-catering meal packs when required.
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Yes. Please advise us of any allergies or dietary requirements when completing your booking, and we'll do our best to accommodate them wherever possible.
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Accommodation is in comfortable farmhouse-style lodges and guesthouses. Most are hosted and fully catered, while some remote locations provide self-catering meal packs. Rooms include a mix of private ensuites and shared bathroom facilities.
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A moderate level of fitness is recommended. Participants should be comfortable walking across uneven ground, beaches and occasionally muddy or steep terrain. Most walks are relatively short but can exceed 1 kilometre depending on wildlife activity and photography opportunities.
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The Falkland Islands are one of the world's premier wildlife destinations. Depending on the season, you may photograph:
King, Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic penguins
Black-browed Albatross
Southern elephant seals
Southern sea lions
South American fur seals
Commerson's and Peale's dolphins
Caracaras, cormorants, skuas and over 200 bird species
Orcas and other whale species (season and conditions permitting)
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The southern hemisphere summer, from November to February, offers the best combination of wildlife activity, longer daylight hours and comfortable temperatures.
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The Falklands are famous for experiencing "four seasons in one day." Summer daytime temperatures average around 15°C, while overnight temperatures average 5°C. Expect sunshine, wind and occasional rain throughout the expedition, so dressing in layers is essential.
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We travel between islands aboard FIGAS eight-seat aircraft, offering spectacular low-level views across the archipelago. On the ground we use comfortable 4WD vehicles to access wildlife colonies and remote locations.
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The Falkland Islands Pound (FKP) is the local currency and is equivalent in value to the British Pound Sterling. British Pounds are accepted throughout the islands, and US Dollars are accepted in many businesses in Stanley.
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Yes. The Falkland Islands use the UK Type G three-pin power outlet (240V / 50Hz), so international visitors should bring an appropriate adaptor.
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No specific vaccinations are required for entry into the Falkland Islands. As medical facilities outside Stanley are extremely limited, we recommend travelling with any personal medications and discussing your plans with your doctor before departure.
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You'll require a passport valid for at least six months beyond your departure date. Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality, so please check the latest entry requirements with your local Falkland Islands or UK consulate before travelling.
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Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and should include medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and personal belongings.
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Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and should include medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation and personal belongings.
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To ensure a highly personalised experience, this expedition is limited to just five guests.
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Deposits and final payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card or PayPal.
Please note that credit card payments incur a 2.8% processing fee, while PayPal payments incur a 3.5% processing fee.
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Yes. The Falkland Islands are considered one of the safest destinations in the world, with extremely low levels of crime. As always, care should be taken around wildlife and when walking on uneven terrain.
Designed by Scott Portelli
Every expedition reflects more than three decades of experience exploring and photographing some of the world's most remote environments.
Internationally recognised wildlife photographer, filmmaker and expedition specialist Scott Portelli has spent more than a decade working throughout Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic, developing an intimate understanding of the region's wildlife, landscapes and seasonal conditions.
His experience has shaped every aspect of this journey, from the itinerary and timing to the wildlife encounters and photographic opportunities, creating an experience that goes beyond simply visiting these extraordinary places.
Whether Scott is leading the expedition himself or working alongside a trusted expedition team, guests can expect the same commitment to immersive wildlife experiences, responsible travel and exceptional photographic opportunities that define the Scott Portelli brand.
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