Much To See On A Wander In Stanley Falkland Islands
After our great day in Punta del Este in Uruguay, we headed south and took the time to wander in Stanley Falkland Islands on our visit for the day. And we did not leave before we saw penguins on our stop in Stanley. We were sure excited when we moved into this exciting part of our cruise around South America.
It was a rough two day cruise south from Uruguay to the Falkland Islands. Many cruise ship passengers never got to see the Falkland Islands because the seas were too rough and the tender couldn’t make it into the port. We watched the weather and were happy when the captain of Oceania Cruises Marina announced that the weather was good for our visit.
Even if the skies were grey, the winds were calm. The tender boat ride into Stanley was uneventful. Although it was a little rougher on the way back to the ship. We were happy we went in early and had a chance to wander in Stanley Falkland Islands before our excursion. And our trip to visit Bluff Cove Lagoon for penguins was a huge success.
Falkland Islands History
The Falkland Islands was historically a spot used as a stopping point before the trip around Cape Horn. When the Panama Canal was opened, much of the ship traffic no longer had to do that trip. So businesses in the Falkland Islands floundered.
Over time, many different nations governed the Falkland Islands, including France, Spain, USA and Argentina. But, although legally governed by British since 1833, the Argentinians believed this set of islands belonged to them. The population was loyal to the Queen when in 1982, Argentina executed a surprise invasion of the island to wrest control from the British.
After a deadly war, the island remained in the hands of the British. In a 2013 referendum, an overwhelming 99.8% of the Falkland residents voted to remain British citizens. Although Argentina still believed Islas Malvinas was theirs. When we visited it was still occupied by a British Army Garrison of about 1200 personnel.
As we walked in Stanley, we stopped at the 1982 Liberation Memorial. This memorial was installed to commemorate the British Forces, lead by Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, that fought in the Falklands War. That war saw the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth 2 refitted to be a military troop carrier. And resulted in almost 1,000 dead.
We learned about the various facilities the Stanley residents built to support the garrisoned troops. The history of the Falkland Islands was interesting to hear from the locals as we toured and visited Bluff Cove Lagoon for penguins in Stanley.
Walking Around Town
The ship was anchored in the bay and the tender docked just outside the small town of Stanley. We donned our rain ponchos and explored the town. Everywhere we looked, there were signs and reminders that we were in penguin land.
But on a wander in Stanley Falkland Islands the strong British heritage in this town was very easy to see. We saw many iconic sights we remembered from visits to London.
Visiting The Churches In Stanley
Our first stop was the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral from 1892. We took the iconic photo of the church with the Whalebone Arch. A reminder of what part of the world we visited.
Big signs outside the church welcomed the Oceania Cruises Marina guests. We went in and admired the many beautiful stained glass windows.
A woman played on the large organ as we wandered. There were well written headstone-like plaques on the inside walls to read.
We moved along the main street and passed the austere St Mary’s Catholic Church. This one was closed so we did not go inside.
Other Sights On A Wander In Stanley Falkland Islands
All along the main street we stopped and looked at the sights. Colourful houses with flowers still in bloom greeted us.
Views out over the harbour drew us in to look at the cannons and the old ship’s mizzen mast from the multi-masted sailing vessel “Great Britain”. We wished we had time to visit the maritime museum.
We had enough time to find “The Narrows” pub for lunch. Of course we had the local fish and chips. But were a bit disappointed when the locally brewed beer Falkland Beerworks, made next door, was all sold out. We missed out on beers with names like London Pride and Rock Hopper made by probably the world’s most remote microbrewery. Lunch was extra enjoyable as Oceania’s Cruise Director Paul joined for some camaraderie.
We enjoyed a wander in Stanley before we visited Bluff Cove Lagoon for penguins.
Drive From Stanley To Bluff Cove Lagoon For Penguins
At the port, we were divided into 16 person groups and put in mini buses. The drive from Stanley to Bluff Cove Lagoon for the penguins took about 45 minutes. Along the way we learned more about Stanley and the Falkland Islands. Mini buses from the company passed by regularly as they headed back to Stanley after their penguin excursions.
We were surprised when we learned that there were more than 500,000 sheep on the island. And as many as one million penguins nested on the island in season. These numbers far outweighed the local population of about 3,500 and the tourist population of about 7,000. Along our drive we saw birds and horses. But not a single sheep. The farms were on another part of the island.
On our drive, our guide pointed out Boot Hill. At one point, one lone boot was found and put on a stake. Over the years, many other boots were added.
The islands had a fascinating geology. It was explained that the Falkland Islands used to be part of the African continent. So many of the geological features were similar to sights we saw when we visited Africa. There were rough and ragged mountain peaks along the spine of the island.
