Pebble Island

Pebble Island has something for everyone - a huge variety of birdlife, great hiking opportunities and fascinating war history. Spectacular Elephant Beach is the longest beach in the Falklands at 6.4km (4 miles) long. This lovely stretch of white sand is used occasionally as the airstrip.

The eastern end of the island is heathland with low cliffs and ponds, which are home to waterfowl and wading-birds including Black-necked swans. There are occasional sightings of Red shoveler and Cinnamon teal.

Black-crowned night-herons, Imperial Cormorants, Rockhopper, Gentoo and Magellanic penguins inhabit the coast. Peregrine falcons have been recorded. The island is an international “Important Bird Area”. Eight endemic plants can be found.

The western end is hilly, with three main peaks. First Mountain is the highest at 277m (909 feet), Middle Peak is 214m (704 feet) and Marble Mountain 237m (779 feet). This small chain makes an excellent walking route, in one or both directions depending on your level of fitness and how much you want to take in.

An SAS raid took place on Pebble Island in 1982 to attack an Argentine airfield. This is commemorated by a small cairn and wreckage from the attack can still be seen. Memorials are also here for the HMS Coventry and an Argentine Learjet. A Mirage crash site can be explored.

The settlement is conveniently situated at the centre of the island. Pebble Island Lodge is a renovated farmhouse and provides comfortable accommodation in the settlement, conveniently situated at the centre of the island, while The Nest and Markham House offer accommodation that is both self-catering or full board. Farm stays are also available at Pebble Island with the owners of the Nest & Markham House.