The Falkland Islands, in the South Atlantic about 500 km east of South America, are a wildlife paradise with remarkably approachable animals. Five species of penguins breed here, along with the world’s largest colonies of black-browed albatrosses, elephant seals, sea lions and dolphins. Many visitors stop on Antarctic cruises, but staying on land allows unhurried time with the wildlife.
At a glance
| Best time | November to March |
| Getting there | Flights from Chile (Punta Arenas) or the UK (RAF Brize Norton); cruise stops |
| Time needed | 7 to 12 days on land |
| Big draws | Penguins, albatrosses, elephant seals, orcas, dolphins |
| Good for | Photographers, birders, slow travellers |
Penguins
- King penguins at Volunteer Point, a remote beach on East Falkland, about 2.5 hours by 4×4 from Stanley. See our king penguin profile.
- Gentoo penguins: common across the islands. See our gentoo penguin profile.
- Southern rockhopper penguins: hopping up cliffs to nest among albatrosses.
- Magellanic penguins: nesting in burrows and braying like donkeys.
- Macaroni penguins: a few among rockhopper colonies.
Albatrosses and other birds
- Black-browed albatrosses: the Falklands hold most of the world’s population, with huge colonies on Steeple Jason, Saunders and New Island. See our wandering albatross profile for a relative.
- Striated caracaras (Johnny rooks), curious and bold raptors.
- Upland and kelp geese, Falkland steamer ducks (flightless) and the endemic Cobb’s wren.
Marine mammals
- Southern elephant seals and South American sea lions, especially on Sea Lion Island. See our southern elephant seal profile.
- Orcas patrol Sea Lion Island’s beaches in the breeding season, hunting seal pups.
- Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins in coastal waters.
Where to go
- Sea Lion Island: penguins, elephant seals, sea lions, orcas; a lodge.
- Carcass Island and Saunders Island: penguins, albatrosses, caracaras; self-catering cottages.
- Bleaker Island and Pebble Island: varied wildlife and farm stays.
- Volunteer Point: king penguins, as a day trip from Stanley.
When to go
- October to November: penguins return and lay eggs; elephant seals breeding.
- December to January: chicks, long days.
- February to March: fluffy chicks, orcas, fewer visitors.
- Many penguins leave from about April.
Getting there
A weekly flight from Punta Arenas, Chile (sometimes via Río Gallegos), and a UK–Falklands air link via Ascension or Cape Verde. Internal flights on small FIGAS planes connect the islands. Cruise ships stop at Stanley and outer islands.
Frequently asked questions
How many penguin species live in the Falklands? Five breed regularly: king, gentoo, southern rockhopper, Magellanic and macaroni.
Can I see king penguins in the Falklands? Yes, at Volunteer Point on East Falkland.
Is it better to visit by cruise or stay on land? Cruises give a taste; staying on land allows longer, quieter time with wildlife.
Are the animals tame? Many are unafraid of people, but keep a respectful distance and follow the countryside code.
Related guides
- South Georgia: king penguins and elephant seals
- Península Valdés: whales, orcas and penguins
- Choosing an Antarctica expedition ship
- Animal profiles: King penguin, Gentoo penguin, Southern elephant seal
Cover photo: Ben Tubby, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons