Falkland Islands

Although perhaps best known for the eponymous war that took place in 1982, the islands are rich in nature and geological treasures as well as military history.

The island nature of the region makes it the perfect destination to explore by sea and Falkland Island cruises offer an insight into East Falkland and West Falkland including many of the smaller isles such as Barren Island, Beaver Island, Bleaker Island, Carcass Island, George Island, Keppel Island, Pebble Island, Sealion Island, Speedwell Island, Weddell Island and the Jason Islands.

These smaller islands – of which there are over 400 – are teeming with wildlife and Falkland Island cruises may be of particular interest to birdwatchers.

Colonies of Gentoo Penguins can be found on islands such as Beaver. During breeding season cruisers will be able to watch the hive of activity as the adult birds feed their chicks.

Other wildlife to be on the look out for on Falkland Island cruises are southern sea lion, Black-browed Albatrosses, Rockhopper Penguins, sheep farms and Magellanic Penguins.

Aside from the abundant wildlife, the islands are also brimming with heritage and culture. Look out for churches and Christ Church Cathedral complete with whale bones arches in Port Stanley as well as battlefields from the war, which many visitors to the archipelago visit.

Falkland Island cruises could be the perfect precursor to an Antarctic cruise as the region has a cold maritime climate.

The windswept isles have an average temperature of just above two degrees Celsius in the winter with rain buffeting the region regularly.