falkland islands king penguins tour

Discover Bluff Cove Lagoon

See King, Gentoo and Magellanic penguins and other abundant Falkland bird species up close during this three hour award-winning scenic excursion to Bluff Cove Lagoon; a privately owned wildlife haven.

Passengers are pampered from pier to penguins and back by the enthusiastic Bluff Cove team who love entertaining our guests.

Hattie’s home-baking is served in the legendary beachside Sea Cabbage Café.

By the café is the most exclusive gift shop in the South Atlantic and Bluff Cove Museum, telling the story of the farm and Falkland life.

So much more than just a penguin tour; it is also a fabulous combination of Falkland hospitality and the Islands’ characterful pioneering heritage.

Enjoy adventure in comfort. The Falkland Islands may be desirably distant; once landed in Stanley, Bluff Cove Lagoon is comfortably close.

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Opening up after pandemic

After a 996 day break, caused by the global pandemic, we are enthusiastically welcoming the return of our cruise ship guests this season.

Our private road to Bluff Cove Lagoon was completed during the pandemic. It means that our guests can now come all the way to the penguins by minibus and that the journey time is only 30 minutes from the pier. This means that we can offer guests two hours to enjoy the...

Film of our tour

Square, our credit card facilitators, sent down a film crew just before the pandemic, this is the video they made.

The tour is usually around 6 to 6.5 hours in total, which includes two hours of travel in each direction. For cruise ships that are in port for less than 8 hours, the amount of time actually spent at Volunteer Point can be reduced to still allow you the opportunity to visit this beautiful location with its amazing wildlife.

The first hour of your journey, from the pier where you come ashore, to the privately owned Johnson’s Harbour farm of which Volunteer Point is a part, is on gravel roads. Upon reaching Johnson’s Harbour we then travel off-road for the remaining 12 miles to Volunteer Point . This ‘track’ is bumpy with the vehicle rocking from side to side often as we cross the land.

All of our drivers who double as your guide during the journey are extremely experienced at off-road driving, and many spent their childhood on farms learning to drive at a very young age.  They all own their own vehicles, are fully insured, and carry four passengers each.

During the journey your driver will answer any questions that you may have, and tell you about sites and features on the way. Part of the gravel road on which you will travel passes beside the mountains made famous during the Liberation of the Falklands War from the invading Argentinian forces in 1982.  You will also see many of the unusual natural rock formations called Stone Runs.

Arriving at Volunteer Point

Upon arriving at Volunteer Point your driver will advise you of any areas in which you may not walk, tell you your departure time, and provide you with your light packed lunch. You are then free to wander and photograph the amazing wildlife this location has to offer. You are asked to remain 6m from all wildlife at all times so as to not cause them any undue disturbance.   There are Wardens in high visibility clothing positioned around the sand beach and penguin rookeries that can answer any questions that you may have at the time.  These Wardens are also there to ensure that you do unintentionally get too close to the wildlife or enter areas that you are not permitted to.  Please listen to their advice when given.

The penguins particularly the chicks are curious by nature and will often approach you if you sit quietly observing them.  The area of Volunteer Point itself is fairly flat and easy walking and the car park is very close to the penguins.

Whilst our drivers make every effort to drive carefully and make your journey as smooth as possible, please bear in mind that due to the long grass covering much of the off-road section of the track, it is not always possible to see every hole and bump.  If you have a back or neck injury this is not the tour for you.

Dressing in layers is always best so that you can add or remove layers depending on the conditions on the day, and if possible bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain showers.  Additional bags, jackets etc can be left safely in the vehicles.  The winds can be chilling so hats and gloves are always a good idea.  Flat footwear, such as trainers, or light walking shoes/boots are advised. Restrooms are available at Volunteer Point as is a small room with a gas heater to warm up in should you get cold.

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The King Penguins at Volunteer Point, Falkland Islands

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Beyond your dreams, within your reach. Excursions that will leave you breathless.

Travel across East Falkland, experience the off-road tracks, enjoy a Falkland-style Smoko and walk with the wildlife.

Volunteer Point Tour

This tour takes you to see King Penguins, the most colourful and attractive amongst the penguin group. They are the largest in the Falkland Islands and the second largest in the world. There are over 1000 King penguins pairs at this location. Here you will also be able to see Gentoo and Magellanic penguins all in their natural habitat. On this trip you will pass some battlefields, see the stone runs and take in the undisturbed landscape. Once we arrive at Johnsons Harbour we will stop for a short break and then start the off-road trip. You will have about an hour to walk with the penguins and enjoy a lunch snack. Upon your return to Stanley we can give you a quick city tour or drop you at the souvenirs shops or cafés.

Recommendation: A warm jacket, layered clothing and sturdy walking shoes. A camera and binoculars will be helpful for seeing penguins.

Included in this tour: Snack, water and information pack.

Falkland Island’s Volunteer Point: King Penguins Tour

Rugged, windswept landscapes, hundreds of cute penguins, and other fascinating wildlife. Sounds like the perfect day trip destination in the Falkland Islands ? You bet it is!

As one of the archipelago’s most popular wildlife sites, Volunteer Point is a nature lover/photographer’s paradise where the adventure starts even before you even set foot on the place. 

Don’t believe me? Let me give you the ins and outs about everything you need to know about Volunteer Point that will definitely make your trip here one for your bucket list.

Seeing the Falkland Island’s King Penguins at Volunteer Point by Helicopter is the BEST Tour

What and where is volunteer point.

Volunteer Point is a headland located on the northeastern part of East Falkland, the larger of the two main islands that make up the Falklands.  

The area is a popular tourist destination best known for its large rookery of king penguins, attracting visitors who come to see the penguins and enjoy the rugged beauty of the Falkland Islands.

It is designated as a Nature Reserve and an Important Bird Area and is also part of Johnson’s Harbour Farm, a privately-owned farm in the Falklands. And although it is relatively remote, those who make the journey will surely be in for a unique and unforgettable experience.

What to see and do at Volunteer Point?

Volunteer Point is truly a nature lover’s paradise, offering visitors a chance to see the local wildlife and scenic landscapes. Let’s check out some of the best things to do here:

• Volunteer Point’s main attraction: its large rookery of king penguins, one of the largest in the world. Gentoo and Magellanic penguins are also present here.
• Bird/Wildlife Watching: aside from the penguins, there are also different bird species like Falkland steamer ducks, finches, as well as southern elephant seals.
• Photography: With its stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and photogenic penguins, Volunteer Point is a photographer’s dream come true, so bring your cameras and capture the beauty of the Falkland Islands.

