Falkland Islands Nature and Wildlife

The Falkland Islands are famous for the unique and up-close wildlife opportunities available throughout. Nature conservation is taken seriously and as such, the Countryside Code was developed by Falklands Conservation as a series of rules for visitors and islanders alike to follow. Visitors are encouraged to keep to paths where possible and to refrain from littering and it is important to give animals the right of way to avoid disturbing them. With such rules in place, wildlife viewings are safe and failure to follow the rules can result in fines.

The Falklands are home to a large variety of marine wildlife. Colonies of elephant seals, sea lions and fur seals are found around the islands. Leopard seals are occasionally spotted but are not as common. The waters surrounding the Falklands host fourteen cetacean species including two types of dolphins, Peale’s and Commerson’s. These dolphins are year-round inhabitants.  Killer whales are also regular visitors, particularly around seabird and seal colonies as these creatures serve as prey for killer whales. Other whale species like fin, minke, sperm, southern bottlenose, and southern right and humpback whales are spotted but are less common. These whales tend to come to the islands during the summer months.

What the Falklands lack in land-based mammals, they make up for in birds. Over 200 species have been recorded in the islands, two of which are endemic - Cobb’s wren and the Falklands Flightless Steamer Duck. The most famous birds in the Falklands are penguins which serve as a major tourist draw. King and gentoo penguins are seen all year as the islands are home to the largest gentoo penguin population in the world. Other penguin species, Magellanic, rockhopper and macaroni, are only seen during the summer months as they are migratory birds. The photography opportunities for bird lovers and amateur photographers are abundant.

The outer islands are considered by many to be a highlight of any trip to the Falklands. These islands, some no more than a few hectares in area, are accessible by plane or boat and each offer something unique. With more than 700 islands, the many unspoiled beaches and cliffs act as a safe haven for various species. The remote nature of the Falkland Islands means visitors get a rare chance to see nature and wildlife up close without the crowds of other popular nature destinations.  

Falkland Islands Travel Information

At Goway we believe that a well-informed traveller is a safer traveller. With this in mind, we have compiled an easy-to-navigate travel information section dedicated to the Falkland Islands.

Learn about the history and culture of the Falkland Islands, the must-try food and drink, and what to pack in your suitcase. Read about Falkland Island's nature and wildlife, weather and geography, along with 'Country Quickfacts' compiled by our travel experts. Our globetrotting tips, as well as our visa and health information, will help ensure you're properly prepared for a safe and enjoyable trip. The only way you could possibly learn more is by embarking on your journey and discovering the Falkland Islands for yourself. Start exploring… book one of our Falkland Islands tours today!

Extend Your Trip

After your Falkland Islands tours, why not consider another of Goway's Latin America tours. These include a large selection of other exciting countries in Central and South America. We offer Chile vacation packages and Easter Island tours, Ecuador vacation packages which include Galapagos cruises, Peru vacation packages which include Machu Picchu tours and Brazil tours including Iguassu Falls tours among many others.

Latin America by Goway is an exclusive division that specializes in planning and organizing Falkland Islands tours, vacations and experiences. To design the best itinerary for you, we at Goway would like to know how specific your interests are;

• Meeting the people
• Hearing about the 1982 Conflict
• Encountering specific wildlife

We also offer Antarctica cruises that stopover in the Falklands.