A Penguin Lover’s Guide to Falkland Islands Shore Excursions

Falkland Insights
Written By Roxanne King-Clark

The Falkland Islands are one of the best places in the world to see penguins in the wild. Whether you're here on a cruise or an extended stay, there are several incredible spots to get up close (respectfully!) with a variety of penguin species. Here's a handy guide to the main shore excursion locations with a focus on our flippered friends.

VOLUNTEER POINT

  • Home to king, gentoo, and Magellanic penguins

  • Famous for its stunning white sand beach and large king penguin colony

  • Travel time is around 2–2.5 hours each way, mostly along a rough off-road track

  • Limited tour operator options due to remote location and restricted access

  • Basic toilet facilities (portaloos in a Portakabin)

  • Wheelchair accessible, though terrain is grassy and uneven

  • Approx. 5–10 minute walk over grass from the car park to the king colony

  • Located on privately owned land with limited visitor numbers

BERTHA'S BEACH

  • Home to a thriving colony of gentoo penguins

  • Another stunning white sand beach experience

  • See the penguins at their hilltop colony, then walk with them along the beach (if visiting towards the end of the season then all the penguins will have left their hilltop home and will only be on the beach)

  • Short walk across grass from the car park to the penguins

  • Easy access to the beach from the lower car park

  • Various tour operators offer trips here (including Lupin Tours, see our tour page)

  • Privately owned land

  • See our detailed blog post on visiting Bertha's Beach

GYPSY COVE

  • Home to a small Magellanic penguin colony

  • Penguins nest in burrows overlooking the sea, which can make sightings difficult

  • Penguins often go out to sea during the day, so there might be limited sightings

  • Located 10–15 minutes’ drive from Stanley

  • Gravel paths and stunning views over Yorke Bay

  • Toilets available

  • Accessible by shuttle bus and Hop-On Hop-Off bus

  • Often included in combo tours with Yorke Bay

  • Optional walk to Yorke Bay (approx. 20–30 minutes)

YORKE BAY

  • Gentoo penguin colony, with regular sightings of king and Magellanic penguins

  • Up to 12 king penguins often call this area home during the season (best seen before end of February)

  • Penguins are viewed from behind ropes (except when the penguins venture to the other side of the ropes), either from the beach or sand dunes

  • White sand beach setting

  • No toilet facilities

  • Access via sand dunes

  • Accessible by Hop-On Hop-Off bus (15-20 minute walk from the bus stop to the penguins across uneven ground)

  • Various tour operators offer tours (including Lupin Tours, see our tour page)

  • We have a detailed blog post on visiting Yorke Bay

SEAL BAY

  • One of the few places to see all 5 penguin species found in the Falklands

  • A classic off-road adventure in Land Rovers – a very Falklands experience!

  • Located on privately owned land

  • Tours available only through Port Louis Tours (excellent local operator with a Facebook page)

  • Tours are only bookable via cruise ships

  • Toilet facilities available

  • Homemade food

KIDNEY COVE

  • See rockhopper, Magellanic, gentoo, and king penguins

  • Requires off-road travel

  • Located on privately owned land

  • Tours only available through landowner

WHALE/KELP POINT

BLUFF COVE LAGOON

  • A picturesque stop with small colonies of king and gentoo penguins

  • Beautiful white sand beach setting

  • On-site café with homemade treats, museum, and gift shop featuring exclusive items

  • Please note: Bluff Cove Lagoon will close at the end of the 2025/26 season

No matter which penguin colony you choose to visit, you're in for a memorable experience. Respect the wildlife and bring your camera - these waddling wonders are just too good to miss!

Roxanne King-Clark
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The Best Places for Fish & Chips in Stanley