One of the stops I was most excited about during our Antarctic cruise was the Falkland Islands.
I didn’t know a whole lot about them. Growing up, my main knowledge of the Falklands came from hearing about the Falklands War in 1982. Beyond that, they were a group of remote islands somewhere in the South Atlantic.
But I love visiting places that are a little off the beaten track, and the idea of finding a little piece of Britain so close to South America was intriguing.
In fact, having the Falkland Islands on the itinerary was one of the reasons we chose this particular cruise.
With only one day in Stanley, I wanted to make the most of our visit. And there was one thing right at the top of my list – seeing penguins!
Unfortunately, we weren’t the only ones with that idea. By the time I started looking at Falkland Islands shore excursions, the most popular penguin tours were already booked out.
Thankfully, we found another way to see the penguins, and it turned out to be one of my favourite experiences of the entire cruise.
We also had time to explore Stanley, see its famous red phone boxes and track down a locally brewed beer for Simon.
Here’s how we spent our Falkland Islands shore day, along with the best Falkland Islands shore excursions for seeing penguins, things to do in Stanley and practical tips to help you plan your own visit.
I’ll also explain some important changes to penguin colony access since our visit, particularly around Yorke Bay.
This article may contain affiliate links. This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I may receive a small commission. Read the full disclaimer here.
Falkland Islands Shore Day at a Glance
| Cruise port | Stanley, East Falkland |
| Getting ashore | Tender boats from most larger cruise ships |
| Best known for | Penguins, rugged scenery and British heritage |
| Popular penguin excursions | Volunteer Point and Bertha’s Beach |
| Budget-friendly option | Gypsy Cove |
| Time needed | A full shore day is ideal |
| Currency | Falkland Islands pound (FKP); British pounds also accepted |
| Important to know | Tours book out early, and poor weather can prevent tendering |
About the Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands, also known as the Islas Malvinas in Argentina, are a remote group of islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 480 kilometres east of South America.
There are two main islands, East Falkland and West Falkland, along with hundreds of smaller islands and islets. The population is around 3,600, with most people living in the capital, Stanley.
The Falklands are a self-governing British Overseas Territory, although Argentina also claims sovereignty over the islands. This dispute led to the Falklands War in 1982, when Argentina invaded and British forces subsequently regained control.
Today, the islands have a distinctly British feel, with red phone boxes, English-style pubs and familiar architecture surrounded by rugged, windswept landscapes.
Fishing, agriculture and tourism are important to the local economy, but for visitors, particularly those arriving on cruise ships, the biggest attraction is the wildlife.
The Falkland Islands are home to five breeding species of penguins, along with seals, sea lions, albatrosses and numerous other seabirds.
Can Cruise Ships Always Visit the Falkland Islands?
One important thing to know when planning a Falkland Islands shore day is that there’s no guarantee your cruise ship will actually make it into port.
The Falklands are known for their unpredictable weather, particularly strong winds and rough seas.
Most larger cruise ships anchor offshore and passengers are brought into Stanley by tender boats. The journey generally takes around 20–30 minutes, depending on the conditions.
If the wind or swell makes tendering unsafe, the captain may have no choice but to cancel the stop.
We visited the Falkland Islands during our Holland America Antarctic cruise, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of the entire trip.
We were incredibly lucky. Both the Holland America cruise immediately before ours and the one after missed the Falkland Islands because of the weather.
Knowing that made our visit feel even more special.
Weather can also affect individual shore excursions, even when your ship successfully reaches Stanley.
If you’re booking independently, check what happens if your ship cannot enter port. A tour offering cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand doesn’t necessarily guarantee a refund for a same-day weather cancellation.
I certainly wouldn’t avoid a cruise that includes the Falklands because of the risk. Just remember that this is one destination where you need a little flexibility and a bit of luck!
Where to See Penguins in the Falkland Islands
Let’s face it, for many cruise passengers, the biggest reason to visit the Falkland Islands is to see penguins!
Five species breed across the islands:
- King penguins: The second-largest penguin species, known for their striking orange and yellow colouring.
- Gentoo penguins: Easily recognised by their orange-red beaks and white markings across their heads.
- Magellanic penguins: Smaller penguins that nest in burrows, often hidden amongst coastal vegetation.
- Rockhopper penguins: Recognisable by their distinctive yellow crests and red eyes.
- Macaroni penguins: Another crested species, although they’re much less likely to be seen on a typical shore excursion.
King, gentoo and Magellanic penguins are the species you’re most likely to encounter on a day trip from Stanley.
There are several places to see them, but some require organised excursions, and distances can be surprisingly long.guins.
