East Falkland is the largest of all the Islands in the archipelago, home to more than 85% of the country's population and the tallest mountain in the Islands (Mount Usborne, 705m). Most points of interest are accesible by road, and for those on tight timelines a short flight is also available to selected locations using small aircraft.

Part of the appeal of the Falklands is the change in the natural environment and wildlife between locations.  The destinations detailed here are merely a starting point for planning your own Falklands' adventure and should not be regarded as an exhaustive list of all you can see and do. Once you're ready to set out, be sure to read the Countryside Code to make sure you get the best of your experience.

Bertha’s Beach (1 hour from Stanley) 

Named after the Norwegian iron barque that wrecked at the site in 1892, Bertha’s Beach is a gentle 10 minute drive from Mount Pleasant Military Complex.  Open to the general public with permission, the area is popular with locals and military day-trippers and features a beautiful white sand beach with abundant bird and marine life. The site also offers plenty of opportunity for hiking, photography and picnicking.  Dolphins are a regular feature at the beach, often coming close to shore as they hunt in the shallows.  Access to the beach is via a locked gate, details of where to secure a key are outlined below.

Land owner: Falklands Landholdings Corporation - Fitzroy Farm (p. +500 32384).

Access: Private land, permission required.  Suitable for 4WD vehicles (self drive or hire a guide ). Visitors and residents can secure a key from the Fitzroy Farm Manager, military personnel can obtain a key from the Joint Education Centre inside MPA (+500 76205).

Flora/fauna: Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphin, Magellanic and blackish oystercatcher, gentoo penguin.

Activities: Self-drive exploration, hiking, photography, picknicking.

Accommodation: Darwin House, Kingsford Valley Farm self catering, Stanley operators

 Bull Point (4.5 hours from Stanley) 

Based at the extreme South of East Falklands, Bull Point is an isolated, photogenic location offering access to gentoo and Magellanic penguins, sea lions, and many native plants and flowers. The site is low-lying, and the land immediately around the point was recently cleared of farm stock - leading to an improvement in the diversity of flora.

Reaching the site is a challenging 4WD trek, but visitors are rewarded with wonderful views over an extensive sand dunes system and the coast.  A series of permanent and seasonal pools are popular with bird watchers, as they provide valuable habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. Maritime enthusiasts will also enjoy examining the hulk of the Craigielea, a large 3-masted barque that was wrecked on the western point in 1879.

Bull Point is a large site with many points of interest for visitors, making an excellent full-day trip.  Longer stays can also be enjoyed utilising self-catering accommodation found at various points across North Arm Farm.

Land owner: Falklands Landholdings Corporation - North Arm Farm (p. +500 32080)

Access: Private land, permission required. Suitable for 4WD vehicles (self-drive or hire a guide)

Flora/fauna: Gentoo and Magellanic penguin, occasional sea lion sightings, white-rumped sandpiper, two-banded plover, rufous-chested dotterel, Magellanic snipe, Falkland grass wren, dark-faced ground tyrant, Falkland Pipit and Thrush, Falkland lavender, clubmoss cudweed, lady's slipper, vanilla daisy, coastal nassauvia.

Activities: Self-drive exploration, hiking, photography, picknicking.

Accommodation: North Arm Farm accommodation (p. +500 32080), Darwin House

Cape Bougainville (2 hours from Stanley)

Resting on the north coast of East Falklands, Cape Bougainville is picturesque site featuring rockhopper penguins, sea lions and southern giant petrels. The Cape was named after French navigator Louis Antoine de Bougainville - founder of the French settlement at Port Louis in 1764.

Cape Bougainville is part of Gibraltar Station, a 52,000 acre sheep property farmed by the Pitaluga family for  five generations.  Its gaucho heritage can be glimpsed through the turf and stone corrals that were built by members of the Pitaluga family during the 1800s, some of which are still in use today. Wool production continues to be the mainstay of this family-run operation.

Land owner: Pitaluga Family - contact Nick and Annie Pitaluga (p. +500 31193  or  f. +500 31194)

Access: Private land, only by guided 4WD tour (no self drive).  Access during summer months only. Overnight camping visits by special arrangement.