It was great to see more of the island on our drive to visit Bluff Cove Lagoon for penguins in Stanley.
Off Road To The Bluff Cove Lagoon
When we left the main highway, we drove along a rough road. On each side of the road we saw fields of large stones. This was called the River of Rocks (or Stone River) when Darwin visited the Falkland Islands. The stream of angular blocks of quartzite was said to be caused by freezing-thawing cycles. It was interesting to see accumulations of boulders with no finer material between them.
When we arrived at a parking lot at Bluff Cove Lagoon, we were transferred to small Land Rover jeeps in groups of four. The jeeps took us right to the penguins.
So Many Penguins At Bluff Cove Lagoon
We saw so many penguins at Bluff Cove Lagoon as we moved about the site. The first very large group of Gentoo Penguins ran about on the grass seemingly for our entertainment.
It was great that a group of King Penguins were still resident on the island and we saw them tending the young.
When we wandered to the cove, we found yet another group of Gentoo Penguins as they frolicked by the water.
We were delighted when we found so many penguins at Bluff Cove Lagoon. We just wished our visit was longer.
Plan To Wander Stanley Falkland Islands
It was great to have some time to wander Stanley Falkland Islands. It ensured we learned a little more about this area. And we were so happy we booked an excursion to visit Bluff Cove Lagoon for penguins in Stanley. We saw so many more penguins than we expected.
Our visit to the Falkland Islands was a great stop on our cruise around South America. We pulled anchor and headed next for a trip around the Cape Horn and a visit to Terra Del Fuego from Ushuaia in Argentina.
Did you wander in Stanley Falkland Islands? Or did you head straight out for an excursion?
Save For Later – PIN To Pinterest:
I like that the Falkland Islands don’t appear to be very touristy, but laidback and unimposing. I remember hearing about the history of the war in the Falkland Islands when watching “The Crown” — too bad so many lives had to be lost defending them. Obviously the best part of visiting the islands has to be seeing the penguins. So cute!
We were glad we had time to explore Stanley and learn more about the Falkland Islands before we went off on our day trip.
The penguins really win it for me! the Falkland islands are so fascinating and really look like a tiny piece of England in South America. The Penguin news and travel is so adorable, you had a great time in Stanley!
We did indeed enjoy our day in Stonley. And were so glad we got to see so many penguins too.
I wasn’t aware that the seas can be so rough that many cruise lines can’t make it to the Falkland Islands. How lucky you were to be able to visit, when so few can say they’ve been to. Funnily I learned the most about Falklands from watching the Crown.
I was surprise to read that there were more than 500,000 sheep on the island, and that there are close to a million penguins – how incredible!
We were so glad we did get to visit the Falkland Islands. It was a great new discovery for us.
Wonderful post about the Falkland Islands, a destination that has been on my radar for a long time. I would not go on a cruise though, but try to spend one or two weeks travelling around. We met a guy in New Zealand a few years ago, who had been hiking for a few weeks there and it sounded amazing. Great penguin pictures by the way!
We love to cruise for a taste test and add to our long growing list of places to go back to. I am sure a few weeks in the Falkland Islands would provide a great visit.
I remember that Falklands incident when I was in school. It is really cool that you can see penguins there. I would love to see penguins in the wild, especially without the ice and snow.
This was our first stop for penguins and it certainly sparked a desire to see more. We were glad we could get into this port.
You had me at penguins! I love that you were able to see them running around playing, taking care of their babies and in the water. It sounds perfect. I wasn’t aware of the interesting history of Falkland Islands, thanks for sharing
We liked the variety of sights we saw when we wandered in Stanley and did our penguin tour. Just a taste test but a fun day.
The Falkland islands is such a beautiful place to visit. Loved to read about the geological history of Falkland islands and how the quartzite rocks were formed to be called the River of rocks. Also pleased to read about the growing population of Gentoo penguins.
It was a fascinating day exploring different parts around Stanley in the Falkland Island. We too learned a lot.
Yes it is an amazing place ?
Oh, I remember Malvinas War and I think Prince Andrew went to war there. Anyway, the island looks pretty and the penguins are just amazing. I also like the River of Rocks. It looks unique, just like the Boot Hill.
There were definitely some interesting things to see when we visited Stanley for the day.
What an interesting place to visit. I’d love to check it out. How neat that you were able to see all those penguins!
The penguins were certainly the draw for the day in the Falkland Islands. But interesting to see more of the island as we wandered.
Hahahaha – there she is, Ms Thatcher – and I’m old enough to remember her well. As well as the falkland war. I still find these enclaves like Ceute and Melilla, Gibraltar, or the Falkland Islands crazy – and causing a war is even tragic. When I was in Patagonia, it was very touching how present this scar is still there. In all the small places were monuments. I think in Europe, it’s totally forgotten.
