Falkland Islands

Sunday, June 14, 2009

These remote islands are a natural haven for wildlife that thrives in the milder weather just north of the Antarctic. Abundant penguins, including the colourful king penguin, inhabit these islands along with the world’s biggest colonies of black-browed albatross. Offshore, colonies of elephant seals, sea lions, fur seals, dolphins and killer whales roam the waters. You can also explore Port Stanley, the smallest and most isolated capital ‘city’ in the world!

The climate is generally cool but pleasant. Summer temperatures average about 10ºC and in mid winter, about 5ºC. There is little rainfall and snow but it can be quite windy at times. The best time for seeing wildlife is between November and February.

Several Antarctica cruises include stops in Port Stanley, West Point Island, Volunteer Point, South Orkney Islands and Elephant Island.