I know what you’re probably thinking…
13 things to do in the Falkland Islands?
How on earth can there be that much to do in this tiny archipelago in the South Atlantic miles from anywhere.
And that’s ok, because I pretty much thought the same before I visited too!
But having spent an incredible week here, I can definitely attest to the fact there’s a lot more to do in the Falklands than you might imagine.
From fascinating historical sites connected the 1982 conflict, through to insanely amazing wildlife and a heap of cultural attractions – particularly centred around the islands’ capital Stanley – this small settlement off the coast of South America punches well above it weight when it comes to epic travel experiences… so let’s get stuck in!
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#1 Explore Capital Stanley incl. the Southernmost Anglican Cathedral & its Quirky Post Office
I’m kicking off here with an obvious one, because 99% of travellers will begin their Falklands exploration in the capital city of Stanley.
Located on East Falkland, not only is Stanley the centre of life across this archipelago (it’s where the government, school, medical facilities and shops are), but it’s also close to the Falklands’ international airport at Mount Pleasant and the main harbour where you’re likely to arrive either by plane or boat.
Home to the vast majority of the Falkland’s population (just over 2000!), you’ll quickly realise that you can pretty much cover Stanley in a day.
This does give some indication of just how small the community is here, but doesn’t do any disservice to the number of wonderful attractions you’ll find, just that most are very close together!
Indeed along the water-edged main street – Ross Road – you’ll find the Southernmost Anglican Cathedral in the world (known as the Christ Church Cathedral), the Whitby-twinned Whalebone Arch and the Post office – which surely has to be one of the most remote in the world.
Stop here to grab your unique Falkland Island stamps, before purchasing a lovely postcard from nearby gift store Studio 52, and picking up a company of local rag Penguin News.
After this, continue along Ross Road for another 5 minutes and you’ll come to the infamous bust of Margaret Thatcher, along aptly named Thatcher Drive, before the beautiful Government House swings into view.
This is where the representative of the British Crown, common among all overseas British Territories, is resident and while you can’t go inside without an invitation, you can certainly wander past, admire the view and give them the royal wave!
For more details about all these attractions, plus more things to do in the capital of the Falkland Islands, check out this post I wrote about the top 20 things to do in Stanley.
#2 Visit the Historic Dockyard Museum
Then it’s time to head back to the centre of town and tick this great thing to do in the Falklands off your list.
Yes it’s part of Stanley’s main attractions, but honestly, it’s worth a point in its own right.
And that’s because the Historic Dockyard Museum is truly fabulous.
Situated in, yes you guessed it, a historic dockyard, which is right opposite the excellent Malvina House Hotel, this is a small museum, but one that packs a lot it to its fabulously curated exhibitions.
Open 6 days a week (closed Mondays), tickets can be bought at the entrance from helpful staff.
After this you’ll find yourself wandering the fascinating social and maritime history sections of the museum, which chart the life of the early settlers and many of their descendants who still live on the islands today.
Upstairs, the natural history of the Falklands zooms into view – this is a great insight into the wildlife you can see across the archipelago if you haven’t already – before you head downstairs again for the brilliant Gateway to Antarctica installation and impactful section about the 1982 conflict.
Overall this great museum is worth at least 2 hours of your time and it definitely one of the best things to do here.
#3 Hit the Local Pubs
But after all that sightseeing, I’d say it’s probably time to relax no?
And no better way to do that in Stanley than joining the locals for a drink in the pub.
There’s several boozers to choose from in Stanley, none of which are particularly glamorous!, but what they don’t offer in shiny furnishings, they certainly more than make up for in welcoming hospitality!
Top pick is the Victory Pub located on Philomel Street, which had its annual Christmas Quiz going on when I stepped in – quite the atmosphere!
Otherwise, my top recommendation is to try the local craft beer at the brilliant Falkland Beerworks, found on John Street, just behind The Victory.
Local Falklander Jeff brews and sells his own delicious beer here in what honestly feels like someone’s front room!
Wonderfully laidback, don’t miss trying the Rockhopper or the Iron Lady!
And finally there’s also the Falkland’s Gin Distillery to visit.
Made with local botanicals, naturally foraged, this award-winning gin has to be tried when in the Falklands too – the perfect way to end the day if you ask me.
#4 Discover Gypsy Cove & Magellanic Penguins
But now we start to move out Stanley on this list of the top things to do in Falklands, as we head to explore other areas in East Falkland, kicking off with Gypsy Cove.
Lying just beyond the capital, this stunning white sand beach area is home to not only amazing coastal views, but also a delightful colony of Magellanic Penguins.
These burrow-nesting penguins can be found across this area, which has a handy self-guided walking trail to help you get around.
Just watch out for penguins crossing, particularly in the spring nesting season, as these timid creatures are easily frightened!
