Finally Landed In Falkland Island
King penguins is concentrated at Volunteer Point about 2 hours from Stanley. It’s the world’s most accessible King Penguin colony.
Stanley, East Falkland, Falkland Islands Monday, February 6, 2017
What is the weather like:
The climate is temperate, but generally cold, wet and windy. It was very cold and windy and very cloudy early on when we arrived and the water was very choppy. Everyone was uptight not knowing if we could land or not. Once on land, we experienced, rain, wind and snow flurries within a few minutes of each other. Later that day, the weather turned pleasant, and very mild. The locals told us, it was an unusual nice day!
Where does the ship dock?
Our ships anchored in Falkland Sound and we were are tendered through Narrows to a small pier in Stanley Harbour. It took about 20 -25 minutes to reach the pier by tender.
Where is the shopping?
This very small harbor town is easily navigable by foot and shopping is scattered about the 3 “downtown area” streets that run parallel to the harbor (Ross Rd, John St, and Fitzroy Rd.). All 3 streets intersect Philomel Hill, directly across from the pier. There is also a gift shop at the Visitors Information Center where they sell the usual souvenirs like magnets, key chains, shot glasses, baseball caps, t-shirts and woolen sweaters and scarves.
What is there to buy?
Choices are somewhat limited here, but every imaginable form of penguin paraphernalia, and Falkland Island wool products, particularly the popular ‘Falklander Sweater’, are good choices. (The Falkland Wool Center very near the pier is the best bet for wool purchases).
What is there to do?
Most tours are penguin sightseeing. It is however very easy to see most of the islands worthwhile sites on a short walking tour. At the tourist information center at the pier, one can get a map and follow the Stanley Harbor Maritime History Trail. Information panel documents the shipwrecks that surround Port Stanley. While on the trail you will pass the Christ Church Cathedral and the adjacent Whalebone Arch which was erected in 1933 to celebrate 100 years of British rule. Continuing on to Ross Road, you will see the 1982 granite War Memorial, and just pass is the Government House; off Ross Road is the Falkland Island Museum.
We took the Bertha's backyard tour which is a wonderfully isolated location on the south coast where we saw the Gentoo penguins and then later on to Gypsy Cove to see the Magellanics. At Bertha's we had the freedom to roam as we pleased and followed the penguins to the water's edge and watched them dive away into the ocean. The photographic opportunities were immense.
There are only around 24 pairs of macaroni penguins in Falkland Islands, with the majority of the penguins preferring the South Georgia Island to breed,
With no restrictions it means that were virtually able to get to within touching distance of the penguins. It was also possible to observed the penguins and saw some of their habits.
Where to Eat?
There are numerous pub houses scattered around the town but some are closed after 1 o'clock on weekends. Fish and Chips and a hearty draught of beer is a must-try when in Falkland Islands. The beer was good and the food was great too, and so far, the best Fish and Chips we ever tasted!
Falkland’s is the world’s great penguin capital.