Table of Contents
Wildlife of the Falkland Islands
Wildlife and nature are what most Falkland Islands visitors see. Colonies of penguins, albatrosses, marine lions, elephant seals, 15 species of whales and dolphins, and a wide variety of birds (about 200 species of them) can be found throughout the islands. There are also some unique insects, including the Fritillary Queen Falkland Butterfly, along with 170 native flowering plants, 14 of which are not found anywhere in the world.
The Penguins of Volunteer Point
Volunteer Point Hotel, located just 2 hours from the rugged Stanley Road at times, is a great place to enjoy unforgettable wildlife viewing. The big clouds are the king penguins. Once nearly extinct, about 1,200 pairs of breeders share a colony here, although the area is also an important habitat for Gentoo and Magellanic penguins.
Stanley
Stanley is located on East Island, the capital of the Falkland Islands, and is also the main population center, with over 3,000 people. Built on a north-facing slope to increase sun exposure, many of the city’s wood-coated homes are decorated in bright colors with corrugated iron roofs and overlook the picturesque Stanley Harbor.
Christ Church Cathedral and Whalebone Arch
The small Christ Church Cathedral, the most southern Anglican cathedral, was dedicated in 1892, and the visit here should be on top of the list of things to do while in Stanley. Designed by Mr. Arthur Bloomfield, one of the few stone buildings in the Falkland Islands.
The Historic Dockyard Museum
Historic Dockyard Museum – Part of the National History of the Falkland Islands, is a must-visit attraction in Stanley, which opened only in 2014. With a strong focus on the rich marine history of the islands, you will enjoy exhibitions and performances that contain historical artifacts such as ship characters and fishing-related items, and major regional industry.
Cemeteries and Monuments
The Stanley Ancient Cemetery contains a number of interesting tombstones with reliefs that provide a glimpse into the lives of the early pioneers. The Sacrifice Cross, on the northern side of the cemetery, is a memorial to the Falkland Islands who were killed in World War I and World War II. Another military memorial is Victory Green, World War II memorial and annual parade scene on Queen’s Birthday.
East Falkland’s Small Villages
Adventure outside Stanley and exploring other East Falklands, and even smaller ones, is a fantastic adventure in itself. Port Louis, less than an hour’s drive from the North Coast, is a good base for exploring the scenic area and its colonies of penguins.
West Falkland Island and Port Howard
West Falkland Island is approximately 4,500 square kilometers and is characterized by its steep coastal slopes and rugged inner mountains. Like East Falkland, this island features rich biodiversity with 163 species of plants and 21 species of wild birds, and is especially famous for its wild and adventure tours.
