| Pebble Island | |
 | |
Location  | |
| State | UK |
|---|---|
| Region | Falkland Islands |
| Surface | 88 km² |
Pebble Island (Isla Borbón in Spanish) is one of the islands belonging to Falkland Islands.
To know
Geographical notes
It is the third largest island off the Falklands. The eastern part of the island is relatively flat and includes numerous small ponds, while the western part of the island has several hills.
Background
The island was the site of a great battle during the 1982 conflict. Both a memorial and the Argentine plane wreck can be visited.
Territories and tourist destinations
Pebble Island: full screen map.How to get
By plane
Most visitors arrive via the government air service. The airstrip is located within walking distance of the settlement and is well maintained.
How to get around
What see
The numerous small ponds make this island an ideal destination for bird lovers. Large colonies of rockhopper penguins, gentoo penguins, Magellanic penguins and imperial cormorants are found along the coasts, while turkey vultures, black-necked swans, and other species can be found among the ponds. In addition to wildlife, the island was the site of important fighting during the Falklands War, with several monuments and a few plane wrecks used as memorials to the conflict.
- Elephant Beach. This four mile long sandy beach is the longest sandy beach in the Falklands. It is a ten minute walk northeast of the lodge. The "steam ducks" of the Falkland Islands are often seen on the beach, and Peale's dolphins are regularly spotted in the open sea.
- Big Pond. One of the largest ponds on the island, Big Pond is located about a mile east of the lodge along the main landrover trail. The Big Pond is one of the deepest ponds on the island and therefore attracts a large variety of birds, including white tufted grebes. When seaplanes were commonly used on the islands, a pier on the western side of this pond was very popular while today there are numerous birds perched on its remains.
- HMS Coventry Memorial. Located on a hill a few miles west of the lodge, this monument is actually a ship that was sunk during the 1982 conflict about ten miles offshore.
- Northern coast (Northwest Coast). The northern shore of the western side of the island is home to a large colony of rockhopper penguins. This colony has become a must-see for bird-watchers to encounter crested penguins (normally found only in New Zeland), who have been here for several years. Additionally, two pairs of macaroni penguins nested here in 2004, another rarity in the Falklands. In January 2006, there was a possible sighting of a Snares (rockhopper hybrid).
Events and parties
What to do
The following guided tours in Landrover are available at the lodge:
- Full day to the west of the island to see sandy beaches, Rockhopper penguins, gentoo penguins (or gentoo), nesting giant petrels and Magellanic penguins. A stop at the beach to look for the translucent pebbles (pebble) from which the island takes its name, as well as the memorial for HMS Coventry (sunk during the 1982 conflict). As of November 2004, the costs were £ 30 per person.
- Half day to the east of the island to see black-necked swans, the colony of king cormorants, gentoo penguins, rockhopper penguins and Magellanic penguins. The route begins along the long sandy beach in the Falklands and continues into a number of ponds which are home to many ducks, loons, geese, waders and other birds. As of November 2004, the costs were £ 20 per person.
- Drop-off service is available for those who want to hike around the lodge to faraway points as well. Inquire with Jacqui and Alan about the charges for this service.
Shopping
The lodge offers souvenirs, including semi-precious pebbles (pebble) from which the island takes its name.
How to have fun
The lodge has a small bar which includes a variety of beers and soft drinks.
Where to eat
Meals in the lodge are provided three times a day and the food is excellent. Packed lunches are available every day for those who request them.
Where stay
Average prices
There is a fully detached cottage on the island offering luxury accommodation in four double bedrooms, one double bedroom and one single bedroom. The accommodations have central heating, and all rooms have their own toilet and shower. For more information contact Jacqui Jennings and Alan White. As of November 2004, the prices were £ 65 per person per night with full board.
Safety
How to keep in touch
Telephony
A telephone is available. To call you need an international prepaid card (e.g. from Cable & Wireless).
Around
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Pebble Island
Commons contains images or other files on Pebble Island
