Falkland Islands

Experience the prime bird lover’s paradise

Join a Falkland Islands cruise and enter a bird lover’s paradise

Few places provide such a winning combination of terrain and birdlife as the Falklands, and few trips offer so many opportunities for unforgettable adventure as a cruise to the Falklands – especially for those who love birds.

Over 60 distinct species of bird breed on the Falkland Islands, and in fact over 80% of the world’s black-browed albatrosses can be found there. As for penguins, you have the chance to spot multiple species during a cruise to the Falklands: gentoos, kings, macaronis, rockhoppers, and Magellanics call these islands home.

But bird life is not the only wildlife you could see on a Falklands trip. Seals and whales are also commonly spotted in or near these wildlife-rich waters, making even the sea legs or shore visits of a Falklands cruise memorable.

Specifically, fur seals, elephant seals, and sea lions may appear on a trip to the Falklands. As for the larger species you might encounter during a Falklands cruise, these range from sei whales to sperm whales, porpoises to dolphins, and maybe even orcas.

Join us on a cruise to the Falklands, a bird lover’s dream come true and the ideal place to unleash your inner explorer.

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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

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

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

6 Dec - 25 Dec, 2024

Berths start from:

17250 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

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

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

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

4 Jan - 22 Jan, 2025

Berths start from:

15750 USD

Falklands cruise video

Latest blog and customer story

Falkland Islands blog

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.

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Falkland Islands story

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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Latest highlight and wildlife

the Falkland Islands

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Falkland Islands cruise reviews

by Sandy Kuan

The destination of this trip were Antartica, Falkland Island , South Georgia in January 2024, for 18 days cruising. For the most part on Hondius, we felt we were discriminated by some of the Expedition team members. This can be seen especially at lunch and dinner time. Most of the team members sit only with Caucasian guests. There were also different attitudes towards Caucasian vs second language English speakers seen throughout this trip. I tried to initiate conversations with some of the team members but gotten minimum replies. It was very different attitude when this team member interacted with Caucasian guests which was always with lots of enthusiasm. I remembered the first day we arrived on the ship, the Team Lead said ‘’ we are on the same ship and we are a big family.’’ But it didn’t feel that we were welcomed throughout the journey. Most of the time it felt been treated as secondary. I understand there was a group of people from other countries who don’t speak English well or at all. But, It doesn’t mean it’s okay to ignore or treat one who doesn’t speak English or who is not Caucasian differently. I am not taking about Language barriers but more about attitudes and Oceanwide appearance in front of its customers from its own expeditions team members. Only the last day or two, some of the team members finally started been seen doing their “homework “ it felt like, by company’s standard I guess..to sit with second language English speaking guests at lunch/dinner whom they have almost never interacted with. The positive sides were the expedition team members were very knowledgeable about Antarctica, from water, ice , birds, whales, winds, penguins, Hondius ….etc. They were able to answer every question, putting efforts to lectures and landings. They even tried to use rope to show us how long each different whale looked like. The Team from the restaurant was impressive, very nice service, excellent food. Front desk, super sweet, friendly and helpful. Housekeeping, they kept our room and bed clean and cozy, surprised towel animals every day. However it does not justify how we were been discriminated. Once again, you can’t treat your guests differently by skin color.

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by Stella Ellis
From the first briefing when we were told that plan B was already in operation due to severe weather around the Falklands and S Georgia, taking a passenger to King George Island to be medevacked off the ship, then doing the whole trip in reverse, it was brilliant. The expedition crew certainly new their stuff, their English was excellent ( with one exception) and they certainly got us to every landing and zodiac cruise possible. Even backtracking around South Georgia and a full circumnavigation just to get us to all possible landings was fantastic. Another example - out last day in the Falklands and we were visiting New Island. The plan was North Beach in the morning and South Beach in the afternoon. As we approached North Beach the wind was far too strong for a landing so we didn't stop, and headed straight to South Beach. A great landing had by all and then as we had lunch we went back to North Beach - the wind was reasonable so we could land and had a great last afternoon before sailing back to The cabin stewards were thorough in their work and very friendly. All the crew on the boat were first class, especially getting us on and off the zodiacs. Food fab!
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by Edward Harris
Thanks to Oceanwide and its fantastic crew. We were able to do numerous dives and landings due to the experience of the leadership on board.
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by Lynn Benton
Our trip exceeded any expectations we could have imagined. The ship and all crew onboard were superb, the food was great and we had so many zodiac cruises and landings which enabled us to spend time with the wildlife in the natural environment. Read full review
by Seok Yee Chan
This trip exceeded all expectations in generous amounts. While not under our direct control, the choices made by the Expedition Leader Pippa and the Bridge worked out 110% well. No events were cancelled as we enjoyed calm waters and clear skies. All the expected wildlife were seen by us in ample opportunities. Food on board Hondius surpassed our needs. Talks were also informative and helpful. The team deserves a great applause and appreciation. Read full review
by Lyn Williams

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.

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FAQ's about Falkland Islands cruises

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

About Falkland Islands cruises

The weather you may experience on a cruise to the Falklands

The overall climate of the Falkland Islands is comparable to that of the British Isles, except with more sunshine overall – good news for your future Falklands cruise. An average spring day (October through November) will have temperatures around 10°C (50°F).

Still, the Falklands are windy, so remember to pack layers to better enjoy your stunningly scenic cruise to the Falkland Islands.

Some facts to remember during your Falkland Islands cruise

  • The Falkland Islands boast 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 (around 166 sheep per 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, so any trees you see on your Falklands cruise have been imported.
  • 80% of the Earth’s black-browed albatrosses make their breeding grounds on the Falkland Islands.
  • There are five species of penguin you might see on a cruise to the Falklands.

Cruise the Falklands and enjoy a stunning sub-Antarctic archipelago

Join us on a Falkland Islands cruise and explore some of the 778 islands and islets that make up this bird-rich archipelago!

Your cruise to the Falklands offers exciting activities, including shoreline walks, photo workshops, and even scuba diving (for those with the necessary experience).

But best of all, a Falkland Islands cruise is a bonanza for bird watchers: over 220 avian species call these islands home! During your Falkland Islands cruise you might also encounter porpoises, dolphins, sea lions, and whales.

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