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Falkland Islands and Landing Sites

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Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Jan 16, 2025 -

Feb 03, 2025

All (sub-)Antarctic highlights in one voyage, with spectacular landing sites on the Falkland Islands and encounters with black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper pinguins. You’ll have the chance to meet at least six different penguin species. You’ll explore the transition fro...

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage + navigational workshop

Jan 22, 2025 -

Feb 01, 2025

This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins....

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Jan 22, 2025 -

Feb 01, 2025

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Feb 01, 2025 -

Feb 11, 2025

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Feb 01, 2025 -

Feb 20, 2025

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Feb 03, 2025 -

Feb 13, 2025

Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters

Feb 11, 2025 -

Mar 10, 2025

This adventurous expedition explores one of the least-visited areas on Earth, Antarctica’s amazing Weddell Sea. After visiting some of the same sites legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton’s charted in South Georgia, we’ll enjoy the Weddell’s exotic wildlife and co...

Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop

Feb 13, 2025 -

Feb 25, 2025

“Base camp” is by definition a temporary storing and starting place, from which an activity starts. We offer “activity modules” which go beyond our normal shore program. The vessel will stay for two or three days at specific locations to serve our active passenge...

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle

Feb 20, 2025 -

Mar 14, 2025

Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop

Feb 25, 2025 -

Mar 09, 2025

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

Mar 09, 2025 -

Mar 23, 2025

This expansive expedition takes you into the Antarctic Circle, combining the rich animal life of the Weddell Sea with the surreal shores and islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. Such key landing sites as the legendary Elephant Island and Crystal Sound make this voyage truly exceptional....

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery voyage

Mar 10, 2025 -

Mar 21, 2025

This voyage will take you further south of Antarctica, crossing the Polar Circle. This cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to hike and dive in the iceberg-heavy waters....

Cruises To Falkland Islands

Overview of Falkland Island Tours

The Falkland Islands make a fantastic cruise destination as the scenery is full of beautiful coastlines, rolling mountain landscapes, and charming towns. These islands are located off the coast of Argentina and are known for their unique wildlife, including penguins, albatrosses, and sea lions.

Falkland Islands Landing Sites

West Point Island

This island is home to a large colony of black-browed albatrosses, rockhopper penguins, and a variety of other seabirds. You can hike along the clifftops for spectacular views of the ocean and wildlife or visit the small settlement, where you can interact with the island’s owners, learn about their way of life and try out traditional Falklands’ lamb barbecue.

Saunders Island

The second-largest of the Falklands, Saunders Island is known for its diverse wildlife, including four species of penguins (gentoo, king, Magellanic, and rockhopper) and black-browed albatrosses. You can also explore the island’s stunning landscapes, including sandy beaches, rugged cliffs, and rocky headlands.

Carcass Island

This peaceful island is home to a large number of bird species, including the tussac bird, the Falkland’s endemic bird, and penguins, including gentoo and Magellanic. It’s also known for its scenic walks along pristine beaches and through rolling hills, where you can spot dolphins and sea lions.

Bleaker Island

This island is the easternmost of the Falklands and is known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife. It’s home to several species of penguins, including gentoo and rockhopper, as well as several species of seals, including elephant seals and sea lions. Visitors can explore the island’s old farm buildings and learn about its history as a sheep farm, as well as take hikes along the beaches and hills.

New Island

This island is known for its spectacular scenery and diverse wildlife, including several species of penguins (gentoo, Magellanic, and rockhopper), as well as black-browed albatrosses and sea lions. Visitors can explore the island’s nature reserve, which features walking trails, boardwalks, and observation decks.

Sea Lion Island

This island is home to a large colony of southern elephant seals, as well as several species of penguins, including gentoo and Magellanic. Visitors can explore the island’s sandy beaches and rocky headlands, as well as learn about the island’s history as a sheep farm and its current role as a wildlife sanctuary.

Pebble Island

This island is known for its diverse wildlife, including several species of penguins (gentoo, king, and rockhopper), as well as southern sea lions and elephant seals. Visitors can explore the island’s historic sites, including a World War II airfield and a shipwreck, as well as take hikes along the beaches and hills.

