Home to five species of penguin and over 11,000 breeding pairs of black-browed albatross, Saunders Island is one of the few places on Earth where you can witness gentoo, king, rockhopper, magellanic, and occasionally macaroni penguins all in a single day. This wildlife paradise in the Falkland Islands offers some of the most dramatic landscapes in the South Atlantic, with pristine white beaches that could be mistaken for tropical shores—if not for the penguins replacing palm trees.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Reaching Saunders Island requires some advance planning due to its remote location. Most visitors arrive via expedition cruise ships that include the Falkland Islands in their itineraries, typically as part of broader Antarctic or South Georgia journeys.
By Air
If traveling independently, you’ll first need to reach the Falkland Islands via flights to Mount Pleasant Airport, typically connecting through Santiago, Chile or Punta Arenas. From Stanley (the capital), charter flights can be arranged to Saunders Island’s small airstrip.
The flight from Stanley to Saunders takes approximately 25 minutes and offers spectacular aerial views of the archipelago. Advance booking is essential as flights operate on limited schedules.
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By Sea
Many visitors reach Saunders Island via expedition cruise ships that include the Falklands in their itineraries. These cruises typically depart from Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile), or Port Stanley.
Landings are made via Zodiac boats to The Neck, a narrow isthmus connecting the island’s peninsulas. Weather conditions determine which side of The Neck ships can approach, so flexibility is essential.
Explore Cruise Options
Discover expedition cruises that include Saunders Island in their itineraries.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
The optimal time to visit Saunders Island is during the Falklands’ summer season from November to March, when wildlife activity peaks and weather conditions are most favorable.
| Season | Months | Temperature | Wildlife Highlights | Considerations |
| Early Summer | November-December | 8-13°C (46-55°F) | Penguin courtship, nesting albatross | Wildflowers blooming, fewer visitors |
| Peak Summer | January-February | 10-15°C (50-59°F) | Penguin chicks, active colonies | Best weather, more cruise ships |
| Late Summer | March | 8-12°C (46-54°F) | Molting penguins, juvenile birds | Fewer visitors, changing weather |
| Winter | April-October | 2-7°C (36-45°F) | King penguins remain year-round | Limited access, harsh conditions |
Weather Tip: The Falkland Islands are known for rapidly changing weather conditions. Pack layers, waterproof gear, and be prepared for strong winds even on sunny days. Always bring sunscreen as the UV index can be high despite cool temperatures.
Where to Stay on Saunders Island
Accommodation on Saunders Island is limited but authentic, offering a rare opportunity to stay in the heart of this wildlife paradise. All accommodations are self-catering, so you’ll need to bring your own food supplies.
The Settlement
The main accommodation option is located at the eastern end of the island near the farm settlement. This self-catering cottage offers basic but comfortable facilities with electricity, heating, and a fully equipped kitchen.
The Settlement provides an excellent base for exploring the eastern parts of the island and is within walking distance of Port Egmont, the historic first British settlement in the Falklands.
The Neck
For a truly immersive wildlife experience, stay at The Neck cabin. This remote accommodation sits on the narrow isthmus connecting the island’s peninsulas and places you directly among penguin colonies.
Facilities are basic with solar power, gas cooking, and water collected from a nearby stream. What it lacks in luxury, it makes up for with unparalleled wildlife access—wake up to penguins outside your window!
The Rookery
The Rookery cabin offers another wildlife-focused accommodation option, situated near the black-browed albatross colony. This self-catering cabin provides basic amenities with stunning views of the colony and surrounding landscape.
Staying at The Rookery gives you early morning and evening access to the albatross when most day visitors have departed, creating magical photography opportunities and intimate wildlife encounters.
Booking Tip: Accommodations on Saunders Island must be booked well in advance (6-12 months) as options are extremely limited. Contact the island owners directly or book through a Falklands specialist tour operator for the best results.
Wildlife Encounters: The Island’s Main Attraction
Saunders Island is internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA), hosting an incredible diversity of wildlife concentrated in a relatively small area. The island’s varied terrain of beaches, cliffs, hills, and wetlands creates perfect habitats for numerous species.
Penguin Species
Gentoo Penguins
Recognizable by their bright orange bills and white eye patches, gentoo penguins nest on the southern side of The Neck. Watch them porpoising through the surf before waddling up the beach to their nesting sites.
