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Sealion Island Helicopter Tour
SEALION ISLAND HELICOPTER TOUR 4.5 HOURS
Sealion 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. All
seats have windows affording great views of the town upon departure. 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 and
will be accompanied by an informative commentary by the helicopter crew. The flight time to Sealion 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 an informed and qualified
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 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 very good chance to observe Orca
Whales off the coastline trying to feed on returning penguins or seal pups.
With the tour guide and island warden, the passengers will be allowed to wander
in this area at their leisure taking time to observe the
other birds which abound on the shores of this island. Tea/cookies and restrooms
will be made available in the privately owned Lodge.
HIGHLIGHTS
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Three breeding species of penguins (Rockhopper, Gentoo & Magellanic)
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Elephant seal colony (over 2000 individuals in the height of the
season)
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Breeding Southern Giant Petrel colony
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Killer whale pods regularly observed off shore
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Extensive tussac grass
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Over 40 species of breeding birds (including the endemic
Tussac bird
and Striated Carcara)
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Breeding colony of Southern sea lions
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Easy walking terrain
NOTES
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The tour will involve 70 minutes flying time.
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3 hours 20 minutes on the ground at Sea Lion
Island.
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Passengers must be extremely fit, bring sensible
walking shoes and
warm waterproof clothing. (very important points)
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British International operates the Sikorsky S61N
helicopter used for
this tour powered by two 1500 shaft horsepower General Electric CT58-140-2
engines.
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Need to know the weight of luggage carried in
advance
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Safety video needs to be shown on board previous
to the tour
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Toilets provided at Stanley air terminal for
passengers
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A bottle of water is included for each passenger.
We must stress that all passengers must be fit
and have good walking boots. 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 the hikers will be in radio contact
with the lodge on Sealion Island at all times.
It is imperative that passengers are not LATE for this tour.
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