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	FALKLAND ISLANDS Saunders Island updated February 2009	Highlights: Black-browed albatross 4 species of breeding penguins Superbe scenery & hiking Rockhopper shower Port Egmont ruins

This 30,000 acre island, situated about three miles off the north west coast of West Falkland, is still an active sheep farm and is important historically for being the site of the first British settlement in 1765. It is one of the Falklands supreme wildlife sites, with Gentoo, Rockhopper, Magellanic and rare sighting of Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins.  Since 1980 a small breeding colony of King penguins has become established.   Four species of raptors, King and Rock cormorants, Black-necked swans and many other shorebirds are easily accessible from the settlement or at the many and varied wildlife ‘hotspots’ around the island. 

However the attraction to the wildlife enthusiast is undoubtedly the Black-browed albatross colony which stretches along the north coast from The Neck, so named because it is a narrow sandy isthmus between two high parts of the island.  The northern beach is covered in stunning white sand pounded by majestic surf and is home to all of the penguin and bird species listed above.   

The wildlife colonies continue along the north coast to Rookery Mountain.   The “shower” formed by fresh water running down over the cliff and used by the Rockhopper penguins to preen their feathers makes for great photographs.

On rare occasions Fin and Sei Whales have been seen off the island.  In all cases amazing photo opportunities abound, and Saunders Island is the perfect place to escape from the pressures of urban life.

Unlike other destinations in the Falklands, on Saunders Island there are various options for accommodation.

Accommodation in the Settlement: 
There are two self-catering cottages in Saunders settlement. The larger of the two, the Main House, can sleep up to 10 people in 2 twin, 1 single, 1 double and 1 triple room. It has a central heating throughout, shower room, bathroom and toilet. The kitchen is equipped with a gas cooker, fridge and all the crockery and utensils you will need for your self-catering stay. There is also a dining room, and a sitting room with radio and TV. Bedding, bed linen and towels are provided. There is 24 hour electricity..

The second accommodation is called The Stone House and was built in 1875 but hass been extensively modernized. It has kitchen, scullery, toilet, bathroom (with bath and shower) and 3 bedrooms sleeping 6 people (1 double and 2 twin rooms). The two upstairs bedrooms are centrally heated. The kitchen is well equipped with washing machine, fridge and a gas cooker and all crockery and utensils as well as TV and radio. Bedding, bed linen and towels are provided. There is 24 hour electricity..

Accommodation at the Neck:
Although only 10 miles from the settlement it takes about an hour by Land Rover to reach the cabin at The Neck. The cabin has 2 quadruple bedrooms (bunkbeds), shared bathroom (bath/WC/sink), shared kitchen-eating area. The living area is equipped with gas cooker, heater and a gas water heater. The bathroom has a bath and WC, but no shower. All bedding, bed linen, towels, crockery and cooking utensils are provided. Electricity is provided by a small generator. It should be noted that this accommodation is quite isolated, and you may not see anyone else from when you are dropped off until early morning on the day of your departure.

In addition to the abundant wildlife right on your doorstep, there are some enjoyable longer walks from the Neck for those with more time at their disposal. Elephant seals can usually be seen at Elephant Point which is the furthest point of the island from the settlement. Small pools just inland from elephant Point are home to a variety of wildfowl and the odd visiting specie from the South American mainland. Care should be taken when walking as there are many magellanic penguin and rabbit burrows in the area.

Mount Hartson (the highest point on the island at 436 m), west of the Neck, provides great views across to Carcass and West Point Islands, and even to the Jason Islands on a very clear day.

ROOKERY INN:
A new 2 bedroom cottage on the north coast beneath Rookery Mt. looking over the cliffs and albatross colonies. The two bedrooms have twin beds. The bathroom (shower/WC/sink) and kitchen-seating area are shared. The living area is equipped with gas cooker, heater and a gas water heater. All bed linen, towels, crockery and cooking urensils are supplied. Electricity is supplied by a small generator.