This 30,000 acre island, situated about three miles off the
north west coast of West Falkland, is still an active sheep farm and
is important historically for being the site of the first British
settlement in 1765. It is one of the Falklands supreme wildlife sites,
with Gentoo, Rockhopper, Magellanic and rare sighting of Macaroni
and Chinstrap penguins. Since 1980 a small breeding colony of King
penguins has become established. Four species of raptors, King and
Rock cormorants, Black-necked swans and many other shorebirds are
easily accessible from the settlement or at the many and varied wildlife
‘hotspots’ around the island.
However the attraction to the wildlife enthusiast is undoubtedly the
Black-browed albatross colony which stretches along the north coast
from The Neck, so named because it is a narrow sandy isthmus between
two high parts of the island.
The northern
beach is covered in stunning white sand pounded by majestic surf
and is home to all of the penguin and bird species listed above.
The wildlife colonies continue along the north coast to Rookery
Mountain. The “shower” formed by fresh water running
down over the cliff and used by the Rockhopper penguins to preen
their feathers makes for great photographs.
On rare occasions Fin and Sei Whales have been seen off the island.
In all cases amazing photo opportunities abound, and Saunders Island
is the perfect place to escape from the pressures of urban life.
Accommodation ::
Unlike other destinations in the Falklands, on Saunders Island there
are various options for accommodation:
The Neck
Approximately one hours drive (10 miles) from the settlement …
isolated but ideal for prime wildlife viewing.
• 2 quadruple bedrooms (bunkbeds)
• Shared bathroom (bath/WC/sink)
• Shared kitchen/seating area
• Self-catering accommodation only
• Gas fired cooker, hot water and heater
• All bed linen, towels, crockery and cooking utensils supplied
• Electricity supplied by small generator
Rookery Inn
A new 2 bedroomed cottage on the north coast beneath Rookery Mt.
looking over the cliffs and albatross colonies.
• 2 twin bedrooms
• Shared bathroom (shower/WC/sink)
• Shared kitchen/seating area
• Self-catering accommodation only
• Gas fired cooker, hot water and heater
• All bed linen, towels, crockery and cooking utensils supplied
• Electricity supplied by small generator
Settlement
Two cottages provide accommodation in the settlement for those who
prefer not to be too isolated:
Main House
• 1 double, 1 triple, 2 twins, 1 single room
• Shared shower room, bathroom and WC
• Kitchen, lounge and dining area
• Central heating throughout
• Self-catering accommodation only
• Gas cooker, fridge, microwave
• All bed linen, towels, crockery and cooking utensils supplied
• 24 hour electricity
Stone Cottage
• 1 double and 2 twin rooms
• Shared bathroom and toilet
• Scullery and lounge
• Central heating throughout
• Self-catering accommodation only
• Gas cooker, fridge, microwave
• All bed linen, towels, crockery and cooking utensils supplied
• 24 hour electricity
- Tours to The Neck and Rookery Mt. available Please note : Tours to The Neck are only available for groups
of 4 pax or more.
- Small store with range of tinned, dried and frozen foods available.
Fresh meat, eggs, milk and bread also available. Ask about pre-catered
meal packs from Stanley.