Silversea Luxury Cruises To Stanley

Explore the diverse penguin and bird species of the Falklands during this scenic, off-road excursion to the Bluff Cove Lagoon. See penguins in their natural environment in the wild only 45 minutes from Stanley. Home to over 3,000 Gentoo, a small growing colony of King Penguins, Magellanic Penguins and an abundance of other spectacular wildlife; it is a beautiful pristine wilderness beach and can only be reached by four-wheel drive vehicles.

Bluff Cove Farm and Lagoon

Depart the pier for the short drive through Stanley and across the rolling hills to Bluff Cove Farm. Here, transfer to a 4x4 Land Rover and traverse the rugged, off-road terrain en route to the Bluff Cove Lagoon penguin rookery, a privately owned wildlife haven. Upon arrival, meet the rangers and take a guided stroll around the penguin colony, which features a scenic backdrop of a large lagoon and a white, sandy beach that is occasionally patrolled by sea lions from the nearby island.

Bluff Cove Lagoon and Penguin Colony

This beautiful pristine reserve is home to over 1,000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins, which protect the growing colony of king penguins and their chicks. Magellanic penguins which burrow on the nearby island can also be found on the beach. Bird species that frequent or nest in the area include skuas, upland and ruddy-headed geese, Magellanic oyster-catchers, South American terns, Dolphin gulls, flightless Falkland steamer ducks, snowy sheathbills and southern giant petrels, among others. A refreshment stop is made for complimentary tea, coffee, hot chocolate and scones at the legendary Sea Cabbage Café, located on the beach. Get warm by the peat stove, and be entertained with live music whilst marvelling at the splendid vistas of the waves crashing on the white-sand beach scattered with penguins.

Bluff Cove Museum, Stanley and Dockyard Museum

Afterward, visit the nearby Bluff Cove Museum for a unique look at life in the Falklands, the story of Bluff Cove, and an opportunity to observe a live demonstration of spinning and felting with the farm wool. You can also visit the museum's shop, which sells unique Bluff Cove souvenirs, including the new Bluff Cove tweed made with the farm wool. Following your visit, transfer back to the pier, or opt to be dropped off in Stanley to explore the historic Dockyard Museum and return to the ship on your own.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of driving over unpaved, bumpy roads and walking over uneven, unpaved ground, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition, and is not suitable for pregnant guests, and guests with back and/or neck problems (courtesy vehicles are available for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair). Warm, waterproof clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes or boots, and sun protection are recommended. Depending on the number of participants, part of the drive may be in mini-buses or 4x4 vehicles; however, all participants ride off-road in 4x4 vehicles to reach the actual penguin-viewing site.

Visit Elephant Beach Farm, a sheep farm located in the North of East Falkland that offers a stunning coastline. See penguins and other wildlife and enjoy a taste of the islands with local delicacies.

North Coast Drive

Depart the pier area by mini-bus and begin your approximately 2-hour trip to Elephant Beach Farm. Along the way admire the stunning countryside and the small farms you will pass. Your guide will point out key points of interest, such as remnants of the 1982 war and the awe-inspiring stone runs (natural rock formations).

Elephant Beach Farm

On arrival at Elephant Beach Farm there will be time allowed for a comfort stop before you join your driver for an off-road adventure. Drive to the nearby coastline where you will see approximately 600 pairs of Gentoo penguins and Magellanic penguins. Admire their dramatic arrival through the clear blue ocean onto the white sand beach. Peale's dolphins can occasionally be seen frolicking in the surf, and an abundance of other birdlife such as upland geese, grebes, turkey vultures and flightless steamer ducks.

Local Tastes

You may find it hard to leave, but on arrival back at Elephant Beach Farm you will have a chance to enjoy lunch with fresh, delicious home-made soup, cakes and cookies before making your return journey to Stanley.

The return drive to the pier area and the Jetty Visitors Centre will take approximately 2 hours.

Please note: This tour requires an extensive amount of walking over uneven ground as well as an off-road drive; it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. This tour is not recommended for guests who are prone to motion sickness or those with neck and or back problems. We recommend guests wear warm comfortable clothing in layers, walking shoes and bring sun protection.

