The Falkland Islands are a wildlife lover’s dream: five species of penguin, black-browed albatrosses, elephant seals and sea lions, often a few metres away and with almost no one else around. They are a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, reached by air or as part of an expedition cruise to South Georgia and Antarctica.
This guide covers where to go, when, and the two ways to get there. For our hand-picked trips, see our Falkland Islands holidays page.
The quick answer
- Go between October and March, the breeding season.
- See king penguins at Volunteer Point.
- Stay in a lodge on Sea Lion or Saunders Island.
- Or visit on an expedition cruise with South Georgia and Antarctica.
- Allow plenty of time — travel is part of the adventure.
Where to go
| Area | Best for | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Stanley & East Falkland | History, king penguins | Christ Church Cathedral, Gypsy Cove, Volunteer Point |
| Sea Lion Island | Seals, orcas | Elephant seals, sea lions, gentoo penguins |
| Western islands | Albatross, rockhoppers | Saunders, West Point, Carcass, Pebble islands |
Island-hopping is by small island plane between farm-settlement lodges. Most cruise visitors see Stanley and one or two outer islands; a land stay of a week or more lets you live alongside the colonies.
Things to do
- Volunteer Point — king penguins on a long white beach.
- Saunders and West Point — rockhopper and albatross colonies on the cliffs.
- Sea Lion Island — elephant seals, sea lions and orcas offshore.
- Stanley — the whalebone arch, the Historic Dockyard Museum and 1982 battlefield tours.
- Carcass Island — friendly wildlife and a famous afternoon tea.
- Photography — endless light in the southern summer.
When to go
The season runs from October to March, when penguins and albatrosses breed. November to February is best, with chicks in the colonies and the longest days. It is cool and windy even in summer, so bring layers and windproofs.
Getting there and entry
Fly on the long-haul air link from RAF Brize Norton, which stops on the way and takes about 18 hours, or on the weekly flight from Punta Arenas in Chile. Many visitors arrive by expedition ship from Ushuaia. UK visitors don’t need a visa but must have a return ticket, pre-booked accommodation and insurance that covers medical evacuation. Check the FCDO travel advice for the Falkland Islands before you go.
Money and local costs
The Falkland Islands pound is equal to sterling, and UK pounds are accepted. Medical facilities are limited, so comprehensive insurance is essential.
Food and drink
Expect hearty home cooking in the lodges — Falklands lamb and mutton, fresh fish and squid, and cakes at every teatime. Stanley has a handful of pubs and cafés.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit the Falkland Islands?
October to March, the breeding season; November to February is best.
How do I get to the Falklands?
By the air link from RAF Brize Norton (about 18 hours with a stop), the weekly flight from Punta Arenas, or an expedition cruise from Ushuaia.
Which penguins can I see?
King, gentoo, rockhopper, Magellanic and macaroni penguins all breed here.
Do I need a passport?
Yes, but no visa — plus a return ticket, accommodation and insurance covering medical evacuation.
Can I combine the Falklands with Antarctica?
Yes, many expedition cruises from Ushuaia include the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula.
Planning a Falklands trip?
Tell us whether you prefer a land stay or an expedition cruise, and we will plan it around the wildlife season.
