Saunders Island

Saunders Island has dramatic scenery with some of the most iconic vistas of the Falklands, particularly the Neck, with its splendid white sand beach. Steep cliffs, hills sweeping gently to shorelines, open plains, wetlands and ponds make up the island’s terrain.

Saunders is home to an amazing amount of wildlife, with five species of penguin and colonies of magnificent, black-browed albatross. Add to this the beautiful red-backed hawks, inquisitive striated caracaras and a range of waterfowl and wading-birds to create a birders’ paradise.

Marine mammals are often observed with elephant seals at Elephant Point in the north-west. Nine of the fourteen Falklands’ endemic plants can be found here. It is internationally recognised as both an “Important Bird Area” and an “Important Plant Area”.

There are many walking opportunities with the highest point, Mount Richards 457m (1,462 feet) providing great views across this unusually shaped island.

A visit is not complete without a stroll from the settlement to Port Egmont, the site chosen in 1765 by the British to set up home in the islands. Remnants of the lives of the early settlers can be seen and you may have the opportunity to raise the Union Flag.

The main settlement is located at the eastern end of the island, with visitor accommodation available. Accommodation is also situated at two of the key wildlife sites – The Rookery and The Neck.