The Falkland Islands
Lightly Populated, Densely Fascinating
Off the coast of Patagonia lies the windswept island chain of the Falklands (Islas Malvinas). Comprising the larger islands of East and West Falkland, and 776 smaller islands (only fifteen of which are inhabited), the Falklands are one of the most remote and least densely populated places on Earth, with only 300 residents. The islands are believed to have been uninhabited when British Captain John Strong sailed between the two main islands, naming the strait between them ‘Falkland Sound’, christening the islands with the name they are known by today.
Area of the Falkland Islands
- 12.173 km²
Population of the Falkland Islands
-
3,470
Why Travel to the Falkland Islands
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Map of the Falkland Islands
Geology of the Falkland Islands
The rugged, hilly terrain of the Falklands is shaped by sandstone, and geologically, the islands have more in common with South Africa than with South America, having separated from Africa 130 million years ago. Some of the oldest rock formations, found in the Cape Meredith area, date back around 1.1 billion years. One of the most distinctive geological features of the islands is the presence of extensive stone runs—vast fields of boulders formed by freeze-thaw processes in past glacial periods.
Wildlife of the Falkland Islands
There are no native terrestrial mammals, but the surrounding nutrient-rich waters and the maze of islands, channels, and inlets support a rich marine ecosystem. Fourteen species of marine mammals, including South American sea lions, elephant seals, orcas, and Humpback whales, are common, while the islands host five species of penguin and 80% of the world’s Black-Browed Albatross. In fact, the Falkland Islands host some of the largest variety of seabirds on Earth, including five species of penguins (Gentoo, King, Magellanic, Macaroni and Southern Rockhopper) that breed on the islands.
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Polar Bear Quick Overview Scientific Name Ursus maritimus Population Estimated at 22,000-31,000 globally (IUCN) Regions Arctic, Europe, North...
Walrus Quick Overview Scientific Name Odobenus rosmarus Population Estimated at 225,000 globally, of which about 20,000 live in the Northern...
Northern Gannet Quick Overview Scientific Name Morus bassanus Population Estimated at 1,500,000-1,800,000 individuals globally Regions Arctic and...
Common Eider Quick Overview Scientific Name Somateria mollissima Population Estimated at close to 2 million globally Regions Arctic and North...
Black Guillemot Quick Overview Scientific Name Cepphus grylle Population Estimated at close to 400,000–700,000 individuals globally Regions North...
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Imagine going on one of our voyages and spotting a penguin that could be as tall as your child. We're talking about the emperor penguin, the tallest...
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Climate of the Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands experience cool summers, with average highs around 15°C in January and February, and mild winters, where temperatures drop to about 5°C from June to August.
| DAY TEMP | NIGHT TEMP | PRECIPITATION | SUNLIGHT HOURS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 59°F (15°C) | 46°F (8°C) | 1.57 in (40 mm) | 8 hours |
| February | 59°F (15°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 1.50 in (38 mm) | 7.5 hours |
| March | 55°F (13°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 1.77 in (45 mm) | 6.5 hours |
| April | 52°F (11°C) | 39°F (4°C) | 1.69 in (43 mm) | 5.5 hours |
| May | 46°F (8°C) | 36°F (2°C) | 1.97 in (50 mm) | 4 hours |
| June | 43°F (6°C) | 32°F (0°C) | 1.77 in (45 mm) | 3 hours |
| July | 41°F (5°C) | 32°F (0°C) | 1.97 in (50 mm) | 3 hours |
| August | 43°F (6°C) | 34°F (1°C) | 1.89 in (48 mm) | 4 hours |
| September | 46°F (8°C) | 36°F (2°C) | 1.50 in (38 mm) | 5 hours |
| October | 50°F (10°C) | 39°F (4°C) | 1.57 in (40 mm) | 6 hours |
| November | 54°F (12°C) | 43°F (6°C) | 1.57 in (40 mm) | 7 hours |
| December | 57°F (14°C) | 45°F (7°C) | 1.77 in (45 mm) | 7.5 hours |
Popular Expeditions That Include the Falkland Islands
Our Falklands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula voyages follow the legendary explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton’s trail to Antarctica and the South Shetlands. Sailing between Elephant Island and South Georgia offers a glimpse into the passage made famous by the man they called “The Boss”100 years ago.