About King Penguins

King penguins — they will surely be one of the highlights of your visit to Volunteer Point. With their bright orange and black plumage, they are a striking sight to behold, especially when you see hundreds of them going about their day around the shores of Volunteer Beach.

These majestic creatures can grow up to about 3 feet tall, second only to the Emperor penguin (which is a foot taller.) Like most penguins, king penguins love eating small fish (especially lantern fish) and squid, which they hunt in depths of up to 300m.

It’s also worth noting that they almost went extinct on the Falklands in the past. But today? Not only are they thriving, but they also have one of the largest rookeries in the world right here with over 1000 to 1500 breeding pairs.

How to visit Volunteer Point

Although Volunteer Point is quite remote, getting here is easy from Port Stanley . One way is by booking a land tour from one of many tour operators like Viator , Estancia Excursions and Adventure Falklands . These trips will usually take you on a 2 ½-ish hour of cross-country driving on a 4×4. As for car rentals, you can only drive up to Port Louis from Stanley, as the last 14 miles of the trip to Volunteer Point is off-road with no signs and tracks.

However, if you want to take your journey a step UP (literally!), you can skip the long drive and fly there with Falklands Helicopter Services . While you may not be experiencing the Falklands’ great outdoors up close on a 4×4, the views from up high are breathtaking, and it’s not always that you’ll get the chance to ride a helicopter. Shall we say that it is bucket list worthy?

Whichever one you choose, both ‘roads’ will definitely make for unique experiences that will make your visit an already memorable one.

P.S. You’ll need to check with the landowners in advance before you can visit Volunteer Point. They only accept visitors when the off-road part is dry to avoid the 4x4s being stuck.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Volunteer Point?

When it comes to the best time for visiting Volunteer Point, you can pretty much go any day of the year. One thing about King Penguins is that they have a looong breeding cycle. This lasts for about 14 to 16 months, which is why it is not unusual to see penguins at different stages of their lives at Volunteer Point all year round.

From around September to November, adult penguins who did not breed the year prior will begin a new breeding cycle. During this time, you can see the penguins doing courtship rituals and mating. This is also the time where older chicks begin to molt away their brown feathers to reveal their signature white/black/orange plumage.

Egg laying/incubation period starts from November to December, where the parents take turns warming up the egg. Newly hatched chicks can mostly be seen around January to February, hiding between their parent’s feet in their distinguishable brown feathers. By March, you can see these chicks in groups waddling about in short distances. Once winter comes (May to September,) the adults leave for the sea while the almost fully grown chicks are left behind.

There’s also a lambing season here (which happens from October to December) where new lambs are born.

Tips for Visiting Volunteer Point

Now that we’ve gone through the whats, wheres, whens, and hows, it’s time for some useful tips that will help make your visit to Volunteer Point a safe and enjoyable one.

• Wear proper attire – the weather around the Falklands is cool/cold, so you might want to wear some warm clothing like jackets, hoodies, etc. Hiking boots are also recommended. For windy days, wear some sunglasses to help keep the sand off your eyes.
• Maintain your distance – keep at least 20 feet (6 meters) of distance between you and wildlife. Never get in the way of any wildlife as well.
• Observe the ‘Leave-No-Trace’ rule – as with any wildlife adventure, always remember to ‘take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.’ Keep any trash in your person as you leave the place. And speaking of pictures, flash is not allowed.
• Be observant – keep your eye out for any nests/burrows you might come across to avoid trampling over them, especially in the hills.
• Book in advance – day trips to Volunteer Point are one of the most popular excursions, especially for visiting cruises. As slots are limited, be sure to book in advance.

With its stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife, it’s no wonder why a trip to Volunteer Point should be on everyone’s bucket list. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, photography buff, or any kind of traveler, you’re in for a thrilling adventure as you explore the nooks and crannies of this remote spot in the Falkland Islands.

Best Tips for Visiting Falkland Island’s Volunteer Point

How to Get to Falkland Island’s Volunteer Point:   Mount Pleasant (MPN) Airport is a major hub and most airlines will fly into it. You can easily check for the best fare deals at Skyscanner , which also has the option to choose ‘cheapest month’ as the departure to find the lowest priced dates to fly to your destination.  Although Volunteer Point is quite remote, getting here is easy from Port Stanley . One way is by booking a land tour from one of many tour operators like Viator , Estancia Excursions and Adventure Falklands . However, if you want to take your journey a step up, you can skip the long drive and fly there with Falklands Helicopter Services .

Getting Around:   Driving in a new destination can be a bit of a challenge, but if you choose to rent a car, RentalCars.com has great deals. If you are not renting a car, there are plenty of other options. Taxis and Uber are available all over the city. For a more budget friendly option, you can take the public bus.

Best Time to Visit Falkland Island’s Volunteer Point: From around September to November, adult penguins who did not breed the year prior will begin a new breeding cycle. During this time, you can see the penguins doing courtship rituals and mating. This is also the time where older chicks begin to molt away their brown feathers to reveal their signature white/black/orange plumage.

Where to Stay near Falkland Island’s Volunteer Point:  It’s best to stay near the city center, public transportation or the area that you will be spending the most time in.  Malvina House Hotel , The Waterfront Boutique Hotel and Southernwind – Spareroom are great choices in Port Stanley. Or search some great deals on hotels of your choice at  Booking.com . If you’re looking for more of a home atmosphere (or are traveling with a group of people), head over to VRBO that has houses, apartments and even just a room for rent in every price range. 

Best Tour in Falkland Island’s Volunteer Point : You can find some of the top tours at  Get Your Guide  or  Viator , and here are some of the top ones tours:

• Volunteer Point in Falkland Islands

Universal Adapter:  Your American plugged equipment will need an adapter. I use the  Celtic Universal Adapter , which has brought me around the world with no problems.

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through my links, I earn a commission that helps to keep this blog running—at no extra cost to you. For more information read my full disclosure .

More things to do on the falkland islands.

Port Stanley Bucket List: 30 Things to do in Falkland Islands Capital Falkland Islands Bucket List: 25 Things to Do When You Visit

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Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Very helpful.

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Welcome to the Falkland Islands

Penguin Travel offers a range of services, with a main focus on tours and services to cruise ships and their passengers.

Our extensive range of tours offers a unique and unforgettable experience, exploring the diversity of East Falkland.

We invite you to come and explore the wonders of the Falklands with us.

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Stanley highlights, king penguins at volunteer point.

Capital of the Falklands since 1845, the colourful seaside town of Stanley on the windswept tip of East Falkland Islands has much to offer to the visitors.

