Cruise port Westpoint Island
Info for port Westpoint Island on 14 Jan 2028
Port information & tips for Westpoint Island
Westpoint Island is a pristine natural paradise in the northwest of the Falkland Islands and is considered one of the most spectacular stops on any expedition cruise. The island captivates with its rugged beauty and fascinating wildlife, welcoming visitors amidst dramatic cliffs and rolling hills. Absolute highlights include the impressive colony of black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins at the imposing Devils Nose, as well as the charming Westpoint Settlement with its idyllic garden. Landings are flexible via Zodiac at the small boat jetty near the historic farmhouse, from where the sights can be easily reached on foot or via a 4x4 shuttle. Thanks to the short distances, travelers can quickly get from the shore straight into the heart of the untouched nature while simultaneously enjoying the warm hospitality of the island family.
Westpoint Island in the Falkland Islands is a fascinating destination for expedition cruises and is used by ships exclusively as a port of call, with passengers being brought ashore by tender boat. The actual travel for guests from the DACH region therefore focuses on getting to the Falkland Islands themselves, usually to the capital town of Stanley, from where most cruises in the region start or Westpoint Island is visited as part of an itinerary.
Airplane
Travel to the Falkland Islands is via Mount Pleasant International Airport (MPN) on East Falkland. There are no direct flight connections from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland; the most common route is via South America, for example with LATAM Airlines via Santiago de Chile (SCL) or Punta Arenas (PUQ), with these flights typically operating once a week on Saturdays. An alternative option is the twice-weekly military "Airbridge" (RAF charter flight) from RAF Brize Norton in the UK, returning from MPN on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Mount Pleasant International Airport (MPN) it is about 53 to 56 kilometers to the capital Stanley, which corresponds to a driving time of approximately 45 minutes to one hour. It is essential to book transfers from MPN to Stanley or other accommodations in advance, as no spontaneous taxis are available at the airport. Cruise lines and local tour operators usually organize shuttle buses that are coordinated with the arrival of flights. The landing on Westpoint Island itself then takes place comfortably by Zodiac or ship's tender at the Westpoint Cove Jetty during the cruise.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long and often complex journey to the Falkland Islands, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Stanley is strongly recommended. This allows for a relaxed arrival to minimize jet lag before embarkation and to establish a seamless connection to your expedition. In Stanley you will find a selection of hotels and accommodations that offer an ideal starting point for your cruise through the island world.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time accordingly for the journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
In port on 14 Jan 2028
