Things to see and do in Falkland Islands

Attractions in Falkland Islands

Explore the capital, Stanley

With its traditional boozers, Stanley has more than a whiff of Great Britain about it. If you fancy getting to know the locals order a pint and prop up the bar. If you're feeling peckish there are a various restaurants to sate your appetite. Fancy a flutter? Then head to the local racecourse to watch the nags.

Go birdwatching

The penguins are, of course, the headline attraction, but for discerning twitchers the archipelago offers the chance to spot other rare and enchanting birds, such as the caracara, albatross and the endemic Cobb's wren. The Falkland's flightless steamer duck is another popular inhabitant and is found nowhere else on Earth.

Learn about the archipelago’s maritime history

Back in the day, sailing ships and steam vessels would regularly call in at Stanley before embarking on the often-precarious journey around Cape Horn. A self-guided Maritime History Trail has been set up in the capital, which takes half a day and leads from Stanley to Cape Pembroke, offering an interesting introduction to the Falkland Islands' birdlife.

Pay a visit to Sea Lion Island

Sea Lion is home to some amazing wildlife, including elephant seals, sea lions and king penguins, as well as killer whales offshore. It is the most southerly-inhabited island, and all areas are accessible by 4x4 or on foot from Sea Lion Lodge.

Peer at the resident penguins

Many migratory birds come to the Falkland Islands, but penguins are the star attraction. There are five species to see in all – the gentoo, rockhopper, Magellanic, king and macaroni penguin – which come to breed on the archipelago in September and depart in March. Be sure to catch a glimpse of these wonderful creatures, which really are adorable.

Saddle up for horse riding

One of the best ways to explore the archipelago, horse riding is available in Port Howard and Port San Carlos. Need more horsepower? Then hire a quad bike, which is another way of exploring the archipelago's dramatic landscape.

Support eco-tourism

Tourist accommodation on the Islands makes every effort to reduce human impact on the environment, as such many of the tourist lodges using wind generators, solar panels and other renewable energy. Farms and tourist establishments all over the Islands also tend to grow their own produce.

Take a boat tour of Stanley Harbour

A number of lodges in Stanley have motorboats, which are used for taking guests to see wildlife and places of interest in Stanley Harbour. Tours around Kidney Island and Sparrow Cove can also be arranged. It's worth layering up, as the weather can change quickly at sea.

Visit the battlefield sites

The 1982 conflict looms large over the islands and so it would be remiss not to take a trip to some of the battlefield sites associated with the war (including Wireless Ridge, Mount Tumbledown and Sapper Hill). There are also military cemeteries, memorials and museums dealing with the conflict.

Tourist offices

Falkland Islands Government Office

Mon-Fri 0900-1730.

Falkland Islands Tourist Board