The Falklands (Islas Malvinas) offer a broad variety of spectacular wildlife. There are over 60 different species of bird breeding on the Falklands, largely dependent on the abundance of marine life. Over 80% of the world’s population of black-browed albatross can be found on the islands.
The most famous of the Falklands’ bird life are the penguins – the Magellanic, Gentoo, Rockhopper and King Penguin. The islands are considered the most important world site for Rockhopper Penguins. Fur Seals, Elephant Seals and Sea Lions can all be found breeding on the islands’ many shores.
The surrounding oceans are alive with mammal life. The waters host numerous porpoises and dolphins, and Sei, Sperm, and Killer Whales can be found nearby.
The Falklands are one of the last "off the beaten track" destinations.
Cruises to the Falkland Islands
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species!
PLA20-24 A cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. This journey will introduce you to at least 6 species of penguin and a whole lot of Antarctic fur seals!
m/v Plancius
Cruise date:
18 Oct - 7 Nov, 2024
Berths start from:
13350 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
PLA24-24 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
m/v Plancius
Cruise date:
6 Dec - 25 Dec, 2024
Berths start from:
16500 USD
Falkland Islands – South Georgia – Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
OTL25-25 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
m/v Ortelius
Cruise date:
10 Dec - 29 Dec, 2024
Berths start from:
13550 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
HDS25-25 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
17 Dec, 2024 - 4 Jan, 2025
Berths start from:
14600 USD
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Meet at least six penguin species
HDS26-25 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.
m/v Hondius
Cruise date:
4 Jan - 22 Jan, 2025
Berths start from:
15750 USD
Falklands cruise video
Latest blog and customer story
Guide’s Choice for Binoculars: Swarovski Optik
Our guests often ask us what they should pack when it comes to the more optional polar travel gear, such as cameras or binoculars.
Antarctica and My Old Friend, Ortelius: Passenger Story by Ann Lane
I was on the recent Antarctic trip on Ortelius, 16 Feb - 7 March. This has been my third expedition with Oceanwide, and I continue to be very impressed by the experiences.
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Falklands cruise reviews
This was a brilliant trip. Very much an expedition and not a cruise!
The expedition leader, Sara, was outstanding. Her commitment to this part of the world, and its inhabitants, was evident in all she did. She was determined to give the guests on the trip the best possible experience and to make every possible landing, zodiac cruise and wildlife watch as productive and informative as possible. An excellent role model.
The expedition crew were terrific. A highly skilled group of people with vast knowledge and an enthusiasm to share this. The quality of the lectures was excellent and the subject matter varied. The crew were approachable and friendly, with seemingly boundless energy.
The ship is very comfortable and the accommodation excellent. The food was of a very high standard and plentiful, with a wide choice of really interesting dished, with fresh fruit, bread and pastries available every day. The waiting staff were exceptional; very efficient and friendly. The experience of the delicious food was enhanced by their approach.
The wildlife and scenery were breathtaking. We saw 7 different penguin species, 4 types of seal, humpback and orca whales and a huge variety of sea birds. The icebergs were like works of art. The islands visited were all hugely interesting in different respects, some with a variety of flora, others with ice and snow. Sailing the ocean was a fabulous experience.
Thank you to all involved for this amazing trip.
Read full review
Falkland Islands FAQ
What is the temperature and weather like in the Falkland Islands?
The climate in the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) is typically cool, but there is not a lot of annual precipitation, and snow does not typically stick to the ground. Smaller amounts of rain fall on a regular basis.
No matter what time of year you travel to the Falkland Islands, you will not experience a temperature lower than -5 to 24°C (23 to 75°F). Cloud cover is common, and this minimizes the effect of long summer days.
Although summertime can be as warm as 24°C (75°F), the average high temperature in January and February is 9°C (48°F). The average high during the winter months is 2°C (36°F).
What wildlife can I see in the Falkland Islands?
Anyone who takes a voyage to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) can expect to see a large and diverse group of birds. In fact, this is one of the area’s primary sources of biodiversity. There are 16 endemic bird species, and a total of 63 species use the Falkland Islands for breeding purposes.
Some wildlife highlights include southern rockhopper penguin, South American terns, and the black-browed albatrosses. Travelers might also spot South American fur seals and southern elephant seals.
What is the capital of the Falkland Islands?
Stanley is the capital of Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). This town is located on East Falkland Island, and it is the region’s largest settlement. Stanley provides the main shopping hub for the Falkland Islands. In 1843 work first began on turning Stanley into a settlement, and it was named the capital just two years later.
How many people live in the Falkland Islands?
As of 2012, the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) had a population of 2,932. More than 2,100 of these people live in Stanley, which leaves the rest of the islands sparsely populated. Residents of the islands are referred to as Falklanders, and they typically use the name “town” when referring to Stanley. The majority of the island’s residents are native-born and descend from British ancestors.
Who owns the Falkland Islands?
The Falklands (or Islas Malvinas) exercised its right to self-determination in 2013 and voted to retain their status as an overseas territory of the UK. The island has its own government and is financially independent.
What unique features does the Falkland Islands have?
Many visitors to the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) include a stop around West Falklands during their travels. Several islands in the area hosts a great variety of breeding birds and rookeries of rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatrosses, and imperial shags.
Most of the islands are hilly and mountainous, which makes them an interesting place to explore during an expedition cruise. Additionally, the Falklands’ biodiversity makes the islands an ideal choice for bird and wildlife lovers around the world.
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About
Falkland Islands weather
The overall climate of the Falkland Islands is quite similar to that found amongst the British Isles, except with more sunshine in any given year. However the islands are quite windy and the wind can sometimes carry a chill, so be prepared with appropriate layers.
An average spring day (between October through November) in the Falklands will have temperatures around 10°C.
Facts about the Falkland Islands
- The Falkland boasts a robust population of almost 3000 people.
- Most of the people living on the islands are of British descent and are known as “Kelpers”.
- Sheep vastly outnumber human beings on the island, with a population of around 500,000. That’s around 166 sheep for every person.
- There’s only one true town on the Falklands – Stanley, with a population of a little over 2,100 people.
- There are no native trees on the islands. Any trees you see on your Falkland Islands expedition have been imported.
- 80% of the Earth’s Black-browed Albatrosses make their breeding grounds on the islands.
- There are 5 different species of penguin to be found on your Falkland Islands holiday.
Travel to the Falkland Islands
Join us for a Falkland Islands trip and come explore some of the 778 islands and islets that play host to a vast array of wildlife. Your Falkland Islands expedition offers you an abundance of activities including shore walks, hikes, and even diving for the experienced.
A Falkland Islands holiday is a bonanza for bird watchers – over 220 different species of bird call the Falkland Islands home or use them as their breeding grounds. And for those who prefer their wildlife on the ground or in the sea when you travel to the Falkland Islands you’ll have the chance to meet a variety of porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, and whales.
