Four penguins walking together along a beach, with waves crashing in the background and a clear blue sky.

Wonderful Wildlife in the Falklands

Brimming with birdlife, including five different species of penguin, the Falkland Islands are one of the best-kept wildlife secrets in the world. The vast emptiness of this barren landscape is deceptive and exploring here by yacht allows you to discover the secrets of this abundant and vibrant collection of islands.


When to go

October - February

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Stanley

As the capital of the Falkland Islands, it is only right to begin your yacht adventure in Stanley. You will be greeted by your guide who will escort you through the quaint streets of this colourful town. Discover the waterfront where stands a whalebone arch, constructed in 1933 from the enormous jawbones of two blue whales. Visit the battlefield sites of 1982 where you will uncover some of the rich history this town has to offer. You will then transfer to your yacht where you will meet your crew and enjoy a delicious lunch before hopping in a tender to Volunteer Point.

Discover the sprawling colony of king penguins that inhabit this sandy peninsula. A cacophony of sounds will greet you as they appear like a comical mirage out of their surroundings. With their rotund stomachs propped on the ground, the chicks look like fuzzy, overripe pears. As you take in these noisy penguins keep your eyes peeled for Falkland thrush, blackish and Magellanic oystercatchers, ground tyrants and pipits. These 778 islands are almost unrivalled when it comes to their abundance and variety of bird life.

A large whale bone arch frames a beautiful brick church with a clock tower, set against a backdrop of a cloudy sky and sunlight.
A group of king penguins stands side by side on rocky terrain, showcasing their distinctive black and white plumage with bright orange accents on their necks.
Colorful buildings line the waterfront in the Falkland Islands, with bright roofs and a bustling pier. A small boat is docked, and people are gathered along the shore, enjoying the scenic view.

Bull Point & Bleaker Island

Enjoy breakfast on board in a bay off Bull Point, the southernmost tip of East Falkland, listening to the calls of the surrounding wildlife. This isolated area can only be reached by an off-road journey or by private vessel. This section of the Falkland Islands is demarcated as an Important Bird Area; a global standard set by Birdlife International due to the astonishing number of birds that populate the area, including Gentoo and Magellanic penguins. If you are feeling brave, this is the perfect opportunity to kayak over the vast depths where whales, elephant seals, and inquisitive sea lions compete for space.

Indulge in a revitalising lunch back on board your yacht whilst effortlessly cruising to Bleaker Island, yet another Important Bird Area. Here you may spot Rockhopper penguins, crested and striated caracaras, Imperial cormorants, Falklands skuas, ruddy-headed geese, grass wrens and tussac birds. You may also catch a glimpse of the rare flying steamer duck, found on inland ponds. Bleaker Island affords the opportunity to spot an array of dolphins and whales from the comfort of your yacht. Spot Peale’s Dolphins darting along kelp beds, Commerson’s Dolphins swimming in the shallows as well as Sei, Southern Right and Fin Whales.

A resting seal lying on a grassy bank by the water, with its head tilted and eyes closed, enjoying the sunlight.

Sea Lion, George & Barren Islands

Located in the southeast of the archipelago, Sea Lion Island is aptly named for the huge population of sea lions that occupy this wild island. As the most important wildlife habitat in the Falklands, the native Tussac grass provides the perfect sheltered habitat for a range of wildlife. The terrain is mainly low lying but spectacular cliffs drop off into the ocean at the southern end, providing a beautiful view of the island’s edge as you approach by yacht. Sea Lion Island is another Important Bird Area and you are sure to be astounded by the density and diversity of wildlife on this small island.

Three penguins with black and white plumage standing on a sandy beach, facing the ocean. Two are calling out with open beaks, while one is slightly behind them. Waves can be seen in the background.

Back on board your yacht, cruise to the George & Barren Islands. This land which divides East and West Falkland is home to pristine sandy coves and picturesque ponds. These stunning islands house Magellanic penguins, southern giant petrels, sooty shearwaters, elephant seals, Gentoo penguins, southern giant petrels, and Cobb’s wren. Here, you can fully immerse yourself in dense and diverse wildlife that rivals that of the Galapagos.

