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 tour, 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.
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The (tiny) capital of the Falklands is home to just two thousand people, and you definitely won't find skyscrapers and big city lights here! Located along Stanley Harbour on East Falkland, Stanley has the look and feel of a small British village featuring colourful houses, a church, and a handful of shops and restaurants. You'll also see many nods to the Falklands' British history including red phone boxes, a Victorian-era police station and cosy inns serving up good ol' fish and chips.
Dubbed as one of the penguin capitals of the world, if you want to see these amazing aquatic sea birds – it's here. The Falklands is home to an impressive five species of penguin (Gentoo, King, Macaroni, Magellanic and Rockhopper). Some species like the Gentoo live here all year round, while others like the Magellanic make their way to the shores every summer to breed and nest. Watch them waddling out to the water, chilling out in their tussock grass burrows or hopping over rocks.
Jump back onto your Zodiac boat and get ready to search for beautiful black and white Commerson's dolphins frolicking in the surf. You're most likely to spot a small pod of curious Commerson's close to the beach in bays. Keep your eyes peeled as they're known to enjoy riding the waves created by the bow of the boat and showing off their skills by swimming upside down.
Have your camera at the ready because the Falklands are a bird lover's paradise. The Islands are home to the world's biggest colonies of black-browed albatross and Southern Giant Petrel, as well as large numbers of Falkland steamer ducks, kelp gulls and dolphin gulls. Albatross nest in the cliffs around October and if you're here in December you might be lucky to see gorgeous fluffy chicks along the headlands.
Everyone traveling on an Intrepid trip must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of carriage.
All travelers are required to produce:
In all cases, you must be fully inoculated. This means you must receive the full dosage of the COVID-19 vaccine and allow enough time for immunity to take effect. Each COVID-19 vaccine has different dosages and timeframes for inoculation, so please check the relevant medical advice associated with your vaccine.
Learn more about Intrepid's COVID-19 proof of vaccination policy
Citizens of countries not listed below need to organise 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.
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.
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.
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.
The Falklands have Western-style flushable toilets.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling 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 our Travel Insurance page.
For a current list of public holiday dates in the Falkland Islands go to Word Travel Guide.
Intrepid is committed to traveling in a way that is respectful of local people, their culture, local economies and the environment. It's important to remember that what may be acceptable behavior, dress and language in your own country, may not be appropriate in another. Please keep this in mind while traveling.
In the Falkland Islands, we stay in locally run accommodation including guesthouses, smaller-scale hotels and homestays in an effort to support the local economy. We also visit locally-run restaurants and markets where travellers will have opportunities to support local businesses and purchase handicrafts created by local artisans.
