When the alarm went off at 6:20 AM, I jumped out of bed, excited for the day ahead. In just ten minutes, our butler would be arriving with breakfast, marking the start of another adventure-filled day exploring the Falkland Islands.
Today’s itinerary included visits to two islands on the western edge of the Falklands: New Island and West Point Island.
New Island: Home of Penguins and Albatrosses
New Island, one of approximately 720 islands in the Falklands, stretches about eight miles long and only half a mile wide. Despite its modest size, it's bustling with wildlife, including Black-browed albatrosses, Northern Rockhopper penguins, Gentoo penguins, Magellan penguins, and a rich variety of seabirds.
Upon arrival, we encountered several juvenile Black-browed albatrosses sitting awkwardly in their nests, clearly outgrowing them. Many were vigorously flapping their wings, hinting that they were preparing for their first flights. Northern Rockhopper penguins were there too, enduring their molting phase by standing quietly, looking rather miserable. This stillness gave them an air of quiet dignity despite their obvious discomfort.
We landed on the leeward side, but most of the wildlife gathered on the windward coast. Albatrosses prefer the wind to help with their flight, but the penguins’ preference puzzled me. Perhaps the breeze helps clear away the pungent aroma that inevitably accompanies large bird colonies.
West Point Island: Wind, Wildlife, and Warm Hospitality
After New Island, we continued to West Point Island. Slightly smaller, this island offered a longer but picturesque hike across fields lush with tussock grass, mosses, and vibrant green short grasses. The wind strengthened noticeably as we approached the windward cliffs, a favored spot for wildlife.
Here, we encountered more juvenile albatrosses, some still begging parents for food while others eagerly practiced flapping their wings in place as adult albatrosses and caracaras soaring effortlessly above the cliffs. Rockhopper penguin colonies provided further entertainment, standing at attention as they molted in the wind.
West Point Island is privately owned and managed by welcoming caretakers who greet visitors at the end of their hike with tea and delicious homemade treats—a delightful end to our exploration.
Gear and Comfort: The Silversea Parka
Expedition cruises typically supply passengers with parkas, both for comfort and easy identification. Having taken several cruises I own five different parkas. Before this trip, my personal favorite was the Aurora Expeditions parka. However, the Silversea parka has now surpassed it. It effectively blocks wind and rain and features a particularly comfortable and practical hood, perfect for the challenging Falklands weather.
Expedition Essentials: Boot Cleaning
Another standout feature of Silversea expeditions is their meticulous approach to biosecurity. Before re-boarding, our boots and hiking poles went through a thorough cleaning process. First, an electric pre-cleaning machine removed mud and debris, followed by manual brushing and washing by the crew, and finally, an antiviral dip. This level of care surpasses what I’ve experienced on previous expeditions, where passengers were typically responsible for their own boot cleaning.
We’re now steaming toward Stanley, eagerly anticipating our next adventure.
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