A traveller's guide to the Falkland Islands
These small but perfectly formed islands are packed with interest for any explorer, from history to hiking and cathedrals to penguins. Here’s our traveller’s guide to the Falklands.
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Don’t be fooled by the size of these islands. This enigmatic archipelago may only be about half the size of Wales at 12,173 sq km, but they’re packed with things to see and do. It’s a place shaped by its fascinating history, enchanting wildlife and beautifully rugged landscapes, all of which are ready and waiting to be discovered.
Despite its chilly temperatures, the Falkland Islands are the perfect setting for nature treks, hikes, 4x4 excursions and other explorations. As for what to pack, don’t worry – we’ve thought of everything.
To whet your appetite, here’s our traveller’s guide to the Falkland Islands.
A tale of twists and turns
The question of who discovered the Falkland Islands has long been pondered by historians. While there were no signs of life here until the mid-18th century, the first record of anyone even seeing the islands was made in 1592. In 1690, the English sea captain John Strong made the first recorded landing, naming them for Viscount Falkland, treasurer of the Royal Navy.
The British founded a naval base and settlement on Saunders Island in 1765. Little did they know, a few months earlier the French had founded a colony – known to them as Iles Malouines – on East Falkland and neither party knew of the other’s existence. A few years later, France sold its claim to Spain and, when English and Spanish ships discovered each other soon after, there was much back-and-forth until the last Spanish settlers left in 1811. Argentina then won its independence from Spain and attempted to colonise East Falkland in the 1820s.
Thus, this incredible little archipelago’s most tumultuous chapter began, culminating in the Battle of the Falklands in 1914 and the 1982 Falklands War. In 1990, Argentina and Britain restored diplomatic relations and in 2013, islanders voted to remain a British overseas territory.
Prosperity and penguins
Today, the Falkland Islands are entirely self-sufficient and nearly self-governing. Although its population is largely British, people have settled here from all over the world to work in the island's lucrative farming and fishing industries, and enjoy its unspoiled natural landscapes. It’s this renowned natural beauty, rich history and plentiful penguin population that makes the Falkland Islands one of the most popular stops on any cruise to Antarctica.
Wonderful wildlife
Bird-lovers will relish the opportunity to spot an abundance of sought-after species here, including the endemic Falklands Steamer Duck and Cobb's Wren, as well as the Black-Browed Albatross. There are an amazing 59 breeding species here, so it’s quite the birding hotspot.
Marine mammals also thrive in the Falkland Islands, including elephant seals, fur seals and southern sea lions. The archipelago also plays host to 14 species of whale, so you’ll have the opportunity to tick Orcas, Sperm Whales and Humpbacks off your list, and – if you’re very lucky – even glimpse a Blue Whale.
As for the penguins, they’re the islands’ most celebrated residents and it’s no wonder – there are four different species here, all with their own individual charm. There are King Penguins, which look very similar to their larger cousins, the Emperor Penguin. You’ll also see Rockhoppers, Magellanic and Gentoo Penguins, which are all smaller in size but just as fun to watch.
Town and country
Stanley is the Falkland Islands’ only town and, naturally, its capital. Here you can enjoy an insight into life on these rugged isles, exploring Christ Church Cathedral and the Whalebone Arch, the 1982 Liberation Memorial and the Lady Elizabeth shipwreck.
You can also venture a couple of hours away from Stanley to Volunteer Point. En route, you’ll see many of the famous battlefield sites and remnants from the 1982 conflict, as well as unique rock formations, known locally as stone runs. When you arrive at this beautiful, rugged landscape, between a white sandy beach and a lagoon, you’ll see the home of over 1,000 penguins, all living together in relative harmony.
There’s all this and more to experience on a visit to the Falkland Islands. Join us on our Antarctic & Falklands Expedition on the MS Roald Amundsen to walk in the footsteps of Charles Darwin and Ernest Shackleton, exploring the rich history and natural beauty of a land that few will ever see for themselves.
