A beautiful white sand beach with rolling greens behind it provide a spectacular backdrop for the largest King Penguin colony in the Falkland Islands … a place where even the most amateur of photographers can get outstanding shots, and the hardiest of birdwatchers can be entertained by the wildlife’s antics.
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Around 2000 pairs of adult Kings, rearing around 900 chicks each year, 1450 pairs of gentoo penguins and around 2000 pairs of Magellanic live at Volunteer Point – a large peninsula north of Stanley. The stunning 2 mile long white sandy beach with its rolling waves and clear waters resembles somewhere almost Caribbeanesque on a fine day, and although generally it will just be you and the penguins, you may have to share it on occasion with the odd basking sea lion.
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But there is plenty more too! Other wildlife found at Volunteer Point include over 40 species of birds including Geese (Upland, Kelp and Ruddy Headed), South American tern, Oystercatchers (Magellanic and Blackish), Gulls (Dolphin and Kelp), Rock cormorants and Falklands skua (Sea Hen) as well as peregrine falcons, variable hawks and many more come to visit for the lucky photographer. And if you are really lucky you may even get to see whales (predominantly Sei) blowing offshore.
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Accommodation & Tours :
Although the majority of visitors visit this destination as a day trip from Stanley, to really enjoy the spectacular light that sunset and sunrise affords in a truly unique setting with the penguins for company, a stay at the Wardens House at Volunteer Point is a must. Although this is essentially a home-stay, relatively basic and not ensuite accommodation, the welcome from the wardens, Derek and Trudi, is sincere. They truly understand the importance of their job looking after the wildlife at Volunteer Point and go out of their way to help guests get the most out of their stay. They have been wardens there for over 6 years so know every part of the area, are keen photographers themselves, and provide great homecooked breakfast, lunch and dinner during your stay. It is warm, comfortable and provides an excellent opportunity to spend some quality time with some locals and maybe scoop some photography tips as well!
Although the majority of visitors visit this destination as a day trip from Stanley, to really enjoy the spectacular light that sunset and sunrise affords in a truly unique setting with the penguins for company, a stay at the Wardens House at Volunteer Point is a must. Although this is essentially a home-stay, relatively basic and not ensuite accommodation, the welcome from the wardens, Derek and Trudi, is sincere. They truly understand the importance of their job looking after the wildlife at Volunteer Point and go out of their way to help guests get the most out of their stay. They have been wardens there for over 6 years so know every part of the area, are keen photographers themselves, and provide great homecooked breakfast, lunch and dinner during your stay. It is warm, comfortable and provides an excellent opportunity to spend some quality time with some locals and maybe scoop some photography tips as well!
The Environment :
Conservation of the wildlife is very important and for many years now Volunteer Point has strict limits on guest numbers on ship visit days. This is around 240 visitors. Due to the amount of time ships stay these visitors only get around 2 hours to view the penguins. Monitoring of guest is done by having many of the drivers active as wardens who also carry out induction briefings.
The whole area is a no smoke zone to help prevent accidental fires. There is also a ban on drone flying to prevent disturbance to the wildlife. Camping is not permitted.
Rain water and solar panels are in use at the lodge. The official wardens Derek and Trudi live at the site all year round.
Land based visitors are allowed to spend more time at the site but the same restrictions apply to avoid any disturbance to the wildlife, some areas are cordoned off and the breeding areas are completely off limits.
Conservation of the wildlife is very important and for many years now Volunteer Point has strict limits on guest numbers on ship visit days. This is around 240 visitors. Due to the amount of time ships stay these visitors only get around 2 hours to view the penguins. Monitoring of guest is done by having many of the drivers active as wardens who also carry out induction briefings.
The whole area is a no smoke zone to help prevent accidental fires. There is also a ban on drone flying to prevent disturbance to the wildlife. Camping is not permitted.
Rain water and solar panels are in use at the lodge. The official wardens Derek and Trudi live at the site all year round.
Land based visitors are allowed to spend more time at the site but the same restrictions apply to avoid any disturbance to the wildlife, some areas are cordoned off and the breeding areas are completely off limits.