A large gathering of king penguins on a rocky shore, with thousands of individuals clustered closely together. The penguins display their distinctive black and white feathers and vibrant yellow-orange markings around their necks. A serene landscape with water and hills is visible in the background.
Two seals closely interacting, one with its mouth open as if vocalizing, while the other rests against it. Soft textures and warm lighting enhance their features and expressions.
A serene coastal scene features a wave crashing against the shore, with a dolphin partially submerged. Several seabirds, including a flying gull and ducks, are visible in the calm water. The sky displays soft pastel hues during sunset.
A large, weathered whale skeleton lies across a grassy area with a beach and ocean in the background. The bones are covered in yellow lichen, contrasting with the green grass.
Two rockhopper penguins stand on a rocky shore, facing slightly away from each other. Their distinctive crests and vibrant orange beaks contrast against their black and white plumage, with a blue ocean in the background.
A spacious outdoor dining area on a yacht features a round table surrounded by wooden chairs. Blue cushions adorn the seating area along the edge, with a view of the ocean in the background. The deck is made of wooden planks, and the sky is clear with scattered clouds.
A tall stone cross stands atop a set of grey stone steps, with a blue sky and wispy clouds in the background. Small red poppy wreaths are positioned at the base of the cross.

Mount Adam

Having cruised through the night, wake up to the soaring silhouette of Mount Adam on West Falkland, an island comprised of idyllic inlets perfect for exploring. Discover Port Howard with an expert guide who will introduce you to the fascinating history of the Islands. Head to a working farm on the edge of Bold Cove and learn about the 1982 Falkland war before visiting a small museum dedicated to the conflict. Your Pelorus guide will help you explore minefields and the remains of aircraft that are scattered across the area.

Enjoy an afternoon trout fishing on the pastoral Warrah river. Accompanied by an expert local ghillie, you will be shown hidden spots dense with fish. From here you will re-join your luxury yacht to unwind and enjoy a beautifully fresh meal whilst watching the sun dip below the horizon.

A rocky coastal landscape bustling with a colony of penguins, some perched on cliffs while others gather on the rocks below, against a backdrop of the ocean and a cloudy sky.

Pebble Island

One of the Falkland’s most biodiverse islands, Pebble Island boasts up to 42 resident bird species, including rare and elusive species. Head out on a paddleboard keeping a careful eye out for Chiloë wigeon, Silvery grebes, Black-necked swans and a multitude of other wildfowl and wading birds. Wander through the luscious hills and peaceful dunes before reaching a pristine strip of beach where you’ll enjoy a wild picnic accompanied by the calls of sea lion. Traverse the island in 4x4s to visit the site of the first land-based action of the Falklands War. Discover the scattered memorials that give the day a fascinating yet poignant ending.

Carcass Island

Arguably the most picturesque island in the archipelago, wildlife flourishes on Carcass Island thanks to strict enforcement of guidelines that ensure distance and respect for nesting birds and penguin colonies. Boasting expansive areas of mature Tussac plantations, this makes the Island a perfect choice for observing rare and endemic species, such as the Cobb’s wren. The locals’ gardens have an almost beautifully tropical allure with their Monterey cypress trees, New Zealand cabbage palms and flax, as well as a vibrant array of flowers that are home to many other small birds such as Black-chinned siskins and Falkland thrush.

A sooty-black bird with a bright red beak and striking orange eye stands on moss-covered rocks, showcasing vibrant orange lichen.
A rugged coastline with steep, rocky cliffs overlooking a deep blue sea. Lush greenery tops the cliffs, contrasting with the rocky textures. In the background, rolling hills meet the horizon under a clear blue sky.

After a restorative lunch on board, take a step away from peacefully admiring the wildlife. Head to the sheltered dunes to the south of the island that provide the perfect opportunity to enjoy some high-octane, heart-pumping activities. Make use of the brilliant array of toys on board and kitesurf alongside Gentoo penguins or snorkel with huge elephant seals. These thrilling close encounters are the perfect way to finish your Falklands experience.

Yachts to Charter this Experience

A large luxury yacht with a dark blue hull and white superstructure, featuring multiple decks and antennas, gliding through turquoise water under a clear blue sky.
ASTERIA
From 250,000 EUR • 49.5M • 12 Guests

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