Explore the peaceful and charming town of Stanley in comfort during this two hour sightseeing tour.

Spend the day at one of the largest penguin colonies in the Faklands. Volunteer Point is home to 1,300 King penguins, as well as a number of Gentoo and Magellanic penguins that call these islands home and share the coastal waters with elephant seals, sea lions, albatross and geese.

Whale & Dolphin Watching Tours

Climb on board one of our launches and travel 30 minutes out to Berkeley Sound towards the Cape Pembroke lighthouse. Here guests might have the opportunity to spot whales swimming: Sei whales and Southern Wright whales are amongst the most common to be seen, depending on the season.

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Visiting the Kings of the Falkland Islands – Volunteer Point Day Trip

By: Author Adam

Posted on Last updated: 22 April, 2024

Whether you are visiting the Falkland Islands for the day during an Antarctica cruise or exploring by land, a trip to Volunteer Point should be very high on our list of things to do in the Falkland Islands.

This is a very special place and one of the few where you can spot King Penguins in the Falkland Islands. Our day trip out to see the king penguins was a highlight among the highlights of our two week trip to the Falkland Islands .

Volunteer Point Video

Volunteer Point Tours

Volunteer Point is the highlight for those visiting the Falklands on an Antarctica cruise. Tours sell out fast. We recommend booking this tour in advance to secure a spot.

Our Volunteer Point Day Trip

Like most things in life worth doing, getting out to see the King Penguins comes with some work. Trips to Volunteer Point depart from Stanley, and getting there is part of the adventure.

This drive has a bit of a reputation among locals and visitors who have made the journey. The first half an hour starts out pretty innocent, but when the road ends, the real drive begins.

Google Maps shows a thin white line indicating a road to Volunteer Point from Johnson’s Harbor, but that’s not exactly the case. There isn’t a road. There isn’t even really a track to Volunteer Point.

You kind of have to know the way, and you have to risk getting ‘bogged’ as the locals call it while making the 10+ mile voyage across peat bog-filled farm fields to reach the beach.

The King Penguins live on the beach in the far north of East Falkland Island. The current landowners have no intention of cutting a road through the property for fear it would bring too many visitors to the penguins and take away from the adventure.

As challenging as it sounds, the ride is actually a lot of fun. It’s also a chance to talk with locals and learn about what life was like and still is in much of the Falklands.

The sure sign you have made it is the red roof of the warden’s house as you make your way down the final hill that opens up to the ocean. During high season, a warden stays out here full-time to make sure everyone cares for the wildlife. After a quick stop to check in with the warden, the next stop is the penguins.

My first glimpse of the Kings was a small cluster of young adult penguins standing around a perfectly still pond. In the background were a few sheep grazing with their lambs – It doesn’t get too much more “Falkland Islands” than that. If I had to pick just one photo to sum up my trip to the Falklands, this would be one of the top picks.

King Penguins are massive birds standing almost three feet tall (nearly 1 meter) and weighing close to 40 lbs. The adults are regal looking, with golden accents outlining their jet-black faces. The gold color also fringes their bright white chest. The young have a thick brown set of fluffy feathers that look almost like they are wearing a parka.

After a short photo shoot with the penguins near the pond, I was tapped on the shoulder by a fellow photographer I had met a few days earlier on Sea Lion Island. He looked at me with visible excitement in his eyes and said: “We really gotta get down to the beach – there’s no wind right now!”. Now, we haven’t come together to Volunteer Point. We weren’t on the same tour – but he knew I was here for the photos.

At first, I kind of dismissed the urgency of his suggestion, but it wasn’t until later in the day that I was glad I decided to walk away from what I considered a pretty impressive scene to follow him down to the beach.

After spending the better part of the morning watching the penguins waddle around the white sands, with groups coming and going from the turquoise waters, quickly, the weather began to change.

The calm morning gave way to a sunny but very breezy Falkland’s afternoon. The wind carried sheets of sand across the beach, making it a virtual no-go zone for anyone with a camera in hand. My friend knew that the wind really makes it hard to be on the beach from his last visit and decided to share the tip with me.

Besides taking away some nice photos from the beach in the morning, it made me realize what a unique place the Falklands are to travel. Where else in the world do fellow travelers that you basically just met encourage you to go to the same places with them to take photos?

I think it speaks to the type of traveler that you meet when visiting the Falkland Islands. Secondly, it’s an indication that there is so much wildlife compared to the number of visitors that people are willing to share. It’s easy to look at the photos of cute penguins, and that is reason enough to visit – but for me, it’s the interactions I had with both locals and visitors that make me want to return to the Falklands.

But the cute penguins though…

Set back from the beach by a few hundred feet is a cluster of black, white, yellow, and squawking. The King Penguins nest on the grassy hills away from the beach in a group known as a rookery. Even if you didn’t know where the colony was, you could just follow your ears. The King Penguins have a very nasally, trumping call, and with a few hundred birds – someone is always squawking.

On the day that we visited, there were four people at Volunteer Point. Besides talking to my new friend on the beach for a few minutes, the only other live beings I saw were penguins and sheep. In the afternoon, I had the whole rookery to myself and spent my time loading up my memory cards with shots where penguins covered the frame from one side to the other.

During this time of the year (Early December), it was too early for this year’s chicks to be hatched. So inside the rookery, it was mostly adults sitting on their eggs, waiting for them to hatch.

On the outskirts, young penguins born last year hung out in small groups. Some of the young ones had begun to molt, losing their brown baby down, and started to look more like the adults in their black and white waterproof plumage.

While others were stuck somewhere in the middle in that awkward phase of life between childhood and becoming an adult, which I am sure most of us can relate to. The penguins stuck in between were not the most attractive, but they soon became some of my favorites.

There were signs posted to protect the penguins, which we, of course, respected, but we were still ridiculously close to these beautiful wild penguins. However, the juvenile penguins didn’t want to stay on their side of the signs – they came right up to us to investigate. No matter how far back you stay, these fuzzy little penguins will come to check you out and even peck at your camera.

At one point, I took a break from photographing the main colony of penguins to watch a group of three curious penguins waddle around my camera and tripod. They were so interested in the camera I set out my GoPro and let them play with it.

You have to watch out though. Just because they are young doesn’t mean they are small. They are more than big enough to knock over a camera set on a tripod like they almost did mine.

It was tough to say goodbye to these amazing penguins, but the road in is the same road – and it’s not one you’d want to attempt in the dark. The day spent visiting Volunteer Point was one of the highlights of not just this trip to the Falklands but one of the highlights of this year of travel.

If you are looking for unique wildlife experiences, put the Falkland Islands on your list!

