Top Falkland Islands hotels
The UK Royal Air Force operate three flights per fortnight. The flight leaves from RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Space is very limited and it has to be remembered that this isn't a commercial flight and therefore times can change at very short notice. The Flight lands in Ascension Island and one can break your trip either northbound or southbound till the next flight if you wish.
Scheduled flights from Europe or other parts of the world are with LAN Chile via Santiago de Chile and Punta Arenas. There are no direct flights to and from Argentina to the Falklands. For flight information with LAN visit the web page link below.
There are a number of different cruise liners that call in at the Falklands, most of them berth at Stanley but a few of the smaller ships visit the more remote settlements and passengers are landed via zodiacs. If you are interested in travelling to the Falklands by ship bear in mind that there are no ships outside the cruise season which runs from November to March. If you wish to visit the Falklands outside of these month you have no option but to fly.
The Falkland Islands have the greatest number of 4 wheel drive vehicles per capita in the world, if you saw what the "roads" down here are like you would understand why! If you are planning to do some self driving around the Falklands a hire vehicle would be handy (as shipping your own vehicle here is tricky and time consuming) "Automotive" in Stanley will be able to oblige with the hiring of vehicles (or sale of new vehicles if you plan a long stay here).When visiting the Falklands you will see many "Rovers" in varying states of repair from the brand spanking new to the more "mature" as in the photo! Old Rovers never die they don't fade away either as somebody will always want one for spares or customizing.
The quickest is by aircraft from RAF Brize Norton, takes about 18-19 hours. It's not cheap though! It cost me nothing because I came here to work.The roads are at best what you can describe as gravel tracks and at worst rutted, muddy nightmares. 4 wheel drive is the only way to go if you wish to drive yourself. The other way to get from place to place is to use the FIGAS flights (Falkland Islands Government Air Service) regular daily flights to and from various locations within the islands (see photo).
So many people took a bus to Gypsy Cove but we walked. It was a very pleasant and easy hike, and we certainly took in a lot more this way. Of course you need transportation to other more remote areas, but at least to Gypsy Cove I would suggest walking it rather than driving it.
There are no buses, no trains and no other public transport on the Falkland Islands. Even the number of taxis is very, very low, so basically the right (and only) way to get around is to stick up your thumb.The Falklanders are extremely hospitable and friendly, so, despite the low number of cars, it's easy to get a lift. During my two weeks on the islands, I didn't spend a single dime on transport. Hitch-hiked all the way, including to and from the airport.No problem at all.
Getting to the Falklands is a major hazzle, basically due to the distance involved. The scheduled RAF planes from London cost roughly 2000 pounds (R/T), and that's a bloody lot of money.A much cheaper option is to start off in Chile or Argentina and then take the small jump from Puntarenas or Rio Gallegos to Mount Pleasant (East Falkland). Getting from the airpotrt to Stanley is just a question of 10 minutes of hitch-hiking.
We prebooked our tours from the cruiseship. So, I'm not sure how much the company will charge on individual basis. I paid US$35.Although I signed up for the Gypsy Cove tour (by mistake, blame it on the purser), the 4W drive Lagoon Bluff tour would have been more interesting where you experience close encounter with the King Penguins. So, just make sure you are on the right tour!The Gypsy Cove tour does cover the city tour of Stanley though. It's good, just not something I wanted!
Probably most people come by cruise ship, hopefully in better condition than the ones in this photo. From the UK, I think it is quite difficult as one flies via Ascension Island. By plane, try checking out LanChile as I believe they have flights from Punta Arenas.
Malvina House Hotel Stanley
1 Review and 24 Opinions Comfortable well apointed rooms, all en suite with shower/baths (which is a rare in the islands)....
Falkland Backpackers West Falkland
0 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Falkland Islands attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Falkland Islands sightseeing.
Q: several years ago i bought som Falkland Island Wool. i am short 1 skein. Do you have "Purely 100% Falklands Wools Shade T/Down. ...
A: Hi Liz, You need to contact the specialist supplier where you bought the wool - or - if you have seen a reference to Falklands wool in a Tip here on VT you will need to...
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