Volunteer Point – Best for King Penguins
Volunteer Point is probably the most sought-after penguin excursion in the Falkland Islands.
It’s home to the largest breeding colony of king penguins in the Falklands, along with gentoo and Magellanic penguins.
Getting there is an adventure in itself. The journey from Stanley typically takes around two and a half hours each way, including a section across rough terrain requiring a suitable 4WD vehicle.
It’s a long excursion, and certainly not the cheapest option, but if seeing large numbers of king penguins is your priority, this is probably the tour to choose.
Volunteer Point is on private land, so access must be arranged in advance.
Check Volunteer Point penguin tours here.
Bertha’s Beach – Best for Gentoo Penguins
Bertha’s Beach is another popular location for penguin-watching excursions.
The main attraction is the gentoo penguins, although Magellanic penguins and various seabirds also live in the area.
The beach itself is a beautiful stretch of white sand, and the surrounding area is an internationally important wetland.
Tours generally take several hours, depending on the operator, and may leave some time to explore Stanley afterwards.
Like Volunteer Point, Bertha’s Beach is on private land, so you’ll need to arrange access.
See Bertha’s Beach penguin tours here.
Another well-known excursion was Bluff Cove Lagoon, but its long-running penguin tour has now closed.
Gypsy Cove – Best Budget-Friendly Option
If you’re travelling on a budget, or the popular penguin tours are booked out, Gypsy Cove is well worth considering.
Located around 6–8 kilometres from central Stanley, it’s one of the easiest places to look for penguins without booking an expensive organised excursion.
The main residents are Magellanic penguins, which nest in burrows in the ground. You might need to look carefully to spot them amongst the vegetation.
There are marked walking trails and viewing areas overlooking the beautiful white sand beach, and entry is free.
You can get there by taxi, a local shuttle when available, or on foot if you’re happy with a longer walk.
This is where our penguin adventure started, and even without the penguins, I’d recommend Gypsy Cove for the scenery alone.
Yorke Bay – Gentoo Penguins Near Stanley
Next to Gypsy Cove is Yorke Bay, another beautiful stretch of white sand with a gentoo penguin colony.
This was where we had our most memorable penguin encounters, seeing both gentoo and king penguins on the beach.
However, access arrangements have changed since our visit.
Yorke Bay reopened to visitors in December 2025 following an avian influenza closure, although the outbreak had caused significant losses to the gentoo colony.
Under the most recently published guidelines I could find, tourists visiting the Yorke Bay penguin colony must be accompanied by a guide, even if they arrive on foot along the beach.
These requirements were published for the 2025–26 cruise season, and I couldn’t find updated guidelines for 2026–27 when I checked in October 2026.
Check the latest rules before visiting rather than assuming independent access is permitted.
You can find updates through the official Falkland Islands tourism website and the Falkland Islands Government’s avian influenza information.
Which Penguin Excursion Should You Choose?
If I were choosing a Falkland Islands shore excursion, I’d narrow it down like this:
- Volunteer Point: Best for king penguins if you’re happy to spend most of the day on an organised tour.
- Bertha’s Beach: A great option for gentoo penguins and coastal scenery.
- Gypsy Cove: Best for budget travellers or those wanting to explore independently.
- Yorke Bay: Worth investigating for gentoo penguins closer to Stanley, subject to current access rules and guided visit arrangements.
My biggest tip is to book early!
When we visited, our ship was joined by the Norwegian Star and a smaller Hapag-Lloyd expedition vessel.
That meant thousands of passengers arriving on the same day, all competing for a limited number of excursions.
By the time we looked, the popular tours had been booked out for months.
But as it turned out, missing those tours led us to an experience we wouldn’t have wanted to miss.
Our Penguin Adventure at Gypsy Cove and Yorke Bay
With all the popular Falkland Islands shore excursions booked out, we needed another plan.
Thankfully, I’d discovered that it was possible to visit Gypsy Cove independently, and that became the starting point for our adventure.
We arrived in Stanley by tender, stepping off the boat into a busy little port filled with tour buses, guides holding signs and hundreds of passengers trying to work out where they needed to be.
Among all the activity, we spotted buses with signs saying “Gypsy Cove”, along with people selling tickets nearby.
The buses were making regular trips between Stanley and Gypsy Cove.
At the time, a return ticket cost US$20, or US$10 one way.
We decided to buy a one-way ticket and walk back to Stanley later. Little did we know just how much walking we’d end up doing!
These were the prices we paid, so check current transport arrangements and fares when you visit.