Volunteer Point FAQ

Q: How many King Penguins are at Volunteer Point? And how many King Penguins are there in the world?

A: There are around 1,000-1,500 breeding pairs living here at Volunteer Point. The total world population of King Penguins is around 1.7 million breeding pairs. They are currently not endangered and listed by IUCN as “Least Concerned”, meaning they are doing well.

Q: Where can you find King Penguins in the Falklands?

A: King Penguins are primarily found only at Volunteer Point in large numbers. Falklands Conservation reports 1,500 breeding pairs of king penguins on the islands, and they are found almost entirely here at Volunteer Point.

Q: How long do king penguins live?

A: The life expectancy of king penguins is around 20 years.

Q: How big are the king penguins?

A: King Penguins can grow up to 3.1 feet (.95 meters) tall and weigh up to almost 40 lbs (17kg)

Related Article: What To Wear In Antarctica – Clothing Packing List

Tips for visiting Volunteer Point

Avoid the Crowds – If you can avoid visiting Volunteer Point on a day when a cruise ship is in port. If you happen to be on a cruise, you, of course, don’t have that option, but even with a few more people, it’s still an amazing place to visit.

Watch the Wind  – If you are lucky enough to have a non-windy part of the day **stop whatever you are doing and head down to the beach**. The sand on the beach of Volunteer Point is very fine, and with the wind, it turns into a sandstorm down on the beach. Sand can be very damaging to camera equipment, so be sure to take advantage of any part of the day when you have calm winds. We’ve actually had sand damage to camera equipment before, but thankfully, our Safety Wing covered the repairs.

Protect your gear – Keep an eye on your tripods and camera gear around the King Penguin Rookery. The young penguins are super curious and they are big enough to knock over your gear.

Try to book a room – There are a few guest rooms for rent at the warden’s house for nature and photography lovers. Some truly magical photographs happen at sunrise and sunset here – and the only way to be here during those times is to stay right in Volunteer Point .

Don’t forget your insurance! You never know when you’ll need it. We suggest getting  travel insurance with Safety Wing. Which coverage includes medical, trip interruption, lost luggage, and more. Often rates are as low as $12 a week. 

Seasons at Volunteer Point – King Penguin Breeding Seasons

The King Penguins have a very long breeding cycle of about 14-16 months from laying the egg until the young penguins are ready for the sea. This means most breeding pairs will only have two chicks every three years.

You’ll find penguins at Volunteer Point year-round due to the long cycle, but many adults will leave during the winter months. Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll see different stages of life at Volunteer Point. Below, we have listed out what you might find, but keep in mind things can vary from year to year slightly.

September – November: The adult penguins being to return to the colony, the penguins that did not have a chick in the previous year can return earlier in the season.

November to Mid-January: You should find adult penguins sitting in the rookery, incubating their eggs (55-day incubation period). Last year’s chicks will have begun to lose their brown baby down or pin feathers.

Mid-January to February: The chicks will begin to hatch, and you’ll get a chance to see the little penguins hanging out from underneath mom and dad’s feet while they are in the guarding phase.

March: The chicks are big enough to venture out a little way, and they cluster in groups on juveniles, all with their fluffy brown feathers.

April – August: By April, this year’s chicks will be nearing their full size, and they will stay on land while most Adults will go to sea for the winter.

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Volunteer Point Shore Excursion

Volunteer Point King Penguins

Volunteer Point Shore Excursion – Our Favorite!

The Volunteer Point shore excursion is our favorite suggestion for the Falkland Islands .  Locals call it Volunteers.  Most cruise ship lines don’t offer this excursion, because of the risk of delays.  The peat bogs can easily trap an off road 4×4.  The locals have responded by organizing their own tour companies that use locally owned and driven 4x4s.  They travel in caravans and tow each other out quickly if the circumstance arises.  The 4 major tour companies to Volunteers are Estancia Excursions , Patrick, FITT and Penguin Travel.  A private land owner controls access to Volunteer Point.  The owner restricts each tour company to a maximum of 16 vehicles.  You are certain to see King Penguin at Volunteer Point, because the Kings live there year round.

4x4s Ready for Tourists, Stanley

Volunteer Point Shore Excursion – Estancia

We travelled to Volunteers with Estancia. Nyree operates Estancia.  Her parents own Estancia Farm.   Payment is cash only in British pounds after the tour, but reservations must be made in advance by email.  The tender from the Oceania Marina to Stanley was quite a long distance.  Expect a bit of chaos upon arrival in town, as each company tries to get their 64 passengers into their 16 vehicles.  Organizing took nearly an hour, because there were 3 cruise ships in port that day.  Since only about 3,000 people live on the island, most of the population is involved in providing cruise ship shore excursions.

Volunteer Point 4×4 Trail

The Bumpy Boggy Route to Volunteer Point

We broke off into a sub group of 3 vehicles and headed out on our 6 hour excursion.  It wasn’t until some time later that we realized our traveling companions were from an entirely different ship.  About a mile from town the pavement ended.  We travelled on a bleak, treeless desert of low scrub, abandoned mine fields and burned out helicopter frames.  The Falklands has very poor quality grass which supports a few sheep, a few birds and an occasional fox.  Most of the trip is covered on gravel roads, but the last 40 minutes is a continuous roller coaster of bumpy, boggy ruts.  At speeds under 10 mph, it seems like this part of the journey will never end and that a back injury is imminent.

King Penguin Incubating an Egg

Arrival at Volunteer Point Nesting Area

The arrival at Volunteer Point makes it all worthwhile.  There are three large penguin colonies within a few feet of each other.  There are Gentoos, Magellanic and about 1,000 very majestic looking King Penguins. White marker rocks surround each of the main nesting areas.  The penguins seem to know that tourists can’t cross the line.  They will let you approach within arms length if you move slowly and deliberately.

Our guide indicated that when they visit for extended periods, the penguins will get curious and approach people.  They will peck at shoe strings or even allow children to pet them.  That December day the main circle of kings all had their backs to the chilly 48 degree F wind.  The yearlings were like fluffy brown balls.  Many penguins were molting off their winter coats.  Some penguins would crane their necks to the sky and make a loud screechy cry.  Occasionally we saw eggs nestled on top of their feet under their furry coats.

King Penguin Pair

Getting Up Close and Personal with King Penguins

Outside the circle markings, the penguins were much less confident and small groups would try to evade tourists who got too close.  The site allows you to walk down to the beach with them to watch them disappear into the waves.  Their agility in the sea is a stark contrast to their awkward stance on land.  My favorite moments was getting up close and personal with a yearling who was not concerned in the least that I was within arms reach.

