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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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!
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!
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.
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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