Spotting Magellanic Penguins at Gypsy Cove
Gypsy Cove is a beautiful bay with white sand, turquoise water and rugged hills surrounding it.
There’s a short walking trail along the cliffs above the beach, with viewing points where you can look for Magellanic penguins.
We’d seen photographs of penguins wandering along the sand, but there weren’t any there when we arrived.
Instead, we spotted a few young penguins tucked away in their burrows amongst the vegetation, waiting for their parents to return with food.
They were incredibly cute, but I have to admit, I was hoping to see a few more penguins than that!
Most of the people who arrived on the shuttle seemed to take a quick look around before jumping straight back on the bus to Stanley.
We had something else in mind.
Walking to Yorke Bay
Important: This section describes our experience at the time of our visit. Under the most recently published visitor guidelines I could find, tourists cannot visit the Yorke Bay penguin colony independently. Check current access requirements rather than attempting to follow our route without a guide.
Before leaving our cruise ship, I’d spoken to a local customs officer who told me that Yorke Bay, the long white beach beyond Gypsy Cove, was another place to look for penguins.
From the walking trail above Gypsy Cove, we could see a handful of people in the distance, so we decided to continue exploring.
It was a beautiful walk, with white sand stretching ahead of us, the ocean on one side and rolling, treeless hills on the other.
We’d been warned about the possibility of soft sand and quicksand around Yorke Bay, so we were careful where we walked and avoided wandering into unfamiliar areas.
After around 30–45 minutes, we came across a small group of people photographing something on the beach.
A king penguin!
Finding the Penguin Colony
I was so excited!
King penguins were the ones I’d really hoped to see, and here was one standing on the beach, seemingly quite happy to pose for everyone.
They’re impressive birds, standing around 90 centimetres tall, with beautiful orange and yellow markings.
I took dozens of photographs, thinking this might be the only king penguin we’d see all day.
But just around the next headland, things got even better.
There they were!
First, we spotted gentoo penguins, then more king penguins, and then even more gentoos.
Penguins everywhere!
Unlike some wildlife experiences where you watch animals from behind fences or viewing platforms, we were on the beach with penguins moving around in their natural habitat.
It was absolutely incredible.
There were only a couple of dozen other people in the area, and everyone was being respectful, keeping their distance and allowing the penguins to go about their business.
We simply sat on the sand and watched.
Penguins are such funny, curious little creatures. If we stayed still long enough, some would wander closer to investigate us.
Someone had left some equipment on the beach, possibly belonging to people who’d been stand-up paddleboarding, and the penguins seemed fascinated by it.
They’d wander over, take a look, and move along as though they had much more important things to do.
I could have watched them for hours.
Are Those Penguins Dead?
One of the funniest moments came when we noticed a penguin lying face down in the sand.
It wasn’t moving much, and we genuinely thought it was dead!
But then we noticed another doing exactly the same thing.
And another.
We soon realised the penguins were apparently trying to cool down.
We’d been lucky with the weather. It was around 14°C, with blue skies appearing during the afternoon, and I’d even managed to get a little sunburnt.
For us, it was a lovely day. For penguins dressed in their thick, waterproof feathers, it was apparently quite warm!
We also spotted penguins panting with their beaks open and holding their flippers away from their bodies, behaviours that help them lose heat.
Once we realised they weren’t dead, it was hilarious watching them all lying around on the beach.
After spending well over half an hour watching the penguins, we reluctantly decided it was time to head back.
I could easily have stayed all day, although I already had far too many photographs!
Walking Back to Stanley
Rather than returning to Gypsy Cove to catch the shuttle, we decided to walk back to Stanley.
We had plenty of time before our ship departed, and walking would give us a chance to see a little more of the islands.
Allow around 90 minutes for the walk from the Gypsy Cove area to Stanley, depending on your route and walking speed.
Of course, we took much longer because we kept stopping for photographs and taking detours.
The landscape was fascinating. There were almost no trees, just open countryside, low hills and enormous skies.
Along the way, we passed the wreck of the Lady Elizabeth, a large sailing ship that had been condemned in Stanley and later used to store coal.
In 1936, a storm broke her moorings, leaving her stranded in Whalebone Cove, where she remains today.
With her tall masts still standing, she’s quite an impressive sight.
We also made a detour to see the Stanley Totem Pole.
This quirky landmark began during the Falklands War in 1982, when soldiers added signs showing their home towns and the distances to them.
Over the years, more signs have been added from around the world.
I had a good look, but couldn’t spot any Australian locations. Clearly, someone needs to sort that out!
