
South Georgia Island
South Georgia may be a cartographic speck on the map and one of the least visited territories on Earth, but it's a true gem amidst the roiling southern ocean. Spectacular …
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The Falklands may be a small, remote and sparsely populated archipelago, but it punches well above its diminutive size when to comes to wildlife, diverse scenery and the friendliness of the islanders who call this island outpost ‘Home’.
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The following voyages include time exploring The Falklands as part of an 18-22 day voyage, which also includes South Georgia & Antarctica
Looking for an Antarctic adventure without compromising on comfort and service? This stylish 139-passenger ship, with its cavernous suites, fine dining and compelling itinerary, offers a very polished Southern Ocean adventure, at a fair…
3.9 out of 5
With a good choice of departure dates through the season across four medium-sized ships, this 19-23 day trip stands out for its value for money and the broad range of cabin categories available, including Quads, which are…
Join this classic Southern Ocean voyage, with a choice of two 21-day departures in the season. Travel aboard a generously proportioned 134-passenger expeditionary ship, undertake daily landings, with camping and kayaking for the…
4.3 out of 5
This voyage stands out by visiting the Antarctic Peninsula first and keeping the wonders of South Georgia for the second half. Plus you’ll be travelling on board one of the most exciting new Polar ships with spacious cabins, state-of-the-art technology…
4.4 out of 5
Voyage south in Shackleton’s footsteps, exploring the highlights of the Southern Ocean as part of this ‘classic’ 20-day adventure. A well-balanced itinerary and the choice between 3 well-appointed expedition ships (capacity 128-199 guests) really marks this trip out. Plus, you…
An epic 23-day voyage which packs in an astonishing 7 days in Antarctica, 4 days in wildlife-rich South Georgia and the Polar Circle at 66 degrees south. It's very rare to find a trip combining all three places. Limited departure…
4.3 out of 5
Purpose-built to tackle polar waters, an eco-minded vessel makes the ocean crossing between Antarctica and the wildlife Eden of South Georgia as comfortable as possible. Traverse the breathtaking Antarctic Sound where huge tabular icebergs dwarf the ship and immerse yourself…
It’s true to say that if The Falklands Islands were easier to get to they would receive significantly more visitors each year, particularly to see the island’s impressive wildlife. The birdlife alone - 227 known species - is incredibly diverse for such a small area, making it a birding mecca.
The chance to see up to 5 of the world’s penguin species - gentoo, magellanic, macaroni, rockhopper and king - is also a big drawcard. The sight of small groups of resplendent kings marching along empty white beaches is unique and makes for great photo opportunities.
And then there are significant populations of lazing sea lions, giant elephant seals hauled up amongst the tussock grass and whales and dolphins aplenty offshore.
Statistics aside, what makes the Falklands wildlife so special is how accessible it is; it’s far from uncommon for the patient observer to be approached by a curious penguin or inquisitive caracara.
Falkland Islands Wolf
Although it is now sadly extinct, the Falkland Islands Wolf or 'Warrah' has a fascinating history. Described by Darwin as a wolf-like dog, the 'Warrah' was the only predator on the islands. They were hunted for their fur by settlers on the island and poisoned by farmers who saw them as a threat to their sheep. The Falkland Islands Wolf became extinct in the 1870s and the closest living relative is the Maned Wolf, a rare canid which roams the grasslands of South America.
Comprised of two principal islands - East & West Falkland - but counting 776 islands in total, this isolated Atlantic archipelago’s nearest neighbours are Patagonia, 300 miles (483 kilometres) to the east, and South Georgia.
From a landscape point of view there is nowhere else quite like The Falklands. Sparsely populated, unspoilt, raw and diverse are the words which most succinctly sum up the island's scenery. Perfect white sandy beaches, rolling golden hillsides, towering cliff faces, rocky promontories and unique ‘stone runs’ flowing down the mountains like rivers provides a small window into the startling geographical diversity of what you will find.
The Falklands has a cold, maritime climate, influenced by the Antarctic Current although mild compared to Antarctic temperatures.
