New Island, West Falkland Islands

New Island is one of the Falkland Islands, lying north of Beaver Island. It is 148 miles (238 km; 129 nmi) from Stanley and is 8 miles (13 km) long with an average width of 820 yards (750 m). The highest point is 226 metres (741 ft). The northern and eastern coasts have high cliffs but the eastern coasts are lower lying, with rocky shores and sandy bays. There are several smaller offshore islands. North Island and Saddle Island have high cliffs but Ship Island and Cliff Knob Island are lower lying.

Long used as a base for whaling, as a sheep farm and for occasional attempts to collect guano, New Island is considered by some to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Falklands archipelago, as well as well as having possibly the most diverse range of wildlife in the region. It is a nature reserve, established by Ian Strange in 1972.

Things to see and do

* Rockhopper, Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins
* Fur seals
* Sea birds

Cruise Season - Nov - April
Currency - Falkland Islands Pound (FKP)
Language - English
Land Area - 22.7 km²
Population - 0
Time - GMT minus four hours
International Country Telephone Code - 500

Port Location - Ships anchor in the South Arbour of New Island from where visitors are transported via zodiacs to shore.

Transport Links - Most international flights to the Falklands arrive at the Mount Pleasant (MPN) airport, which is also a military base. The Mount Pleasant airport is 56km (35 miles) from Stanley. The only international carriers to use this airport are LanChile on a weekly flight from Santiago de Chile via Punta Arenas (CL), Rio Gallegos (AR) (monthly) and the UK Royal Air Force who carry commercial passengers direct from RAF Brize Norton, Oxfordshire in the United Kingdom. Flights from the UK last eighteen hours including a stop on Ascension Island en route. The RAF contracts two flights per week which are subject to military priorities. There is also an airport in Stanley (PSY) but it has a smaller runway and is used primarily for flights within the Falklands.