I agree that it was well remembered when we were in Patagonia. And definitely sad that a war was fought over this spot so remote to the UK. But we were glad we finally got to see a bit of the Falkland Islands.
It looks like so much fun to visit and explore here! I’ve never visited before but now I’m convinced!!
We were so glad our ship was able to make it into the Falkland Islands. We sure would have been sad to miss this unique spot.
Such a great town with a big history and how cool to spot pinguins!
We loved that we had time to see a bit of the town before we headed off for our penguin adventure. A fun mix for our day trip in the Falkland Islands.
Stanley is so adorable! If my kids saw these pictures, we would be booking a trip to the Falkland Islands to see the penguins! What an incredible experience! Thank you for sharing!
We were delighted to see so many penguins at one time. I am sure your kids would love them.
The penguins sealed it for me go to see this place now! Thanks for sharing I knew very little about Falkland Islands until reading this.
I am glad to share some information about Falkland Islands. It was a fun discovery for us.
Some of these little British outposts have a real charm to them and of course lots of history. At least the Falklands are easily accessible, weather permitting, unlike Pitcairn in the Pacific. That church was just gorgeous and the penguins must surely have been the highlight. So nice when you can explore a place at leisure without it being crowded or being hassled to buy stuff. Stanley feels like it has a lovely ambiance to it and I would love to visit the Falklands one day when we are in the South Atlantic region. Nice post.
I hope you do get to visit the Falkland Islands one day. We were glad the weather let us get in. The town visit was fun and the penguins were definitely a highlight.
I wasn’t familiar with Stanley Falfkland Islands prior to reading your post. This was very informative and learned something new today. Looks like this is a great place to visit if nearby. How amazing you got to see penguins here. I’ve always dreamt about seeing penguins in person so I have to add this place to my bucket-list.
Stanley was a great spot to wander and to head out for a penguin visit. We were amazed at how many were there when we visited.
That looks like a charming trip! I love penguins so much and the penguins at the Bluff Cove Lagoon look so adorable. I would love to be able to see them!
There were several different day trip options on our visit to Stanley in the Falkland Islands. We were so glad we chose to see the penguins.
Great article. I didn’t know the history of the Falklands. But I’d love to go there to see the penguins. They are wonderful. I have no idea that Bluff Cove Lagoon is a perfect spot for penguins.
It was interesting to visit Stanley and explore the history of the Falkland Islands. And those penguins were sure a treat.
Loved seeing the imprint of Britain: red phone booth, red bases, Margaret Thatcher statue and to learn about the history especially the Falklands War!
We certainly saw the British influence everywhere in Stanley. A good review of history for us.
I didn’t know there were penguins running around the Falkland Islands! We def want to visit now! lol thanks for the historical guide!
Seeing penguins was definitely a treat on our visit to the Falkland Island. And it was great that there were so many there at that time.
It looks like a great place to visit! I have never been to Falkland Islands, so I will add it to my list. I would love to see the penguins at Bluff Cove Lagoon.
We were glad we got this small taste test of the Falkland Islands. We know there is more to discover on a longer visit.
South America seems like such a mystery to me. This island really looks so much like Iceland or something, in landscape and architecture. It challenged what I think I know about Argentina, seems like a very diverse place. I would die if I saw one of those penguins up close too cute! Love the whale bone arch too.
The Falkland Island stop was a great discovery for us as well. Great to learn more about the history. And who would not love those adorable penguins!
What a unique and beautiful part of this world! It seems like a place where you can really get away from it all, like a true escape. Unspoiled wildlife and peace!
There were a lot of outdoor options to explore around Stanley when we visited. A great discovery for us.
When I was growing up I remember watchingMaggie Thatcher talking about us at war with the Falklands and now it all looks such a lovely place to visit. Such a long way from anywhere and yet lots to see on the island. I’d love to see the penguins! It seems funny that all the British influences are still there and that microbrewery is a classic brewing London Pride!
It was indeed interesting to see the strong British influences when we wandered in Stanley. David sure wish we had extra time to spend in the pub.
I’d love to visit the Falkland Islands! What a fascinating trip to learn about the nature of the island. I adopted a Falkland Island penguin for my partner, it would be an incredible experience to see them in person – thanks for the great guide!
Adopting a Falkland Island penguin sounds like a fun thing to do. So it would be fun to see where it hangs out! We planted a cacao plant on one trip and have often thought about going back to visit !! We were sure glad our ship got to land for this new discovery.
Stanley Falkland Islands look like a place where I would love to wander! And the penguins! Yes, please!
I am sure we could have used more than just one day for our visit to Stanley. But it was great to get a small taste test of the Falkland Islands.
Wow- The Falkland Islands look amazing!! Hope to visit some day and take some beautiful photos and “meet” the Penguins!
