Volunteer Point the Penguin Paradise

Volunteer Point, located on the eastern side of East Falkland, is a must-visit destination for any wildlife enthusiast. Home to around 1500 breeding pairs of the second largest penguin in the world, the King Penguin. This pristine natural haven offers an unparalleled opportunity to encounter these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Immerse Yourself in Penguin Perfection

A King Penguin Kingdom – It's hard to put into words the awe-inspiring sight of thousands of King Penguins coming into view as you have finally arrived at Volunteer Point. The striking black, white and orange colours against the rugged landscape, the noise of the colony and not to mention the unique smell!

Huddled in and amongst the colony, you have the chance to see King Penguin chicks gathered in their ‘creche’, a mass of fuzzy brown feathers, watched over by vigilant adult King Penguins. The king’s breeding cycle is the longest and most complicated of all the penguin species, lasting up to 14 months meaning that they can only raise two chicks in any three years.

Wildlife Beyond Penguins -  The diverse ecosystem of Volunteer Point is truly incredible and there is so much to see. Not only are there two other species of penguins to look upon (the Gentoo & Magellanic Penguins), and several other bird species like the Falkland Steamer Duck, but there is also the possibility to see Sea Lions and dolphins off the coastline!

Photography Opportunities – There are a near-infinite number of opportunities for fantastic photos at Volunteer Point, with the Penguins always on form, rarely, you will ever come away from your trip without a show-stopping image.

But remember! Keep 6m (20ft) away from any wildlife at any given time, to ensure that you don’t stress them out and make use of those zoom functions on your camera!

Planning Your Visit

Best Time to Visit -  Generally the best times of the year to visit Volunteer Point are around January-March period, during this period the parents of the baby chicks will take turns minding their little one and feeding, never leaving the chick unattended until they are old enough to move into their creche.

Getting There – one of the best ways to get to Volunteer Point is through one of the many dedicated local tour providers. The journey to the site requires a portion of the trip to be taken off-road and is not for the uninitiated, so it is highly recommended to hire a guide, who will get you to your destination safely and with some great facts and stories along the way. 

What to Bring – Warm clothing is essential as the weather can be very unpredictable and change at a moment's notice, so a good waterproof and windproof jacket is a must. A decent pair of walking boots is another essential. A camera is an obvious choice, make sure to have some sort of travel case for it (for the bumpy journey), not essential but can help is a pair of binoculars.

Responsible Tourism

Protecting the Environment: The privilege to be able to sit back and watch all of our wildlife in its prime is one that we want to protect, therefore it's important to keep your distance from the wildlife (6m/20ft) and follow the Countryside Code of the Falkland Islands. You will find that there are dedicated wardens who are there to ensure the safety of both visitors and wildlife, enforcing rules that are put in place for everyone’s benefit.

Conclusion

A visit to Volunteer Point is a truly unforgettable experience. By following responsible tourism practices, visitors can help preserve this precious natural wonder for generations to come.