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Weddell Island
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WEDDELL ISLAND LOCATION:
Sea Lion Island is located 120 km southwest of Stanley and at 9.05km2 it is the largest of the Sea Lion Island Group, which also includes Rum, Brandy, Whiskey and the Sea Lion Easterly Islands. Sea Lion Island is the most southerly inhabited island in the Falkland archipelago at 52.43◦ south and 59.1◦ westABOUT WEDDELL ISLAND:
Out to the south west of the Falkland Islands lies the third largest island of the Falklands archipelago, overall dimensions being approximately 15 miles (25 km) North-South and 12 miles (19km) East-West, comprising 102.6 square miles (265.8 square kilometers) in area. Weddell Island is named after James Weddell, the Antarctic explorer. From open plains to hills, sandy beaches to rocky coves, there is a great diversity of scenery and a range of wildlife to see.The only settlement is home to just two human occupants and three visitor cottages of varying sizes which can be self-catering and one small lodge with lounge, dining room and en-suite accommodations. This is a great destination for those wishing to visit some of the more remote islands in the Falklands and to avoid the mainstream tourist destinations. You are assured of a warm welcome.
John Hamilton, one time owner of the island, imported many exotic animals to Weddell and neighboring Beaver and Staats Islands. The only definite remnants of this experiment are the Patagonian foxes on Weddell Island and the guanaco on Staats, although it is also believed that Fuegian otters may also have survived in small numbers.
Despite the introduced animals, Weddell Island still has abundant wildlife and is home to the ubiquitous Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, skuas, night herons, striated caracaras and giant petrels. The best wildlife site is Loop Head at the northeast corner of the island. This is where you will find Magellanic and Gentoo penguins and it is also where sea lions and elephant seals come ashore. Hikers will enjoy the rugged cliff scenery along the southeast coast or the superb views across the island from the summit of Mt Weddell (1150ft, 383m).
On Weddell Island rare plants and wild flowers exist in profusion and the island is home to over 100 flowering plant species including some endemic ones, including the lovely Lady’s Slipper and Vanilla Daisies.
WHAT TO DO - at a glance - see Activities & Wildlife for detailed options
explore the settlement
- Visit the penguins and sea lions
- See the wonderful birdlife of the Falkland Island
- Walk up 1,256ft / 383m Mount Weddell and enjoy 360 degree panoramic views
- See a working sheep farm
- Walk in the wilderness
- Relax just being away from the digital world – there is no mobile phone reception