I hope you do get to visit the Falkland Islands one day. Lots of choices for penguin encounters.
What an exciting adventure! The history is fascinating and I didn’t realize it is part of Britain. It looks like a wonderful place to visit no matter the weather. The Boot Hill is hilarious and the penguins are so adorable! Seeing the different types of penguins and watching them interact would be the highlight.
We were interested in learning more about the history. The tour around Stanley and the area had some fun sights indeed. But yes, the penguins were the highlight.
Is there anywhere you haven’t been on your cruising adventures? I want to be like you when I grow up. The penguins would be so much fun to see.
We have indeed cruised to some of the most interesting places. But every cruise adds so many great spots like the Falkland Islands that we want to re-visit for a longer stay.
This must be such an interesting place to explore! There’s so much history here to uncover which I love.
We loved that we had a wide variety of sights on our visit to Stanley in the Falkland Islands. A very fun day adventure.
I am sorry our South America cruise did not stop in the Falkland’s. It looks very interesting..a little bit of jolly ole England at the bottom of the earth. Looks like you had pretty good weather too, I have heard it can be pretty nasty. I hope to get there some day.
The weather can indeed be nasty to get to the Falkland Islands. So we were really happy when we got that stop. It was fun to do a good mix of things on our day trip.
I think you were very lucky to be able to get to the Falkland Islands. I have heard that the port is often missed due to rough seas. And yes, I think Argentina does still believe the islands are theirs (I’ve talked to Argentinians and seen several memorials to the war in Argentina).
We visited Argentina after Falklands too and also saw a lot of the memorials to war. Interesting to see this part of history.
I had heard about Stanley Falfkland Islands but didn’t know much about it. So it was nice learning the history and getting a great view. Watching the penguins from close would be so wonderful. These lovely birds have always fascinated me.The River of Rocks looks such a different site. And the drive to the Laggon looks so pretty. Love to be there sometime.
We were delighted with the mix of things we saw on our day in the Falkland Islands. Hope you get to visit one day.
Oh my gosh look at those penguins!!! I would love to visit Bluff Cove Lagoon and see them in person!
The penguins are absolutely worth a visit when you are in the Falkland Islands. There are several great spots to choose.
Your picture of the penguins coming out of the water was so cute. I hadn’t thought about visiting the Falkland Islands before, but next time I head to South America I am going to try to visit and visit Bluff Cove Lagoon so I can see the penguins in their natural environment.
I hope you do get to visit the Falkland Islands when you visit this part of South America. We were so glad we got this quick visit.
Would love to see the penguins at Bluff Cove Lagoon and The Boot Hill is such a strange sight lol I haven’t heard much about the Falkland Islands before, but now I’m excited to visit!
Glad to show you a little bit about the Falkland Islands. It was a good to have a quite varied day in Stanley to see different things.
I recall the Falkland War so clearly. I would love to visit the Falkland Islands and see those places we heard about on the news at the time. It was a part of my history. I always think it seems odd when I see bits of the UK in other parts of the world – the buses, the phone boxes, the post boxes! Boot Hill would be high on my list of places to see too. Must not forget an old boot!
I am sure this would bring all that history to you. It was history I remembered very little about. But interesting to learn more from the locals. A fun reminder of UK.
It seems that Falkland Islands are a special place to visit because of its British heritage, nature and because of penguins! I love them! Thanks for sharing!
There were indeed so many things to see and do on our day in Stanley. A fun first look at the Falkland Islands.
I love visiting small remote islands and visiting the Falkland Islands is on my list. Would love to explore it. Bluff Cove Lagoon is a must-visit for me. Just for the penguins!
We were so glad we saw the penguins. We understand there are a couple of different spots with great penguin spotting. Good for a return visit.
I’m glad the seas were smooth enough for you to visit. I’m struck by how “British” the islands feel in your photos. Must be a little strange to find a slice of the U.K. off of South America!
It was a little strange to see this slice of the UK. But a great spot for our first taste test of the Falkland Islands.
Seeing penguins in the wild is on my bucket list- but so is seeing the south of South America! This seems like such a great cruise to take.
This was indeed an amazing cruise. This south part of South America my favourite segment for sure.
I loved reading the history on Stanley Falkland Islands – so interesting. I’m dying over how cute the penguins are though! What an amazing experience.
It was a fun day with lots of history to learn and amazing penguin experiences.
I remember vaguely reading about the Falkland Islands, maybe back in school while studying geography and I honestly don’t know anyone personally who has been there so it was exciting for me to read your post about Stanley. I would love to visit Bluff Cove Lagoon and see all those penguins there!
The Falkland Islands were just a historical spot for me too until we visited. We loved the chance to learn more about the country and of course could not miss the penguins!