After nearly two hours at the site, we were happy to retreat to the shelter of the vehicle and eat the bag lunch that was provided.  The sandwich was half tuna & cucumber and the other half was cheese and pickled onion spread.  Visitors seldom like the pickle concoction, but locals love it.  The ride back was every bit as challenging as the way in, but it’s worth it. If you visit the Falklands, don’t miss the Kings.

Next stop on the Oceania Marina itinerary, Martial Glacier Shore Excursion , Ushuaia, Argentina.

Volunteer Point Shore Excursion Slide Show

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Discover York Point Tour King penguins, Gentoos Tour

GBP 160.42 GBP 118.50 (No additional taxes or booking fee)

Tour Name : Yorke Bay Gentoo Penguin Tour

Duration : 2.5 Hours

Transportation : Minibus (Complimentary water and chocolates provided on board)

Pick-up and Drop-off Location : Port Jetty Centre Carpark, Stanley

Tour Overview : Join us for an exciting guided tour to Yorke Bay, home to a large colony of Gentoo Penguins. This 2.5-hour tour offers a perfect opportunity to observe these charming birds in their natural environment, along with a brief city drive to showcase the highlights of our beautiful region.

Highlights :

• Gentoo Penguin Colony : Get up close to a thriving colony of Gentoo Penguins. Watch as they waddle along the beach, dive into the ocean, and interact with one another in their distinctive, endearing manner.
• Scenic City Drive : Enjoy a short but informative drive through the city, where you’ll see notable landmarks and learn about the history and culture of the area.
• Convenient and Comfortable Travel : Relax in our comfortable minibus with complimentary water and chocolates to enjoy during the ride.

Itinerary :

• Departure : The tour begins with a convenient pick-up from the Port Jetty Centre Carpark in Stanley. After boarding the minibus, we will start our journey with a brief city drive.
• City Highlights : Discover key points of interest in the city during our short drive.
• Arrival at Yorke Bay : Upon arrival at Yorke Bay, you’ll have time to explore the beach and observe the Gentoo Penguins in their natural habitat.
• Penguin Observation : Spend quality time watching and photographing the penguins as they go about their daily activities. Our guide will share fascinating insights about the Gentoo Penguins and their environment.
• Return Journey : After an enriching experience with the penguins, we will return to the Port Jetty Centre Carpark in Stanley, completing the tour.

What’s Included :

• Guided tour with an experienced and knowledgeable guide
• Transportation in a comfortable minibus
• Complimentary water and chocolates on board
• Scenic city drive and commentary
• Opportunities for wildlife photography and sightseeing

What to Bring :

• Comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing
• Camera and binoculars
• Sunscreen and hat
• Water bottle (optional)

Important Information :

• The tour involves minimal walking; please inform us of any mobility issues or special requirements.

Start to finish of tour arrive back at tender pier port location

Other Services if You Want to Add

Airport Pick up & Drop off

$100/- Per Person

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Causal & Fine Dining

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Falkland Islands , South America

Falkland penguins: how, when and where to see them.

Out of all the amazing experiences you can have across the Falkland Islands, it’s hard to argue that penguin spotting isn’t one of the major crowd pullers!

Boasting populations of 5 penguin species, these amazingly cute birds, who only live in the southern hemisphere, were undoubtedly one of the major reasons I wanted to visit the Falklands too.. and how can you blame me?!

In fact, the tourist trail across these islands (the route most visitors here follow) is even colloquially known as the Penguin Trail by locals and, from the tourism board’s logo to the souvenir merch you can buy here, it really is hard to get away from the fact the Falklands and penguins go hand in hand.

And for good reason!

Many of the islands here boast populations of multiple penguin species and, given how easy and accessible it is to see these marvellous creatures, plus the lack of crowds – meaning you can get pretty close to them (albeit at a respectable distance) – I don’t know of many places on earth where you can have better penguin experiences than the Falklands.

So if you want to know which penguin species can be found on these islands, as well as how, where and when to see them, then read on for the full Falklands lowdown…

Related Posts

• Top 21 Things to Do in the Falkland Islands
• My Amazing 7 Day Visit to the Falklands
• 21 Things to Know Before you Visit the Falklands

Falkland Penguin Species

As I mentioned in the introduction above, one of the most amazing things about the Falkland Islands is that this archipelago boasts populations of 5 penguin species (out of the 18 found globally), making it one of the most concentrated penguin places in the world!

The five species of penguins found in the Falklands are:

• King Penguins
• Gentoo Penguins
• Magellanic Penguins
• Southern Rockhopper Penguins
• Macaroni Penguins

These names might sound strange and unfamiliar at this point, but trust me, if you do plan to visit the Falklands, you’ll soon grow to know them very well!

Having not a clue how to distinguish these species of penguin from one another before I arrived, the names were soon rolling off my tongue by the end of day 2 here!

And that’s because you can easily see different penguins all over the Falkland Islands.

Out in the wild here, there’s no zoos, conservation trusts, barriers or cages to keep the penguins in, nor are they paraded round for visitors on show!

Instead, what you get to see across the Falklands are the penguins going about their everyday business, just as they would whether you were here or not.

Like all of the wildlife spotting you can do on the Falklands, these are authentic, genuine, real and raw animal encounters at their best.

Thanks to the lack of other tourists as well, seeing penguins on the Falkland Islands is not only amazingly accessible and easy, but it’s also wonderfully peaceful and magical.

You honestly feel like you’re getting a private show!

How to Spot Falkland Penguins?

And this “private show” factor is even more real because, very often, you don’t even need a guide to see the penguins!

Scattered about the Falklands archipelago, often the penguins can be spotted using just your own 2 feet or, occasionally, a vehicle.

I’ll go into this more in the sections below, which detail the best places to see each penguin species, but the short hand answer for now is that, if you’re on a larger island (like West Falkland, East Falkland or Pebble), you’ll probably need a rental car or tour to see the penguins, but if you’re on a smaller island (like Bleaker or Sea Lion), you can likely just walk to see them.

To learn about renting a car in the Falklands, check out this post I wrote.

To find tour companies that offer day tours to various penguin spots, check out this recommended list from Falkland Tourism.

When to Spot Penguins in the Falklands?

But of course, to get the best penguin experience, you’ll want to make sure you visit the Falklands at the right time of year.

And that’s because many of these fish-eating penguins spend vast amounts of time at sea, really only returning to dry land for extended periods of time to mate, nest, rear their young and malt.

Given this, the best time to visit to see the Falkland penguins is during the islands’ spring / summer season, which runs from November to February.

