FAQs for Falkland Islands

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?

Below is a list of basic items to bring:

•             Wind/waterproof outer layer (jacket & trousers)

•             Thermal under-layers

•             Warm hat, gloves, buff

•             Comfortable hiking boots

•             Sunscreen

•             Sunglasses

•             Camera (We can recommend cameras if you wish to buy one before you travel)

•             Supply of any medications you need for duration of the trip

We will send out a detailed packing list prior to the tour.

HOW LONG DO WE SPEND OUT EACH DAY?

That is up to you.  People often choose to be out for sunrise and sunset, depending on the location.  Some days may be a full day tour, other days you can come & go from the accommodation as you please.

ARE MEALS INCLUDED?

Meals are included in the trip price.  As we are moving between different islands, meals will vary in type, but generally they are wholesome hot meals, British in style.  Some accommodations may be self-catering, where you will be provided with a meal pack. Sometimes there will be a packed lunch if we are planning to be out all day.

CAN YOU MEET CERTAIN DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?

We will be travelling to remote islands, therefore it is important to let us know in advance of any food allergies or dietary requirements, via the booking form.

WHAT IS THE LOCAL CURRENCY?

The Falkland pound, which is equivalent to the British pound. English sterling is universally accepted. U.S. Dollars and Euros are also widely accepted in Stanley at the prevailing rate of exchange.

WHAT IS THE ACCOMMODATION LIKE?

We will be staying in farmhouse style lodges which are comfortable and cosy.  Most are catered by our friendly hosts, some will be self-catered with meal packs provided.  Rooms vary between ensuite and having a shared bathroom.

WHAT ARE THE FITNESS REQUIREMENTS?

You must be comfortably able to walk over uneven ground, occasionally longer distances (1km+) in order to view wildlife. Often we can get strong winds, muddy or steep terrain, so a reasonable level of fitness is required.  There is no immediate access to emergency medical assistance.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE FALKLAND ISLANDS?

The best months to visit the Falklands are during the southern hemisphere summer. November, December, January, and February are most ideal, with warmer weather and an abundance of wildlife.

WHAT WILL THE WEATHER BE LIKE?

You can get all 4 seasons in 1 day! The average summer daytime temperature is around 15°C, while average night-time temperature is around 5°C. 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.

HOW DO I GET TO THE FALKLAND ISLANDS?

There is an international airport, Mount Pleasant Airport, which is about 1 hr drive from Stanley (the capital). This is a military airport that also handles commercial flights.

DO I NEED VACCINATIONS? ARE THERE HEALTH ISSUES THERE?

No vaccinations are required for entry into the Falklands. The Falkland Islands have a good standard of health. However, the only hospital is in Stanley – there are no medical facilities on most islands we will visit. If you are extending your stay into South America, please check the recommended immunisations for these countries.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE IN MY GROUP?

Around 5 people.

WHAT ARE THE BAGGAGE ALLOWANCES FOR LOCAL FIGHTS?

20kg (Excess Baggage Charge – £1.55 per kilogram per sector)

HOW DO WE TRAVEL AROUND THE FALKLAND ISLANDS?

We travel between islands on 8-seater aeroplanes, operated by Falklands Islands Government Air Services (FIGAS).  These are low-flying and offer stunning views over the archipelago. We will use 4×4 vehicles to travel over land.

WHAT SORT OF WILDLIFE WILL WE SEE?

The Falklands are a wildlife lovers paradise! We will see a few species of penguin, including gentoo, king, Magellanic, and rockhopper.  Other species of bird include the black-browed albatross, cara cara, cormorants, skuas, and so many more! Also expect elephant seals, sealions, dolphins, maybe even whales.

WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU HAVE AVAILABLE?

I can take deposit and payment via credit card, PayPal, or direct bank transfer. Note there is a 2.8% fee on credit card transactions and a 3.5% fee on PayPal transactions

DO WE NEED TO CHANGE MONEY BEFORE WE ARRIVE?

If you would like to use cash (GBP Pound Sterling), bring it with you.  There are no ATMs or foreign exchange in the Falklands, not even at the airport. Visa, Mastercard & travellers cheques are widely accepted in Stanley. 

IS THERE INTERNET ACCESS?

Currently there are a few places in Stanley (the capital) that provide Wi-Fi, but for most of our tour we will be remote with no access to Wi-Fi or cell phone coverage.  There is limited cell phone coverage, that covers only the top half of East Falkland.  Check with your cell phone provider about roaming options.

DO I NEED AN ADAPTOR FOR THE POWER POINTS?

Falklands use the United Kingdom standard system, 240 volts / 50Hz, with a type G rectangular plug. You will need to bring your own adaptors to fit UK sockets.

WHAT IF I HAVE SPECIFIC THINGS I WOULD LIKE TO FILM/PHOTOGRAPH?

There is so much diversity in the Falklands.  We can help you to find the best locations to capture what you have in mind. If there is anything more complicated, we can chat about options before you arrive.

WHAT CURRENCY ARE THE TOUR COSTS IN?

Trips to the Falkland Islands are quoted in GBP (British Pounds) and there are multiple payment methods you can use for each tour. Note that credit card payments have a 2.8% fee and PayPal payments have a 3.5% fee. You can use a currency converter to get an idea of the currency conversion or exchange rate. Check out Oanda for latest rates.

ARE THE FALKLAND ISLANDS SAFE?

Yes, in terms of crime, Stanley prides itself on being the safest capital in the world! It’s important to remember that traffic drives on the left side of the road, so if you are not used to that, take extra care when crossing the street!

WILL I NEED A PASSPORT/ VISA TO TRAVEL TO THE FALKLANDS?

You will need a passport valid for at least 6 months after you depart. Citizens of the U.S., U.K., and E.U. do not need a visa to visit the Falkland Islands. However, entry requirements may change. It is your responsibility to check with the consulate for the most up-to-date visa information. All arriving travellers must have a return air ticket or other evidence of prepaid onward travel arrangements. Travelers must also have evidence in the form of cash or credit card of sufficient funds to cover their stay.

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Yes, this is essential! It must include medical insurance, and aero-medical evacuation