By the time we arrived back in Stanley, we’d had a fantastic day exploring and seeing wildlife without spending hundreds of dollars on an organised tour.
It was easily one of my favourite experiences of the entire cruise.
Can You Do the Same Walk Today?
Unfortunately, not in quite the same way.
The Falklands were officially declared landmine-free in November 2020, but that doesn’t mean every wildlife area is freely accessible.
Since our visit, access to Yorke Bay has changed, including restrictions introduced because of avian influenza.
Under the published 2025–26 guidelines, tourists visiting the penguin colony needed a guide, and everyone had to follow marked routes and wildlife protection measures.
The government also required visitors to remain at least ten metres from wildlife when Yorke Bay reopened in December 2025.
For current visitors, I’d recommend taking the shuttle to Gypsy Cove, enjoying the marked walking trails and looking for Magellanic penguins.
If you’d also like to see the gentoo penguins at Yorke Bay, check whether an authorised guided visit is available and what restrictions are in place.
Our experience was wonderful, but protecting the penguins has to come first.
Exploring Stanley – Beer, Red Phone Boxes and More
After spending much of our shore day watching penguins, we still had time to explore Stanley before returning to our ship.
And what a fascinating little town it is!
With its red phone boxes, English-style pubs, colourful houses and familiar street signs, Stanley could almost be a small town somewhere in the UK.
Except, of course, you’re on a remote island in the South Atlantic.
The surrounding countryside reminded me of the rolling hills and moorlands of Britain too. There are very few naturally growing trees, giving the landscape a rugged, windswept appearance.
Stanley itself is small enough to explore on foot, and it’s worth allowing some time for a wander after your penguin excursion.
Trying a Local Beer at Falkland Beerworks
One thing Simon was determined to do was try a locally brewed beer.
That sounded simple enough, but with several cruise ships in port, Stanley was absolutely packed.
Every pub we passed seemed to be bursting at the seams!
Eventually, we made our way to Falkland Beerworks, the local brewery.
Even there, we had to wait around fifteen minutes to get a beer.
The owner was working on his own, and he told us he didn’t normally open on busy cruise ship days because the demand could be overwhelming.
I’m not a beer drinker, so I can’t personally comment on the taste, but Simon was very happy with his choice.
Judging by the other customers sitting outside enjoying their beers, he wasn’t the only one.
If you’d like to try a local beer, check whether the brewery is operating or whether one of Stanley’s pubs has local beer available.
Red Phone Boxes, the Cathedral and Whalebone Arch
One of the most recognisable sights around Stanley is the traditional British red telephone box.
There’s something quite amusing about finding these familiar landmarks in such a remote part of the world.
They’re also a great spot for a photograph.
Another landmark worth visiting is Christ Church Cathedral, the southernmost Anglican cathedral in the world.
Built in the late 19th century, it’s best known for the enormous Whalebone Arch standing beside it.
The arch was constructed in 1933 from the jawbones of two blue whales to commemorate 100 years of continuous British administration of the islands.
It’s certainly one of Stanley’s more unusual landmarks.
Shipwrecks and Falkland Islands History
Stanley has a long maritime history, having served as an important stopping point for ships travelling around Cape Horn.
Before the opening of the Panama Canal, ships regularly passed through these dangerous waters, often stopping for supplies or repairs.
The fierce weather also meant that many vessels came to grief, and remains of old ships can still be seen around Stanley Harbour.
The 1982 Falklands War is another important part of the islands’ history, with several memorials around town.
We passed the Cross of Sacrifice, which commemorates those who died in the First and Second World Wars. There’s also a separate Liberation Memorial honouring British personnel who died during the 1982 conflict.
If you’re interested in learning more, the Historic Dockyard Museum covers the Falklands’ maritime heritage, everyday island life, natural history and the war.
We didn’t visit the museum ourselves, but it would be a good option for anyone wanting to spend more time exploring Stanley.
Heading Back to the Ship
By the time we’d finished wandering around town, the weather was beginning to change.
The blue skies we’d enjoyed earlier were disappearing behind dark clouds, and rain was clearly on its way.
We still had around 45 minutes before we absolutely needed to be back on the ship, but decided not to push our luck.
The thought of standing in a long tender queue in the rain, along with hundreds of other cruise passengers, wasn’t particularly appealing.
So we headed back to the port and caught a tender to our ship.
We’d seen penguins, explored spectacular scenery, wandered around a fascinating town and even managed to find Simon a local beer.
Not bad for a place we’d known so little about before arriving!
Practical Tips for Your Falkland Islands Shore Day
Visiting the Falkland Islands on a cruise is different from stopping in a large city with plenty of transport and tours available.
