Port Howard Falkland Islands Cruise Port Guide: Things to Do & Practical Tips

Quick Take

Port Type

Remote expedition anchorage.

Best For

Wildlife enthusiasts, walkers, naturalists on expedition cruises; not a shopping or resort destination.

Avoid If

You want easy beach swimming, urban amenities, or a day of independent exploration without guides.

Walkability

Limited; settlement is small and rural. Excursions typically operate on guided walking basis from the landing.

Budget Fit

Variable; most activities bundled with shore excursions pre-booked through cruise line. Independent exploration is cheap but limited.

Good For Short Calls?

Yes, 4–6 hours suits a focused walk and wildlife viewing.

Port Overview

Port Howard is a small, working settlement on the northwest coast of West Falkland Island, accessible only by anchorage (ships tender ashore). This is not a commercial cruise port but a naturalist and expedition destination served by small-ship operators such as Seabourn, Hurtigruten, Lindblad, Quark, Ponant, Silversea, and Aurora Expeditions. The settlement consists of a handful of buildings, a farming operation, and immediate access to moorland rich in birdlife, including Magellanic penguins, upland geese, and cormorants. Port Howard represents raw, untouched landscape rather than tourism infrastructure; there are no shops, restaurants, or hotels for cruise visitors. The focus is entirely on guided walks, wildlife observation, and local history talks delivered by naturalists embarked on expedition ships.

Is It Safe?

Port Howard is safe in the sense of crime; petty theft is not a concern. The real hazard is weather and terrain. Wind is constant and often severe; temperature rarely exceeds 55°F (13°C) even in southern summer (November–January). Sudden weather changes occur frequently. Boggy moorland conceals holes and muddy patches; twisted ankles are common. The settlement has no medical facility; serious injuries require evacuation by helicopter, which may be delayed by weather. Always wear waterproof, windproof outerwear, sturdy boots, and a hat. Heed expedition staff guidance on safe routes and turnaround times. Do not wander off marked paths or stray from your group.

Accessibility & Walkability

Port Howard is not wheelchair-accessible. The landing is via small tender (physically demanding for those with mobility limits), and terrain beyond the settlement is boggy moorland with no paved paths, no handrails, and uneven ground. Terrain is unsuitable for walkers with joint, balance, or respiratory concerns. Anyone with limited fitness should consult the expedition organizers before booking and be honest about physical capability; staff can offer adapted short walks or ship-based observation alternatives.

Outside the Terminal

There is no formal terminal; you arrive at a small landing jetty in a Zodiac or small tender. Outside the boat, you step onto rocky or muddy ground, with a handful of weathered farm buildings visible nearby. The landscape is windswept moorland dotted with low vegetation, rocks, and occasional rusted artifacts from past settlement activity. There are no shops, cafes, or toilet facilities for visitors; the only structure is a small shelter or meeting point arranged by expedition staff. The first impression is extreme remoteness and exposure to open landscape and weather. Most visitors immediately begin a guided walk or gather for expedition briefing.

Beaches Near the Port

Local Food & Drink

There are no restaurants, cafes, or food vendors at Port Howard open to cruise visitors. Bring adequate snacks and water from the ship before landing. Most expedition cruises provide packed lunches and refreshments aboard if you declare intent to spend extended time ashore; confirm with your cruise line in advance. The settlement operates as a working farm; there is no public food service. Plan to eat all meals aboard your ship.

Shopping

There is no shopping at Port Howard. The settlement has no general store, souvenir shop, or market accessible to cruise visitors. Any crafts or local items must be arranged in advance through the cruise operator or obtained from other Falkland Islands ports (Stanley, Goose Green) on separate port days. Port Howard is purely a natural history destination.

Money & Currency

Currency

Falkland Islands Pound (FKP), 1:1 fixed to British Pound Sterling (GBP).

USD Accepted?

No

Card Payments

No card facilities at Port Howard; settlement is non-commercial.

ATMs

No ATM; cash rarely needed as there are no vendors.

Tipping

No tipping expected or applicable; expedition staff tipping is handled via cruise line or ship account.

Notes

Carry GBP or FKP if you plan to shop elsewhere in the Falklands (e.g., Stanley). USD is not reliably accepted in remote settlements.

Weather & Best Time

Best months

November to January (southern summer): Temperature 48–55°F (9–13°C), longer daylight, slightly calmer winds, best wildlife activity.

Avoid

April to August (southern winter): Temperature 35–45°F (2–7°C), short daylight, extreme wind, poor visibility, reduced wildlife access.

Temperature

October to March ranges 40–55°F (4–13°C). Most expedition cruises visit November–January.

Notes

Weather is unpredictable and changes rapidly. Wind is persistent year-round. Waterproof, windproof gear is essential every month. Fog and low cloud frequently obscure views. Tender operations may be cancelled or delayed due to swell or wind.

Airport Information

Airport

Stanley Airport (PSY)

Distance

~35 miles (56 km) from Port Howard; accessible only by charter flight or multi-hour vehicle journey.

Getting there

Charter flights from Stanley or supply ship; no regular public transport. Most cruise passengers fly into Stanley and are transferred to the ship pre-cruise or at Stanley port call.

Notes

Port Howard is not a disembark/embark port. Pre- and post-cruise logistics typically hub through Stanley. Flying into Port Howard directly is extremely rare and expensive.