Day Trips & Excursions: Falkland Islands

Nearby Destinations

Several locations are accessible for day trips from Stanley, presenting diverse experiences. The most popular include Volunteer Point and various Battlefield Tour sites.

For remote sites, a guided 4x4 tour is greatly advised due to difficult terrain. Independent travel is possible for closer locations.

Excursions

Volunteer Point: See King, Gentoo, and Magellanic Penguins. Full-day trip (8-10 hrs) via 4x4 tour.
Battlefield Tours: Explore 1982 conflict sites like Mount Tumbledown (half-day) or Goose Green (full-day).
Gypsy Cove / Yorke Bay: Close to Stanley, for Gentoo and Magellanic Penguins. Easy access by taxi.
Darwin / Goose Green: Accessible by paved road, with historical sites and a glimpse of Camp life.

Further Exploration

Organized tours and independent travel present distinct advantages for navigating the Falkland Islands. Pacing your visit well aids planning.

Accessible Locations

For remote sites like Volunteer Point or battlefield sites, an organized 4x4 tour with a knowledgeable local guide is greatly advised. This is because of the difficult terrain, navigation hurdles, and grasping the historical context.

Travel Recommendations

A guided 4x4 tour is the standard method for challenging terrain.
Independent travel is possible for locations accessible by paved road or near Stanley.
Local guides offer historical context and safety considerations.

Itinerary Pacing

Typical Durations

Volunteer Point: A full-day excursion, 8-10 hours including travel time.
Stanley area battlefield tours: A half-day trip, 4-5 hours.
Goose Green/San Carlos battlefield tours: A full-day trip, generally 6-8 hours.

Natural Escapes

Scenic Highlights

Many wildlife sites are designated protected areas for conservation.
Coastal areas like Bluff Cove present scenic beauty.
Mount Usborne presents challenging hikes.
The entire "Camp" offers vast rural landscapes.

Seasonal Phenomena

April brings vivid autumn colors to the hardy vegetation.
The unique light conditions make for great photo moments.
Winter months (May-Aug) present fewer tourists and unique ambiance.
Be prepared for colder, shorter days if visiting in winter.

Financial Overview

Entry FeesVary by site; some are free.
Tour CostsGuided 4x4 tours can be expensive.
AccommodationLimited options often mean higher prices.
Food & DrinkStanley offers several options at varying prices.

CurrencyFalkland Islands Pound (FKP), GBP accepted.
Card PaymentsWidely accepted in Stanley, less so in rural areas.
CashHandy for small purchases and remote locations.
ATMsAvailable in Stanley.

Booking Day Trips

Many day trips, particularly those to remote wildlife sites, fill up quickly. Secure your spot well ahead of your arrival to avoid disappointment. For a diverse selection of day trips and excursions, explore options on GetYourGuide.

Cultural Insights

Beyond nature, cultural excursions offer an appreciation of the islands' unique identity.

Historical Sites

Darwin and Goose Green settlements hold history from the 1982 conflict and early settlement. Port Louis is the oldest settlement.

Rural Life

Staying at a farm lodge or visiting settlements like Goose Green offers insight into rural life and the sheep farming industry.

Solemn Visits

Sites related to the 1982 conflict are often visited as solemn pilgrimage sites by veterans and their families.

Multi-Day Stays

To fully experience the Falklands, consider extending your visit to the outer islands or explore different regions.

Island Extensions

Adding 2-3 days permits visits to outer islands via FIGAS (e.g., Sea Lion, Pebble, Carcass).
Staying 1-2 nights at an outer island lodge deepens wildlife experiences.
A remote Camp lodge stay (1-2 days) explores different regions and solitude.

Onward Connections

Planning these travel connections well in advance is highly advisable due to limited seats.

Logical Next Destinations

Punta Arenas, Chile: Gateway to Chilean Patagonia and Antarctic cruises.
Santiago, Chile: A major South American hub for onward travel.
UK: The direct (but long) RAF flight via Ascension Island connects to the United Kingdom.

Longer Regional Journeys

Two-week planCombine Stanley with 2-3 outer islands via FIGAS.

Diverse wildlifeExperience different wildlife and landscapes.

Self-explorationConsider 4x4 for East Falkland exploration.

Stanley baseLonger stays might use Stanley as a base.

Flexible toursArrange various day tours from Stanley.

Community engagementSelf-catering deepens community engagement.

Outer Island Stays

Consider spending a few nights on an outer island.
This provides a more immersive wildlife experience.
FIGAS flights connect islands and remote settlements.
Book inter-island flights well in advance.
Outer islands offer incredible photographic moments.

Multi-Day Options

Explore ways to extend your Falklands adventure, from the outer islands to remote corners of the Camp, to truly immerse yourself.

Outer Islands Exploration

Extended Island Visits

Staying 1-2 nights at a lodge on an outer island is highly advised for immersive wildlife.
These islands often hold unique wildlife populations and incredible photographic opportunities.
Witness diverse bird and marine life in their natural habitats.

Remote Camp Lodge Stays

Add 1-2 days to stay at a remote lodge on East or West Falkland, accessible by 4x4 or a short FIGAS flight.

Camp Life Immersion

This allows exploration of a different part of the Camp.
Experience the solitude and specific wildlife unique to these areas.
Gain insight into rural life and the sheep farming industry.

International Connections

The Falkland Islands link to several international destinations, presenting onward travel opportunities.

Major Gateways

Punta Arenas, Chile: A gateway to Chilean Patagonia (Torres del Paine National Park) and Antarctic cruises.
Santiago, Chile: A major South American hub with numerous onward connections.
Buenos Aires, Argentina: While historically connected, political sensitivities may factor into travel planning.

Transportation Links

Efficient travel between islands and to international destinations hinges on understanding available transport.

Transport Methods

Inter-island travel: FIGAS flights are the main and most efficient connection.
International connections: The LATAM flight connects to Chile and Argentina.
The RAF flight offers a direct (but long) connection to the United Kingdom via Ascension Island.

Suggested Regional Routes

For a two-week trip, combine various island experiences to fully appreciate the archipelago's diversity.

Comprehensive Experience

Combine a few nights in Stanley with 2-3 nights each on 2-3 different outer islands (e.g., Sea Lion, Carcass, Saunders).

Diverse Wildlife

Fly between islands with FIGAS for diverse wildlife experiences and a broader appreciation of the archipelago.

Road Exploration

You could also include a 4x4 tour to Volunteer Point or a multi-day drive through parts of East Falkland.

Advanced Booking

Plan international connections and inter-island flights well in advance, as seats are limited and demand is consistent.

Day Trips & Excursions