falkland islands tourist board tours

Visiting the Falkland Islands

Accommodation.

In common with other countries, before entering the Falkland Islands, all visitors are required to provide the Customs & Immigration team with details on where they will stay for the duration of their time here.

The Falkland Islands Tourist Board has a range of accommodation options available on their website, from cosy cottages in the countryside, to lodges on the Outer Islands or five-star hotels in Stanley.

Wherever you stay, you will be assured of a warm welcome and will quickly discover why Falkland Islanders are renowned for their generosity and hospitality. For more information, please visit the Falkland Islands Tourist Board website: www.falklandislands.com/accommodation

Getting here

There are a range of ways to reach the Falkland Islands, although due to the ongoing pandemic, visitors should check with their travel operator as some of the usual routes are not currently in operation.

Information on how to travel to the Falkland Islands is available on the Falkland Islands Tourist Board website: www.falklandislands.com/getting-here

All visitors require a passport that is valid for the length of their stay and land-based travellers should also have travel insurance (inclusive of medical evacuation), a return ticket, evidence of accommodation and sufficient personal funds for their time here.

Departure tax must be paid at the airport when leaving the country. This costs £26 and can be paid in cash (FKP, GBP, EUR or USD) or via Visa or Mastercard debit cards.

Not all nationals require visas to enter the Falkland Islands, but please check the Customs & Immigration page for more information. 

For any other questions about entering the Falkland Islands, please:

• Visit the Customs & Immigration website:  www.fig.gov.fk/customs
• Call Customs & Immigration on +500 27340

Key facts about the Falklands

The Falkland Islands are a place unlike any other, which is why we thought it might be helpful to provide a list of key facts to bear in mind when visiting our beautiful home.

If there are any questions that you have about visiting the Falkland Islands which you cannot find on this page or elsewhere on the website, please contact the Communications and Media Office . 

Please note: the Falkland Islands Government is not responsible for the content of external links.

Our Countryside Code  exists to protect our environment, including our wildlife, so please ensure that you follow it when visiting the Islands, as failure to do so may constitute an offence and could result in a fine

You may have heard the term ‘Malvinas’ used to describe the ‘Falkland Islands’ – some people incorrectly believe that this is the Spanish or Portuguese translation, however it is a word that Argentina uses to assert their sovereignty claim over our home and therefore using it is considered highly offensive here; in Spanish please use Islas Falkland and in Portuguese Ilhas Falkland

Broadband in the Falklands can be very slow at times and you will generally not be able to access the internet on your phone unless you have a local mobile contract or connect to a WiFi hotspot .

WiFi hotspots exist in many locations across the Islands but are not free to use – you will need to purchase a local Wi-Fi ‘scratch card’ to access the service

‘Camp’ is the term used in the Falkland Islands to refer to any area outside of Stanley and is derived from the Spanish word ‘campo’ for ‘countryside’

Most areas within Camp do not have tarmacked roads, so if you choose to travel by vehicle you will be driving on tracks or off-road; alternatively, you may choose to fly around the Islands – see the ‘Travel’ section for more information

Weather conditions can change quickly in the Islands and it is not unusual for us to experience ‘four seasons in one day’ – so please pack layers of clothing in your luggage to allow for this, including the all-important waterproof jacket

For footwear, you will need strong boots if you want to walk outside of Stanley

Also don’t forget your face – sunscreen is essential as it is very easy to burn here

If you plan on bringing a drone with you, you will first need permission from the Civil Aviation Authority  and must pay a fee of £50 – failure to do either of these is an offence here and could result in a fine

Also, as much of the land in the Falkland Islands is privately owned, if you wish to use a drone over private land then you will need permission from the landowner

Our electricity supply is 240v, 50hz and our sockets take a standard UK three-pin plug, so don’t forget to bring an adaptor if your appliances are not compatible

The Falkland Islands has a police force , and a fire and rescue service , both of which can be contacted by calling 999

The King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH)  also operates an Accident and Emergency department  which is open between 8:30am and 4:30pm from Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours the casualty nurse is on-call for emergencies or ambulance call outs, and can be contacted via 28052.

Our healthcare facilities are based at the  King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH)  in Stanley where medical staff are qualified to UK standards and include a full surgical team and intensive care unit

Camp settlements and farms are equipped with medicine chests to take care of minor injuries

Visitors who are not UK residents are required to pay for any medical services received in the Islands and travel insurance (inclusive of medical evacuation) is needed to visit and to stay in the Islands

Over-the-counter medicines can be easily purchased in local supermarkets, but if you take prescribed medicine it is highly recommended that you bring sufficient supplies for your stay

The Falkland Islands have been officially ‘mine free’ since November 2020, however there is still the outside possibility that you may come across an unexploded device, for example if one has been brought in from the sea

If you come across a suspicious device that may be a landmine or other explosive device then please contact the Royal Falkland Islands Police on 999, providing the position if possible or using the What3Words  mobile app for your specific location

It’s important to remember that no civilians have ever been injured or killed by a landmine in the Falkland Islands, so the chance of that happening is very remote

The official language of the Falkland Islands is English, but many nationalities are present in the Islands and so you will also hear people speaking Spanish, Filipino and Shona (a Bantu language from Zimbabwe)

