Falkland Islands Penguin Tour & Volunteer Point Day Trip

Summary

Volunteer Point Penguins with Local Guide & Lunch

Get ready to ride across wild Falkland landscapes in a small group 4x4 to meet king penguins at Volunteer Point. With a local guide sharing stories along the way, you’ll walk among three penguin species and enjoy lunch on windswept dunes — an experience you’ll remember every time you hear seabirds call.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll spot us by the yellow jackets!” That’s what our driver, Mark, had promised in his email — and sure enough, there he was at the port gate, waving a sign with my name. The wind hit sharp as soon as we stepped off the ship, carrying that salty sea smell and something else I couldn’t place (maybe peat?). We piled into the 4x4 — just four of us plus Mark — and set off bumping over roads that got rougher and muddier than I’d expected. Mark kept up a running commentary about the sheep farms we passed and how you can tell Gentoo from Magellanic penguins if you look close. I tried to repeat “Magellanic” out loud and he grinned, “Not bad for a first go.”

The drive to Volunteer Point takes a while — about two hours from Stanley if you count the last bit across open fields (no real roads there). It’s weirdly beautiful: endless grass, sky so wide it feels like you could fall into it. When we finally reached the beach, I heard them before I saw them — this low chattering sound, almost like laughter. Then suddenly: penguins everywhere. King penguins standing tall in their tuxedo feathers, Gentoo waddling around in little groups, even a few Magellanic ones peeking out of burrows. The sand was cold under my boots and there was this faint fishy smell mixed with seaweed; not unpleasant, just real.

I didn’t expect to feel so quiet watching them — something about how unbothered they are by humans, just going about their business. Mark pointed out a sea lion way down the beach (I needed binoculars to spot it), then handed around sandwiches and thermos tea for lunch right there on the dunes. He told us stories about storms that sometimes strand people here overnight (“Don’t worry,” he said, “today’s forecast is boring”). On the way back to Stanley I kept thinking about those penguin eyes blinking up at us — kind of curious but mostly indifferent. Still makes me smile when I remember it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Penguin Reserve

• Penguins natural reserve

Top questions

How long does the Volunteer Point penguin tour take?

The day trip lasts around 7–8 hours including travel from Stanley port to Volunteer Point and back.

Is lunch included on this Falkland Islands penguin tour?

Yes, lunch is provided during your visit to Volunteer Point — usually sandwiches and hot drinks.

What should I wear for the trip to Volunteer Point?

Wear warm layers, waterproof jacket, sturdy shoes or boots; weather can change quickly and ground may be muddy.

How many people are in each vehicle?

This is a semi-private tour with only four passengers per 4x4 vehicle plus your driver-guide.

Are pickups included for cruise passengers?

Yes, port pickup and drop-off are included; look for guides in yellow jackets holding your name sign after docking.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from Stanley port after your ship docks (just look for those yellow jackets), all transport in a shared 4x4 vehicle with only four guests per car, entry to Volunteer Point’s reserve where you’ll see king penguins up close, plus lunch served picnic-style before heading back in time for re-boarding.