Location & Transportation
Since cruise ships cannot dock at Westpoint Island, you will be tendered ashore. Ships anchor in the shelter of Westpoint harbour, where a jetty allows for a dry landing rather than a wet wade onto the beach. The tender ride itself is an experience, offering beautiful coastal views as you approach the island. Keep in mind that public transportation on the island is limited, so plan to explore on foot upon arrival. From the settlement, a track leads uphill toward the albatross colony — it’s about a 45-minute walk, though a Land Rover usually shuttles less mobile visitors back and forth throughout the landing.
Sightseeing
Westpoint Island, once known as Albatross Island (Spanish: Isla Remolinos), is a gem of the Falkland Islands. The island is small, covering just under 15 km², and is run as a working sheep farm by Lily and Roddy Napier. What really makes it special is the abundance of wildlife. I loved spotting:
- Rockhopper penguins waddling along the shore
- Black-browed albatrosses soaring overhead
- Occasional sightings of Commerson’s dolphins playing in the water
Don’t miss the walk out to the Devil’s Nose, a dramatic clifftop lookout where black-browed albatrosses nest on their mud-pot nests right alongside the rockhoppers — you can get remarkably close through the tall tussac grass. It’s a perfect spot for nature lovers and photographers looking to capture unique wildlife and rugged coastal scenery.
Tours & Excursions
While Westpoint Island offers a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience, there are opportunities to explore its natural heritage further:
- Ask your tender operator or cruise guide about any local nature walks or bird-watching tours available on the island.
- Some visitors arrange guided excursions with local experts to learn about the island’s history as a sheep farm and its wildlife conservation efforts.
These tours are usually informal, so a friendly chat with a local can add a lot to your visit.
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
Shopping
On Westpoint Island, shopping options are very limited given its remote and working farm setting. If you love collecting unique souvenirs, consider picking up locally made crafts or farm products if available. Otherwise, be sure to enjoy the natural surroundings, which are the real treasure here.
Dining
Dining on the island is simple but genuinely memorable. The Napiers are famous for laying on a generous farmhouse spread of tea, homemade cakes, and scones for cruise passengers at their farmhouse near the jetty — it’s widely considered the best tea and cake in the Falklands, and I wouldn’t skip it. Beyond that there’s no full-service restaurant, so I recommend packing a light snack or checking whether your cruise line offers on-board dining during your excursion.
Culture & Local Events
Although Westpoint Island has a quiet, rural rhythm far removed from bustling urban centers, there are interesting cultural tidbits to note:
- The local currency is the Falkland Islands Pound (FKP). In some places, British Pounds (GBP) may also be accepted.
- English is the main language spoken, so communicating is easy.
- Typical operations on the island follow the pace of a working farm. This means some facilities might have limited hours or close during peak farming periods.
- There aren’t major festivals on the island, but visiting gives you a real sense of Falkland Islands’ rural heritage and the laid‐back island lifestyle.
- Safety is straightforward: always be mindful around working areas and respect local guidelines to preserve the natural environment.
While there might not be a busy calendar of events here, the genuine local charm and wildlife encounters of Westpoint Island make it a memorable visit.