Carcass Island

Carcass Island, located in the West of the Falklands

Carcass Island (Spanish: Isla del Rosario) is in the northwestern portion of the Falkland Islands. It is a favourite of birders as it is one of the only islands in the country with no introduced rats, cats, or other predatory animals, so land-breeding birds have not been affected.

The only settlement on the island is 1 Port Patterson , where lodging is available.

Get in

Visitors to Carcass Island arrive either via the government air service to the island's 1 landing strip or on one of the many cruise ships that stop at the island each summer.

See

Gentoo penguins on Carcass Island

Carcass is one of the few islands within the Falklands that has remained free of cats and rats, and as a result it boasts one of the largest populations of songbirds. Other birds that are present include gentoo penguins, magellanic penguins, king cormorants and the striated caracaras (aka Johnny Rook). Marine mammals (sea lions, elephant seals, dolphins) are regular visitors to the beaches.

Do

There are no guided excursions, but the island is small enough that it can be easily toured by walking. A walk round the northern half of the island and then back over the central ridge to the settlement makes for an excellent full day's walk with breaks for watching the wildlife.

Buy, eat and drink

Limited supplies are available for purchase at the settlement; fresh produce should be purchased in Stanley and brought along. A fully-catered stay may be possible, but must be confirmed with the owners prior to arrival.

Sleep

Shared lodging is available at the main settlement of the island. The available cottages are heated and offer full kitchens.

• 1 Carcass Island House, ☏ +500 41106. Oct–Mar. (updated Jul 2020)

Go next

• Pebble Island
• Port Howard
• Saunders Island
• Stanley
• West Point Island