The Falkland Islands swarm with subantarctic wildlife, ranging from tiny tussac birds to penguins and gigantic marine mammals. The beaches, headlands and rolling moorlands of the Falkland Islands (or Las Islas Malvinas, as they are known in Argentina, which lays claim to them) are reminiscent of northern Scotland.
The islands are increasingly prosperous thanks to a thriving squid fishery and are far removed from the 1982 conflict between Britain and Argentina that dramatically—albeit temporarily—ended their quiet isolation. Also, with improved communications, a steady stream of cruise-ship passengers and independent travelers are making their way to a scenic archipelago whose population of kelpers (as natives of the Falkland Islands are known) is ready to greet them. Tourism is now the islands' principal source of revenue.
Location
In Stanley, cruise ships dock in the outer harbor of Port William and are tendered into Stanley Harbour, where they come ashore at central Stanley's Public Jetty. The Jetty Visitors Centre has information, Internet access and taxis, with restaurants and shops nearby. Ships normally spend the day in port and sail at night.
In the Camp, including small offshore islands with wildlife sites, passengers normally come ashore in Zodiac inflatable rafts.
Shore Excursions
From Stanley, shore excursions include visits to the capital's Falkland Islands Museums, and to the gentoo penguin colony at Bluff Cove and the large king penguin colony at Volunteer Point. Battlefield tours are also possible.
Camp tours are usually disembarkations from the mother ship by Zodiac inflatables to wildlife sites; some involve extensive hiking, although others include Land Rover excursions. As a rule, these are included on smaller ships, but extra on the larger boats.
