Travel guide to the Falkland Islands: What to See and How to Visit
Out here, nature writes the rules. Wild, remote, and utterly captivating - the Falklands is nature at its awe-inspiring best.
Why visit the Falkland Islands?
Sail to an archipelago on the edge of the world, where white-sand beaches and windswept moorlands teem with wildlife.
Stand before sprawling penguin colonies – thousands strong – and watch southern sea lions and elephant seals haul out along the coast.
Enter a birdwatcher’s paradise with over 200 species to spot, from the graceful black-browed albatross to the iconic striated caracara.
Visit Stanley – one of the world’s most remote settlements – and experience its unique blend of British culture and frontier spirit.
What wildlife can you see in the Falkland Islands?
Penguins
Penguins are the undisputed stars of the Falklands. Five species make their home here, from the charismatic rockhopper with its wild yellow eyebrows to the elegant king penguin, standing tall in shimmering silver and gold. You'll find them waddling along white-sand beaches, nesting in grassy burrows, or diving headfirst into the surf.
The islands’ isolation and rich marine life make them a haven for these seabirds – offering some of the best penguin encounters anywhere on Earth. Whether it’s a curious chick or a bustling colony, each moment with them is pure magic.
Birds
The Falklands are a birdwatcher’s dream – home to over 200 species, with a handful found nowhere else. The skies, cliffs, and grassy hills are alive with the sound of squawks. Coastal wetlands attract waders and waterfowl, while inland, you’ll spot upland geese, meadowlarks, and the striking Falkland thrush.
With so few predators and vast open landscapes, the islands offer rare encounters with birdlife, including nesting black-browed albatross. Our experienced ornithologists will help you identify rare species, share insights into behaviour and migration, and reveal how this ecosystem supports such extraordinary diversity.
Seals and sea lions
Along the rugged coastlines of the Falklands, you’ll encounter some of the Southern Ocean’s most boisterous marine mammals. Southern sea lions dominate rocky outcrops, their powerful bodies and loud barks unmistakable as they jostle for space and attention.
On more sheltered beaches, southern elephant seals – the world’s largest seal – haul out to rest, molt, and spar in dramatic displays. Smaller fur seals can be seen lounging on kelp-strewn shores or swimming just offshore. The islands’ pristine waters and minimal human disturbance make them an ideal spot for observing these creatures in their natural habitat.
Whales
The waters surrounding the Falklands are a prime spot for whale watching. Humpbacks are among the most spectacular visitors – breaching, tail-slapping, and feeding in the rich waters offshore. Sei whales, fin whales, and even orcas can also be spotted.
Closer to the coast, you might glimpse Peale’s dolphins or the distinctive black-and-white Commerson’s dolphin darting through the surf. With our onboard marine biologists, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of these intelligent, social mammals and the vital role they play in our changing ocean.
Nature’s resilience on the edge of the world
The Falkland Islands are a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Sweeping coastlines and windswept grasslands provide vital habitat for vast colonies of penguins, albatrosses, and sea lions. Isolated yet teeming with life, the islands offer an up-close look at nature’s ability to adapt and endure in the face of the elements.
What’s the scenery like in the Falkland Islands?
Every island in the Falklands has a story to tell. One moment you’re walking along windswept white-sand beaches teeming with penguins; the next, you’re crossing rolling moorlands or watching albatross nest in the tall inland grass. Steep cliffs rise above rocky coves, and the wild, open landscapes are as remote as they are spectacular.
Thanks to our small expedition boats, you’ll have the chance to go ashore on guided nature landings – getting up close to the islands’ raw beauty. This is nature, unfiltered.
What is the history of the Falklands?
The Falkland Islands are steeped in history shaped by centuries of exploration, conflict, and resilience. Once a remote outpost at the edge of the world, they’ve been claimed by multiple nations, each leaving its mark on the islands’ identity. Whalers and sealers came first, followed by settlers, soldiers, and scientists. The 1982 conflict between the UK and Argentina remains a defining chapter, but the story doesn’t end there.
Today, the islands stand as a testament to endurance and self-reliance, with a proud local community and a heritage woven from both hardship and hope. With our Expedition Team, you’ll explore historic sites, hear untold stories, and connect past to present in powerful ways.
How can I visit the Falkland Islands?
Each year, we offer a selection of all-inclusive expedition cruises to the Falkland Islands, with each journey also spending several days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. On select departures, in addition to the Falklands, we also venture to the wildlife-rich shores of South Georgia - the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean. These carefully curated itineraries strike the perfect balance: dramatic icescapes, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and the untamed beauty of some of the most remote places on Earth.
With you every step of the way is our Expedition Team. These skilled scientists and destination specialists possess a deep knowledge and love of the Antarctic region – and they’re eager to share it with you. Just five minutes with our ornithologists, glaciologists, climate scientists, and marine biologists will forever change how you see the world.
Can I take part in scientific research on an expedition cruise?
We’re proud to offer the most comprehensive science and education programme of any expedition travel company. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, MS Fram’s newly upgraded Science Centre is at the heart of the onboard experience. Here, you can engage in cutting-edge research, participate in live workshops, and connect with our scientists. You’ll become an integral part of our research team by contributing to important Citizen Science projects. Your involvement helps us and our scientific partners understand and protect South Georgia’s delicate ecosystems.
Antarctica & Falklands Expedition
Ship: MS Roald Amundsen
Duration: 15 days
Departure dates: 5 departures between Nov 2025 and Mar 2027
Sail iceberg-filled waters as we journey from Ushuaia to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands. Spot penguins, seals and whales along the way. As always, nature is in charge. We’ll monitor conditions to give you the best adventure possible, including kayaking, ice-cruising, hiking and more.
Explore the rolling green hills and white sands of the picturesque Falklands archipelago. A warm welcome awaits you in the capital Stanley. You’ll also visit the albatross, penguin and seal colonies that thrive on these remote shores.
Featured Cruises
In-depth South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctica Expedition
Ship: MS Fram
Duration: 23 days
Departure dates: 12 departures between Nov 2025 and Feb 2027
Three distinct destinations all in one: South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and Antarctica - with four days in the White Continent.
Witness a wide variety of iconic wildlife species, including nesting penguins, fur seals and whales.
Explore the lush green hills of the Falklands and the alpine landscapes of South Georgia, as well as the iceberg-studded seas of Antarctica.
What’s included in an HX expedition?
The all-inclusive you expect…
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Beer, wine, and cocktails (excluding premium spirits)
Coffee, tea and soft drinks
Sauna and fitness centre
Gratuities
WiFi
Plus, the all-inclusive that sets us apart…
Domestic flights based on selected itinerary
Daily expeditions and activities
Expedition jacket to keep
Professional photos of your trip
Full access to our Science Centre
Science and Education programme
Can I join an expedition cruise to the Falkland Islands as a solo traveller?
Absolutely. We welcome solo explorers to the Falklands and beyond – because adventure doesn’t need a plus-one. Our expedition ships are the right size: small enough to feel personal, spacious enough to find your own quiet moment.
Whether you’re swapping stories in the lounge, sharing a small-boat safari with fellow explorers, or taking in the view from the deck, you’ll be among like-minded adventurers. Every HX expedition features a limited number of cabins available with a low solo supplement.
Celebrate our 130th anniversary with a free suite upgrade
Enjoy the ultimate expedition experience with a suite. After a day of exploring, return to an ocean oasis – complete with a private balcony and spacious seating area. Enjoy priority boarding, fine dining, premium drinks, laundry, and much more, all included as standard for suite guests. For a limited time only, you can book a suite for the price of a superior cabin.