Grave Cove

This cove is located on the eastern side of the Falklands and is known for its picturesque landscapes and abundant wildlife, including several species of penguins (gentoo and Magellanic) and fur seals. Visitors can take hikes along the beach and up to the headlands, where they can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding sea and landscapes.

Steeple Jason Island

This island is the largest of the Jason Islands and is known for its remote and wild landscapes, as well as its abundant wildlife, including several species of penguins (rockhopper and gentoo) and albatrosses. Visitors can explore the island’s rugged terrain and take hikes along the beaches and hills, as well as learn about the island’s history as a sheep farm.

Port Stanley

This is the capital city of the Falkland Islands and is often the first stop on many cruises. It’s a quaint town with colorful houses, a cathedral, and several museums, including the Falkland Islands Museum and the Historic Dockyard Museum. You can also see the iconic Christ Church Cathedral and Whalebone Arch, made of jawbones of two blue whales. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot gentoo and Magellanic penguins at nearby Gypsy Cove.

Here are some things you may see and do in Stanley:

Falkland Islands Museum: This museum provides an overview of the history and culture of the Falkland Islands, from their early settlement by Europeans to their role in the 1982 Falklands War. Exhibits include artifacts related to maritime history, natural history, and local culture.
Government House: This is the official residence of the Governor of the Falkland Islands and is located in the heart of Stanley. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and learn about its history and significance.
Christ Church Cathedral: This cathedral is one of the southernmost Anglican cathedrals in the world and is known for its distinctive whalebone arch, which was built in 1933. Visitors can explore the cathedral’s interior and learn about its history and religious significance.
Gypsy Cove: This scenic cove is located just outside of Stanley and is known for its beautiful beach and wildlife, including Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and a variety of bird species. Visitors can take a short hike along a marked trail to reach the cove and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Bluff Cove Lagoon: This lagoon is located about 30 minutes from Stanley and is known for its large colony of gentoo penguins, as well as other bird species and marine mammals. Visitors can take a guided tour of the area and observe the wildlife from a safe distance.

In addition to these specific attractions, visitors to Stanley can also enjoy the town’s colorful architecture, charming cafes and shops, and friendly locals. Stanley is a great place to learn about the culture and history of the Falkland Islands and to experience the unique beauty of this remote part of the world.

Regional Information About Falkland Island Cruises

Wildlife

Five species of penguin - Rockhopper, Magellan, Gentoo, King, and Macaroni penguins all call the Falkland Islands their home. The largest breeding population of Black-Browed Albatross also live on this island. The elephant seal, sea lion, and fur seal specifically use this island as their breeding location. Fifteen species of whales and dolphins call these islands home, and at least 200 species of birds live here too!

Climate

The weather in the Falkland Islands generally stays between 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and 61 degrees Fahrenheit. It stays chilly year-round and the area is known for it's constant wind. Plan to bring layers appropriate for the conditions. Also, don't forget to check the forecast for the days you plan to come ashore!

When To Go

The visiting season for the Falkland Islands corresponds with the austral summer, runs through the austral summer months from the end of October to late March. Visiting at this time you can expect to see flowers in bloom such as the bright yellows of the island’s iconic gorse. This is also the time when animals breed, so depending on when you visit you have the chance to see penguins chicks, albatrosses on the nest or baby sea lions. Daytime temperatures during the summer season are typically around 50–55ºF (10-13ºC). Within this there can be tremendous variation, from light snow flurries to sunny days when a t-shirt is all you need. The only truly constant factor is the weather’s unpredictability.

History of the Falkland Islands

The islands were first seen by John Davis, the English explorer, in 1592. In 1690, John Strong of England made the first landing on the Western shore at Bold Cove, Port Howard. Those who came to the islands afterwards were hunters. They sailed to the Falklands for either for seal, whales, or penguins. These early visitors often brough cattle and other domestic animals with them, which quickly spread across the islands.

In 1833, Britain was re-established as the islands’ sovereign. Stanley became the capital in 1845, named after Geoffrey Smith Stanley, the Colonial Secretary. Falkland citizens fought in both World War One and Two. Visitors today can see the monument on Ross Road which commemorates the first World War. The Cross of Sacrifice is also visitable for tourists, and commemorates the second World War.

Currently, the Falkland Islands are home to fishermen, farmers, and artisans – and many sheep!

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