Travelisto destinations
Falkland Islands holidays
Five species of penguin, albatross colonies and empty white-sand beaches in the South Atlantic — a remote British territory full of wildlife.
Overview
Welcome to Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands are an archipelago of more than 700 islands in the South Atlantic, about 500km off the coast of Argentina, and a British Overseas Territory. For wildlife lovers they are extraordinary: five species of penguin breed here — king, gentoo, rockhopper, Magellanic and macaroni — alongside black-browed albatrosses, elephant seals, sea lions and dolphins, often just a few metres away and with hardly another visitor in sight.
Most visitors either arrive on an expedition cruise, as the Falklands are a classic stop on voyages to South Georgia and Antarctica, or fly in and stay in small lodges on the outer islands. Highlights include the king penguins at Volunteer Point, the albatross and rockhopper colonies on Saunders and West Point islands, Sea Lion Island’s elephant seals and orcas, and Carcass Island’s friendly wildlife. Stanley, the capital, has brightly roofed houses, Christ Church Cathedral with its whalebone arch, and a museum telling the islands’ maritime and 1982 history.
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Best for: wildlife photographers and nature lovers, birders, and travellers on South Georgia and Antarctica expeditions. Our expedition cruise sails from Ushuaia to the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
From the team
Why we love Falkland Islands
Most people see the Falklands from an expedition ship, which is wonderful — but a few nights in a lodge on Sea Lion or Saunders Island, with the penguins on your doorstep, is unforgettable.
Amanda Amanda, Americas & Caribbean Specialist Meet our Travel DesignersMain areas
Where to go in Falkland Islands
3 distinct regions — they pair beautifully two or three at a time.
Stanley & East Falkland
Stanley
Volunteer Point
Gypsy Cove
Sea Lion Island
Sea Lion Island
The western islands
Saunders Island
West Point
Carcass Island
Pebble Island
Find your trip
Holiday types in Falkland Islands
Pick a holiday style — or combine two. Each section links straight to the next step.
City breaks
Falkland Islands's cities reward 2-4 nights each — pair two for a tailor-made multi-centre trip.
Cruises
Stanley and the outer islands are regular calls on expedition cruises from Ushuaia to South Georgia and Antarctica, between November and March.
Escorted tours
1 escorted tours through Falkland Islands — guided, customisable, fully ATOL-protected.
Tailor-made
Everything you see above is a starting point — we'll shape any of these around how you actually want to travel.
Island-hopping wildlife trip
Lodges on two or three islands linked by small island planes.
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Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica
An expedition cruise with the Falklands built in.
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Photography holiday
Long days with the penguins in the best light.
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Falklands and Patagonia
Combine the islands with Chile’s Patagonia.
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Practical info
Knowing before you go
When to go
Jan
15°
Feb
14°
Mar
13°
Apr
10°
May
7°
Jun
5°
Jul
5°
Aug
5°
Sep
7°
Oct
9°
Nov
11°
Dec
13°
The season runs from October to March, the southern summer, when the penguins and albatrosses are breeding. November to February is best, with long days and chicks in the colonies. The weather is cool and windy even in summer, so bring layers and windproofs.
Flights & how to get there
There are two ways in: the long-haul air link from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, which stops on the way and takes about 18 hours, or a weekly flight from Punta Arenas in Chile. Many visitors arrive by expedition ship from Ushuaia in Argentina.
Visa & passport
The Falkland Islands are a British Overseas Territory. UK visitors do not need a visa, but you must have a return ticket, pre-booked accommodation and travel insurance that covers medical evacuation. For up-to-date entry requirements, check the UK FCDO travel advice for the Falkland Islands.
Currency & money
The Falkland Islands pound, equal to sterling. UK pounds are accepted, and cards work in Stanley.
Language & tipping
English.
Health & safety
No special vaccinations are needed. Medical facilities are limited, so buy comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation.
FAQs
Falkland Islands — your questions
When is the best time to visit the Falkland Islands?
October to March, the southern summer, when penguins and albatrosses are breeding. November to February is best, with chicks in the colonies and the longest days.
How do I get to the Falkland Islands?
By the long-haul air link from RAF Brize Norton, which takes about 18 hours with a stop, by a weekly flight from Punta Arenas in Chile, or on an expedition cruise from Ushuaia.
Which penguins can I see in the Falklands?
Five species breed here: king, gentoo, rockhopper, Magellanic and macaroni. King penguins gather at Volunteer Point, and rockhoppers nest on the cliffs of Saunders and West Point islands.
Do I need a passport for the Falkland Islands?
Yes. UK visitors need a valid passport but no visa, plus a return ticket, pre-booked accommodation and insurance covering medical evacuation.
Make this trip yours
Plan your Falkland Islands holiday with a Travel Designer
Pick from any of the options on this page or tell us what you have in mind — we'll build it around how you actually like to travel. ATOL protected, flights included, real humans available 9am–7pm.
ATOL protected
100% financially protected in a Trust bank account
PTS 6035
4.7 on Trustpilot