Discover the abundant natural beauty, flora and fauna of the panoramic Falkland Islands on-foot during this exclusive, half-day nature excursion.

Hadassa Bay and Whalebone Cove

Depart the pier for the short drive to nearby Hadassa Bay, Upon arrival at the Jetty Visitors Centre, board a mini-bus to nearby Whalebone Cove, then begin your guided, approximately 3.5-mile (about 5.6-kilometre) nature walk around the Falklands countryside and rugged coastline.

Nature Trek

Along the way, take in stunning panoramic views of your surrounds, and learn about the flora and fauna of the Falkland Islands. Species of flora and fauna found here include the dark-faced, ground-tyrant, Falkland thrush, long-tailed meadowlark, Falkland steamer duck, imperial shag, albiventer, southern giant petrel, sooty shearwater, black-throated finch, Magellanic penguins, diddle-dee, and gorse. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 3.5 miles (about 5.6 kilometres), at times over uneven surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility, guests who utilise a wheelchair and children who are unable to walk the distance noted above. Guests are advised to wear warm, comfortable clothing with sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection and a weatherproof jacket from the ship. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience a taste of traditional farm life in the Falklands during this scenic and informative, half-day visit to the Long Island Farm. Your unique farm experience includes learning how they make their own bread, butter and cream. Watch sheepdogs at work and enjoy a sheep-shearing demonstration before some refreshments and a leisurely stroll on the farm grounds.

Long Island Farm

After tendering ashore, depart the pier for the one-hour drive to the Long Island Farm. This 23,000-acre (9,307-hectare) sheep farm, located approximately 25 miles (about 40 kilometres) from Stanley, belongs to a 6th-generation Falkland Islands family that still lives and farms in the traditional Falkland style.

Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome from the owners before commencing your unique farm experience. Learn how they make their own bread, butter and cream, and use peat for fuel, a tradition which has nearly died out elsewhere in the Falkland Islands.

Next, observe the ancient art of peat-cutting, see skilled sheepdogs at work, attend a sheep-shearing demonstration (Falkland wool is rated as some of the finest in the world) and be treated to a horse-gearing display. Afterward, a visit is made to the farmhouse kitchen for tea and home-baked cookies.

Your tour concludes with a leisurely stroll around the farm and its gardens, which are fenced in with timber from the Uranie, a French ship that wrecked off of Long Island around 1829. You may instead opt to explore the private, two-mile-long, white-sand beach teeming with native birds.

Following your visit, commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the tender pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 150 yards (137 metres) over uneven, rocky, and sometimes wet and muddy ground. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to dress in layers with sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, and wear a warm hat and waterproof jacket. Water is provided on the coach. Participants receive an information brochure and a stamped postcard to commemorate their visit.

Embrace the pristine natural beauty and amazing wildlife along the north coast of the East Falkland Islands during this picturesque, off-road excursion. Cape Dolphin has three species of penguin, storm petrels, sea lions, the occasional whale and large numbers of ducks and birds on Swan Pond. At North Pond, Gentoo and Magellanic penguins make their homes here; king penguins often visit as well.

Scenic Drive to Cape Dolphin

Depart the pier via 4x4-vehicle with your driver/guide and commence your 1.5-hour drive along unpaved roads en route to Cape Dolphin. Before reaching Cape Dolphin, leave the unpaved road for a 30-minute off-road experience leading to your destination. Upon arrival, take in the rugged beauty of the Islands. See rock formations locally-known as 'Stone Runs' along with remnants of both an Argentine Chinook and Puma from the 1982 conflict.

North Pond Wildlife

At North Pond, see an abundance of Gentoo and Magellanic penguins. King penguins that frequent the area can also be seen wandering the beautiful 0.5-mile (0.8-kilometre) beach. The pure, white-sand beach, crystal-blue water and wandering penguins offer magnificent photo opportunities. At times, Peale's dolphins can be seen frolicking in the surf. Local bird-life to be seen includes upland geese, grebes, turkey vultures, flightless steamer ducks, and many other species.

