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.
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.
Going ashore on Westpoint Island is convenient via tender boat and takes you directly to the idyllic settlement of the charming private island.
On Foot
Exploring the island is ideal on foot and allows for a relaxed walk from the settlement to the cliffs. The hike to the Teufelsnase takes about 45 to 60 minutes and offers sweeping views over the untouched nature of the Falkland Islands.
4WD Shuttles
Thanks to the organization by the local owners, off-road vehicles are often available for the journey to the albatross colonies. These shuttles are a comfortable addition to the walk and take guests directly across the wide green spaces to the remote observation points on the coast.
Tender Boats
The journey from the ship to the landing pier is carried out by the ship's own tender boats or Zodiacs and ends at a small jetty. This transfer allows for safe access to the island while ensuring a direct connection between the anchorage and the starting point of all activities.
To make the most of your stay on Westpoint Island, we recommend focusing on the impressive wildlife colonies on the cliffs and the warm atmosphere in the small island settlement.
Devil’s Nose
This spectacular cape is home to a massive colony of black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities in a wild and romantic setting thanks to its close proximity to the nesting sites.
Westpoint Settlement
In this picturesque settlement right by the jetty, traditional Falkland Islands hospitality awaits guests with tea and cakes; additionally, the lovingly tended gardens and the historic farmhouse invite you to enjoy a relaxing stay.
Cliffs of Westpoint
The island's dramatic steep coast impresses with its rugged beauty and is easy to explore thanks to short distances; furthermore, the paths along the coastline offer breathtaking views of the vast South Atlantic and untouched nature.
Devil’s Nose & Napier Farmhouse
The spectacular cliff formation Devil’s Nose on Westpoint Island can be reached from the landing jetty via a walk of about two kilometers or comfortably with the local tractor shuttle, offering a unique nature experience in the midst of a huge colony of black-browed albatrosses and rockhopper penguins. Thanks to the warm hospitality of the island family, the traditional "Smoko" awaits you after wildlife viewing in the charming farmhouse – a rich buffet with homemade baked goods and tea in an authentic atmosphere. Ideally, visit the albatross colony directly after your arrival on land to observe the majestic birds up close, and plan the visit to the farmhouse perfectly as a cozy conclusion before returning to the ship.
The way back to the pier on Westpoint Island is straightforward and leads you through the island's untouched nature directly back to your ship.
4x4 Shuttle
From the Devil’s Nose viewpoint, local islanders often offer a transfer with Land Rovers back to the settlement. The vehicles wait at the marked assembly points near the colonies and, thanks to the experienced drivers, bring you quickly and comfortably to the boat pier.
On Foot
The walk from Devil’s Nose back to the main settlement takes about 40 minutes and runs across gentle, green rolling hills. The path is easy to find due to the open landscape and also offers the opportunity to enjoy the native flora and fauna one last time in peace and quiet.
Tender Boats
Tender boats operate regularly from the settlement's small jetty, bringing you safely back to the cruise ship anchoring off the island. The waiting area is located directly at the Napier family farmhouse, where you can stay until shortly before departure thanks to the short distances to the pier.
