Falkland Islands Expedition Cruise Guide

Key Takeaways

• You’ll find most cruises leave from Ushuaia, Argentina. Your journey will take 19-22 days, letting you choose from wildlife-focused boats to luxury ships.
• You should travel between November and February for the best experience. December and January give you the best chances to see penguin chicks and abundant wildlife.

Your vessel options include:

• Wildlife ships: Hondius and Plancius
• Adventure vessels: Ocean Victory
• Luxury ships: Sea Spirit and Magellan Explorer

You can enjoy:

• Kayaking trips
• Overnight camping
• Photography workshops

The calmest sailing conditions occur from November to mid-December.

You’ll need to pack:

• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Thermal base layers
• Quality binoculars
• Camera gear
• Weather-appropriate clothing

This simpler structure makes the content easier to understand whilst keeping key details about your Falklands expedition cruise.

Planning Your Falkland Islands Adventure

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Planning your Falkland Islands trip comes down to two main choices: you can join a cruise or travel independently.

For cruises, you have two vessel options:

• Medium-sized ships with affordable quad cabins
• Specialised expedition ships with modern navigation equipment

Most cruises start in Ushuaia, Argentina and last 19-22 days. Your journey will include visits to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. You need to book several months ahead as spaces fill quickly.

Your cruise budget should cover:

• International flights
• Hotel stays before departure
• Transfer costs

For independent travel, you can fly directly to Stanley from:

• Punta Arenas, Chile
• São Paulo, Brazil

Keep your travel dates flexible, as Falklands weather often causes flight changes.

Best Time To Visit

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The Falkland Islands offer year-round access, but you’ll find the best experience from November to February. These summer months bring mild temperatures around 13°C, clear skies and little rain, making outdoor exploration comfortable.

You can watch key wildlife events during this period. Penguins lay their eggs and raise their chicks, with December and January offering special glimpses of penguin chicks taking their first steps.

Tourist numbers peak in these months, bringing more expedition ships to the islands.

You should avoid visiting between May and September. These winter months bring cold weather, strong winds and heavy rain that restrict outdoor activities.

Whatever season you choose, pack waterproof clothing as weather can change quickly.

Key visiting tips:

• Best months: November to February
• Peak wildlife viewing: December-January
• Temperature range: Around 13°C in summer
• Essential gear: Waterproof clothing
• Avoid: May to September (winter)

Wildlife Encounters Worth Seeking

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You’ll discover incredible wildlife during your Falkland Islands visit.

Five penguin species make their home here, with 500,000 breeding pairs to spot. Look out for the towering King penguins and large colonies of Gentoo penguins in their natural habitat.

You can find southern elephant seals and fur seals basking on the beaches, particularly at Sea Lion Island.

The coastal waters attract orcas, best seen in early season. The islands support diverse birdlife, including the uncommon Striated Caracara and the largest colony of black-browed albatross worldwide.

Two special birds live only in the Falklands: the flightless Falkland steamer duck and the tiny Cobb’s wren.

You’ll need your camera ready for these unique species that call these islands home.

See what’s on offer from the South Georgia Island Cruise Guide for a different Antarctic Cruise destination.

Choosing Your Cruise Experience

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Select your perfect Falkland Islands cruise from several top expedition ships offering distinct experiences.

You can join wildlife-focused voyages on Hondius and Plancius that run for 19-22 days. These ships specialise in nature exploration with expert guides.

For adventure seekers, Ocean Victory and Ocean Albatros offer 19-day trips with regular Zodiac boat landings.

Want more comfort? The Sea Spirit, Magellan Explorer and Sylvia Earle combine luxury with exploration across 19-23 day journeys.

You’ll find the best sailing conditions from November to mid-December, when ships often use alternate routes.

Each operator brings unique benefits. Poseidon Expeditions keeps their groups small, with just 114 passengers.

You can try activities like:

• Kayaking
• Camping
• Photography workshops

Your journey takes you through key areas:

• Beagle Channel
• Drake Passage
• Scotia Sea

You’ll spot diverse wildlife and visit historic sites throughout your voyage.

Essential Packing and Preparation

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Pack these essentials for your Falklands cruise.

Waterproof Gear:

• Jacket and trousers (15,000mm rating minimum)
• Windproof gloves
• 25L waterproof backpack for shore visits

Clothing Layers:

• Thermal underwear
• Warm socks
• Fleece tops
• Breathable base layers
• Casual indoor clothes

Essential Equipment:

• Reusable water bottle
• Binoculars
• Camera with zoom lens
• Extra camera batteries
• Waterproof camera cases
• Soft-sided luggage

Protection Items:

• Sunscreen
• Moisturiser
• Lip balm

You won’t need to pack boots or expedition parkas – your ship will provide these.

Pack your clothes in layers to adapt to changing temperatures.

Keep your camera gear in waterproof cases during Zodiac trips.

Remember: Weather conditions can be harsh and changeable, so your gear needs to handle cold, wind and wet conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Opportunities to Interact With Local Falkland Islanders During Cruise Stops?

Yes, you can meet friendly Falkland Islanders during your cruise stops through several activities:

• Join penguin tours at Bluff Cove led by local guides
• Visit the Sea Cabbage Café to chat with local staff
• Shop in Port Stanley’s local stores
• Explore the town museum with resident guides
• Take part in locally organised excursions

Port Stanley’s small community welcomes visitors warmly, and you’ll find locals are happy to share stories about island life.

What Medical Facilities Are Available on the Islands in Case of Emergency?

The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital in Stanley serves as your main medical facility on the islands. You can access emergency care, surgical procedures, and intensive care services at this location. If your condition requires specialist treatment, medical staff will arrange your transfer to hospitals in Uruguay, Chile, or the UK.

Can Visitors Send Postcards or Mail From Stanley Post Office?

You can send both postcards and mail through Stanley Post Office in the Falkland Islands. The office provides unique Falkland Islands stamps for your items. The postal staff often add special postmarks to your mail. Your letters and postcards will take up to several weeks to reach their destination due to the islands’ remote location. You’ll find the post office service straightforward and welcoming.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography Near Military Sites?

Photography restrictions near military sites are strict but straightforward. You need a permit to photograph any military facility, including bases, radar stations and training areas. Your camera equipment can be confiscated and you may face fines if you take photos without proper authorisation. Check with local authorities before taking pictures near any military site to avoid problems. Keep in mind that even distant shots of these facilities can be restricted.

Do the Falkland Islands Accept British Pounds or Require Local Currency?

Both British pounds and Falkland Islands pounds work in the Falklands at equal value (1:1). You can spend your British pounds directly, though local shops will often give you Falkland Islands pounds as change. The currencies work side by side, making shopping easy for British visitors.

Thinking about something different? Check out the Ross Sea Antarctica Cruise Guide.