If you have a contract phone, you may be able to use the local Sure mobile network with your own SIM, but first check their website for the list of their roaming partners

A pay-as-you-go service is a cheaper option if you are visiting for more than a day, but you will need a SIM-free unlocked mobile handset to use this service

Mobile coverage varies, but is generally good in Stanley and patchier Island-wide; Stanley has three public phone boxes which can be used with pre-paid local phone cards

The Falkland Islands has one cash point located at the Stanley Services refuelling station on Bypass Road, it is only available during usual business hours

We also only have one bank, Standard Chartered Bank, which is located on Ross Road opposite the police station, which is open on weekdays from 9am-3pm

At the bank you can change money, transfer funds and issue cash advances against Visa and Mastercard – charges apply and photographic identification is essential

Some local shops can provide you with cashback if you pay by card – the fee for this service is £3 in The West Store and Chandlery, but currently free in Kelper stores

Local currency has the same value as UK sterling and both are used freely and interchangeably in the Islands

US dollars and Euros can be used in some places, however Argentine pesos cannot; similarly, some credit and debit cards can be used at certain locations – it’s a good idea to check with the server at the till before you pay and carry cash where possible

The Falkland Islands has one post office which is located within the main Town Hall building on Ross Road, it is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday and more information on their services are available on the postal services webpage

One of the ways people get around the Falkland Islands is via the local air service, which is called FIGAS (Falkland Islands Government Air Service)

FIGAS operates a fleet of Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, which are small two propeller planes – you will need to sit where the pilot tells you for weight distribution and please be aware that you may share your flight with livestock!

Your flight time will not be confirmed until the day before your flight, as the schedule is arranged according to passenger and freight demand on any one day, this means it may be an early start but you will know the timings the night before

There is also an inter-Island ferry service provided by Workboat Services and more information on their schedule can be found on by visiting www.workboat.co.fk

Alternatively, you can travel around the Falkland Islands by vehicle and there are a range of local businesses that provide car rentals, including four-wheel drive

Please visit the Falkland Islands Tourist Board website for more information on getting around the Falkland Islands: www.falklandislands.com/visitor-information/getting-around/figas-car-hire-ferry

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Falkland Islands Tours & Cruises

Welcome to the Falkland Islands, where penguins and sheep outnumber people by the hundred-thousands.

Standing on the gentle slopes or white sandy beaches of the Falkland Islands, it’s hard to believe that just a few decades ago this archipelago was the site of war. These days, the spotlight is on the islands' incredible wildlife. On a Falkland Islands cruise , you'll have front-row seats to Antarctic and South American seabirds soaring through the sky, penguins strutting their stuff along the beach, colonies of elephant seals soaking up the sun, and pods of dolphins and whales playing in the surf. The Falklands are a wildlife wonderland waiting for you to explore.

Our Falkland Islands trips

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Falkland Islands at a glance

Capital city.

Falkland Islands pound (FKP)

CALLING CODE

Electricity, learn more about falkland islands, local culture of falkland islands.

The Falkland Islands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory, and while there has been some influence from Argentina, Spain and France throughout history, the culture of the Falklands is notably British. Daily life in the Falklands is very similar to life in remote Scottish, Welsh and English villages and you can see this influence in the architecture, cuisine and cultural customs. The vast majority of people in the Falklands live in the tiny capital of Stanley – everywhere outside of this is called "camp” – and there's a real sense of community wherever you go. Outside of Stanley you could walk for hours and not see another human soul – penguins are a different story, though! When visiting the Falklands, make sure you pick up a copy of the local newspaper, The Penguin News to see what's happening in the community. 

Geography & environment

The Falkland Islands are an archipelago of almost 800 islands located southwest of Argentina in the South Pacific. The two main islands, West and East Falkland, are mostly mountainous and craggy terrain with some low-lying plains. There are hundreds of smaller islands that are privately owned or occupied by wildlife. Due to its remote location and proximity to the South Pole, the weather tends to be very windy and rainy, and covered in fine snow during the cooler months. 

Shopping guide to Falkland Islands

The only place to shop in the Falklands is Stanley, and while it's limited compared to big cities, you can easily find the essentials (groceries, home supplies, etc) as well as a few shops selling luxury items. The supermarkets sell fresh fish, meat and produce from the islands, as well as branded goods that are imported from the UK. If you want to take a piece of the Falklands home with you, gift shops sell handmade items like felt clothing and woollies made from the local sheep, and leather items produced on the islands. Pebbles and semi-precious stones are made into jewelry, and the local art draws influence from the spectacular landscape.

Food & drink in Falkland Islands

As an island nation,  locally caught seafood is a big part of the Falklands' cuisine and features on many restaurant menus. Popular dishes include grilled calamari, Atlantic rock cod, scallops, mussels, and sea trout served with steamed vegetables and fritters. Classic British fish and chips is also a very popular dish, as are meals made with free-range lamb, beef and mutton raised on the islands. One of the favorite traditions for locals is the daily smoko (a local term for the mid-morning tea break), which typically includes a cup of tea or coffee served with cakes and biscuits.

