Natural Paradise Falkland Islands – Islas Malvinas
The Falkland Islands (also known as Islas Malvinas in Spanish) are located 300 miles off the Patagonian coast and 750 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula, in the middle of the South Atlantic Ocean. They are a British Overseas Territory, but Argentina also still claims the Malvinas. They consist of two larger main islands (West Falkland and East Falkland) and over 770 smaller islands and islets. Uninhabited until the 1700s, they are now home to a population of just 3,600 islanders. Most live in the capital, Stanley.
Off the beaten track, the islands are a largely unknown gem, difficult to reach and in many places deserted. Apart from Stanley, only a few tiny settlements and farms are scattered across the expanse of untouched and wildly beautiful nature. There are hardly any roads, and large parts of the islands can only be reached off-road or by small aircraft. The varied coastline, which ranges from rugged cliffs to miles of untouched white sandy beaches, and its rich wildlife are best discovered by boat.
The Falkland Islands are a sub-Antarctic paradise for animal lovers, especially ornithologists. Five different species of penguin can be found here: Magellanic penguins, gentoo penguins, rockhopper penguins, macaroni penguins and the elegant king penguins have colonies on the islands. More than 100 other bird species can be observed, including some endemic species, such as the Falkland caracara or the flightless Falkland steamer duck. About 80% of the world’s black-browed albatross breed in the Falkland Islands.
Marine mammals are also abundant: fur seals, sea lions and elephant seals can be found on the islands’ numerous beaches. Various species of whales live in the waters around the islands, including southern right whales, orcas and dolphins, as well as various large baleen whales.
At the end of our expedition Sailing SOUTH 2024, we had the opportunity to spend a few more days in the Falkland Islands, on East Falkland. The experiences and encounters in the immediate vicinity of Stanley alone inspired us so much that we definitely want to come back to discover this wonderful archipelago and its wild, unspoilt nature by sailing.
You can get a sneak preview of the Falkland Islands in our logbook from Sailing SOUTH 2024:
Discover the treasures of the Falkland Islands with Artur & Lazy Wind
Artur is one of the very special people we met in the Falklands. As a local guide, Artur has been offering individual tours to the most beautiful and interesting destinations around Stanley under the name Lazy Wind since summer 2024. He provides personal and insightful tours, enthusiastically sharing his passion for the breathtaking nature, fascinating wildlife and exciting history of these beautiful islands. An adventure that I can wholeheartedly recommend – penguins and unforgettable experiences guaranteed! And who knows – maybe we’ll be taking a tour with Artur in 2026.
