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Seals, Whales and Dolphins

The marine environment of the Falkland Islands is pristine in appearance with aqua marines, turquoise blues and spectacular surf and spray. It is home to biotypes which are characterised by the algae and kelp common in Falkland Island waters. There is still much to learn, making the oceans appealing for scientific study, as well as for visitors with an interest in observing marine creatures, great and small.

As well as seabirds and penguins, the seas support cephalopods (squids, octopus, cuttlefish and nautilus), cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and three breeding species of seal.

Basking seals and sea lions

The southern elephant seal is the world’s largest pinniped. These huge, magnificent animals are at their best when sparring over a favourite location or a female. Although the least common seal in the Islands, there are plenty stretched out at along the beach at Sea Lion Island, the northern shores of Carcass Island and Whale Point on Fitzroy Farm.

Southern sea lions are widely distributed around the islands, making their home in tussac grass and basking in sheltered locations. Males sport the characteristic mane, females blend easily into the surroundings whilst the pups nuzzle alongside. These animals will eye you inquisitively; take care when walking through tussac areas as they slumber peacefully and are easy to disturb.

South American fur seals are more likely found on rocky outcrops but also enjoy the shelter of the tussac grass. The streamlined but prominent nose and long, slender flippers gives these seals an elegant appearance but all pinnipeds should be respected and a safe distance maintained at all times.

Whale watching

Trips out to sea afford the opportunity to try to spot the spectacular blows often exhibited by whales. Both baleen and toothed whales have been observed in Falkland waters, attracting visitors and locals alike when sightings are reported.

Sei whales are the most commonly observed whale, using the area during summer and autumn months to feed on lobster krill and other crustaceans. They are one of Falklands Conservation’s key study species and seemingly increasing in number.

Other frequently sighted whale species include the southern right whale, the humpback whale, minke whale, fin whale, sperm whale and the iconic orca (killer whale). Orca are best observed from Sea Lion Island.

Dolphins and porpoises

At least nine dolphin species and two species of porpoise have been recorded around the Falkland Islands. The two most easily observed are Commerson’s dolphin and Peale’s dolphin which are frequently seen in the shallows and often accompany boats. Their playful behaviour occasionally includes ‘shows’ akin to those in marine animal ‘parks’ but here there is no feeding, no created exhibitionism, just wildlife experiences ‘in the raw’ as nature intended.

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Sea Lion Island

Sea Lion Island

Located in the southeast of the archipelago, Sea Lion Island is recognised under the Ramsar Convention. The terrain is mainly low lying but with spectacular cliffs at the southern end. Tussac grass proliferates, providing the perfect habitat for a…
Kidney Island

Kidney Island

Named for its shape, Kidney Island is located just a few miles from Stanley, the Islands’ capital. It is a National Nature Reserve and an Important Bird Area, a global standard set by Birdlife International.
New Island

New Island

New Island is situated at the west of the Falklands’ archipelago. The terrain is varied with spectacular cliffs, white sand beaches and secret coves, rugged hills and some small open plains.
Saunders Island

Saunders Island

Named after 18th century British Admiral and site of the first British settlement in the Falklands, Saunders is located in the northwest of the archipelago. Port Egmont was built in 1765 and vestiges of this early settlement can be seen, a short…
Volunteer Point

East Falkland

Named after the ship, the Volunteer, Volunteer Point is part of Johnson’s Harbour Farm and located in the northeast of East Falkland. Accessible by road and then overland vehicle journey or by helicopter. The peninsula boasts a stunning, long, white…
Whale Point

East Falkland

Located on Fitzroy Farm, East Falkland, Kelp Point, also known as Whale Point due to the whale bones found on the beach, is reached by a combination of road and off-road travel. The white sand beach is home to a range of wildlife including Gentoo…
New Haven

East Falkland

Ferries travel from New Haven on East Falkland to Port Howard on the West. Travel time from Stanley is around two hours, from Darwin and Goose Green around half an hour. Operated by “Workboat Services”, the ferry service transports vehicles and foot…
Race Point Farm

East Falkland

Located in the northwest of East Falkland, at Port San Carlos, Race Point Farm offers great wildlife, walking and fishing opportunities. Rockhopper penguins breed on the western shores, and there are gentoo and Magellanic pengins too. Many species…
Bleaker Island

Bleaker Island

First called Long Island, then Breaker Island after the large waves the crash against it, Bleaker Island has more in common with its former names than that of the present day. Located in the southeast of the archipelago, the terrain is low-lying…
Little Creek Farm

Elephant Beach, East Falkland

Little Creek Farm is situated in the north-eastern area of East Falkland. The settlement is an idyllic location close to Elephant Beach Pond with birdlife including South American terns. Barn owls inhabit settlement buildings.
Cape Dolphin

East Falkland

Located on the northern tip of East Falkland, the Cape Dolphin peninsula is reached by off-road track from the Cape Dolphin Farm buildings. Named after HMS Dolphin, the ship of British explorer John Byron, the area is a working farm with sheep bred…
Port Stephens

Port Stephens, West Falkland

Located in the southwest of West Falkland, tucked into a tiny corner of a large, open harbour, Port Stephens offers fantastic wildlife and walking opportunities. You can see all 5 species of penguins here, including macaroni, with the gentoos,…
Gypsy Cove

East Falkland

At just 6.5 km (4 miles) from Stanley, Gypsy Cove is the most accessible wildlife site from the capital city. It is part of the Cape Pembroke peninsula which is a National Nature Reserve. The small bay with its white sand beach is sheltered from…
Bertha's Beach

East Falkland

Situated on Fitzroy Farm, East Falkland, named after the shipwrecked barque “Bertha”, Bertha’s Beach is classified as an “Important Bird Area”, a global standard set by Birdlife International, and is a RAMSAR site.
Cape Bougainville

East Falkland

Located on Salvador Farm, also known as Gibraltar Station, on the north coast of East Falkland, Cape Bougainville is a picturesque site with cliffs and white sand beaches. It is home to a range of wildlife including Rockhopper and a few Macaroni…
Jason Islands

Jason Islands

The Jason Island group is named after a survey vessel, HMS Jason and located in the extreme northwest of the Falklands peninsula. This rocky-ridged chain of islands boasts breathtaking scenery and amazing wildlife.
Seal Bay

Seal Bay is located on the north coast of Port Louis, the original capital of the Falkland Islands. We have miles of rugged cliffs and white sand beaches which are home to rockhopper, macaroni, gentoo and magellanic penguins along with the…
Pebble Island

Pebble Island

Named for the attractive, unusual pebbles found on some of the beaches, Pebble Island is situated in the northwest of the archipelago. The terrain is varied with a chain of rocky peaks, a lakeland area and white sand beaches including the stunning…
Bull Point

East Falkland

Situated at the southern end of East Falkland on North Arm Farm, the area can only be reached by an off-road journey. Bull Point is an Important Bird Area, a global standard set by Birdlife International, and has an amazing amount of wildlife.…
Port Harriet Nature Reserve

East Falkland

Port Harriet is located close to Stanley, the Islands’ capital, on East Falkland. Gentoo penguins breed here and many other birds can be seen including southern giant petrels, skuas, turkey vultures, rock cormorants, kelp gulls and Falklands…