Falkland Islands Top Things To See & Do

• Stanley’s history is closely associated with the days when great sailing ships and early steam vessels called into port on their journeys around Cape Horn. A self-guided Maritime History Trail has been set up in the capital. A half-day trail leads from Stanley to Cape Pembroke, offering an interesting introduction to the Falkland Islands’ birdlife. The capital has pubs, snack bars and restaurants, as well as a golf course and racecourse. Government House, Stanley Museum and the Cathedral are all worth visiting.

• Take a trip to some of the battlefield sites associated with the 1982 conflict (including Wireless Ridge, Mount Tumbledown and Sapper Hill). There are also military cemeteries, memorials and museums dealing with the conflict.

• Migratory species, such as penguins, arrive to breed in September and depart late March/early April. Be sure to catch a glimpse of some of these delightful creatures; there are five species on the Falkland Islands. Besides penguins, you can spot sheep or Southern sea lions at Pebble Island. One of the most ecologically balanced islands is Sea Lion Island which has a resident population of four and amazing wildlife, including elephant seals, sea lions and king penguins, as well as killer whales offshore. It is the most southerly inhabited island, and all areas are accessible by 4-wheel drive or on foot from the Sea Lion Lodge.

• Take a tour around Stanley Harbour in an inflatable craft. A number of lodges have motor boats for taking guests to view wildlife and places of interest. Tours around Kidney Island and Sparrow Cove can be arranged. Contact South Atlantic Marine Services Ltd (website: www.falklands-underwater.com).

• The fishing season runs from September to the end of April, but September to October and mid March to mid April are best for sea trout. Falklands mullet is available throughout the period. The best locations in West Falkland are Warrah and Little Chartres, while in East Falkland, San Carlos and Murrel are good. Port Howard and Hill Cove also allow fishing.

• Go horse riding, available in Port Howard. There is also the opportunity to learn about the traditional horse equipment used in the Falkland Islands.

• South Atlantic Marine Services Ltd in Stanley can arrange wreck and kelp reef diving expeditions. Nineteenth-century sailing ships and iron vessels can be seen at Stanley and Darwin. The views in winter are spectacular due to the ‘grey beards’ - winter waves that can reach a height of 4.5m (15ft).

• Buy some knitwear from Port Howard.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.