Best of Port Stanley: Volunteer Point Penguins
Strenuous Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
The abundant wildlife of the Falkland Islands is one of the most amazing and popular attractions. Rockhopper, macaroni, gentoo, king and Magellanic penguins call these islands home and share the coastal waters with elephant seals, sea lions, albatross, red-backed hawks, and geese.
Your day begins as you step inside your 4-wheel-drive vehicle and set out on a 50-mile journey to Volunteer Point Sanctuary, home to a lively colony of over 1,300 king penguins.
Be sure to keep you camera handy for the scenic sights you'll see along the way. You'll travel past several key battlefield sites from the 1982 Falkland War including the wreckage of two Argentine helicopters. You'll also pass Port Louis. Established by the French in 1764, it was the site of the first settlement in the islands. You'll also notice an abundance of rocks in the open countryside. These aren't ordinary rocks but stone runs, natural formations that are the result of erosion caused by freeze-thawing during the last ice age.
When you reach the picturesque Johnson's Harbor Farm, your driver will head towards Volunteer Point. From here, you'll leave the paved road behind and travel over soft, boggy ground covered in grass and low-lying diddle-dee shrubs. (Due to the bumpy nature of the ride, this tour is not recommended for pregnant women or for those who experience back, neck or mobility problems). The view from the farm across Berkeley Sound to the mountains of Wickham Heights is breathtaking.
Upon arriving at Volunteer Point you'll have approximately one-and-a-half hours to observe and photograph over 1,300 king penguins in their natural habitat. The range of low cliffs, and sandy beaches with extensive kelp beds makes for a comforting home to these noble animals. Weighing from 24 to 35 pounds and standing three feet tall, the king is one of the largest of the species, second only to the emperor penguin. You'll marvel at its unique look - bright orange patches on the ear in a tear-drop shape and bold grey, silver, black, white and orange plumage makes the king the most colorful of all penguins. A box lunch will be served during your visit (but you may be so busy enjoying the penguins, the upland geese or steamer ducks flying or walking around that you may forget to indulge.)
After viewing the colony, explore the beach and walk along the pale blue lagoon. Then return to your 4-wheel-drive vehicle for your drive to the harbor.
Points of interest
Battlefield Sites
Volunteer Point
Schedule
Special Notes
Participation is extremely limited. Weather conditions may curtail tour operation.
A portion of this excursion travels a rough, unpaved track. Volunteer Point is approximately 50 miles from Stanley and takes approximately 2 1/2 hours to reach. Not recommended for pregnant women or for guests with limited mobility or back, hip or neck conditions.
Dress in warm layers and wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Bring a warm hat, a waterproof jacket, and adequate sun protection.
Exceptional Value
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Strenuous Activity
Includes meal
Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.
The abundant wildlife of the Falkland Islands is one of the most amazing and popular attractions. Rockhopper, macaroni, gentoo, king and Magellanic penguins call these islands home and share the coastal waters with elephant seals, sea lions, albatross, red-backed hawks, and geese.
Your day begins as you step inside your 4-wheel-drive vehicle and set out on a 50-mile journey to Volunteer Point Sanctuary, home to a lively colony of over 1,300 king penguins.
Be sure to keep you camera handy for the scenic sights you'll see along the way. You'll travel past several key battlefield sites from the 1982 Falkland War including the wreckage of two Argentine helicopters. You'll also pass Port Louis. Established by the French in 1764, it was the site of the first settlement in the islands. You'll also notice an abundance of rocks in the open countryside. These aren't ordinary rocks but stone runs, natural formations that are the result of erosion caused by freeze-thawing during the last ice age.
When you reach the picturesque Johnson's Harbor Farm, your driver will head towards Volunteer Point. From here, you'll leave the paved road behind and travel over soft, boggy ground covered in grass and low-lying diddle-dee shrubs. (Due to the bumpy nature of the ride, this tour is not recommended for pregnant women or for those who experience back, neck or mobility problems). The view from the farm across Berkeley Sound to the mountains of Wickham Heights is breathtaking.
Upon arriving at Volunteer Point you'll have approximately one-and-a-half hours to observe and photograph over 1,300 king penguins in their natural habitat. The range of low cliffs, and sandy beaches with extensive kelp beds makes for a comforting home to these noble animals. Weighing from 24 to 35 pounds and standing three feet tall, the king is one of the largest of the species, second only to the emperor penguin. You'll marvel at its unique look - bright orange patches on the ear in a tear-drop shape and bold grey, silver, black, white and orange plumage makes the king the most colorful of all penguins. A box lunch will be served during your visit (but you may be so busy enjoying the penguins, the upland geese or steamer ducks flying or walking around that you may forget to indulge.)
After viewing the colony, explore the beach and walk along the pale blue lagoon. Then return to your 4-wheel-drive vehicle for your drive to the harbor.
Points of interest
Battlefield Sites
Volunteer Point
Schedule
Special Notes
Participation is extremely limited. Weather conditions may curtail tour operation.
A portion of this excursion travels a rough, unpaved track. Volunteer Point is approximately 50 miles from Stanley and takes approximately 2 1/2 hours to reach. Not recommended for pregnant women or for guests with limited mobility or back, hip or neck conditions.
Dress in warm layers and wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Bring a warm hat, a waterproof jacket, and adequate sun protection.