On the way to Gypsy Cove, don’t miss seeing the Lady Elizabeth Shipwreck, which can be spotted from Airport Road and afterwards, why not continue your journey by heading to Cape Pembroke.
Here you can climb the lighthouse tower and enjoy the epic coastal views from the top.
Just don’t forget to pick up the keys from the museum first!
#5 Sunset at Yorke Bay with Gentoo Penguins
And also in this area of East Falkland (which the largest island in the archipelago FYI), you can find the stunning Yorke Bay.
Another of the Falkland’s white sand beaches, this time backed by undulating dunes, this magical place can really only be reached by 4wd – so it’s best to take a local guide for the wheels and so you don’t get lost!
Park the car at the foot of the dunes and then climb up for incredible panoramic views around the area and across the South Atlantic beyond.
The best time to do this is sunset – not only for the truly epic light display as the sky turns fiery, but also for the Gentoo Penguins!
Yes there’s a huge colony of Gentoo at Yorke Bay, most of whom return from their foraging adventures at sea around dusk.
Covered by landmines following the 1982 conflict, Yorke Bay was finally cleared, made safe and opened to the public again in 2000; and when it was, they discovered that a delightful tuxedo of Gentoo had been calling the place home for years!
The perfect place to spot these adorable animals in the wild, visiting Yorke Bay at sunset is absolutely one of the best things to do in the Falkland Islands.
#6 Snap King Penguins at Volunteer Point
And now to get even further from Stanley, we come to one of one of the best day trips you can make from the capital.
Volunteer Point is situated on East Falklands, but is around a 3 hour drive, one way, to get to from Stanley.
Not only is this because it’s pretty far, but also because more than half the journey (the section after Port Louis) is over rough, off-road terrain… and I mean not even a gravel track here, you are literally driving over the scrub!
Anyway this is all part of the adventure if you want to see some of the Falkland’s most majestic residents.
Yes the King Penguin is hard to beat!
The second largest of the penguins species (after the Emperors), the upright and regal stance of these magnificent creatures is incredibly impressive.
And put this against a stunning white sand backdrop, with one of the bluest oceans behind you’ve ever seen and you’ve got yourself one heck of an amazing day trip at Volunteer point.
Only really accessible via a guided tour (thanks to the crazy journey to get here and the need for an access permit) learn more about how to book a trip to Volunteer Point here.
#7 Check Out the History & Wildlife of Pebble Island
But now it’s time to move away from Stanley and get into “camp”, which is the local Falkland name for anything beyond the capital!
And we’ll start here with an amazing trip to Pebble Island, which is absolutely one of the best things to do in the Falkland Islands.
The third largest of the outer smaller islands, Pebble Island is a feast for history buffs and wildlife watchers alike.
As one of the most significant sites during the 1982 conflict (an SAS-raid took place here), Pebble has many war-related sites to visit, including memorials for HMS Coventry and an Argentine Learjet, as well as wreckage debris from the SAS attack.
As well as this, there’s good hiking to enjoy across Pebble’s 3 main peaks on the western side of the island, and amazing animal encounters to enjoy including 3 species of penguin – Gentoo, Rockhopper and Magellanic – plus sea lions and plenty of bird species to spot.
The best place to stay on the island is Pebble Lodge and owner Rik, can take you for a tour of the island, as you’ll need a vehicle to get around here.
Learn more in this complete travel guide to Pebble Island I wrote.
#8 Enjoy a Good Walk on Carcass Island
Unfortunately Carcass Island is one of the Falklands I didn’t get to visit – there’s only so many you can see in a week! – but I’ve heard it’s spectacular and, if I ever return (fingers crossed!) it will definitely be top of my hit list!
From its dazzling array of bird species, through to penguins, seals, sea lions and dolphins, there’s raw wildlife encounters by the bucket load here, but perhaps best of all are the lovely walks on offer – up Stanley Hill or Mount Byng, or across Leopard Beach or Elephant Flats to name but 2!
After all that, head to the Carcass Island Home for an authentic and restful stay.
#9 Be Amazed by Orcas on Sea Lion Island
It might sound a bit strange to have “be amazed” as one of the best things to do in the Falkland Islands, but honestly if you visit here, you’ll know what I mean.
I was pretty much non-stop amazed for a week!
But out of all the places I visited and things I did, I have to say the utterly epic Sea Lion Island probably stole the show.
One of the smallest islands that has accommodation, you can walk around Sea Lion on foot, which makes it ideal to explore at your leisurel.
Simply step out of the fantastic Sea Lion Lodge here and you’ll be greeted by huge numbers of elephant seals, as well Gentoo, Magellanic and even the odd King Penguin.