Weather in the Falkland Islands

The Falkland Islands have a cool maritime climate with windy and cloudy weather conditions throughout the year. The weather is never extreme due to the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, but there are four distinct seasons. Daytime temperatures in winter range between 1.5 - 4.5°C (35-40°F), while summer temperatures linger between 15-18°C (60-65°F). The islands are fairly dry with most rainfall occurring in winter, but strong, blustery winds are almost always a given so make sure you bring a windproof jacket. 

Falkland Islands travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Do I need a visa to travel to Falkland Islands?

Citizens of countries not listed below need to organize a visitor’s visa prior to arrival from the nearest British Embassy or Consulate. Those listed below will be issued a four-week visitor’s permit on arrival.

Visa-exempt countries:  Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Romania, San Marino, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vatican City

Cruise passengers do not need a visa, regardless of nationality, unless planning to spend additional time in the Falkland Islands before or after the cruise. All those planning to stay on the islands must show that they have a return ticket, accommodation and sufficient funds to cover their expenses.

Is tipping customary in Falkland Islands?

Tipping is not expected in the Falkland Islands. However, you may choose to leave a small tip if you feel particularly pleased with a service. In these cases, about 5% of the bill should do, or simply rounding up your fare. 

What is the Internet access like in Falkland Islands?

Some businesses in Stanley (the capital) offer internet access on a pay-as-you-go basis and there are an increasing number of Wi-Fi hotspots around the town. Accommodation will likely offer access to their Wi-Fi.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Falkland Islands?

International roaming is available for a number of UK telephone networks. The local mobile network offers packages for short-term visitors. There are traditional British red phone boxes that accept either local pre-paid cards or coins. Outside of Stanley mobile coverage extends only to some parts of East Falkland and there are no public phone boxes. 

What are the toilets like in Falkland Islands?

The Falklands have Western-style flushable toilets. 

Are credit cards accepted widely in Falkland Islands?

Credit and debit cards can be used in many shops, hotels and restaurants in Stanley. Cash is generally the easiest payment option outside Stanley. British notes and coins are accepted, and many establishments will also accept US dollars and euros.

What is ATM access like in Falkland Islands?

There is only one ATM machine at the fuel station in Stanley, but if this is out of service you can use the cash advance facility at the bank in Stanley using Visa or Mastercard

Can I drink the water in Falkland Islands?

Tap water is safe to drink in Falkland Islands. For environmental reasons, avoid buying bottled water and bring a reusable bottle or canteen with you. 

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before traveling?

Absolutely. All passengers traveling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in the Falkland Islands?

• 1 Jan New Year's Day
• 2 Jan New Year's Day Holiday
• Good Friday
• 21 Apr Queen's Birthday
• 14 Jun Liberation Day
• 2 Oct Peat Cutting Day
• 8 Dec Battle Day
• 25 Dec Christmas Day
• 26 Dec Boxing Day

For a current list of public holiday dates in the Falkland Islands go to  Word Travel Guide . 

How do I stay safe and healthy while traveling?

From Australia?

Go to: Smart Traveller

From Canada?

Go to:  Canada Travel Information

From the UK?

Go to:  UK Foreign Travel Advice

From New Zealand?

Go to:  Safe Travel

From the US?

Go to:  US Department of State

The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.

Does my trip support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners, Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe. Find out more or make a donation World Bicycle Relief

World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilize school kids, health workers, and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare, and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles – specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions – to those who need them most. Find out more or make a donation

Falkland Islands Tourist Board

• https://www.falklandislands.com/

Specialist countries

• Falkland Islands (Malvinas)

Contact details

+50022215 +500 27020 (Fax)

General Enquiries

+500 22215 [email protected]

Wild Falklands - Expert Wildlife & Photography Tours

"As well as the expertise necessary to produce outstanding images of her stunning island home in the Falklands, Georgina has that essential attribute  - an affinity with her wild subjects, injecting a magical quality into her photographs. 

Since I met her, I have followed her work with great interest and wouldn’t hesitate to collaborate with this talented and creative photographer".

  Paul Nicklen National Geographic Photographer

Join me, and some of the tamest wildlife on Earth,  for the trip of a lifetime!

Expert wildlife & photography tours to the falkland islands.

Join me in the Falkland Islands for an absolutely unforgettable wildlife experience.  Arguably one of the World's best destinations for nature enthusiasts and simply one of the most rewarding locations for wildlife photography!  Led by Georgina Strange, a local Falkland Islander, wildlife expert and internationally recognised professional and award-winning photographer.

Whether you're looking to improve your nature photography skills and capture the ultimate wildlife shot, or simply get out into the wilderness and wildlife-watch, I can guide you to the very best locations.  I'll give you unrivalled opportunities to experience the best that the Falklands has to offer!  Non-photographers may also tour with me!  If you'd simply like an unforgettable wildlife-watching safari, or perhaps a bird-watching trip, please let me know.

Good to know:  

Two-week tours with a maximum group size of 6, but usually only 4 guests  (longer and shorter tours available!)

Private and Tailor-made tours are also available

Georgina is an Accredited Falkland Islands Tourist Board Tour Guide & local Falkland Islander and is also working as an Expedition Guide and Professional photographer in the Sub-Antarctic, Antarctic and Arctic! Her intimate local experience of wildlife and animal behaviour as well as the locations we will visit will elevate your tour to the next level for a true Falklands experience. 

