Wildlife in Falkland Islands
Including New Island, Sea Lion Island, and Volunteer Point. On the map.
The vibe
This is a raw, immersive encounter where you walk right up to massive colonies of penguins and seals that show little fear of human presence. The austral summer is the peak time to witness the hatching and rearing of chicks amidst the bustling coastal rookeries. It feels like a private expedition into a wild sanctuary, far removed from the queues and viewing platforms of more commercial nature destinations.
You may need to coordinate with local landowners for access to specific coastal areas.
New Island
New Island
Stefan Brending ( 2eight ) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0 de)
New Island boasts some of the most dramatic cliff scenery in the Falklands, serving as a vital nesting ground for rockhopper penguins, black-browed albatross, and imperial shags. The island's diverse habitats provide a unique opportunity to see multiple species of seabirds in close proximity.
Access. Visitors typically arrive via small expedition cruise ships or private charter flights from Stanley.
Notes. The island is privately owned and managed as a nature reserve; check current access requirements before planning a trip.
Sea Lion Island
Sea Lion Island
Chris Pearson from Leuchars, Scotland / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
As a dedicated nature reserve, this island is a haven for southern elephant seals, southern sea lions, and a vast array of birdlife including striated caracaras and giant petrels. It is one of the best places in the archipelago to witness marine mammals hauling out on the beaches.
Access. Accessible via a short domestic flight from Stanley on the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS).
Notes. The island is a protected reserve; visitors must stay on marked paths to avoid disturbing the wildlife.
Volunteer Point
Tierra del Fuego
bda_biodiversity / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
This remote peninsula is home to the largest accessible colony of King penguins in the Falkland Islands. Visitors can observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat, alongside Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, against a backdrop of rugged coastal scenery.
Access. Access is via 4x4 guided tours from Stanley, as the terrain requires specialized vehicles and local knowledge to navigate safely.
Notes. Best visited between October and March. Maintain a respectful distance of at least 6 meters from the penguins at all times.