The Falklands Islands landmass covers around 12,000km² comprising two larger islands (East and West Falkland) and over 700 smaller ones. The coastline is varied. Dramatic cliffs rise out the ocean in the southwest to 370m, whilst most of the south-east reaches only 60m. It is deeply indented with embayments and inlets, featuring coastal lagoons, boulder and white sand beaches. Peat soils are a widespread and notable feature having developed over thousands of years. The Islands have a cool-temperate climate (annual mean temp of 6) and experience strong winds.

The windswept and treeless Falkland Islands are a birders’ paradise. These Subantarctic Islands islands boast a great abundance and diversity of wildlife including birds, whales, penguins, fur seal and elephant seals.

WHEN TO GO TO FALKLAND ISLANDS?

The main season runs from October to April with the shoulders being primarily attractive to those visitors with an interest in fishing. However, if you are travelling from November to February, it is prime wildlife-viewing time.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

– The Falklands are synonymous with wildlife holidays in the Southern Oceans, some even call it the “Galapagos of the South”. It is common to have a very close encounter with wildlife
– There are five breeding species of penguin (Magellanic, Gentoo, Rockhopper, Macaroni and King), with chances of seeing up to seven different species
– The Falklands are a birdwatcher’s haven as it has the world’s largest colonies of Black-browed albatross. Other unique species include the Striated caracara and the endemic Falkland Steamer duck
– Breeding populations of South American fur seal, South American sea lion, and southern elephant seal frequent the islands’ many beaches
– The waters around the Falkland Islands are home to the southern right whale, killer whale, and Peale’s dolphin.

OUR EXPERTS CHOICE: 

– Make sure you have your camera ready as there will be plenty of photo opportunities with wildlife