All prices include your guide, Georgina, for the duration  

Prices include comfortable lodge-style rooms with B&B in Stanley and full-board on the outer islands, plus all internal transfers & internal flights.

Please note prices are pe r person based on twin share. Single supplement s apply for some itineraries where single rooms are available. International flights are not included in the package, but I can help with arrangements

UPCOMING TOURS

Wild Falkland s Photography Tour,   2023-24

SOLD O UT Wild FalklandsWildlife & PhotographyAdventure, 2024-25 SOLD OUT Wild Falklands Wildlife Paradise & Wildlife Photography Adventure ,  2025-26 TWO TRIPS AVAILABLE Trip 1, 2-week itinerary: 4 places available Trip 2, 4-week itinerary: 3 places available

Join me in summer 2025  (dates from early November to mid December 2025) for the ultimate wildlife and photography adventure in this magical animal paradise that is the Falkland Islands! With New Island, Sea Lion Island, Volunteer Point, Saunders Island and more, t hese itineraries will take in the absolute gems of these beautiful Islands at a time of the breeding season when everything is happening! 

Please   drop me an email for more information!  

What your tour guarantees:

Close encounters with wildlife, including penguins, seals, birds of prey & many more!  

Professional photography guidance (if you wish!) to improve your skills and capture great nature photographs  

Expert local knowledge of the birds, animals, their behaviour and environment  

Quality time in one or two locations - no precious wildlife-watching and photography time will be wasted on traveling between too many places.  We will have the opportunity to re-visit favourite sites and species to make the most of great light or observe and photograph more behaviours.  Longer itineraries will include more destinations.   

Your tour also guarantees that the weather may mess up some of our plans - so please come with an open mind!  The Falkland Islands are in the middle of a fairly volatile ocean!  Plans may be adjusted according to the weather forecasts at the time.   

About your Guide :  

Georgina grew up in the Falkland Islands on New Island, a remote and rugged off-shore island, an internationally recognised Nature Reserve and Important Bird Area.  Photographing wildlife there since her teenage years, Georgina has gained a level of knowledge of the birds and animals that only comes from a lifetime of being immersed in their environment.  Her professional wildlife photography has been recognised internationally; Georgina has been a finalist in the prestigious BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year multiple times, and most recently in the 2020 and 2019 International Bird Photographer of the Year, 2020 NTTL Photography competition and 2017 Outdoor Photographer of the Year, as well as featured in magazines such as BBC Wildlife & Outdoor Photography.

When she is not guiding in the Falklands, Georgina's photography & passion for adventure takes her aboard expedition vessels, including MV Sea Spirit , MV Hondius & MV Scenic Eclipse to the sensational, Sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia and to the Antarctic Peninsula, as an expedition guide, photographer and ornithologist.  Georgina also ventures to the far North... to the Russian High Arctic of Franz Josef Land, to Svalbard and also to the beautiful East Greenland!   

Equally at home belly-crawling through penguin guano or entertaining international visitors, Georgina will share her passion and knowledge for the exceptional wildlife of the Falklands and capturing that dream photograph!  Take away some fantastic new images and memories of a trip and a place you will never forget...

What kind of itinerary can I expect?  

An Example Itinerary:   15 Days/14 Nights 2 nights Stanley, 6 nights Sea Lion Island, 5 nights New Island, 1 night Stanley  

Main tour Destinations:

Tours will concentrate on Sea Lion Island, New Island & Volunteer Point: the Falklands' most wildlife-rich destinations. New Island & Sea Lion are arguably the Falklands' best spots for wildlife photography, with stunning scenery and incredible concentrations of wildlife.   Where possible, trips to Steeple Jason Island could be arranged with longer itineraries. Steeple Jason has the world's largest breeding colony of Black-browed albatross at ca.140,000 pairs! Carcass Island is also a beautiful island destination and there is also the possibility to include Saunders Island in our longer itineraries to enjoy the King penguins at the Neck or the Rockhopper "penguin shower"!   

Day Trips, when based in Stanley:

Days based from Stanley could, for example, include an overland, full-day trip to Volunteer Point to see the magnificent King penguins; a full day trip to Adrian's Rockhopper penguin colony on the beautiful rocky coastline of East Falkland (there is also a regularly breeding Northern Rockhopper penguin here!  Quite a treat!); an evening boat trip to Kidney Island to see thousands of Sooty shearwaters; a leisurely walking tour of Cape Pembroke and Yorke Bay to observe the Gentoo penguins nesting in the sand dunes or bird species such as Rufous-chested Dotterel and our stunning coastline.

Sea Lion Island: Sea Lion Island's highlights include breeding Elephant seals, resident Orcas (preying on the Elephant seals and hence offering spectacular encounters with nature in action) and a large Gentoo penguin colony right outside the lodge! October/November is the best time for seeing the Elephant seals breeding - they have their pups at this time and we will have wonderful opportunities to observe them at very close quarters. 4 species of penguin can be found here and it's quite common to see the beautiful Short-eared owl at dusk.  There are many species of passerine here, and plenty of shorebirds, waterfowl and other seabirds as well as Rockhopper penguins.