Thankfully, this is also the time of year the Falklands see their most settled weather, meaning November through February are also the most pleasant travel months and when the least disruption to flights and travel services occur here.

After all, don’t forget this is the south Atlantic, so weather plays a big part in how smoothly life operates!

The penguins that seasonally visit the Falkland Islands are:

These species generally return to the same areas on the islands to build their nests, as well as hatch and raise their young, so visit at the right months and you can easily find them.

The penguins that don’t spend several months of at sea, and instead reside across the Falklands year round are:

These species can be seen whatever time of year you visit the Falklands, although again, there’s likely to be more of them about between November and February.

Learn more about each of these species, including where to see them below…

#1 King Penguins

Aptenodytes patagonicus

If you want to see a classic p-p-p-p-penguin (particularly if you’re British and had one of these chocolate bars in your lunchbox every day as a kid…. nope just me then!), the King Penguins are the archetypal image you’ll have in your brain.

Tall, regal and majestic looking, these are the largest of the Falkland penguin species and it’s easy to see how they get their name!

Their distinct and bright orange ear patches, which extend to their chest and beak, and their upright walk, further add to their flair, stature and grandeur.

Growing to 90cm tall, Kings are the 2nd largest penguin species in the world and the Falklands mark the northern edge of their global range.

The largest breeding penguin across the archipelago, incubating King penguin adults carry their egg on their feet and typically raise 2 chicks every 3 years.

The young are born with a brown, fluffy coat they shed after almost a year (around October and November), but even as adults, these penguins malt.

When they do, they can see seen away from the main colony, keeping themselves separate as they lose massive amounts of feathers.

Needless to say that young and malting King Penguins should not be approached, as they are sensitive and vulnerable at these. Avoid taking close pictures or making loud noises around them.

When to See Them

King penguin do not migrate, but stay close to coastal breeding grounds, so you can see them all year round in the Falklands, although January and February are the best months for hatching chicks sightings.

It’s estimated 500-700 chicks are born each year on the Falklands.

Between April and August, you will see less King penguins, as the adults are away from their chicks for long stretches at sea – conditions at this time mean they have to travel further for food and have been known to forage 100 miles away from the colony.

Where to See Them

The largest and most accessible colony of King penguins on the Falklands is at Volunteer Point on East Falkland.

Here there’s an estimated 1500 breeding pairs.

I also saw King penguins (although just a couple) on Sea Lion Island.

How to See Them

You’ll need to take a tour to Volunteer Point as the penguins here are on private land and there is a lot of heavy-duty 4wd action to travel there.

Day tours from Stanley are the best option.

The drive to Volunteer Point and back takes around 6 hours return, so expect to have about 2 hours to spend with the King penguins.

Learn more in this post I wrote .

#2 Gentoo Penguins

Pygoscelis papua

Second in size to the King penguins on the Falklands, Gentoo penguins reach an average height of 75cm.

They are a resident Falkland penguin throughout the year and there’s around 85 breeding colonies here – including 32 on West Falkland and 36 on East Falkland.

In 2012, the Falkland Islands held the largest breeding populations of Gentoo penguins in the world!

Living in colonies up to 3km inland, the Gentoo’s distinctive waddle to and from the sea, (which seems pretty constant all day!) makes them a favourite with wildlife watchers.

Routes between the colony and the sea remain the same and are colloquially known as the Penguin Highways – and once you see these busy penguins in action, it’s easy to understand why!

Rush hour in the summer months is early evening, just before sunset, when many of the Gentoo return from foraging at sea just before dark.

Nesting sites also remain the same annually and are easy to visit. Most contain several hundred breeding pairs.

Gentoo are distinguished by a white bar over the crown of their head, as well as a white tummy and orange feet.

Their average weight is between 5 and 8kg, with males weighing slightly more than females.

Gentoo are inshore foragers, so don’t venture far for food.

Young engage in “chick chasing” as a means to get subsistence from adults returning from sea.

Gentoo penguins do not migrate, but stay close to coastal breeding grounds, so you can see them all year round on the Falklands, although December and January are best for seeing hatching chicks.

Nest building starts in September, eggs are laid in October and begin hatching in November / December.

The young form small creches by January are often found waiting on the beaches for their parents to return with food.

By February, the young are fully moulted and ready to also go out to sea for food by March.

There are over 80 breeding sites of Gentoo penguins along the coastline of the Falklands.

I saw them at Hill Cove , as well as on Pebble and Sea Lion Islands.

You can also see them on Bleaker, Weddell and Saunders.

My most special Gentoo moment however, had to be at Yorke Bay on East Falkland at sunset.

Don’t miss this experience!

Learn more here .

On Pebble Island and at Hill Cove, you’ll need to take 4wd tours to see the Gentoo.

On Sea Lion Island and Bleaker you can walk to their colonies.

To access Yorke Bay at sunset, it’s best to go with a guide from Stanley.

#3 Magellanic Penguins

Spheniscus magellanicus

A summer resident on the Falkland Islands, Magellanic penguins are named after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, who spotted the birds in 1520.

known for their black body and white belly – a countershading, which helps it avoid predators while swimming – Magellanic penguins also have distinctive pink skin around the eyes.

They are also very easily distinguished by their nesting habits, as they burrow in the peat on the slopes facing the coastline.

Burrows are up to 2m deep and slope downwards to keep rainwater away from the laid eggs.

Magellanic are very shy animals and quite skittish, and often freeze or rush back to their burrows at the slightest noise!

Growing up to 66cm tall and weighing up to 7kg, they are colloquially known as Jackass, because of their loud braying call and are now listed as vulnerable by conservationists.

You can see Magellanic penguins on the Falkland Islands in the summer months from September to April, when they are breeding in colonies and nesting in their burrows.

Eggs are laid in October or November, young fledged by February, and by April the colonies have dispersed again for the winter – they can travel as far north as southern Brazil looking for food!

There are estimated to be about 100,000 pairs of Magellanic penguins across the Falklands.

I saw them on Pebble and Sea Lion Islands.

You can also see them on Bleaker, Carcass and Saunders.

On Pebble Island, you’ll need to take 4WD tours to see the Magellanic penguins.

On Sea Lion Island and Bleaker you can walk to their colonies – just make sure not to stand in the burrows, as they are often hidden among the tussock grass.

#4 Southern Rockhopper Penguins

Eudyptes chrysocome

Marked as a vulnerable, the Southern Rockhoppers can be seen across several islands on the Falklands and most visitors instantly fall in love with the cheeky and curious character, not to mention their wild yellow brows and plumes, plus red eyes, which give them a very distinctive look!