Flora/fauna: Rockhopper and macaroni penguin, southern sea lion, various seabird species, southern giant petrel, various gull species, occasional whale sightings, abundant native flora.

Activities: 4WD guided tour, hiking, photography

Accommodation: Camping available on-site, Stanley operators, Elephant Beach Farm self catering

Cape Dolphin (2.5 hours from Stanley)

Jutting in to the South Atlantic at the northern tip of East Falklands, Cape Dolphin was named after HMS Dolphin, the vessel used by Commander John Byron when he took possession of the Falklands for the English at Port Egmont in 1765.

Today this beautiful location is a private farm where visitors are welcome to enjoy the beaches and abundant wildlife, including three species of penguin, storm petrels, sea lions, the occasional whale and large numbers of ducks and birds on Swan Pond. For the more adventurous there are excellent hiking opportunities and the chance to explore caves above the waterline.   Visitors should set aside a full day to make the most of this diverse site.

Land owner: Philip and Sheena Miller (p. +500 41015 or e. capedolpin@horizon.co.fk)

Access: Private land, permission required. Standard vehicle access to farmhouse, 4WD required to reach the coast (self-drive or hire a guide)

Flora/fauna: Wilson’s storm petrel, Magellanic, king and gentoo penguin, southern sea lion, sei and southern-right whale, Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphin, black-necked swan.

Activities: Self-drive exploration, camping, hiking, photography

Accommodation: Camping available on-site, Race Point Farm self catering, Elephant Beach Farm self catering, Kingsford Valley Farm self catering

Cape Pembroke (10 minutes from Stanley)

A pleasant ten minute drive from the centre of Stanley lies Cape Pembroke, a rugged peninsula bordered by Port William to the north and Rookery Bay to the South. This striking area provides an excellent opportunity for hiking, cycling or driving whilst viewing native flora, small birds, and the occasional marine mammal - either off-shore or nestled among the tussac.

First lit in 1855, Cape Pembroke Llighthouse was subsequently refurbished and relocated in the early 1900s - where it lit the way for mariners entering Port William until its light was extinguished during the 1982 Conflict. Visitors can enter and climb the lighthouse and learn of its history - a key is available from the Museum in Stanley for a charge of £5 per day.

Land owner: Falkland Islands Government (common land)

Access: Open to the general public. Suitable for 4WD vehicles (self-drive or hire a guide). The lighthouse key is available from the Museum (p) +500 27428 (e) falklands.museum@horizon.co.fk

Flora/fauna: Gentoo and Magellanic penguin, occasional sea lion sightings, Commerson's and Peale's dolphin, Falkland grass wren, tussacbird, cormorant, dark-faced ground tyrant, night heron.

Activities: Self-drive exploration, hiking, cycling, photography, picknicking

Accommodation: Stanley operators 

 
Darwin (2 hours from Stanley)

Darwin and Goose Green are situated on a narrow bridge of land linking upper and lower East Falklands. Lafonia rests to the south and Wickham Heights and the Onion Range to the North.  Both settlements (only several miles apart) are approximately two hours easy drive from Stanley, 35 minutes from Mount Pleasant International Airport or 20 minutes direct flight from Stanley airport.

Historic Darwin settlement retains much evidence of the 1982 Conflict, with many points of interest for those interested in military history. The Argentine Cemetery is situated 5 minutes drive from the settlement, with several other important memorials also located nearby.

The settlement was named after naturalist Charles Darwin who visited in the late 1830s, and is an excellent place to view remnants of the gaucho era - with a restored stone corral and living quarters from the late 1800s accessible by foot from the settlement.

Darwin House provides a pleasant base from which visitors can explore the area, offering overnight accommodation with full board, as well as casual meals and guided tours. Visitors will find Darwin a convenient alternative to Stanley due to its proximity to Mount Pleasant International Airport and central access to all areas on East Falklands.

Land owner: Falklands Landholdings – Goose Green Farm

(p. +500 32270 or e. goose.green@horizon.co.fk)

Access: Standard vehicle access (self-drive or hire a guide), small plane access using FIGAS

Flora/fauna: Ruddy-headed and upland goose, Magellanic and blackish oystercatcher, coromorant.

Activities: Guided battlefield tours, self -drive exploration, hiking, military history and monuments, meals.

Accommodation: Darwin House, Stanley operators

Elephant Beach Farm (1.5 hours from Stanley)

Neighboured by Cape Dolphin, Elephant Beach Farm extends from Port San Carlos Road all the way to the rugged north coast. Driving from the farmhouse across undulating grassland towards the coast, visitors will reach the gentoo colony overlooking a spectacular tidal lagoon. At the mouth of the lagoon visitors can sit and relax on the grassy banks, littered with large numbers of whale bones in excellent condition. This area has been fenced off to protect an extensive tussac restoration site, an ongoing project undertaken with the assistance of Falklands Conservation and local volunteers. The western side of the lagoon provides excellent sheltered camping and great opportunities for relaxed fishing and cliff-top bird watching.

Along the coast towards the eastern boundary visitors can drive and then walk along a succession of beaches, finding gentoo and Magellanic penguins and the rare Falklands pebble if you're lucky! Those staying on the property can cater for themselves - or ask Ben to prepare a traditional Falklands meal using meat and produce from the farm.

Land owner: Ben Berntsen (p. +500 41020 or e. benebf@horizon.co.fk)

Access: Private land, seek permission. Standard vehicle access to the farmhouse, 4WD vehicle required to reach the coast (self-drive or hire a guide)  

Flora/fauna: Gentoo and Magellanic penguin, southern sea lion, Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphin, variable hawk, peregrine falcon, cormorant, rufous-chested dottrell, two-banded plover, sanderling, long-tailed meadow lark, Magellanic and blackish oystercatcher.

Activities: Self -drive exploration, camping, hiking, fishing, wind surfing (byob).

Accommodation: Elephant Beach Farm, Race Point Farm

 
Goose Green & Bodie Creek Bridge (2 hours from Stanley)

Less than a mile from Darwin, Goose Green was established as a major sheep handling operation in 1922 and is still home to the largest shearing shed in the Falklands. The site is of great historic interest and is easily visited as a daytrip from Stanley or nearby Darwin.  The settlement was made famous by the 1982 Conflict, when 114 Falkland Islanders were held captive in the Community Hall by the invading Argentine force.  All captives were liberated by the Second Parachute Regiment on the 29th May 1982 in what was to become the first major land battle of the Conflict.

Maritime enthusiasts will enjoy wandering about the Vicar of Bray, which now rests at the head of Goose Green jetty providing shelter for night herons and cormorants. This historic vessel was one of the last ships to participate in the California Gold Rush.

Also of interest is the world’s most southerly suspension bridge at Bodie Creek, just 20 minutes drive off-road from the Goose Green settlement.  Built in 1924-25, Bodie Creek Bridge spans 122 metres of water and was erected to reduce the time taken to drive sheep from the southern parts of Lafonia to the shearing sheds at Goose Green. Rare historic images and additional information about the bridge are available by clicking here. Please note, the bridge is now an aging construction and visitors should avoid walking or driving on the bridge at all times.

Land owner: Falklands Landholdings – Goose Green Farm
(p. +500 32270 or (e. goose.green@horizon.co.fk)

Access:  Standard vehicle access (self-drive or hire a guide), small plane access using FIGAS

Flora/fauna: Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphin, cormorant, black-crowned night heron.

Activities: Guided battlefield tours, self -drive exploration, hiking, military history and monuments, meals and snacks

Accommodation: Darwin House, Stanley operators

 
Gypsy Cove and Hadassah Bay (10 minutes from Stanley)

Gypsy Cove is a photogenic beach enclosed by a colony of burrowing Magellanic penguins.  Its proximity to Stanley (4 miles by foot) makes it a popular spot for locals and cruise ship visitors seeking a penguin encounter. From the parking area visitors can walk a circuitous route, taking in panoramic views over Yorke Bay, Mount Lowe and back to Stanley through the Narrows.  The recently installed interpretive signage provide information on flora, fauna and key site features –such as the Canopis Gun that was installed for World War II duties.

Hadassah Bay, renamed in the 1800s for the Government schooner that ran aground in the shallows, lies immediately to the west of Gypsy Cove and makes a pleasant extension of the Gypsy Cove walk - passing along the coast and through the Narrows before looping back to the Gypsy cove parking area or continuing back to Stanley past the Lady Elizabeth wreck. Hadassah Bay is home to variable hawks and many small bird species, sea lions also occasionally appear on the foreshore among the tussac.

Land owner: Falkland Islands Government (common land)

Access: Open to the general public. Suitable for 4WD vehicles (self-drive or hire a guide, take a taxi). 

Flora/fauna: Magellanic penguin, Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphin, black-crowned night heron, cormorant, variable hawk, upland goose, Falkland flightless steamer duck.

Activities: Hiking, photography

Accommodation: Stanley operators

 
Kelp Point and Pleasant Roads beach (2 hours from Stanley)

Lying approximately 1.5 hours off-road (from the Island Harbour House turn off), Kelp Point is one of the most diverse flora and fauna sites in the Falklands, offering access to 30+ bird species, southern elephant seals, gentoo and Magellanic penguins.  Queen of Falklands Fritillary butterfly can be spotted on patches of Falkland Lavender, whilst Vanilla Daisies, Scurvy Grass, Fachine, and Christmas Bush are found right across the region. At nearby Pleasant Roads beach, visitors can fossick among whale bones and shells, or undertake some serious bird watching. Westward around the coast lies Whale Point where the wreck of the Saint Mary now rests – she was a 1,940 tonne vessel wrecked in August 1891 during her maiden voyage.   

Land owner: Falklands Landholdings Corporation – Fitzroy Farm Manager (p. +500 32384)

Access: Private land, permission required. 4WD access from Island Harbour House (self-drive or hire a guide)

Flora & fauna: Elephant seal, gentoo and Magellanic penguin, coscoroba and black-necked swan, flying steamer duck, speckled teal, silver teal, chiloe wigeon, yellow billed pintail, variable hawk, two banded plover, Magellanic snipe, dolphin and kelp gulls.

Activities: 4WD exploration, photography, hiking

Accommodation: Stanley operators

 
Long Island Farm (50 minutes from Stanley)

Situated 20 miles from Stanley as the crow flies, Long Island farm is a popular destination for cruise passengers and day trippers alike.

6^th generation Falkland Islanders Neil and Glenda Watson continue to farm their 22,000 acre property in traditional Falkland style, using locally bred dogs and horses to gather their sheep from as far afield as Mount Longdon near Stanley.  Peat is still the preferred fuel for cooking and heating, and the farm produces its own milk, bread, butter and cream.

Excellent half or full-day tours can be had along the shores of Berkeley Sound, with rockhopper, gentoo and Magellanic penguins accessible along the way.  Dolphins and whales are also regular visitors to this sheltered stretch of water.

Land owner: Neil and Glenda Watson (p. +500 31117)

Access: Private land, permission required. Farm accessible using light-weight 4WDs (self-drive or hire a guide)

Flora & fauna:  Gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguin, Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphin, cormorant, various migrant whale species.

Activities: Hiking, photography, picnics, tours of traditional farm life

Accommodation: Stanley operators, Elephant Beach Farm , Kingsford Valley Farm, Race Point Farm

Mt Usborne and Ceritos Corral (1.5 hours from Stanley)

Forming the western edge of Wickham Heights, Mt Usborne reaches 705m (2,312ft) - making it the highest mountain in the Falklands. Usborne has a distinctive hulking shape, and rises impressively from the grasslands at its feet.  Named after Alexander Burns Usborne (Master’s Assistant on HMS Beagle 1813-36), the mountain is built of quartzite, a stone resistant to all but the most violent erosive forces.  Just under the peak hangs Black Tarn, a small lake formed by erosive forces during the last Ice Age approximately 15,000 years ago.

At the base of Usborne is Ceritos Coral, a large and well-preserved stone corral built in 1871 by a team of several men for the princely sum of approximately £7. The structure is comprised of approximately 55 yards of stone work and is located next to a running stream. Ceritos is a well protected corral incorporating the nearby rocky hillside.  It was used to sort the fattest and best cattle from the resident herd, these animals would then be sent to Stanley for consumption by townsfolk.

Mt Usborne Track notes: Please note that there is no permanent track in place to the summit. Start at Ceritos corral on foot and follow the fence line up the slope until you reach the Phantom crash site – a British fighter jet that came to grief on the slope during a routine flight in October 1983.  Continue along the saddle past three rock tarns towards the summit cairn, enjoying the expansive views over Cape Dolphin and Berkeley Sound (the points of Point Stephens, North Arm and Port Howard Mountains are also visible on clear days). To see Black Tarn, head approximately 600 metres to the north of the summit cairn.

A return trip by foot will take approximately 3-4 hours in summer, and a little longer during winter depending on snowfall. Visitors are recommended to wear sturdy footwear, wind/waterproof clothing and headgear as the weather is highly changeable in this region. Water and snacks are also advisable.

Land owner: Falklands Landholdings – Goose Green Farm

(p. +500 32270 or e. goose.green@horizon.co.fk)

Access: 4WD vehicle access (self-drive or hire a guide)

Flora/fauna: Long-tailed meadowlark, black-chinned siskin, variable hawk, southern caracara, various native plant species.

Activities: Hiking, photography, picnicking, camping

Accommodation: Camping possible on-site, Darwin House, Stanley operators

North Arm settlement and farm (3 hours from Stanley)

North  Arm  is  one  of  four  settlements in the open grasslands of Lafonia, set at the southern end of East Falklands and the head of the Bay of Harbours. The region is renowned for epic landscapes, varied wildlife, and excellent opportunities for walking and photography. 

A range of self catering accommodation is available within North Arm settlement and at selected sites across the property, providing access to isolated wildlife hotspots like Bull Point and Fanny Cove. 

Land owner: Falklands Landholdings Corporation - North Arm Farm (p. +500 32080)

Access: Private land, permission required. Settlement access suitable for light-weight 4WDs, small plane access using FIGAS, (self-drive or hire a guide)

Activities: Base for exploring southern Lafonia (Bull Point and Fanny Cove)

Accommodation: North Arm Farm accommodation (p. +500 32080), Darwin House

Port San Carlos (Under 2 hours from Stanley)

Formerly known as San Carlos North, Port San Carlos settlement is tucked inside an enclosed bay with large working jetty and shearing sheds.  The site was named after a Spanish sloop called the San Carlos (which visited in May 1768), but was eventually renamed to avoid confusion with San Carlos (south) during the First World War.

Today the rambling settlement is shared by two farms and several barn owls, and makes an excellent base for exploration of the nearby coastline and the rest of upper East Falklands. Race Point Farm operates comfortable self-catering accommodation and guided 4WD tours. Guests can choose to hike or drive (if experienced) to nearby rockhopper and gentoo colonies at Fanning Head and Rookery Sands beach. A return hike to Fanning Head will involve approximately 6 hours of moderate walking.

The neighbouring farms of Cape Dolphin and Elephant Beach also offer excellent wildlife, whilst San Carlos, Darwin, and Goose Green are readily accessible via the newly opened road which crosses the San Carlos River.

Land owner:  Race Point Farm - John & Michelle Jones
(p. +500 41012 or e. jhjones@horizon.co.fk)

Access: Standard road access using lightweight 4WD to settlement (self-drive or hire a guide)

Flora/fauna: Gentoo, rockhopper and Magellanic penguin, variable hawk, southern caracara, black-necked swan, barn owl.

Activities: Hiking, trout fishing, horse riding, guided 4WD tours

Accommodation: Race Point Farm, Kingsford Valley Farm

San Carlos (Under 2 hours from Stanley)

Nestled inside San Carlos Water, Kingsford Valley Farm (and San Carlos settlement) is a relaxing base from which visitors can explore East Falklands at leisure. 

KVF offers fully-appointed self catering accommodation year round in the settlement.  Visitors can wander on-foot to the British cemetery from the 1982 Conflict, or visit the well-appointed museum which covers everything from World Wars to native flora and fauna, and gaucho culture from yesteryear.