New Island:

New Island's highlights are too many to list!  Over 15,000 pairs of Black-browed albatross nest on the sheer sea cliffs here, among Rockhopper penguins and King cormorants.  A large Fur seal colony can be enjoyed here too - a rarity for the Falkland Islands, as most Fur seal breeding groups are on uninhabited or inaccessible islands. New Island is also home to the World's largest breeding population of the small burrowing petrel species, the Thin-billed prion. You can't observe these birds at any other visitor destination in the Falklands, but on New Island the estimated 2 million pairs are all around and can be seen at dusk in their thousands! 4 species of penguin can also be seen here, and the Southern Sea Lion puts on a show as he hunts Gentoo penguins at the stunning, white sand beach of the North end. 

Carcass Island: Carcass Island is one of the Falklands' most beautiful destinations, with a gorgeous winding coastline teeming with waterfowl and shorebirds.  It's home to many passerines due to its lack of introduced mammals and a lovely, sheltered settlement with trees. It is also home to large colonies of Gentoo penguins, which surf ashore on a stunning white sand beach.  Magellanic penguins make a very "Falkland" morning and evening chorus as they call from their burrows all over the hillsides, and at the far North-west point you can wander among Elephant seals and explore stands of Tussac grass and wild coastlines. Commerson's dolphins frequent the bay outside the house, and the hospitality here is second to none - you will get a very local experience staying on this lovely island.  From Carcass Island it's possible to sail with SeaQuest to West Point Island to explore rugged cliffs covered in Black-browed albatross and Rockhopper penguins! 

Customised tours may also be available and I can help you get to other islands to view even more wildlife!  I also happily cater for non-photographers wishing to embark on an unforgettable wildlife-watching tour - please just ask me!

Book your Wild Falklands tour now!

Supported by: The South Atlantic News Agency MERCOPRESS  

A hunting Sea Lion runs right past me, in pursuit of a penguin

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Falkland Islands Tours & Trips

Find the right tour package for you through Falkland Islands. We've got 45 trips going to Falkland Islands, starting from just 4 days in length, and the longest tour is 27 days. The most popular month to go is November, which has the most tour departures.

45 Falkland Islands tour packages with 20 reviews

Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Amazing. It had been ten years since my last trip on MS Expedition with this company. It is evenbetter now. Superb staff at every level. The itinerary was always subject to the weather but there was always a plan ‘b’ or even ‘c’. Following in the footsteps of Shacleton, Tom Crean etc was brilliant made even better by the experts on board and in the field. The whole trip could not be faulted and for this full credit to all the staff.

• Ocean Cruise

Spirit of Shackleton

I just returned from Spirit of Shackleton trip to the Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. I expected a lot from this trip, and somehow, G Adventures far exceeded my expectations. The zodiac tours were amazing, the crew aboard the Expedition were first class, and the accommodations were very comfortable and well maintained. My only complaint are the pounds I gained eating all that wonderful food! But I'll blame myself for that one. I can't wait to book my next adventure with G.

• Coach / Bus
• Sightseeing

Outlander TV Trail (Hotel) - 4 days

Shackleton's Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Expedition (Ocean Endeavour)

• Wildlife & Nature Photography
• Christmas & New Year

The Great Journey

King Penguins of the Falklands and South Georgia - Expedition

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings, Operated by Quark

Antarctica, South Georgia and Falkland Islands- Ocean Victory & Ocean Albatros 19D/18N

South Georgia Through the Camera Lens

Animal Paradises Falkland and South Georgia

Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica - Ocean Albatros and Ocean Victory 18D/17N

Life Returns - Springtime Expedition to Antarctica (MS Maud, 2024)

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands (Start Buenos Aires, End Buenos Aires, 2024-2025)

Voyage to the Late Summer Sun

Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands (Start Buenos Aires, End Buenos Aires, 2025-2026)

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Falkland Islands Tourist Board - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Falkland Islands , South America

21 things to know before you visit the falkland islands.

I think it’s pretty fair to say, there isn’t much practical info online about visiting the Falkland Islands!

In fact, when I was planning my trip there it was almost impossible to easily discover many of the barebones facts of what it takes to plan a trip there, especially if you’re trying to visit this amazing archipelago independently.

Which is exactly why I’m bringing you this post – hoorah!

Filled with all the info needed to prep your visit to the Falkland Islands, these 21 things to know cover all aspects of your travels there, including the best time to visit, how long to spend there, what to do when you’re there, where to stay and what to expect.

I hope you find it useful!

Related Posts

• Top 13 Things to Do in the Falkland Islands
• All You Need to Know about Travel to Sea Lion Island, Falklands
• 20 Best Things to Do in Stanley, Falkland Islands

Planning a Falkland Trip

#1 Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit the Falkland Islands is definitely during their spring or summer season, which falls between the months of November and March.

This is when the weather is at its most travel friendly (i.e. you’ll get the least flight disruption!) and it’s the breeding season for many of the island’s top wildlife populations – which means you’ll get the best sightings and snaps of the animals too.

#2 How Long to Spend There?

I suggest you spend at least 7 days in the Falkland Islands to get a good flavour of this incredible destination.

If you can afford 2 weeks, even better!

Because of the limited flights to the islands – see below – it’s often better to plan your trip in week-long slots (to fit the flight patterns).

