Falklands Experience
8 days from £3,720
Explore the tour day by day, from the highlights to the quieter moments in between. Here’s how each day unfolds and what to expect along the way.
Fly to Mount Pleasant (on East Falkland Island) from either Chile or the UK, before transferring to Stanley and hopping aboard a Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS) flight to Sea Lion Island, the southernmost inhabited island on the archipelago.
A low-rise building of wood and corrugated iron, embattled against the elements, Sea Lion Lodge is a friendly and well-run guesthouse on an almost uninhabited island that will impress and delight wildlife lovers. Colonies of rockhopper, king, gentoo and magellanic penguins cohabit with enormous elephant seals, killer whales patrol the seas and a vast range of sea birds can be sighted all around the lodge.
It’s a small island that can be explored on foot in its entirety; on arrival guests are taken on an introductory tour to point out the principal areas of interest. Accommodation is simple but sufficient and there is a well-stocked honesty bar, library and lounge with views of a nearby penguin rookery.
Enjoy two full days observing Sea Lion Island’s incredible eco-system, with residents including elephant seals, Magellanic, rockhopper and gentoo penguins, sea lions and a host of migratory sea birds. Animal encounters here are among the most impressive anywhere in the world, so the island’s accommodation is often one of the first to fill up.
A low-rise building of wood and corrugated iron, embattled against the elements, Sea Lion Lodge is a friendly and well-run guesthouse on an almost uninhabited island that will impress and delight wildlife lovers. Colonies of rockhopper, king, gentoo and magellanic penguins cohabit with enormous elephant seals, killer whales patrol the seas and a vast range of sea birds can be sighted all around the lodge.
It’s a small island that can be explored on foot in its entirety; on arrival guests are taken on an introductory tour to point out the principal areas of interest. Accommodation is simple but sufficient and there is a well-stocked honesty bar, library and lounge with views of a nearby penguin rookery.
Board another scenic FIGAS flight, this time landing on nearby Bleaker Island. Despite its name, Bleaker is one of the Falkland’s most beautiful islands, with sweeping white sand beaches playing host to an abundance of spectacular wildlife.
Bleaker has its own very sizeable population of penguins, but if you are after something a little different, you can visit its colony of over 8,000 imperial cormorants. One of the island’s most eye-catching events is the battle waged between predators like snowy sheathbills, dolphin gulls and skuas, and the penguin and cormorant parents, desperately trying to protect their eggs and chicks from the constant and persistent threats from above. While harrowing and heart wrenching to watch, it is an impelling spectacle that cannot help but draw the eye.
While most visitors will want to spend as little time at Cassard House as possible, that says much more about the wonderful wildlife watching opportunities available on the doorstep than it does about the lodge itself. Offering 4 clean, comfortable and spacious rooms (all with private facilities), a homely shared lounge and a large dining area and bar, the lodge is a really cozy environment in which to escape the often chastening winds outside – which, along with the roof mounted solar panels, provide all the power for the lodge. Wi-Fi is available throughout.
Head back to East Falkland and take a tour of Stanley, before continuing to your hotel. Stanley is by far the most heavily occupied settlement in the Falklands, but with a population of only around 2,500 people, it is still smaller than many UK villages and shares many distinguishing features with them.
Centrally located on the harbour front, Malvina House is undoubtedly the best accommodation in Port Stanley. It is a modern hotel: recently refurbished, comfortable and bright.
The spacious rooms are fairly businesslike in appearance, with a good range of facilities and smart décor; some have a harbour view. Colourful geometric designs predominate in the public areas of the hotel. There’s a well-regarded restaurant, a bar and lounge, and a small spa with sauna and Jacuzzi.
Set off in a 4×4 vehicle across bumpy terrain to Volunteer Point. It is a rickety, bone rattling, 2.5 hour journey each way, but few scenes could be more worth the effort. Huddled around one main nesting area, with others surfing the waves or marching their way along a striking white sand beach, are over 4,000 king penguins – the largest “accessible” collection of the species on Earth.
Centrally located on the harbour front, Malvina House is undoubtedly the best accommodation in Port Stanley. It is a modern hotel: recently refurbished, comfortable and bright.
The spacious rooms are fairly businesslike in appearance, with a good range of facilities and smart décor; some have a harbour view. Colourful geometric designs predominate in the public areas of the hotel. There’s a well-regarded restaurant, a bar and lounge, and a small spa with sauna and Jacuzzi.
Transfer back to Mount Pleasant Airport in time for your flight back to the UK or Chile – where you can continue your adventure.
