Wildlife

After sailing hundreds of nautical miles from Argentina, the rolling green landscapes of the Falkland Islands first appeared stark, weathered by the constant wind of the open ocean. Yet as we approached the white sand beach of Saunders Island for our first shore landing, we were met by crystal-clear waters, vibrant vegetation, and a stunning variety of wildlife beyond what I could have imagined. That was nine years ago, and in the fifty-five expeditions I’ve since spent working as a photography guide for Quark Expeditions in the polar regions, the Falkland Islands remain one of my favorite photographic destinations of all time. Situated between South America and Antarctica, the Falkland Islands (or Islas Malvinas), with its temperate climate, is home to a fascinating variety of bird species from both continents, plus a few endemic species. Getting there isn’t always easy – with hundreds of miles of open ocean in every direction, formidable winds can sometimes make it challenging to go ashore without guides experienced in polar expeditions – but it is precisely this wildness, this remoteness, that fosters such a remarkable wildlife habitat. What’s more, the islands’ sprawling landscapes are home to blooming flora, sandy beaches, and a dose of British culture that will appeal to landscape, wildlife and portrait photographers alike. Here’s why I find the photographic opportunities here stand out amongst all the destinations we visit in the Southern Ocean. Color A pair of black-browed albatross at West Point Island. Where Antarctica’s pristine views offer shades of blue, white and grey, the Falkland […]