Winter (May – September) temperatures hover between 0 and 5°C while wind and rain are common, snow much less so. During the summer months temperatures average 9°C, with November to February being the most favourable months. When warm air travels across the sea temperatures can peak at around 15°C. Summer days can be clear and dry or wet and blustery, or both; the weather very much known for it's changeability.
First claimed by the British in 1763, islanders to this day remain fiercely loyal to the Crown. The Falklands however hasn’t been free of controversy through its 500 year history with France, Spain and Argentina all having looked to exert authority at various times.
When discovered the islands were uninhabited, but the nineteenth century saw Stanley become one of the world’s busiest ports, while the introduction of Cheviot sheep was a game changer for the island's economy.
For many visitors, including veterans, the more recent 1982 conflict is the most historically significant and every islander has their own stories. While peace has returned to these sleepy islands, vestiges of that time are still plainly visible.
The Falkland Islands may be very remote but they leave a lasting imprint on those fortunate enough to visit.
The visitor season on The Falklands typically runs through the summer from October to April. As the best time to visit Antarctica is November to March, whenever you plan your trip within this time frame you'll experience the Falklands summer.
You'll want to pack your windproof even in the height of summer – just like the wildlife the wind and rain is experienced year-round!
Views of the vessel in the Falkland Islands
The Falklands can be reached either by flying or by ship. You have 3 choices:
There are two distinct ways to explore the islands, which offer markedly different experiences:
By Ship - Ship-based visitors now number over 60,000 a year having experienced significant growth over the last decade. With hotel accommodation, accessibility to the remoter islands and tourist facilities generally still quite limited, exploring by ship is very practical.
Cruises of the Falkland Islands only are few in number. More common are voyages which include The Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica in a loop of the Southern Ocean, which typically takes 18 - 23 days.
Land-based - Travelling by land allows greater independence, more time in each place and the chance for a more immersive experience than the often fleeting visits by ship. The network of small B&B’s provide memorable overnight accommodation. Local guides can be arranged to accompany you and short hopper flights provide inter island access.
For those visitors arriving by ship, accommodation onboard is already taken care of. For non-cruise travellers wishing to explore the islands, there’s a modest network of small, independently owned and run bed & breakfast’s and lodgings, which get progressively more rudimentary the further you foray from the capital, Stanley.
The visitor season on The Falklands typically runs through from October to April. The more favourable months are November to February when the weather is clearer and average temperatures around 8 degrees centigrade/ 46 fahrenheit, although the weather is still very changeable.
There are 3 options:
Once weekly on a Saturday. The flight takes approx. 1 hour 35 minutes.
In general, cruise ship visitors don’t require a visa for The Falklands or to participate in shore excursions. However, visitors arriving by air, or intending to spend time in the Falklands before or after a cruise, may need a visa.
There’s a modest network of small, independently owned and run bed & breakfast’s and lodgings, which get progressively more rudimentary the further you foray from the capital, Stanley.
Visit the Falkland Islands trips scored 4.3/5 from 106 reviews
We loved every minute of it, just wish we could have spent a bit more time in Stanley, it looks so delightfully colonial like belonging to another age.
Travelled: January 2018
Lucien & Marie-Eve - South Africa
One of my aims was to walk with king penguins and to see them in huge crowds. I did this. And to see king penguins on the same ground as sheep was just extraordinary. That moment in the Falklands is indeed memorable. Read the full review
Travelled: February 2022
Sue Gatenby - UK
Review:
South Georgia may be a cartographic speck on the map and one of the least visited territories on Earth, but it's a true gem amidst the roiling southern ocean. Spectacular …
South Georgia is more challenging to get to than almost any other place on each, there is however a choice of routes for getting to South Georgia.
The statistics alone simply can’t do justice to how extraordinary the wildlife of South Georgia is. This is the place to experience the greatest density of wildlife on the …
One of the most spectacular, wildlife-rich places on earth, South Georgia offers the photographic expedition of a lifetime. From soaring albatross to animal packed beaches, the …
For sheer density of wildlife, majestic scenery, riveting history and remoteness, South Georgia is hard to beat in every single one of these categories. It’s one of the least visited places on earth, however the time and effort invested to get there is paid off with rich dividends.
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 50 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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