The Falkland Islands are a far flung unspoilt destination teeming with wildlife and adventure. Located 8000 miles away from the United Kingdom these islands are a slice of Britain hidden in the South Atlantic, brightly coloured roofs line the front road of the islands capital city Stanley, gleaming in the sunlight, brightening up the dreariest of days. The islands consist of over 740 small islands with two large islands, East and West Falkland, and altogether have a total land area equal to half the size of Wales.

These windswept islands have over 220 species of bird recorded which includes five species of penguin and over 60% of the world’s black browed albatross. East Falkland also has the world’s most accessible King Penguin colony located at Volunteers Point, a two hour drive from Stanley.

The two major islands have mountain ranges, both reaching to around 700 metres (2,300 ft). The major income earning activities include fishing, tourism, and sheep farming (used for high-quality wool exports). Cruise ship tourism is increasingly popular in the Falklands, with visits from major cruise lines and smaller expedition ships that call in en-route to Antarctica.

The Falklands are a popular destination for cruise ships and charter yachts, with more than 37 companies now including the Islands in their itineraries. Vessels generally visit Stanley, the capital of the Falklands, and a selection of outer islands and settlements renowned for their natural beauty and wildlife. Many of these vessels are heading to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia or South American ports.

A wildlife haven, the Falkland Islands also has plenty of historical and cultural offerings to interest their visitors. The Islands have a history that is intertwined with maritime tradition, Stanley Harbour area is home to many ship wrecks dating back to the 17th Century with the remains of more than 100 ships scattered around the coastline.

There is a rich military history, with a strong involvement of residents in both World Wars, and the more recent 1982 War with Argentina. Many remnants of the war are still visible on the mountainside battlefields. There are also a lot of minefields left over from the Argentine occupation. While well signed and enclosed, the fact that they are scattered plastic mines makes them almost impossible to sweep. One of the favourite souvenirs of the islands is a faded ‘skull & crossbones’ sign carrying the warning ‘Danger Mines’. These emotive signs are available to purchase in the POD Gift shop in Stanley.

The Falkland Islands have an award winning tourist attraction. The Bluff Cove Lagoon Falkland Penguin Tour was the Seatrader Insider Awards 2009 Innovative Shorex Award winner, an award voted for by the world’s cruise lines. This ‘Mom & Pop’ operation is the brain child of Hattie and Kevin Kilmartin as a diversification from their core activity of sheep and cattle farming. The tour includes

• Superb and abundant wildlife in a beautiful wilderness beach setting.
• Guests pampered from pier to penguins and back again.
• A short but informative minibus drive through the 1982 battlefields.
• Talk about Falkland’s life during the 4-wheel drive off-road safari adventure.
• Delicious home baking at the Sea Cabbage Café featuring local flavours and accompanied by live traditional music.

• The new Bluff Cove Museum by the beach telling the story of Bluff Cove, Falkland sheep farming, the nearby Sugar Wreck and the '82 War.
• Small gift shop and modern restroom facilities.
• Opportunities to talk with our knowledgeable and friendly Rangers.
• Plenty of time to explore and shop in Stanley before or after the tour.

For more detailed information visit www.falklandpenguins.com

If you are coming to the Falkland Islands on a cruise there is a huge variety of excursions that showcase the Falkland Islands. Experience traditional farming methods at Long Island Farm, one of very few farms left in the Falklands that operate in the traditional manner. For the more adventurous there is a scenic flight in an Britten Norman Islander aircraft, or perhaps a Nature Trek around the scenic coastline.

You can view the gentoo penguins at Sparrow Cove via motorlaunch and 4x4 vehicle. The Murrell farm is home to the Falklands most accessible rockhopper colony, this tour of course as is requisite for the Falklands and involves a 4x4 off-road adventure and homemade cakes and cookies.

For those who are more interested in Stanley, there are tours of this charming town by coach or on foot with a knowledgeable guide.

For more information about tours please visit www.sulivanshipping.com.

Getting There

You can fly to these special islands on the South American airline Lan Tam. Please click on one of their advertisements on this page for details. It is a little complicated and takes a while but is still quicker than by ship.



Whether you are looking for adventure or seeking quieter pleasures, the Falklands are a great place to relax and unwind. From personal encounters of the wildlife kind, to wilderness trout fishing, hiking and self-exploration to guided tours of key cultural and historic sites - discover all the Falklands has on offer. Visit www.falklandislands.com for more information.

Editors Note:

For U.K. tourists, don't forget to visit the Groundforce Garden at the Hospital to see how Alan Tichmarsh & his team's efforts have stood the test of time.