Getting to the Falkland Islands

By Air
While technically a British Territory, the Falklands are remote islands off the eastern coast of South America also claimed by Argentina, where they are known as the Islas Malvinas. Many of our tours start from the Mount Pleasant Airport, which is easily reached by flights from Punta Arenas or Santiago, Chile. 

Once you're in the Falkland Islands, you will either fly to your various hotels or to your cruise boarding destination on a low-flying local aircraft that will give you a tremendous aerial view of this Atlantic archipelago. 

Cruises visiting the Falklands

Cruises visiting the Falkland Islands generally embark in Ushuaia, Argentina, while some may start in Buenos Aires or Puerto Madryn, Argentina. Many sail onwards to explore the South Georgia Islands, the Antarctica Peninsula, the remote Weddell Sea and other Antarctic destinations as well.

Favorite Wildlife Watching Islands of the Falklands

Sea Lion Island
The southerly-most inhabited island and one of the smallest in the Falklands archipelago, Sea Lion Island may have the highest wildlife density in the islands. Forty-seven different species of birds, Elephant Seals and yes, Sea Lions, will be spotted.

Saunders Island
Still an active sheep farm and was the site of the first British settlement in 1765, the highlights here are penguins and the black-browed albatross colony which stretches to the narrow sandy isthmus known as The Neck.

Carcass Island
Possibly the most picturesque of the outer-lying islands, it attracts many small birds such as Black-chinned siskins, the Cobb’s wren, and the Falklands thrush.

Wildlife of the Falkland Islands

While quite similar to the wildlife found in Patagonia, the Falklands have no native reptiles, amphibians or even terrestrial mammals. On your trip to the Falklands, you can expect to see:

• Penguins: gentoo, rockhopper, giant, macaroni and magellanic.
• Seabirds: Striated caracara, Antarctic skuas, Southern giant petrels, and Passerines, among many others.
• Land birds: Night herons, ruddy-headed geese, and blackish oystercatchers.
• Whales:  Orcas, southern right whales, humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales, sei whales, and sperm whales.
• Dolphins: Peale's dolphins, Commerson's dolphins
• Sea lions
• Elephant seals
• Leopard seals

Activities & Highlights of Falkland Islands tours

Wildlife viewing, leisurely strolls on the white beaches, and history lessons are at the center of the Falkland Islands tours. Each itinerary balances a mix of these activities in engaging daily excursions.

• Learn the history of the 1982 conflict between Britain and Argentina and visit the cemeteries and battlefields that mark its memory.
• Transfer by plane to more remote islands for a stunning aerial view of the Falklands.
• Hike to the inland lagoons and grasslands where sheep and land birds reside. 
• March among the various penguin species that call the Falklands their home. 
• Spot wildlife on land and marine life in the water.
• Explore historical Stanley on East Falkland Island.
• Enjoy the strangely "Caribbean" feel of the white sand beaches and turquoise blue seas.
• Depart the Falklands towards neighboring South Georgia Island or perhaps even an exploration of the ice-encumbered Antarctic. 

Best Falkland Islands Small Ship Cruise Lines for 2023-2024

• Silversea Cruises - provides two routes to Antarctica. Choose between flying into Antarctica in 2 hours or sailing the renowned Drake Passage for a memorable adventure. Their expedition staff is the pride of the business, trained in everything from penguin spotting to glacier photography. Embark Silver Cloud to see penguins, dolphins, and learn about the Falkland Islands' history.
• Ponant - offers an "à la carte" approach to organizing your trip. You get to choose the options and select the places you want to see and visit based on your preferences. Discover the wild archipelago of the Falkland Islands aboard Le Lyrial during five ports of call: New Island, Carcass, Saunders, Volunteer Point, and Port Stanley.
• Lindblad Expeditions - has over 50 years of exploration experience, with expedition leaders and naturalists who are recognized authority in their professions. On National Geographic Resolution, explore the Falkland Islands' magnificent colonies of nesting albatross and rockhopper penguins.
• Aurora Expeditions - pioneered ship-based adventures 30 years ago with expedition cruises to Antarctica and remained committed to small low-impact groups. Their epic voyages to Antarctica aboard the Sylvia Earle include additional time in the Falklands~Malvinas to discover the islands' fascinating history and encounter the spectacular birdlife. 
• Polar Latitudes -  founder-owned and run, focused on delivering a boutique luxury experience for people who want a more immersive Antarctic journey. On the MS Seaventure, discover Falkland Islands/Malvinas, home to some of the most unique and abundant wildlife on earth. 
• Quark Expeditions-  a leader in polar adventure, forever driven to forge new paths in polar explorations. Sail the Falklands, known for their wildlife (penguins and bird species are plentiful) as well as their dramatic history aboard Ocean Adventurer.
• Poseidon Expeditions - is one of the leading providers of polar expeditions in the cruise industry. Be sure not to skip the Falkland Islands on your Antarctica voyage if you're an avid wildlife and bird lover! Cruise aboard the luxury expedition ship Sea Spirit. 
• Antarctica 21 - sails on the Magellan Explorer to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica.