Saunders Island
Situated off the North West coast of West Falkland, Saunders is rich in wildlife most notably with extensive Black browed albatross colonies. At The Rookery on the northern cliffs, fresh water runs down the cliff sides creating a ‘shower’ where you can marvel at Rockhopper penguins preening themselves under the clear droplets. A photographer’s paradise with infinite subject matter comprising natural scenic beauty and captivating wildlife. Saunders Island was the site of the first British settlement in 1765 and the ruins of the settlement at Port Egmont can still be seen today.
Saunders Islands was the site of the first British settlement in the Falkland archipelago. In addition to hosting visitors, Saunders is still run as a family owned sheep farm. It is now one large farm of about 30,000 acres.
Rookery Mountain
The North of the Island is made up of two large peaks, Rookery Mountain to the North East and Mount Hartson to the North West. The peaks are divided by a thin strip of sand known as the Neck.
The Neck
The Neck, arguably one of the Falkland Islands better wildlife sites, is home to large colonies of Magellanic and Gentoo penguins. There is also a small colony of King penguins present at the Neck, with many other species of bird present during the year, along with a small Elephant Seal colony.
Accommodation
Saunders Cottages
Saunders has two pleasant cottages within the settlement, The Bunk House and the Stone House, which will provide full board accommodation for sleeping a maximum of 16 people. Trips may then be taken to the wildlife locations as required.
The Neck – Sleeps 8
This location is most popular because it provides the opportunity to see many species of wildlife all at one place. The wildlife can include, but is not limited to, King, Gentoo, Rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins, a Black-browed Albatross colony, elephant seals, sea lions, dolphins, the inquisitive Johnny Rooks and other birds of prey, and Southern Giant Petrels.
The accommodation is a refurbished military portacabin and has 2 rooms with 2 bunkbeds each, 24-hour power, refrigerator, cooker, microwave, and bathroom with shower. A WIFI hotspot has also been added.
The Rookery – sleeps 4
Also a popular location to stay, the Rookery cabin is walking distance away from Rockhopper, Gentoo, and Magellanic penguin, Black-browed Albatross, and Cormorant colonies. You will also often see whales blowing off shore. The accommodation has 2 twin rooms, 24-hour power, refrigerator, cooker, microwave, and bathroom with shower.