While this will allow you to spend 7 full days on the islands, don’t forget to factor in a minimum of 2 days either side of your time there for travel to and from you home country.

This means most trips to the Falkland Islands will last a duration of 11 days in total –  2 days travel there, 7 days on island, plus 2 days travel back.

#3 Ideal Falkland Itinerary

If budget allows, I really recommend getting out of Stanley to experience many of the smaller islands, as this is where the best wildlife and remote Falkland experiences can be enjoyed.

Anywhere outside of Stanley in known as “camp” in the Falklands, and you’ll hear this expression a lot!

1-2 nights on each outer island is a good shout.

The number of islands you plan to visit will largely depend on 2 factors…

• your trip budget
• lodge availability

This is because, with limited accommodation on most of the outer islands, things are both expensive and get booked up early.

Outside of that, I’d plan to have at least the first and last night of your Falkland trip in Stanley to ensure damage limitation to your plans in the case of disruptive weather.

#4 Money & Currency

The Falklands, as an overseas British territory, use Pound Sterling as their currency.

They do however, have their own notes and coins with Falkland imagery.

Falkland notes and coins can only be used in the Falklands, but you can use traditional sterling anywhere here.

If you’ve been to Jersey in the Channel Islands (where I grew up!), it’s a similar thing!

Most places in the Falklands, however, allow you to pay on card, so you don’t even really need much cash.

If you do find yourself in an emergency, then there’s one bank on the Falkland Islands in Stanley.

It has an ATM.

#5 Climate & Weather

The Falkland Islands lie in the South Atlantic off the coast of southern South America.

In relative terms, the islands are not that far from the Antarctic Peninsula!

This means they get some pretty wild weather and things definitely shift quickly out here.

In the winter (from May to Sept) the islands are cold and wet and grey.

Average temperatures are only around 2 degrees Celsius at this time and, although they do dip below zero especially at night, snow is not that common in the Falklands, given its generally  low-lying terrain and plethora of the sea and salt air.

Weather patterns however, do play havoc with travel, so many lodges and tourism services shut down during the winter months here.

In the summer (from Nov to Mar), the islands are warmer and drier, but still only hover at an average of around 10 degrees Celsius.

Blue skies days are common, but the wind picks up something crazy, so you’ll still want to bring plenty of warm clothing layers!

#6 What to Pack & Travel Insurance

And on that note, we’ll segue perfectly into what to pack for the Falkland islands!

Almost everyone will visit this archipelago during the summer, so this complete Falkland packing list I wrote covers everything you need to bring for travel in that season.

If you’re looking for a short hand version however, then it’s hiking boots, warm socks, windproof jacket, good base layers, sunglasses, sunscreen, decent camera, warm hat and gloves, active trousers, fleeces and a good daypack.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

#7 Wifi & Data

Sure are the network providers in the Falklands and while they do have roaming agreements with some UK providers, such as Vodafone, it’s incredibly expensive to use your phone or data connection here,

So too is wifi connection in the Falklands, so don’t expect any accommodation or cafe you visit to have free wifi!

Your best bet in the Falklands is to buy some of Sure’s wifi cards, which can be scratched off to reveal a code that allows you internet access at island wifi hotspots.

Most settlements and hotels here have these hot spots.

Wifi cards are available in £5 or £10 denominations and available at most shops and the tourism office in Stanley, as well as lodges in camp.

The £5 card will give you 50 minute of consecutive wifi access, so get your value for money by logging on and checking emails, social and Whatsapp all at once!

The wifi thing is a bit of a nightmare in the Falklands, so I suggest you see it as digital detox trip and embrace that.

Personally, I loved being almost entirely offline for a week – it was a real treat and allowed me to enjoy this amazing remote location even more.

Travelling to the Falkland Islands

#8 Visas for the Falklands

As a British Overseas Territory, you do not need a visa to enter the Falklands if you do not need a visa to enter the UK.

Conversely, if you do need a visa for the UK, you’ll need one for the Falklands too.

Regardless of where you’re from, even if you’re a British national, stays in the Falkland Islands are capped at 30 days, unless you have a permit to stay, live or work there.

Everyone must therefore travel to the Falklands with a valid passport, that has at least 6 months of remaining validity and 1 blank page.

This is because you’ll receive a stamp when you enter and exit the Falklands (at the airport immigration point), which shows the amount of time spent there.

The best thing about this stamp is that it has a penguin on it!

#9 Flying to the Falklands

There’s 2 main routes you can use to fly to the Falklands.

An MOD route direct (ish) from the UK and a commercial route with LATAM via Chile.

There’s a lot of info to take in about these quite peculiar flight options, so I’ve written a huge post about flights to the Falklands you can check out for more info.

Otherwise, the key things to know are that you need book early, pay a lot and expect disruptions!

I might not be selling it, but trust me, the effort to get to the Falklands is MORE than worth it!

#10 Cruising / Sailing to the Falklands

The other way many people visit the Falklands is as part of a cruise or sailing boat – usually an epic voyage through Patagonia or on to South Georgia and Antarctica, if you’re looking to take in the Falklands as part of a longer voyage of discovery in the South Atlantic region, check out these fantastic options .

Arriving in the Falklands

#11 Mount Pleasant Airport

If you’re arriving by plane to the Falklands, you’ll land at the International Airport, which is located in Mount Pleasant.

