The Falkland Islands, known to Argentinians as Islas Malvinas, span an area of roughly 7,500 square kilometer’s in the southern Atlantic Ocean. They consist of 778 islands. The islands are a British Overseas Territory even though they are only 483 kilometer’s off the coast of Argentina and 12,000 kilometer’s from England.
These chilly, hilly islands draw a surprising amount of visitors despite their distant location—or perhaps precisely because of it. The Falklands are ideally located to take advantage of the rising demand for tourists travelling to the Antarctic, with direct flights from the UK and South America as well as frequent visits from cruise ships.
11 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in the Falkland Islands
The fauna of the Falklands is without a doubt its major draw. It boasts a wide variety of bird and marine animal species, as well as a variety of fantastic tour alternatives that will allow you to get up up and personal with them. Other well-liked activities on the Falkland Islands include fishing, mountain biking, trekking, hiking, and climbing.
Our list of the top tourist attractions in the Falkland Islands will help you find the best destinations and areas of interest.
1. South Georgia Museum
The South Georgia Museum was founded in 1991 as a whaling museum but has subsequently grown to incorporate the island’s history. The museum features unique exhibits chronicling the discovery and exploration of the island, sealing, whaling, its maritime history, and natural history. It is housed in a 1916 whaling station manager’s house constructed by Norwegian whalers.
Additionally, it now has displays about the 1982 Falklands War and the presence of the British troops. From the Falklands, access is typically provided by cruises or boat rentals.
2. South Georgia Island
In addition to being a UK overseas territory, South Georgia Island is situated 862 miles east of the Falkland Islands. The island, which includes glaciers and mountains covered in snow, is uninhabited. However, it does keep up a museum and two British Antarctic Research Stations.
The island’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife, especially the two million fur seals who claim the island each summer, are its principal draws. Additionally, it is home to half of the southern elephant seal population in the world, which comes here every year to reproduce. The island is also home to a large number of penguins, 250,000 albatrosses, and many reindeer.
3. West Falkland Island and Port Howard
The West Falkland Islands are made up of roughly 4,500 square kilometres and are distinguished by their interior mountainous terrain and sharp coastal cliffs. The island, like the East Falklands, has a great biodiversity, with 163 different plant species and 21 different land bird species. Because of its nature and adventure tourism, it is very well-liked.
Port Howard is the island’s largest town. This prominent sheep farming region has a range of upscale lodging choices, including charming farm guesthouses and bed and breakfasts.
Walking through Port Howard is a fantastic experience. A modest museum with artefacts from the conflict and displays about sheep farming are among the highlights of the walking tour. It makes a good foundation from which to observe the nearby hills as well.
4. East Falkland’s Small Villages
Exploring the other, smaller communities of East Falkland outside of Stanley is a journey in and of itself. The north coast city of Port Louis, which is only a short drive away, makes a wonderful starting point from which to explore the region’s stunning scenery and penguin colonies.
One of the less well-known towns, Salvador is also an excellent place to see wildlife, including penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, and a variety of beach and inland birds. If racing horses is your thing, the quaint town of Darwin, which was named after Charles Darwin, an island surveyor, has a modest racetrack. There are also trekking adventures available.
5. Cemeteries and Monuments
Numerous intriguing tombstones with inscriptions that offer an insight into the lives of the early settlers may be found in Stanley’s old cemetery. The Cross of Sacrifice, located on the cemetery’s north side, honours the Falkland Islanders who lost their lives during World Wars I and II.
Victory Green, a WWII memorial and the location of an annual procession on the Queen’s Birthday, is another noteworthy military structure. On the Green is also where the SS Great Britain’s mast is located. The first iron-hulled passenger ship in the world, which is now completely restored and on exhibit in Bristol, was abandoned offshore here for a number of years before being raised and hauled back to Britain.
6. The Historic Dockyard Museum
A must-see sight in Stanley is the Historic Dockyard Museum, which is a component of the Falkland Islands National Trust. This fantastic museum has emphasised the rich maritime heritage of the islands since it opened in 2014. Highlights include exhibits and displays with historical antiques including ship figureheads and objects connected to fishing, the primary industry in the area.
A wonderful natural history part with a collection of bones and fossils, as well as a wealth of information about the islands’ connection to adjacent Antarctica, are other intriguing things to view.
7. Christ Church Cathedral and Whalebone Arch
The world’s southernmost Anglican cathedral, the charming small Christ Church Cathedral, was dedicated in 1892. When in Stanley, this should be at the top of your list of things to do. It is one of the few structures made of stone in the Falkland Islands and was created by Sir Arthur Blomfield.
The unusual Whalebone Arch can be found in the cathedral grounds. It was created in 1933 to mark the 100th anniversary of British rule and was constructed from the jaws of two enormous blue whales. It is undoubtedly humbling to stand among these magnificent bones, making for the perfect Falklands selfie.
8. Stanley Capital of the Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands’ capital, Stanley, is situated on East Island. More than 2,000 people live there, making it the island’s main population centre.
Many of the city’s charming wood-clad residences are painted brilliant colours, have corrugated iron roofs, and overlook gorgeous Stanley Harbour. They are built on a north-facing hill to maximise exposure to the sun. The distinctive red phone boxes and a few historic inns in Stanley, which has a somewhat English feel, are particularly beloved by tourists.
9. The Penguins of Volunteer Point
Volunteer Point, which is two hours away from Stanley’s capital by occasionally rocky road, is a fantastic location for some unforgettable animal viewing. The king penguins are the main attraction on this part of East Island. At Volunteer Point, 1,200 breeding pairs live in a colony despite the fact that the region is also a crucial habitat for gentoo and Magellanic penguins.
Bring your binoculars if you want to see other natural wildlife, such as sea lions, white-bridled finches, and steamer ducks.
10. Falkland Island Wildlife
The majority of visitors to the Falkland Islands come to witness the wildlife and natural beauty. Along with its well-known colonies of penguins, albatrosses, sea lions, and elephant seals, the islands are also home to some 200 other kinds of birds, 15 different species of whales, and dolphins. The Cobb’s Wren and the Falkland Flightless Steamer Duck are two bird species that can only be found in the Falklands.
The island’s six different species of penguins, however, are probably the most well-known animals. These include the Magellanic, King, Gentoo, Rockhopper, Macaroni, and Royal penguins. Although they can be found all across the islands, Gypsy Cove or Volunteer Point are the best places to watch them. Wildlife excursions are offered through a range of tour alternatives.