There’s also Rockhoppers to spot at intuitively named Rockhopper Point – visit at sunset for the best light – and none other than orcas to see in the wild at the Orca Pool.
You need to get up at 4am to see these incredible marine hunters, but my goodness is it worth it!
Read more about how to get to Sea Lion Island and see the orcas in this post I wrote about this incredible place.
#10 Bliss Out on Bleaker Island
Another Falkland Island that you don’t need a vehicle to explore is delightful Bleaker Island.
Located close to Sea Lion, this lovely spot boasts the usual outstanding array of wildlife, all of which can be spotted easily and totally in the wild without such much as a rope between you and the animals.
The place to stay here is Cassard House, which is near to the airstrip where flights land from Stanley.
Spend at least 1 night in this charming place where you really will feel like you’re at the end of the world… in a good way!
#11 Spot Black-Browed Albatross at Hill Cove
It’s fair to say that I’ve been through a lot of animals in this list of the best things to do in the Falklands and that’s because, quite simply, there’s a lot of animals here! – especially ones that many people (myself included) are super keen to tick off their bucket list.
But there’s one I haven’t mentioned yet and that’s the mighty Albatross.
There’s only a few places across the Falklands to spot these amazing birds and the place I saw them was just out of the wonderful settlement of Hill Cove on West Falkland.
Taking a tour with Peter of Kelper Tours to spot these amazing birds on the cliffs at the very western point of the island was like nothing else I’ve ever seen.
Nesting Black-Browed Albatross were everywhere and we watched them soar and nest and groom each other for hours.
Also near here were a colony of Rockhopper Penguins and Cormorants, not to mention nearby Gentoo Penguins too.
All in all it was quite the gathering and well worth the drive and the hike!
The cosy night I then spent in Boxwood Pod – the Falkland’s first glamping spot – could not have been better!
Learn more about my time at Hill Cove in this article I wrote.
#12 FIGAS Flight
And in at number 13, one of the key things you have to do while in the Falklands is experience a FIGAS Flight.
Luckily, if you’re going to any of the outer islands I mention above, you’ll definitely be on a FIGAS plane – I was on one every day during my time here! – and getting to see the islands from above in their small propeller planes really is mind-blowing.
But not just that, the FIGAS services is also something of a cultural institution – a government service that also runs commercial flights, FIGAS acts like an epic taxi service for locals and tourists wanting to get around the archipelago.
Whether it’s pets to the vet, parcels from Amazon, people off to see relatives, or tourists on the Penguin Trail, FIGAS handles it all so wonderfully – it’s really quite impressive!
Getting to sit up front and see the view, as well as chat to the Captain (thanks Dan!) about life in the tiny territory below, was travel gold – the unscripted, the real moment, when you’re seeing and doing things that feel like something out of a film.
Oh and even if you aren’t heading out to stay on any of the islands, you can still enjoy a Round Robin flight with FIGAS – the perfect way to get the views and the sense of it all for a fraction of the price.
#13 Mixing with the Falkland Islanders
And last but not least, mixing with the locals really is a top thing to do in the Falkland Islands.
One of the most welcoming, hospitable and kind communities I’ve ever come across, after 7 days here, I almost felt part of the furniture!
From lodge stays with kind hosts, to rounds of beers shouted in the pub, to wonderful tour guides and reps that helped me get around, I couldn’t have been more looked after here.
And it’s the stories too.
After all, when you live somewhere as remote as the Falklands you’re bound to have a few stories!
And when people are happy to share them with you, happy to give you a window into their unique world, it’s always one of the best travel experiences going in my book.
Mini Travel Guide to the Falkland Islands
When to Visit the Falklands?
It’s best to visit the Falkland Islands during the spring and summer season, which runs from November to February.
How Long to Spend in the Falklands?
I recommend 7-14 days across the archipelago.
How to Get There?
Check out this article I wrote all about flying to the Falkland Islands.
Recommended Falkland Island Tours
If you’re keen to travel to the Falkland Islands, check out these amazing tours!
Top 5 Packing Items for the Falklands
Learn more in this complete Falklands packing list I put together.
Travel Insurance
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
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.
Travel Money
There’s only 1 bank in the Falklands, in Stanley, so it pays to have some British cash on you, as well as a debit and credit card.
Most island lodges allow you to pay on card, which is what I did, using my Wise card.
The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, my Wise card works just like a debit card and it links easily with Google and Apple pay. Grab yours here.
PIN IT TO PINTEREST!
So there you have it, my list of top 13 things to do in the Falkland Islands.
While it may be far and it may not be that cheap, if you ever, ever get the chance to visit this spectacular archipelago, there’s no question it will be the trip of a lifetime!
My trip to the Falkland Islands was kindly sponsored by Falkland Island tourism but, as always, all views are my own.
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