Following this visit, re-join your vehicle for the scenic, approximate 2-hour return drive to Port Stanley and your awaiting ship.

Please note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 50 metres (55 yards) and off-road driving over rough, unpaved ground, and is not suitable for guests with back, hip and/or neck problems, guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a warm, waterproof jacket and trousers with a hat, gloves and flat, closed-toe walking shoes.

Experience the antics of the garrulous penguins of Berkeley Sound during this memorable, half-day excursion to the Rockhoppers Penguin Colony.

After tendering ashore, depart the pier via mini-bus for the 30-minute drive to the end of the paved road at Murrell Farm, then transfer into a 4x4 vehicle for a one-hour, off-road drive over the rolling peat moor en route to the Rockhoppers Penguin Colony.

Upon arrival, an hour is made available to explore the area at your leisure, take in scenic views of Berkeley Sound and photograph the approximately 300 Rockhopper penguins in their natural environment.

Guides are permanently based at the penguin site to answer any of your questions. Two portaloo toilets are also situated at the site, along with a shelter serving tea, coffee, and home-baked cakes and cookies. Locally-crafted souvenirs are also available for sale here.

Following your visit, re-board your 4x4 vehicle for the one-hour, off-road drive to Murrell Farm, then transfer to your mini-bus for the return drive to the tender pier along the paved road.

Please note: This tour involves off-road travel in 4x4 vehicles, and a moderate amount of walking over rough, uneven and unpaved ground at the Rockhopper Penguin Colony. Depending on the number of participants, part of the drive may be in coaches or 4x4 vehicles; however, all participants ride off-road in 4x4 vehicles to reach the actual penguin-viewing site. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition, and is not suitable for guests with back and/or neck problems, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Warm, waterproof clothing and closed-toe walking shoes or boots are recommended. This tour has a very limited capacity and should be reserved well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience the Falkland Islands in a unique new way during this scenic and exhilarating flight-seeing excursion. Discover the Falklands by air in a classic island-hopping aircraft. You will fly over a diverse and fascinating landscape and have the chance to spy whales and dolphins in the ocean.

Flight-Seeing

Depart the pier for the short drive to the airport. Upon arrival, meet your pilot, and receive your safety briefing, map with points of interest and complementary air tour booklet. The booklet offers information on the places you may see, plus a brief history of the Falkland Islands Government Air Service (FIGAS), which operates this tour. After boarding your twin-engine, Britten-Norman Islander aircraft, receive a headset to hear the pilot and converse with the other guests.

Your narrated, approximately 35-minute flight offers spectacular panoramic vistas of the rugged, mountainous terrain, wild landscapes and natural coastal beauty of this part of the Falkland Islands. A few places of interest you might see include Stanley and its harbour, Gypsy Cove, Cape Pembroke Lighthouse, the Lady Elizabeth shipwreck, Kidney Cove, Port Louis, Mount Tumbledown, Longdon, Two Sisters and Harriet, rock formations locally known as 'Stone Runs', Fitzroy Farm, and Bluff Cove Lagoon.

Photos are permitted on the flight, and you may even spot a whale or two, dolphins or even an albatross in flight. Following your tour, re-board your coach and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 60 yards (about 55 metres), with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and aircraft. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to airsickness, guests prone to claustrophobia, guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Each guest must not exceed 252 pounds (115 kilograms) to participate on this tour. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Space on this tour is extremely limited; we suggest you book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore the highlights of Port Stanley during a scenic and informative tour of this distant outpost. This is the main shopping centre on the islands and the hub of East Falkland's road network. Attractions include the Government House, built in 1845 and home to the Governor of the Falkland Islands, several war memorials and the shipwrecks in its harbour.

Shipwrecks and Minefields

After tendering ashore, depart the pier for the transfer out of town to experience a stunning view of Stanley from the bottom of the harbour and various shipwrecks, which includes the wreck of the Lady Elizabeth. From here, pass by the local Air Service (FIGAS), en route to Surf Bay to see the excavating for removal of the unexploded mines left from the 1982 conflict.

