Falkland Islands Cruises & Tours

Cruises to the Falkland Islands occur in the southern summer months between November and March. These are the best months for wildlife viewing and offer visitors the warmest temperatures. Here are the highlights by month:

November is an excellent month for viewing albatrosses and penguins incubating their eggs. Migratory penguins (Rockhopper, Macaroni, and Magellanic penguins) return to breed on the islands, and elephant seals begin to mate.

December is the best month to witness penguin chicks hatching on the sandy shores. From December until February, you can enjoy the warmest weather, with highs of 14°C. Be warned, however, that the sunlight in the Falkland Islands is strong, so make sure you pack your suncream.

January The newly hatched Gentoo and Rockhopper chicks form large bustling creches in the tussock grass close to the coast. It’s an excellent time to see Elephant seals haul out on the beaches to begin their annual moulting.

February – the beaches are filled with sea lion pups that form groups. Newly born Magellanic penguins leave their burrows for the first time. February is one of the warmest months in the Falkland Islands.

March: Sea lions haul out onto the beaches. King Penguins can be seen feeding their young. Penguin chicks from all other species begin to fledge before heading out to sea in April.

No matter which month you visit the Falkland Islands during the summer, you will be sure to encounter an abundance of wildlife.

The best month to cruise to Antarctica ultimately depends on what you want to see. For a detailed month-by-month guide of what to expect in Antarctica, including wildlife, please check out our guide Best Time to Go To Antarctica.

There are two ways to visit the remote Falkland Islands: on an expedition cruise or by flying to the islands and taking a land-based tour.

Cruises to the Falkland Islands depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, and Puerto Williams, Chile. Domestic flights connect Ushuaia to Buenos Aires for International connections. Charter flights are usually included for cruises departing Puerto Williams.

A limited number of cruises depart from Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. A weekly flight connects Mount Pleasant Airport on the Falkland Islands to Punta Arenas in Chile by LATAM.

For travellers looking to do a land-based tour, the best option is to fly from Chile. However, the MOD airbridge flight from the UK to the Falkland Islands is also possible, although it has limited capacity and is less reliable.

As many of the best places to visit on the Falkland Islands are remote, the easiest way to see them is on an expedition cruise.

The ships’ Zodiac landing craft offers an opportunity to explore places that would otherwise be inaccessible, such as Steeple Jason Island.

It’s possible to explore the Falkland Islands on a land-based tour by flying between the islands and staying at remote cottages and sheep farms such as Sea Lion Island. This method of travel offers the benefit of being able to spend more time on the islands. Due to the limited capacity, tours are often booked out six months in advance, so advanced booking is essential.

Expedition cruises to the Falkland Islands are active and geared towards exploring. Days are spent undertaking Zodiac rides and excursions to visit wildlife sites and places of historical interest with a team of expedition leaders and naturalists.

Many of the highlights of the Falkland Islands are centred around wildlife viewing. From seeing penguins up close in their natural surroundings to visiting some of the world’s largest albatross colonies, wildlife lovers are spoilt for choice.

In the evenings, enjoy onboard lectures about the wildlife and history of the Falkland Islands after warming up in the ship’s Sauna or spa.

The Falkland Islands Pound is the official currency of the Falkland Islands, equivalent to a British Pound.

US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted in the Falkland Islands, along with debit or credit card payments.

The Falkland Islands have a cool and temperate climate. If you visit Antarctica and South Georgia on the same trip, you will notice that the Falkland Islands are noticeably warmer than other polar regions.

During the summer, between November and March, you can expect a daily average of around 10°c.

January and February are the warmest months to visit, with a high temperature of 14°c during the day and a low temperature of 5°c at night.

The weather in the Falkland Islands is highly changeable and often very windy. On a typical day, wind speeds can reach 30 mph. Rain and showers are typical for the islands, along with bright sunny days during the summer.

Polar Escapes offers the largest selection of cruise ships and lines that visit the Falkland Islands. We use our expertise and first-hand experience to help you find the right cruise for you.

To find out more please see our guide on how to choose your expedition ship.

You do not require a visa to visit the Falkland islands as a tourist. For more information please see the immigration website for the Falkland Islands.

If you are visiting by land, a visitor permit will be issued upon arrival and is valid for up to 30 days. 

To embark on an expedition cruise, you must have a passport that is six months old from the date of expiry.

If you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.