The smallest of the penguins species found across the Falklands, these guys grow to just 60cm tall, but this makes them adept at navigating the rocks cliffs where they nest and breed between September and April.

Their distinctive name comes from the 2 footed hop they use to move around the steep cliff areas – it’s both hilarious and super cute to watch!

Thought to be one species until 2006, it was then decided that Southern Rockhoppers and Northern Rockhoppers were actually 2 different species, and the global penguin species count increased from 17 to 18 as a result.

In the Falklands, it’s the Southern Rockhoppers that can be seen – they are one of the 2 crested penguins species found on the islands.

With a life expectancy of around 13 years in the wild, they start breeding from age 4 and tend to lay 2 eggs, with the second egg being larger and heavier than the first.

Southern Rockhopper penguins can only been seen on the Falklands between September and April.

The males arrive first and eggs are laid in November, hatched in December and then the young are creched in January and February.

In March, there’s often fewer numbers of Rockhoppers around, as adults are away foraging for food for extended periods, before they return to moult in April and then head away for the winter months.

I saw Rockhopper penguins on Pebble Island, Sea Lion Island and at Hill Cove on West Falkland.

They can also be spotted on Bleaker Island, the Jason Islands and Beauchene Island among others – there’s 35 colonies across the Falklands archipelago.

On Pebble Island you’ll need take a tour with lodge owner Riki to find the colonies and at Hill Cove hop on a tour with Peter who runs Boxwood Pod here..

Learn more in this article I wrote about Pebble Island and this one about Hill Cove .

On Sea Lion Island you can walk to see the Rockhoppers from the lodge if it’s not too windy!

#5 Macaroni Penguins

Eudyptes chrysolophus

Like the Southern Rockhoppers, the Macaroni penguins are crested.

In fact, they look quite similar and can often be spotted together on steep, rocky, clifftops.

The easiest way to tell Rockhopper and Macaroni apart, is that the Macaroni penguin are slightly larger.

There’s not many of these on the Falklands (they are actually the least common here with only around 24 pairs), but often single pairs can be spotted within larger Rockhopper colonies, so keep your eyes peeled!

Inter-breeding between the 2 species is not unknown.

Macaroni penguins are migratory, so only visit the Falkland Islands during the summer and begin breeding around 5 years old.

Living up for up 15 years in the wild, their main predators are sea lions in the water.

On land, Skuas and Caracaras (both large birds) can take small chicks.

In turn, the Macaroni eat squid, lobster krill and other small fish.

Macaroni penguins can only been seen on the Falklands between September and April.

Two white eggs are laid in November, hatched in December and moulting runs from mid Jan through to March.

By April, the Macaroni have departed for the winter.

I saw Macaroni penguins on Pebble Island and Sea Lion Island, but look out for them wherever you spot Southern Rockhoppers.

On Pebble Island, take a tour with lodge owner Riki to find the colonies – learn more in this article I wrote about Pebble Island .

On Sea Lion Island you can walk to see them from the lodge if it’s not too windy – learn more here .

Mini Travel Guide to the Falkland Islands

When to Visit the Falklands?

It’s best to visit the Falkland Islands during the spring and summer season, which runs from November to February.

How Long to Spend in the Falklands?

I recommend 7-14 days across the archipelago.

How to Get There?

Check out this article I wrote all about flying to the Falkland Islands .

Recommended Falkland Island Tours

If you’re keen to travel to the Falkland Islands, check out these amazing tours !

Top 5 Packing Items for the Falklands

• Windproof Coat
• Merino Base Layers
• UV Sunglasses
• 30+ SPF Face Sunscreen
• British Adapter

Learn more in this complete Falklands packing list I put together.

Travel Insurance

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

Travel Money

There’s only 1 bank in the Falklands, in Stanley, so it pays to have some British cash on you, as well as a debit and credit card.

Most island lodges allow you to pay on card, which is what I did, using my Wise card.

The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups and no sneaky transaction fees, my Wise card works just like a debit card and it links easily with Google and Apple pay. Grab yours here .

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it, my full travel guide to the Falkland penguins, including which species you can see here, when to spot them, where to find them and how to go about getting to their colonies.

Hope the info was helpful, and I’ve convinced you to visit this amazing wildlife archipelago.

Still have questions about travelling in the Falklands?

Don’t hesitate to drop them into the comments box below and I’ll get back to you…

My trip to the Falkland Islands was kindly sponsored by Falkland Island tourism but, as  always, all views are my own.

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

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Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

2 thoughts on “ Falkland Penguins: How, When and Where to See Them ”

It’s worth mentioning, Steph, that there are occasional vagrant species – I’ve seen a solitary chinstrap penguin on Saunders Island.

Interesting Wayne, didn’t know this! Thanks for the intel. Best wishes, Steph 🙂

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Adventure in the Falkland Islands

Patrick J. Watts MBE established ‘Adventure Falklands’ in 2002, offering wildlife tours.

He was the first ever recipient of the ‘Tour Driver of the Year Award’ and in 2017 received an ‘Outstanding Contribution to Tourism Award’.

He has now retired from tourism but ‘Adventure Falklands’ will continue under the direction of Shaun Jaffray who has had 12 years experience working with the company. Shaun is a competent and reliable Tour Leader.

• Volunteer Point

A spectacular location 50 miles from Stanley offering 4,000 majestic KING penguins and many thousands of Gentoo & Magellanic penguins – all in their natural and undisturbed habitats.

An added attraction in spring and early summer is the presence of many hundreds of big, brown, fluffy King penguin chicks. These were hatched in the autumn and are most inquisitive and will approach you if you stand still and quiet.

In the best interests of their passengers safety and security his drivers always travel in convoy ensuring that there are always vehicles and other drivers close-by to assist, if required.

The drivers that 'Adventure Falklands' employs are carefully chosen for their off-road driving ability and for their knowledge of the Islands; its history, topography and wildlife.

Similarly the drivers have a great reputation for driving much slower than other operators which ensures that the passengers arrive at the location, and back in town, without any discomfort or having experienced a 'rough ride' over the undulating grass track terrain.

Refreshments

The tour package includes an excellent light pack lunch, tea/coffee/water, a unique USB stick containing hundreds of superb wild-life photographs plus a free tour of the town after returning to Stanley. Discounts for early and group bookings are also available.

Bertha's Beach/Gypsy Cove

This is a shorter combined penguins/general interest tour which initially visits an isolated location on the south coast named Bertha’s Beach where a large colony of Gentoo penguins reside. Also includes an extensive tour of the town and outskirts.

