How is COVID-19 affecting travel to the Falklands?
As of July, if you can get to the Falkland Islands by plane (LATAM) you must quarantine for 14 days. If you arrive by cruise ship, you must be aboard the ship for more than 10 days, and there must be no cases onboard. If you are allowed on the island from a cruise ship, you must get back on the cruise ship the same day.
These regulations are constantly changing, so please check with the company with whom you are traveling. Also, please check with you local government regarding traveling through particular countries.
You can read more information about COVID-19 in the Falklands here:
https://fig.gov.fk/covid-19/faq
When is the best time to go to the Falklands?
The best months to visit the Falklands are during the southern hemispheres, summer. November, December, January, and February are ideal, with warmer weather and an abundance of wildlife. Visits at this time may also be coordinated with an Antarctica cruise. However, the shoulder months, September-October and March-April are less busy, yet still offer good weather and many wildlife viewing opportunities. This is also a great time to tour the historic Falkland Wars sites.
Average daytime temperatures during high summer measure around 60 degrees, while average nighttime temps are in the lower 40s. Prevailing winds blow from the west, and tend to be stronger in the summer than the winter. The islands are relatively sunny, with about 7.5 hours of daily sunshine in December and January. The west Falklands are generally wetter than the east, and all four seasons can be experienced in the course of one day, so keep this in mind while packing!
Can I go on a tour if I’m on a cruise ship?
YES, YES, and YES.
We often receive this question, from people that are on cruise ships. Guests can take the tour even if they are on a cruise ship. Many cruise ships discourage people from taking tours not set up by the cruise line because that is profit for them. Our tours are less expensive and much more enjoyable. You will be in a small group so the experience is superior.
YES, you will make your departure. We always ensure that our guests make it back to their ship before departure. In all the years we have been taking guests on tours, not one has been left behind.
Are these trips suitable for kids?
These tours are not ideal for young children, as there is a fair bit of travel involved (internal flights, 4x4s on bumpy roads, etc.) and the excursions to historical sites and bird nesting spots will be of more interest to adults. However, these tours can appeal to older children (12-13 and above), and family accommodations are available on most of the islands.
Are these trips good for solo travelers?
Absolutely! There is a small single supplement (if you truly want a private tour), but overall the costs are comparable for a solo traveler. The intimacy of the islands and shared interests in wildlife, nature, and history allow travelers to easily meet others. If you wish you can join a group of 2 or 3 to make it more affordable.
Do I need a converter/adapter for electricity?
North Americans will need both a converter and adapter, as the Falklands use the United Kingdom standard system, 240 volt/50 Hz with a type G rectangular plug.
How do I find you either in town, at Port Stanley, or at the airport?
Our tour guides will coordinate with you the day of your tour and when you are arriving. They will pick you up at Port Stanley if you are just there for the day.
How far in advance should I book my tour?
Although you can book your Falklands tour anytime, we generally recommend at least 3-4 months notice, particularly for Christmas and spring break departures. Travelers who book early will have more flexibility in their tour arrangements.
Please tell us the dates you will be in the Falklands on our booking page. Make sure you confirm with us 24 to 28 hours before your scheduled tour.
Is a lunch meal included?
We provide snacks, a sandwich and a reusable bottle. We pride our self on being the first tour company in the Falklands to practice zero waste.
What should I pack?
Above all else bring sufficient memory cards, as you will be taking thousands of photos.
Casual clothing is the order in the Falkland Islands. Bring clothing that would be comfortable to wear in the northern U.S. or England in the spring. Think layers! Absolutely essential are a fleece or sweater, a windproof jacket with a hood or hat, and a sturdy pair of walking boots or shoes for crossing over rough terrain. Sunscreen, chapstick, and sunglasses are recommended for protection against the wind and sunshine. Binoculars always enhance wildlife watching.
How safe are the Falkland Islands?
There are probably very few places that are safer than the Falklands. Stanley prides itself on being the safest capital in the world; there has never been a case of mugging or pick-pocketing there. The one thing visitors need to keep in mind is that vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road, and thus traffic may seem to come from an unexpected direction. Make sure you look both ways before crossing the street!
How much should I budget for tips?
Unlike Latin America or America, tipping is not really part of Falkland Islands culture and is not expected. Tipping in restaurants is common but not the standard. If you feel that you’ve received exceptional service from a guide, you may give him or her a tip, but again, this is not required.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, the tap water is safe to drink. Travelers wanting bottled water can purchase it in Stanley.
Are there ATMs? There is ONE NOW as of January 2020
There now is ONE ATM in the Falklands. The fees are pretty steep but if you need cash, as of January 2020 the Falkland Islands now have an ATM.
Currency exchange and cash back on credit cards are available at the Standard Chartered Bank in Stanley (open 8:30 am to 3:00 pm M-F). No South American or North American currencies are accepted or exchanged in the Falkland Islands.
Should I bring cash or traveler’s checks? Can I use credit cards?
If you want to use cash, it is best to bring Falkland Islands Pound (FKP) or the British Pound Sterling (GBP) with you. You may want cash to use at the smaller stores in the settlements outside Stanley, as well as to pay the departure Airport Tax (currently GBP 22 per person, but subject to change). This tax can be paid only in cash or traveler’s checks.
Traveler’s checks, Visa, and MasterCard are widely accepted in Stanley. Currency exchange and cash back on credit cards are available at the Standard Chartered Bank in Stanley (open 8:30 am to 3:00 pm M-F). No South American or North American currencies are accepted or exchanged in the Falkland Islands.
Can I use my cell phone?
Check with your cell phone provider. Each company is different and they can give you the most up-to-date information. There is only limited cell phone coverage which currently covers only the top half of East Falkland.
International calls can be made from your lodge or hotel, from the Cable and Wireless store, or from Stanley’s numerous public phones, which require a pre-paid phone card. These cards can be purchased in numerous places in Stanley.
Is there internet access?
Currently there are four places in Stanley that provide internet access: the Jetty Visitor Center, the Waterfront, Zaks Computers, and the Lighthouse Seaman’s Centre. There may be more options in the future.
Do I need a visa/passport?
Travelers will need a passport valid for at least 6 months after they depart. Citizens of the U.S., U.K., and E.U. do not need a visa in order to visit the Falkland Islands. However, entry requirements change with surprising frequency. It is each traveler’s responsibility to check with the consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.
All arriving travelers must possess a return air ticket or other evidence of prepaid onward travel arrangements. Travelers must also have evidence in the form of cash or major credit card of sufficient funds to cover their expected stay in the Falklands. Pre-arranged accommodation in the Islands is also required.
In what time zone are the Falkland Islands?
The Falklands are 4 hours behind GMT (same as EST). The Islands do observe Daylight Savings Time from September to April, and are then only 3 hours behind GMT.