The new road network provides direct access to access Port San Carlos, Elephant Beach Farm and Cape Dolphin as part of a day trip from San Carlos, whilst historic Darwin and Goose Green are only a 45 minute drive in the opposite direction. Mt Usborne and Ceritos Corral are also located nearby for those after a stiff hike. Terence McPhee provides excellent guided trout fishing on nearby San Carlos River, as well as tailored-made vehicle tours to local points of interest.

Land owner: Kingsford Valley Farm - Terence & Sheila McPhee
(p. +500 32233 or e. kvf@horizon.co.fk)

Access: Standard road access using lightweight 4WD to settlement (self-drive or hire a guide)

Activities: Hiking, trout fishing, British cemetery, Museum, guided 4WD tours

Accommodation: Kingsford Valley Farm, Race Point Farm

Sparrow Cove (1.5 hours from Stanley)

Sparrow Cove was named after the British ketch HMS Sparrow, which was stationed in the Islands between 1839 and 1843. Part of Murrell Farm, Sparrow Cove features a photogenic beach set against the jagged peaks of Mount Lowe. Visitors are advised to wear wind/waterproof clothing, inclusive of warm hat, gloves, and sturdy walking shoes.

Land-based visitors
Land-based tourists can experience this diverse destination by guided 4WD tour from Stanley or even MPA using Kidney Cove Safari Tours. Half and full day tours are available, visitors should take their own beverages and snacks. Depending on the season, it is possible to see up to five species of penguin during the course of the tour (king, Magellanic, gentoo, rockhopper, and macaroni). For more information click here.

Land owner: Murrell Farm/Kidney Cove Safari Tours - Adrian & Lisa Lowe
(p. +500 31001 or e. allowe@horizon.co.fk)

Access: Private land, only by guided 4WD tour using Kidney Cove Safari Tours

Flora/Fauna: Magellanic, gentoo, king and rockhopper penguin, variable hawk, Falkland skua 

Activities: Wildlife watching, guided 4WD tours

Accommodation: Stanley operators

Volunteer Point (3 hours from Stanley)

Volunteer Point is one of the most popular and important tourist destinations in the Falklands.  The site is a cornucopia of bird activity, home to king, gentoo and Magellanic penguins – as well as waterfowl and endemic subspecies like the dark-faced ground tyrant, Falkland pipit and thrush.  In 2006/07, Falklands Conservation counted approximately 750 adult king penguins and 550 chicks, making Volunteer Point the largest, most accessible king penguin colony in the world outside of South Georgia.

Part of Johnson’s Harbour Farm, Volunteer Point and surrounding land has been in the same family since the 1870s. Volunteer Point is a vast lowland peninsula on the north-east coast of mainland East Falkland.  Heading along the coast one encounters low cliffs, sand and boulder beaches and extensive off-shore kelp beds. Volunteer Beach, used by the penguin colonies, is approximately 2km long with nearby seasonal ponds. During the summer a warden resides on-site to ensure that tourists abide by the Countryside Code and do not interfere with sensitive breeding birds like the King Penguins.

Track notes: Drive from Stanley to Johnson’s Harbour farm house - approximately 1 hour of driving on a well-formed road. To get to Volunteer Point visitors must then pass through a succession of gates and cross un-marked paddocks which are often very boggy and require great driving skill and local knowledge – this may take several hours if conditions are poor. For this reason a guide is generally recommended. Vehicles should travel in an convoy whenever possible, lone vehicles are not encouraged. Volunteer Point is usually closed from April to November due to weather conditions.

Land owner: Johnson's Harbour Farm - Osmund & Olive Smith (p. +500 31399 or +500 21687)

Access:Private land, seek permission. Standard road access to Johnson's Harbour, then 4WD required to reach the point (non-locals recommended to hire a guide)

Flora/Fauna: King, gentoo and magellanic penguin, ruddy-headed goose, Falkland steamer duck, black-throated finch, dark-faced ground tyrant, Falkland pipit and thrush, Hudsonian godwit, stilt sandpiper, whimbrel.

Activities: Wildlife watching, camping, hiking, exceptional photography opportunities, guided 4WD tours

Accommodation: Camping available on-site (contact the Smiths), Stanley operators