A beautiful long white sand beach can be visited and penguins can be observed diving away into the South Atlantic Ocean while others can be seen surfing back to the shore.

The location is just one hour's drive from the town over a mixture of good asphalt and gravel road and smooth grass/sand track terrain passing most the battle mountains of the 1982 Falklands War along the way. The tour then wends its way back to Stanley and 4 miles east to view the burrowing Magellanic penguins at Gypsy Cove.

Some people prefer this excursion as there is far less off-road driving involved compared to the Volunteer Point tour and there is more time later back in the town to walk around and visit the Cathedral, Museum, Whalebone Archway, main shops etc.

Complimentary tea/coffee/water and biscuits are also provided.

Contact Shaun Jaffray

• [email protected]
• Contact Form
• Berthas Beach/Gypsy Cove
• Patrick J. Watts

Photography by Derek Pettersson

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You are here > Home > Plan Your Trip > Getting Around > Local Tours

By far the best way to discover the Islands is with a local guide. Falkland Islanders are keen to share stories, describing life from their perspective whilst showing visitors the very best that their home has to offer.

Whether from the Islands’ capital, Stanley , or an accommodation establishment elsewhere, you will find plenty of suggestions to tempt you to travel around with a private guide, as part of small group or as a self-guided activity. Enjoy the excitement of an overland trip in a rugged but comfortable 4x4 vehicle or set your own pace on foot. Opportunities to view wildlife are plentiful and can be tailored to suit your interests. Trips can also be arranged to battlefield sites and memorials, farms, settlements and points of interest.

Cruise visitors to Stanley are able to choose from a variety of shore excursions including town and nature walks, bus tours, farm visits, trips to wildlife destinations and battlefields. Discover the social and natural history of the Islands, learn about life on a Falklands farm or travel to the memorials of the 1982 conflict. Visits to the smaller islands of the archipelago will include spectacular wildlife colonies and often the experience of a Falklands “smoko” with delicious cakes and cookies that just have to be tasted.

If you are here for a longer stay, you will find many opportunities to build a personalised itinerary to explore your surroundings. Accommodation hosts around the Islands offer a range of daytrips and short tours.

Familiarise yourself with what our local operator and guides are doing to keep their trips sustainable which will help preserve the Falklands' pristine environment for future generations.  The Green Seal Scheme is a Sustainability Certification Scheme aimed at supporting tourism businesses in the Falklands to adopt sustainable and responsible business practices. 

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Find a Tour

Tour & tour guides, number of results:.

Number of results: 34

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Lachlan Neil Ross

I am an experienced local tour guide who offers tours to the following locations; Port Harriet (wildlife), Stanley Area including Cape Pembroke and Gypsy Cove, Argentine Cemetery, Blue Beach San Carlos and Bertha's Beach (wildlife).

Letty Taxis

Letty Taxis offering Pickup and drop-off services and Car Hiring Safe and Reliable Taxi services For any additional information about our services please feel free to contact us

Owl Tours and Crafts

Both Colin and I are accredited and experienced tour guides, having conducted both walking and 4x4 tours for several years. I have also worked for several years as a casual assistant at the Historic Dockyard Museum in Stanley, which has given me the…

Penguin Travel - Falkland Islands Company

Penguin Travel strive to provide unique and exclusive experiences for each and every one of our guests. As well as large departures for cruise vessel guests we also offer a range of personal, customised tours for small groups, couples or individuals…

Latitud51s59w

We are an agency established with the aim of providing tourist services. We can efficiently meet your requirements and answer your questions and doubts about a possible trip or even while it is in progress.

Our main goal is to provide tourist…

Jimmy Curtis Touring

Providing a wide variety of tours ranging from wildlife to battlefield/military history. A very knowledgeable guide with top ratings from customer feedback.

Comfortable and reliable 4x4 vehicles, offering long distance informative tours or short…

Derek's Tours

Day visits to Volunteer Point to see king penguins, gentoo penguins and magellanic penguins. I live and work at Volunteer House where my wife and I are the wardens. We were both born in the Falklands and have been doing this work of 10 years.

Carrot's Tours

A locally run family business. Offering day trips to Volunteer Point to discover the wildlife and penguins, along with historical and general interest tours, on and off road…

Lupin Tours

Embark on an eco-conscious adventure with Lupin Tours, guided by a local resident who is passionate about our islands.

Nobby's Tours

Sulivan Shipping Services Ltd

Join our experienced launch crew on one of our four harbour launches for a boat trip to remember. We have a variety of boat trips to offer, Kidney Island, Whale watching, and Stanley Harbour Tours, or tailor one to meet your needs!

During the…

Falklands 4x4

Located a stone’s throw from the Tourist Information Office in Stanley, Falklands4x4 boasts the Islands largest and most modern vehicle rental fleet with over 50 vehicles. All our vehicles are 4 wheel drive and are suited very well to the road…

Stanley Highlights and Penguin Tours

Garry is an independent, affordable and reliable private driver. He provides unique and enjoyable tours from all over the world. My tours are focussed on Stanley Highlights and Penguin Tours at Yorke Bay. Bespoke tours can be offered too so get in…

MC Private Tour

We are tour operators committed to the needs of our clients and are always looking to go one step further to make our clients' experience unique. We have a fleet of modern and comfortable 4x4 vehicles that allow us to tour the different attractions…

Falkland Islands Holidays

The longest established tour operator in the Falkland Islands offering bespoke trips that are either general or more specialised in the fields of bird watching, photography, war history and fishing.

South Atlantic Travel

The South Atlantic and it's vast ocean is home to some of the most remote and unique islands in the world. Here in the Falkland Islands you will find some of the worlds most spectacular wildlife colonies and untouched beauty you could only dream of.…

Falklands Outdoors

Are you looking for something different? If you have an appetite for real adventure, Falklands Outdoors will give you the opportunity to see the Falkland Islands and its amazing wildlife from a unique angle. The itineraries we offer will give you a…

Adventure Falklands

In 2002 Patrick Watts introduced tours to the wild-life locations in the Falkland Islands.

He employs a dedicated team of experienced and knowledgable drivers and accordingly the reputation of his impeccably organized tours has grown ever since. He…

Wayne's Private Tours

I am a well experienced local off road driver, and I have been driving for tourists for many years. I have lived here most of my life and have a great knowledge of History to the Islands. Tours can be personalised to each clients taste. I can take 6…

Kidney Cove Tours

We can do a wide range of tours for groups or just one person. We started in 1999 doing cruise ships and land based visitors, also working with local agents. Both Lisa & myself are registered Tour Guides since October 2003.

Contact: Adrian and Lisa…

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