It operates as both a commercial and military airport, run by the UK Defence Force.

This makes it pretty unique!

In particular, you’ll see a heavy police presence here, you’ll also have to queue for a long time, as baggage facilities are pretty limited.

You’ll have to pass through immigration, get your stamp and fill in a form, as well as clear a bio-security check point.

All this can take a long time, so expect to spend at least 1-2 hours at Mount Pleasant Airport to clear all formalities after landing!

On the flip side, as you depart the islands, you’ll also have to get there around 4-5 hours before your flight for the reverse formalities, so don’t plan too much on your last day here!

You’ll also need to pay a departure tax when leaving the islands too.

#12 Getting to Stanley

It’s about a 90 minute drive from Mount Pleasant Airport (MPA) to the capital of Stanley.

As there’s only max 3 flights a week landing in the Falklands, it’s easy to group shuffle travellers between the 2 places.

After all, you should not expect taxis to be at the airport, or any public transport!

Instead, you’ll need to speak to your accommodation, either about getting a lift or, more likely, being booked on the coach that shuttles pretty much everyone from the airport and then drops them off at their registered accommodation in the capital.

This is the easiest and cheapest way to get to Stanley, although not the quickest because you have to wait for everyone to clear airport formalities before you depart!

#13 Bio Security

At the airport, you’ll pass bio security.

This will likely involve you having to stand in a tub of disinfectant and also have your luggage checked for any fresh produce or your boots and tents checked for mud, seeds etc.

This is to protect the unique ecosystem and wildlife of the Falkland Islands, particularly from Avian Flu.

There are also biosecurity points on each of the smaller islands when you fly to them.

Usually these are disinfectant tubs outside the lodges.

Make sure you use them and always scrub down your boots well too.

Getting Around the Falklands

#14 Car Rental

It is possible to rent cars on the Falklands from a couple of small, local firms, such as Moody Enterprises Vehicle Hire.  

These companies are based in Stanley, so you’ll have to travel there to collect the vehicle and compete the paperwork.

As a heads up, car rental is only really useful if you’re staying on East Falkland, as you can’t take vehicles to the smaller islands – you have to fly there.

You may be able to take your rental car to West Falkland, via the ferry from New Haven to Port Howard, as they do allow vehicles, but do check this with your hire firm first.

You’ll also need to check where you can drive with your rental car.

If it’s gravel roads only, you will be limited even in East and West Falkland!

If you need a taxi in the Falklands instead, contact Letty Taxis .

#15 Falklands Ferry

As I mentioned above, there is a ferry service that runs between the 2 main islands of East and West Falkland.

Cheaper than flying between the 2 islands, the ferry runs a few times a week and takes around 90 – 120 mins.

The service is operated by Workboat Services Ltd, who use the MV Concordia for the journey.

Both foot passengers and vehicles need to book in advance .

The ferry is a great option for those wanting to explore the Goose Green and Darwin, as well as Port Howard areas of the 2 islands – but do remember it can take several hours to drive from there to other spots on both East and West Falkland such as Stanley or Hill Cove.

If you’re looking to get around efficiently and see as much as possible, flying is the better option.

#16 Using FIGAS

Which leads me on nicely to talking about FIGAS.

Standing for the Falkland Islands Government Air Service , this incredible network transports passengers and freight around the islands every day from dawn until dusk.

With landing strips in most settlements across the Falklands (i.e. where people live), you can use this service to get almost anywhere.

You just have to book and pay in advance for a certain route on a certain day and then wait to hear your flight time the day before.

This info is available on the radio on via the FIGAS Facebook page .

It’s quite an amazing system and you can learn all about my experience of it, as well as how to book and sort flights yourself in this article I wrote.

#17 Taking Tours

You can also use tours to get around the islands and explore more deeply.

Particularly helpful if you’re journeying around the Falklands independently, tours as a great way to visit places with locals and learn more about their life, the islands and the flora and fauna.

Tours also allow you to get places that some pretty heavy duty 4WD skills are required!

Tours are available on most of the smaller islands (especially Pebble and at Hill Cove), as well as on the main islands of East and West Falkland.

If you want to see some of the great wildlife spots around Stanley – like Volunteer Point or Kidney Island – or you want to learn more about the history of 1982 conflict here and visit some of the memorial sites, tours are a great idea.

Check out these recommended tour guides .

#18 Access Permit on the Falklands

Guides are also useful when exploring the Falklands because they tend to secure access permits for you.

And permit access is required for just about anywhere is the Falklands, as pretty much the whole archipelago is privately owned.

This means to visit places without tours, especially on the main islands, if you want to go hiking, war memorial finding, penguin spotting or anything else, you’ll need a permit from the land owner.

Don’t just expect to rock up on the day and be granted one either (or even find anyone to talk to!) – this all needs to be arranged well in advance.

Landowners need to be called and paid.

You can find their details through the Tourism Office, but just a heads up, this all takes time!

The only place you don’t need permits are the self-guided trails around Stanley, as these are on government-owned land.

Details of the trails can be found on leaflets available from the Tourism Office by the jetty in Stanley.

