Falkland Islands: Stanley Penguins, Shipwreck & War History Tour

Summary

Penguins, shipwrecks & local stories in Stanley’s wild air

You’ll walk windswept coves near Stanley with Magellanic penguins at your feet, taste homemade cookies in salty air, hear locals’ stories beside a rusting shipwreck, and pause at moving war memorials. Expect honest conversation and unexpected moments—this tour feels personal in all the right ways.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left the cruise terminal in Stanley when our guide, Sarah (she’s lived here since the ‘80s), started telling us about the wind — how it gets into your bones if you let it. She handed out homemade cookies right away, which honestly felt weirdly comforting with all that cold salt air. First stop was Gypsy Cove. The Magellanic penguins were there, scattered across the grass like little tuxedoed question marks. I could hear them braying — not quite what I expected from penguins — and Sarah laughed at my face when I said so. The view over the harbor was wide and kind of lonely in a way I liked.

We drove out to Cape Pembroke next, past tufts of yellow grass and sheep that didn’t look up for anything. The lighthouse is under renovation (so no climbing), but you can still feel how far you are from anywhere else. Sarah pointed out where seals sometimes haul up; we didn’t see any, but I thought I caught a whiff of seaweed and diesel from some distant boat. On the way back we stopped at the Lady Elizabeth shipwreck — “Lady Liz,” as everyone here calls her — rusting quietly with mountains behind her. It’s one of those places that looks almost staged for photos, except it’s just…there.

The town itself is full of odd British touches: red phone boxes, Government House flying its flag even in the wind. We paused by both war memorials (1914 and 1982). There was a hush around them; even some of the chatty folks in our group went quiet for a minute. I didn’t expect to feel much about that part but honestly, it sticks with you after hearing stories from locals who remember those days.

If you’re hoping for loads of penguins everywhere (like Yorke Bay), heads up: avian flu means fewer right now, and Sarah was upfront about it before we booked. But she made up for it with stories about life here — like how FIGAS planes deliver mail to remote farms or how quickly weather can change plans. We ended at the museum if anyone wanted to linger; I wandered through old maps until my fingers thawed out enough to hold another cookie.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Falklands wildlife and Stanley sightseeing

• Pick up from cruise terminal
• Visit Lady Elizabeth shipwreck
• See FIGAS Islander aircraft operations
• Pass by Government House
• View whale jawbone monument
• Tour Stanley war memorials and points of interest
• Visit Cape Pembroke lighthouse and nature reserve
• Walk to see Magellanic penguins and shore birds
• Optional visit to Falklands Museum
• Enjoy homemade cookies during tour
• Return to cruise terminal

Top questions

Are Magellanic penguins included on this Falkland Islands tour?

Yes, you’ll visit Gypsy Cove to see Magellanic penguins with your guide—though due to avian flu there may be fewer than usual.

Does this sightseeing tour include pickup from my cruise ship?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal are included for all guests.

What historic sites do we see on this Stanley day trip?

You’ll visit Cape Pembroke lighthouse (exterior), Lady Elizabeth shipwreck, Government House, war memorials from 1914 & 1982, and more around Stanley.

Is lunch provided during this Falkland Islands shared tour?

No lunch is included, but homemade cookies are served during the tour.

Can I visit Yorke Bay or see more penguins on this trip?

No—Yorke Bay is currently closed due to avian flu restrictions; alternative stops are provided instead.

How long is the drive from Stanley to Cape Pembroke?

Cape Pembroke is just over 7 miles east of Stanley—a short drive as part of your guided route.

Is there time to visit the Falkland Islands Museum?

The museum is an optional drop-off point at the end of your tour; it’s recommended if you have extra time before returning to your ship.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal in Stanley, all entry fees and taxes covered by your guide team, plus homemade cookies shared along the route as you explore wildlife spots, historic landmarks like Lady Elizabeth shipwreck and Cape Pembroke lighthouse, war memorials around town, and an optional stop at the Falkland Islands Museum before heading back to port.