King Penguins
The second-largest penguin species, kings are distinguished by their orange-yellow neck patches. Their unusual breeding cycle means fluffy brown chicks (called “oakum boys”) can be seen year-round at The Neck.
Rockhopper Penguins
These charismatic penguins with spiky yellow crest feathers nest on the cliffs near The Neck. True to their name, they hop from rock to rock with remarkable agility, creating an entertaining spectacle.
Other Notable Wildlife
Black-browed Albatross
The colony of over 11,000 breeding pairs of black-browed albatross on Rookery Mountain is a highlight of any visit. These magnificent birds with wingspans exceeding 2.4 m (8 ft) create an unforgettable sight as they soar above the cliffs and tend to their cliff-side nests.
Striated Caracaras
These inquisitive birds of prey, known locally as “Johnny Rooks,” are often boldly curious about visitors. Saunders Island hosts a significant population of these rare birds, which are found only in the Falklands and parts of southern South America.
Marine Mammals
The waters around Saunders Island are home to Commerson’s dolphins, recognizable by their distinctive black and white markings. These playful creatures often surf in the waves near The Neck. Elephant seals can be found at Elephant Point, while sea lions occasionally haul out on the beaches.
Endemic Plants
Nine of the fourteen plant species endemic to the Falklands can be found on Saunders Island. Look for the pale maiden (the Falklands’ national flower), coastal nassauvia, and Falkland woolly ragwort among others.
Experience Saunders Island Wildlife
Book a guided wildlife tour to maximize your chances of seeing all five penguin species and other remarkable creatures.
Top Activities and Experiences
Beyond wildlife watching, Saunders Island offers several engaging activities for visitors looking to explore this remote paradise thoroughly.
Hiking Mount Richards
At 457 m (1,462 ft), Mount Richards is the highest point on Saunders Island and offers spectacular panoramic views. The hike is moderately challenging but rewarding, with vistas extending across the island’s unusual shape and to neighboring islands on clear days.
The trail is unmarked but relatively straightforward, taking approximately 2-3 hours round trip from the settlement. Bring water, wind protection, and a camera for the summit views.
Historical Exploration
Visit Port Egmont, the site of the first British settlement in the Falklands established in 1765. Though the settlement lasted only 10 years, you can still see remnants of the early colonists’ lives and may have the opportunity to raise the Union Flag at this historic spot.
The walk from the main settlement to Port Egmont takes about an hour and offers insights into the islands’ complex colonial history.
Photography
Saunders Island is a photographer’s dream with its dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife. The Neck offers particularly striking compositions with white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and penguins creating postcard-perfect scenes.
Early morning and evening light at the albatross colony creates magical conditions for wildlife photography. Bring a zoom lens for bird close-ups and a wide-angle for landscape shots.
Need Transportation on the Islands?
Rent a vehicle in Stanley before heading to the outer islands.
Practical Travel Tips
What to Pack
- Waterproof and windproof outer layers
- Warm mid-layers (even in summer)
- Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support
- Binoculars (essential for wildlife viewing)
- Camera with zoom lens and spare batteries
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV is strong)
- Food supplies if staying in self-catering accommodation
- Basic first aid kit
Visitor Guidelines
- Stay at least 6 m (20 ft) from wildlife
- Never block animals’ access to the sea
- Follow marked paths and respect fenced areas
- Take all litter back with you
- Do not climb over fences (they control sheep or protect bird colonies)
- Ask permission before photographing island residents
- Be prepared for rapidly changing weather
Important: There are no medical facilities on Saunders Island. The nearest medical help is in Stanley. Ensure you have comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency evacuation.
Plan Your Saunders Island Adventure
Saunders Island offers a rare opportunity to experience one of the planet’s most remarkable wildlife destinations in its natural, unspoiled state. From the moment you step onto its white sandy beaches to your encounters with five penguin species and soaring albatross, this remote Falkland Islands gem delivers unforgettable experiences for nature enthusiasts.
Whether you’re watching rockhopper penguins hop from rock to rock, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, or simply marveling at the contrast of penguins on tropical-looking beaches, Saunders Island creates memories that will last a lifetime.
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