Whaling Display

On leaving Surf Bay a stop is made at Stanley's totem pole. Next, drive to Mike Butcher's Yard to see a small whaling display.

Port Stanley Tour

Re-board your coach for the ride through the town centre. Along the way, pass by the Government House, the 1914 Battle Memorial and Christ Church Cathedral. Before returning to the pier a stop is made at the 1982 Liberation Monument, a reminder of the conflict between Argentina and the Falklands. This conflict resulted in the subsequent arrival of British expeditionary forces, which led to the liberation of the Falklands in June 1982.

At the conclusion of the tour, you may opt to return directly to the tender pier, or be dropped off at the nearby Historic Dockyard Museum and then make the short 5-10 minute walk back to the tender pier.

Please note: This tour involves a minimal amount of walking for approximately 100 yards (91 metres) over gravel surfaces during the photo stops and including a ramp leading up to the museum. It is suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. We recommend warm layers and comfortable closed toed walking shoes. The tour vehicles are the best available in this remote location; supply is limited. To avoid congestion, the tour sequence may vary.

This two hour guided walk through Stanley is an ideal opportunity to understand the pioneering history of the tiny capital of the Falkland Islands and all of its fascinating evidence of very British roots.

Christ Church Cathedral and the Whalebone Arch

Beginning at the Jetty Visitor's Centre you will walk to the nearby Christ Church Cathedral and the Whalebone Arch.

Old Town

The walk will then progress to the oldest streets of Stanley, where the guide will describe not only the main characteristics of the town's architecture but the destruction caused to it and its occupants by the peat slips of 1878 and 1886.

Cartmell Cottage

Visit renowned landlady Kay McCullum for tea and homemade cakes, before visiting Nutt Cartmell Cottage located on one of Stanley's oldest streets, Pioneer Row.

Cartmell Cottage was one of thirty kits sent from Britain in 1849 for a detachment of military 'pensioners' who came to the Islands as settlers in the mid-1800s.

Seafront Sights

Your walk continues through the older streets of Stanley, taking in Government House, the 1982 Liberation Monument and finishing at the Historic Dockyard and Museum which you can enjoy at your leisure.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 miles (about 2.4 kilometres) over mostly paved roads and slight inclines. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a warm, waterproof jacket and trousers with a hat, gloves and flat, closed-toe walking shoes.

Make the journey to Volunteer Point, home to three species of penguins, including a large colony of King Penguins. It is also host to an abundance of other Falkland birds. This is a tour not to be missed!

Volunteer Point

Join your driver/guide on an epic journey in a 4x4 to Volunteer Point, home to 1200 King Penguins, the largest colony of accessible King Penguins in the Falklands. There are also approximately 500 Gentoo Penguins and Magellanic Penguins to be seen; a superb location where three species of penguin can be viewed.

Volunteer Point is approximately 2.5-hour drive from Stanley; the majority of this is 'off road'. On your journey, see many of the famous battlefield sites and remnants from the 1982 conflict; pass by many unique rock formations, known locally as 'stone runs', whilst taking in the beautiful rugged landscape.

The King Penguin colony is located between a white sand beach and a lagoon, which makes for fantastic photographic opportunities and an abundance of wildlife. Stroll along the beach and see all three penguin species together, there are also many species of birds to be seen in this area including Magellanic Snipe, Dark Faced Ground Tyrants, Falkland Pipits and Upland Geese.

This is an all-round Falkland experience, learn about our history, culture and see our spectacular wildlife. Each guest will be provided with a packed lunch, water and an information pack.

After a picture perfect day your tour concludes back at the ship after an approximately 1.5-hour drive.

Please note: This tour involves extensive travel over bumpy tracks and is not suitable for guests with hip, back or neck injuries. There will be approximately 500 yards (455 metres) of walking over uneven surfaces. Toilet facilities are situated at the site, and participants are advised to bring warm waterproof clothing and wear sensible footwear. Owing to the off-road nature of this tour, guests should be in good physical condition to participate. The operation of this tour is dependent upon suitable track conditions and is limited, we suggest you book early in order to avoid disappointment.