Falkland Islands Tours

Often referred to as the “Galapagos of the South”, the wild, treeless landscapes and rugged coastline of the Falkland Islands are a haven for birdlife and steeped in history.

The remote Falkland Archipelago is located 560 km off the coast of South America, comprised of East and West Falkland plus a number of other islands.

The only town in the Falklands is Port Stanley which has the feel of a remote outpost and a population of around 2,000 people. The entire archipelago abounds with land and sea bird species, including Magellanic, Gentoo and Rockhopper Penguins and sometimes King Penguins, as well as over 70% of the world’s Black-browed Albatross. More than 227 species of bird have been identified in the Falklands, including five different species of penguins. The cold surrounding waters are full of whales, dolphins and sea lions, while the beaches are visited by breeding fur and elephant seals. Much of the Falklands’ wildlife is tame and approachable, which makes for incredible viewing.

For further tours to the Sub-Antarctic islands and Antarctica, please visit the Antarctica section of our website. To find out more about our Falkland Islands tour, please download the page below.

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Highlights

Falkland Islands

Falkland Islands Penguins

5 different species of penguin

Called the “Galapagos of the South”, the Falklands are home to over one million penguins.

The penguins on the Falkland Islands are comprised of 5 different species: Magellanic, Macaroni, Gentoo, Southern Rockhopper and sometimes, King Penguins. Most come to breed on the islands, returning year after year to the same site. The Falklands have the world’s largest population (30%) of Gentoo Penguins with over 100,000 breeding pairs. These appealing and inquisitive birds are easily observed but be careful not to get too close. Visit the large colony of Rockhopper Penguins on Bleaker Island or the Magellanic Penguins on Carcass Island. Wander the low cliffs and beaches at Volunteer Point, home to the Falkland’s largest colony of the magnificent King Penguin, as well as Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins.[
Black-Browed Albatross

World’s Largest Colonies of Black-Browed Albatross

The Falkland Islands are home to 500,000 pairs or 70% of the world’s entire population of Black-browed Albatross.

These beautiful birds have a pure white head with a black line over and through the eye – ‘the black-brow’, plus a heavy hooked bill which is yellow and pink. They have a huge wingspan of 210-250cm (7-8ft) with black upper-wings and a broad black edge leading to the under-wing. Their legs and large webbed feet are a grey colour. The birds, known on the islands as ‘mollymawks’, range over the whole South Atlantic Ocean, but return each year in September to breed. They re-use the same nest each year, made from mud and guano with some grass and seaweed mixed in, which can be up to 50cm high. The female lays a single white egg in early October. The birds leave their colonies at the end of April but can be seen offshore from the Falklands throughout the year.
Striated Caracara

Striated Caracara, Rare & Endemic Birds

The Falklands are critical for the conservation of the Striated Caracara, a bird of prey in the falcon family.

The islands have 400 breeding pairs with the remainder (1,000 in all) found only in southern Chile. Other rare or threatened species include the Ruddy-headed Goose, the Black-throated Finch and Tussac-Birds (or tussock birds). Two endemic species found on the islands are Cobb’s Wren and the Falkland Flightless Steamer Duck which is fairly prolific on the island (16,000 pairs).
Elephant Seals

Elephant Seals, Sea Lions, Dolphins & Killer Whales

The seas and beaches of the Falkland Islands are inhabited by many species of marine life, including whales, dolphins, seals and sea lions.

The creatures you are most likely to encounter are sei and sperm whales, sea lions, elephant seals, fur seals, killer whales (orcas) and two coastal dolphin species – Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins. Visit Sea Lion Island where hundreds of enormous Southern Elephant Seals crowd the beaches; males arrive in August to establish their harems with the females arriving in September. During the summer months when penguins and seals are breeding, killer whales sometimes use ambush and shallow water hunting techniques to catch elephant seal pups and juveniles.
Falkland Island landscapes

Picturesque Landscapes

With its seemingly endless vistas, sweeping grasslands, and white-sand beaches, the Falkland Islands are paradise for nature lovers.

There are more than 400 species of plant found here, of which 177 are native and 14 endemic to the archipelago. The entire Falkland coastline is broken into many different sections, each having its own characteristics. Generally speaking, the West Falkland coastlines have more formidable terrain, while the coastlines of East Falkland are typically low-lying with wide, sandy bays and rocky beaches stretching out to sea.

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Itineraries

Our Falkland Islands suggested itineraries include a specialist wilderness and wildlife tour. Choose from one of our featured itineraries or let us custom design a tour to suit your to suit your interests, style and budget. To find out more about the type of Falkland Islands experience we can put together for you, please download pages below.

Wildlife of the Falklands

Wildlife of the Falklands

The Falkland Islands are renowned for the abundance and accessibility of its diverse wildlife. Nicknamed “Galapagos of the South”, the archipelago is home to five species of penguin, sea lions, elephant seals, whales and dolphins. Given the lack of human interference in their natural environment, the animals are unafraid of people and often approach visitors very closely, providing fantastic photography opportunities.

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Falklands, South Georgia & The Antarctic Peninsula

Falklands, South Georgia & The Antarctic Peninsula

These are the ultimate in Antarctic voyages, exploring the wildlife and landscapes of the Sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia and the Falklands, as well as the Antarctic Peninsula. Step back into the heady days of polar exploration visiting sites of historical significance such as Stanley and Neko Harbour. See the largest King Penguin colony on Earth in South Georgia and experience the awe-inspiring landscapes of the Great White Continent.

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Falkland Islands Overview

Why Falklands: The Falkland Islands features an incredible variety of flora and fauna, of which 14 are endemic and 173 are native.

When to Go: The islands’ climate is temperate, with frequent high winds. The average annual rainfall in the capital Stanley is only 600mm. Maximum temperatures rarely reach 24°C, while even on the coldest winter days the temperature remains above freezing.

Combine With: You can combine a visit to the Falkland Islands with a cruise to Antarctica, or an exploration of Patagonia.

Getting There: Visitors to the Falklands arrive by ship, often on voyages that also visit South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula, or they arrive by air into Mt Pleasant International Airport.

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