Stanley is a small town, the weather can be unpredictable, and resources are limited, especially when several cruise ships arrive on the same day.
Here are a few things worth knowing.
Book Your Penguin Excursion Early
If you have your heart set on visiting Volunteer Point or Bertha’s Beach, book as soon as your cruise itinerary is confirmed.
There are only so many guides and suitable 4WD vehicles available, and popular excursions can sell out months in advance.
You can check available tours through Viator, but make sure you understand the cancellation conditions, particularly if your ship can’t get into port.
Be Prepared for Changing Weather
Even in summer, the Falkland Islands can be cold, windy and wet.
We were lucky to have temperatures around 14°C and some beautiful blue skies, but the weather changed quickly towards the end of our visit.
I’d recommend bringing:
- A waterproof and windproof jacket
- Warm layers
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- A small daypack with water and snacks
- A camera with a zoom lens for photographing penguins
Bring Some Cash
The Falkland Islands have their own currency, the Falkland Islands pound, which has the same value as the British pound.
British pounds are also accepted, and many businesses accept US dollars.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at most shops and restaurants in Stanley, but I’d recommend having some cash for smaller purchases or local transport.
There is an ATM at Stanley Services on Bypass Road, although I wouldn’t rely on finding time to visit it during a short shore day.
If you receive change in Falkland Islands pounds, try to spend it before leaving unless you’d like a souvenir. The notes can be difficult to exchange elsewhere.
Getting Around Stanley
Stanley is easy to explore on foot, with many attractions within walking distance of the tender landing area.
For places further away, such as Gypsy Cove, you may be able to use a shuttle or taxi.
When we visited, a Gypsy Cove shuttle operated from near the tender dock, but check current arrangements rather than assuming the same service and prices are available.
For more distant penguin colonies, you’ll generally need to book an organised excursion.
Respect the Wildlife
Seeing penguins in their natural habitat is one of the highlights of visiting the Falklands, but it’s important to give them space.
The Falkland Islands Countryside Code recommends remaining at least six metres from wildlife, although some locations have stricter requirements.
Never touch or feed penguins, block their path or enter restricted areas.
Biosecurity is particularly important following outbreaks of avian influenza. Keep your shoes and equipment clean, follow signs and instructions, and don’t touch sick or dead birds.
Check the latest Falkland Islands Government advice before visiting.
Download Maps Before Going Ashore
Mobile coverage can be patchy outside Stanley, and international roaming arrangements may be different from what you’re used to.
I’d recommend downloading maps, booking confirmations and important contact details before leaving your ship.
Allow Plenty of Time to Return
Remember that your ship’s departure time isn’t necessarily the time of the last tender.
Check the information provided onboard and aim to be back well before the final departure.
If you’re taking an independent tour or walking back from Gypsy Cove, build in extra time.
We returned early when we saw the weather changing, and I was very glad we did.
I’d much rather spend an extra half-hour relaxing onboard than worry about missing the last tender!
Is Visiting the Falkland Islands Worth It?
Absolutely! Our Falkland Islands shore day was one of the highlights of our entire Antarctic cruise.
Before arriving, I knew very little about the islands beyond the Falklands War and the fact that there were penguins. By the time we left, I was wishing we could stay longer.
Seeing king and gentoo penguins wandering around in their natural habitat was an experience I’ll never forget. Add in the beautiful scenery, fascinating maritime history and unexpected British touches around Stanley, and it was a fantastic day.
And while we hadn’t been able to book one of the popular excursions, we still managed to have an incredible experience without spending a fortune.
Of course, access to some penguin colonies has changed since our visit, so it’s important to check current restrictions rather than assuming you can follow exactly in our footsteps.
Would I recommend choosing a cruise that includes the Falkland Islands?
Definitely.
If I were comparing two similar South American or Antarctic cruise itineraries, and one included the Falklands while the other didn’t, that would be a big point in its favour.
Just remember that the weather doesn’t always cooperate, and a scheduled port stop isn’t guaranteed.
The only downside was that one day simply wasn’t enough.
I’d love to return and spend a week or two exploring more of the islands, visiting other penguin colonies and enjoying those wide-open landscapes.
Getting there independently isn’t particularly easy or cheap, but for anyone who loves wildlife, remote destinations and getting away from the crowds, the Falkland Islands would be an incredible place to explore.
For now, though, I’m very grateful we had the opportunity to visit.
And if the Falkland Islands are on your cruise itinerary, I hope you get to experience them too.
Liked this post? Share it with your friends and pin for later