The places you’ll stay and explore on this tour. Here’s a closer look at each one and what makes it worth the trip.
Falkland Islands - Bleaker Island
White-sand beaches, abundant marine life and thriving penguin colonies make Bleaker Island Falklands one of the archipelago’s most beautiful wildlife destinations. Around 85km south-west of Stanley, we think it offers some of the finest opportunities anywhere in the Falklands for nature lovers and wildlife photographers.
Falkland Islands - Sea Lion Island
One of the Falklands’ premier wildlife destinations, Sea Lion Island combines dramatic coastlines, pristine beaches and remarkable wildlife viewing. Penguins, seabirds and marine mammals can all be seen close to the island’s accommodation and walking trails, making it one of the South Atlantic’s most rewarding wildlife experiences.
Most travellers to the Falklands visit for only a day or two as part of an expedition cruise towards Antarctica. While this method allows for a great introduction to the islands, a longer, land-based stay offers a far more personal experience. One that gives you time to fully connect with the extraordinary wildlife without being rushed back onboard and without the distraction of other passengers accidentally wandering into your photos. This seven-night island hop stays on two of the archipelago’s most extraordinary islands, in small, homely isolated, lodges run by the only permanent inhabitants. You are in the thick of the action amongst penguins, sea lions, elephant seals and seabirds, with often only a handful of other humans for company. The trip ends with a visit to Stanley, the quaint capital with a distinctly British feel, and a day trip to Volunteer Point – home to the second largest “accessible” colony of king penguins on Earth.
The vast majority of visitors arrive by plane from Punta Arenas in southern Chile, making this the perfect addition to a longer trip that includes Patagonia, the Lake District, the wine region, the Atacama Desert or even Easter Island, but the Falklands are also served by twice weekly flights from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Although these are officially military airlifts (with a refuelling stop in Cape Verde), civilian passengers can book seats when available, though departures are more susceptible to change than traditional passenger aircraft. Once in the Falklands, transfers between islands will be on light aircraft, mostly using grass airstrips.
Finn Clennett
All of our experts have lived or travelled extensively in Latin America, so you will receive unrivalled advice based on unique personal experiences.
The practical detail for this tour, all in one place. Transport, accommodation, what’s included and what to pack, so you know exactly what to expect before you go.
- Transport
Short light aircraft journeys between islands and land vehicle transfers within islands.
- Accommodation
Cosy family-run guest houses or small hotels.
- Meals
Full board on Sea Lion and Bleaker Island, breakfast basis on East Falkland (Stanley).
- Guides
We carefully select our local partners, some of whom we have worked with for over 30 years. Their English-speaking guides understand the expectations of our clients very well, and are consistently singled out for praise by the latter on their return.
- Summary of Nights
8 days, 7 nights: Sea Lion Island 3 nights, Bleaker Island 2 nights, East Falkland (Stanley) 2 nights.
- Currency
The currency is the Falkland Islands pound. The pound sterling is accepted throughout the islands.
- Daily Spend
Most of your meals are included and there are very few places to spend money on the islands. It is very difficult to give a guideline for essential expenses but a budget of around £40 per day should cover the cost of meals not included in the holiday itinerary, drinks and the odd souvenir.
- Tipping
The Falklands have a very traditional British character and tipping is not generally expected, except when dining in Stanley where 10-15% is common for good service.
- Insurance
Travel insurance is essential.
Details of our recommended policy can be found at Travel Insurance page.
- Airport Taxes
A departure tax of £25 is payable in cash by all passengers on flights departing Port Stanley to South America (amount subject to change).
- Trip Suitability
This is a fully comprehensive holiday with travel or excursions on most days but none are especially arduous.
This holiday is suitable for all able-bodied, reasonably fit visitors. In other cases, e.g. if you have a disability or other special requirements, please call us.
- Climate
The Falkland Islands have a chilly climate characterised by strong winds, particularly in the spring (Sep-Oct). Rain falls on approximately 180 days per year, but totals are small. Expect daytime highs of around 10°C in Sep-Oct and Mar-Apr, whilst the islands are at their warmest in Jan, the mid-point of the southern summer, when daytime temperatures hover in the range of 15-20°C. . A little-known fact is that the islands are bathed in the same number of sunshine hours as southern England. Visitors benefit from long hours of daylight October to March.