Staying & Eating in the Falklands

#19 Falklands Accommodation

There’s 2 main types of accommodation across the Falkland Islands:

• purpose built hotel and lodges
• farmhouses or homes that have been converted into guesthouses or self-catering spots

Across most of the more popular small islands, such as Pebble Island and Sea Lion Island , lodges are available and offer fantastic homely accommodation that is specifically designed for tourists.

They generally include 3 meals a day, transfer from the landing strip, free tea and coffee daily, afternoon cake, as well as maps and info about the island.

Many also offer tours to guests to see the wildlife etc.

In Stanley, there’s a couple of purpose built hotels, namely the Malvina House Hotel and the Waterfront Boutique Hotel .

The other type of accommodation on the Falklands are conversions.

Tu Guesthouse in Stanley is a great example of this, where locals have turned their home into an accommodation provision.

Elsewhere there are self-catering spots at Hill Cove, Darwin & Goose Green, Fox Bay, Saunders Island and Weddell Island.

Hill Cove also boasts the Falkland’s first glamping cabin – Boxwood Pod.

You can read about my time there .

Most of the food in the Falklands (outside of lamb, some dairy and few vegetables) has to be shipped in.

This means it can be very pricey and choices can be limited.

To be fair, I think it’s an ok price to pay if you want to travel this remotely!

There’s 2 supermarkets in Stanley where you’ll need to stock up for self-catering.

I wouldn’t count on any other stores anywhere else across the archipelago!

There’s also a few good restaurants and cafes in Stanley – I tried Groovy’s and the Teaberry Café. Both did the job.

The best restaurant in town is thought to be either at the Malvina House Hotel or at the Waterfront Boutique Hotel.

On the smaller islands, the lodges will provide you with 3 meals a day usually, which is the easiest option!

I’m a vegetarian and I more than survived on the islands.

Just don’t come expecting gourmet food!

#21 Drinking

In Stanley there’s a number of good pubs – from classic English pub, The Victory, through to the fancy new wine bar Unwined and the craft brewery Beerworks.

There’s also a local gin distillery located by the Tourism Office.

Both the distillery and Beerworks are well worth checking out to sample the local tipples and to tipple with the locals!

Alcohol is very cheap in the Falklands, as there’s no alcohol tax, but if you want to get up early for all those wildlife sunrise shots, it’s best not to overindulge!

Most of the island lodges have honesty bars, so you can enjoy a glass of wine with dinner here.

Alcohol isn’t included in the lodge rates and can be paid on departure using cash or card.

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my full guide to the 21 things you need to know before you visit the Falkland Islands.

I hope the info was helpful and I’ve convinced you to head to this stunning spot!

Still have questions about travelling here?

Don’t hesitate to drop them into the comments box below and I’ll get back to you…

My trip to the Falkland Islands was kindly sponsored by Falkland Island tourism but, as  always, all views are my own.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Overland tours

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Volunteer Point

Up to 9 hours.

Volunteer Point is home to at least 1,000 breeding pairs of King Penguins as well as an abundance of Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, and a variety of other bird life nearby.

This prime wildlife site is approximately 2.5 hours drive from Stanley, of which about 90 minutes is completely off road.

Cape Bougainville

A very scenic location on the North Coast of East Falkland with a significant number of breeding Rockhopper Penguins, Cormorants and a small number of Macaroni Penguins, as well as up to 100 Sea lions in close proximity.

Travelling time from Stanley is generally about 2 hours and 20 minutes, with approximately 35 minutes driving off road.

Up to 6 hours

This site can be reached after a 2 hour drive from Stanley and is home to a growing number of Elephant Seals with a variety of ducks and wading birds on the large shallow pond nearby. En route the lovely white sand beach of Pleasant Roads is passed with a small breeding group of Gentoo Penguins nearby where a stop is usually made on the return journey. This is also a particularly good area to see many of the Falklands wild flowers through November/December.

Cape Dolphin

Cape pembroke, 2 - 5 hours, 1 - 4 hours.

Some other locations are available on request, including the possibility of visiting West Falkland using the Inter-Island Ferry Service, for clients staying in the Islands for more than 1 week.

Full day and half day tours

Our respectful and informative full day tours are a fitting way to visit the battle sites of the 1982 Falklands War and provide time to appreciate each location.

Each tour can be an informative journey with factual information mixed with personal accounts, or a time for personal reflection.

Full day - up to 9 hours

• 2 Mountain sites
• Fitzroy and 1 mountain site
• Darwin and Goose Green
• San Carlos, Darwin and Goose Green

Half day - up to 4 hours

• Any of the mountain sites around Stanley
• 1 Mountain site

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• Avian Influenza
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Located a stone’s throw from the Tourist Information Office in Stanley, Falklands4x4 boasts the Islands largest and most modern vehicle rental fleet with over 50 vehicles. All our vehicles are 4 wheel drive and are suited very well to the road surfaces outside of Stanley. Our vehicles are regularly serviced and checked for road worthiness, giving you that extra piece of mind. Falklands4x4 is the only company in the Islands that offers a breakdown service until 22:00hrs each night. We also deliver vehicles to Mount Pleasant, where you can also opt to leave them, (at additional cost). Whether your requirements are for just one day or a lease for 3 years, we will have a vehicle that fits your needs at a price that suits your budget.

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