- Clothing and Special Equipment
For day-to-day wear you should go prepared to encounter all seasons. Warm clothing, a sun hat and a hat to protect against cold and wind are essential. A wind proof fleece jacket and a Gore-Tex (or similar) outer shell make a good combination. Trousers, skirt or shorts made from light, quick-drying synthetic materials work well. Strong, comfortable footwear is essential.
Please get in touch with the office before departure if you have any doubts. Good equipment is very important and hard to come by in either in the Falklands or South America.
- Vaccinations
Preventative vaccinations are recommended against the following: typhoid; polio; tetanus; hepatitis A. You should consult your GP for specific requirements.
You can also find helpful information on the Masta Travel Health website.
- Visas
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate.
If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- When is the best time to visit the Falkland Islands?
The Falkland Islands have a chilly climate characterised by strong winds, particularly in the spring (Sep-Oct). Rain falls on approximately 180 days per year, but totals are small. The islands are at their warmest in Jan, the mid-point of the southern summer, but temperatures (averaging 10°C) don’t vary much throughout the year. A little-known fact is that the islands are bathed in the same number of sunshine hours as southern England. Visitors benefit from long hours of daylight Oct-Mar, when migratory birds and mammals arrive. November is the breeding time for penguins.
For more detailed information visit our When To Go section.
- What's the official language of the Falkland Islands?
The official language of the Falkland Islands is English.
- What is the official currency in the Falkland Islands?
The official currency of the Falkland Islands is the Falkland Islands pound. This is equal to one pound sterling, with notes and coins being similar to those in the UK, varying only in their design. There are generally no currency restrictions. British currency is accepted or exchange UK sterling for Falkland Islands currency at the bank in Port Stanley. There is no charge for exchanging sterling for Falkland Islands currency or vice versa. There are no ATMs on the island nor is it possible to exchange South American currencies, but credit cards are widely accepted and you can get a cash advance on cards at the bank. A departure tax of £25 is payable in cash by all passengers on flights departing Port Stanley to South America.
- What is the time difference between the Falkland Islands & the UK?
The time difference between the UK & the Falkland Islands is GMT -3 hours; this is actually daylight saving time. The accurate time is GMT -4 hours, observed all year round since 2011.
- Do I need a visa for the Falkland Islands?
Holders of a full British passport do not require a visa, although passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the trip begins. Anyone with a different nationality should enquire with us or check with the relevant consulate. If flying to the US, or via the US you will need to fill in your online ESTA application.
- What vaccinations do I need for the Falkland Islands?
Please check Travel Health Pro for information on health recommendations and vaccinations for the destinations you are visiting. Please note that many Latin American countries require proof of vaccination against Yellow Fever if you have recently travelled to another country where Yellow Fever is present.
- What places combine well with the Falkland Islands?
Chile combines well with the Falkland Islands, accessing the country by air at Punta Arenas, gateway to Patagonia and Torres del Paine National Park; Antarctica also pairs well as many cruises drop anchor at the Falklands.
- What are the key events in the Falkland Islands?
Bank holidays. UK bank holidays are observed, with the exception of Easter Monday and the bank holidays in May and Aug.
Liberation Day, 14 Jun. Church services and military parades commemorating the 1982 war.
Falklands Day, 14 Aug. Commemorates the first recorded sighting of the islands by English sea captain John Davis on the ship ‘Desire’.
Why choose Journey Latin America for your holiday
We’ve been planning trips to Central and South America for over 45 years, longer than any other UK specialist. Every holiday is built around you by a Travel Expert who has been to the places they recommend, with support from your first enquiry to the day you fly home.
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
Finn discovered his passion for travel on an extensive 18-month trip to Latin America, experiencing the vibrant Carnaval in Rio, the end-of-the-world city of Ushuaia, trekking the Andes and volunteering on the Galápagos Islands.
Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.
Gary discovered what he had been missing with his first foray into the wilds of Latin America. In his role as Product Manager, he combines this personal obsession with years of industry experience to help ensure that travellers will fall for the region every bit as much as he has.
Things to do
We proudly offer the widest range of activities, excursions and one-of-a-kind experiences across all our destinations, tried and tested personally by our travel experts.
Mingle with everybody’s favourite bird at enormous breeding colonies all along the rugged coastline.
Accommodation
Browse our unrivalled portfolio of accommodation. Every option has been carefully chosen by our team of travel experts, so you can rest assured that you will relax in utter comfort
Stanley’s best hotel, a centrally located modern property on the harbour front.
Friendly and well-run guesthouse on an almost uninhabited island that will impress and delight wildlife lovers.
Papagaio
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