Falkland Islands: Bertha’s Beach Penguin Colony & Stanley Tour

The drive from Stanley to Bertha’s Beach takes approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on road and weather conditions. Visit Bertha’s Beach, one of the Falkland Islands’ most scenic coastal areas and home to a large seasonal gentoo penguin colony. Travellers will have time to walk along the white sandy beach, observe penguins in their natural habitat, and enjoy panoramic coastal views with excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting and photography.

On the way to Gypsy Cove, travellers will see the Lady Elizabeth Shipwreck, a three-masted iron barque built in 1879 in Sunderland, England. Originally used to transport cargo around the world, the vessel later became part of the Falkland Islands’ maritime history. In 1913, she was towed to Stanley Harbour and used as a floating warehouse by the Falkland Islands Company. In 1936, the ship broke free from her moorings during a storm and ran aground, where her remains can still be seen today. Over time, the structure deteriorated, leaving the skeletal hull that has become one of Stanley’s most recognizable landmarks and a reminder of the islands’ strong maritime past.

At Gypsy Cove, travellers will see a sheltered bay with white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and scenic coastal surroundings. The area is home to a seasonal Magellanic penguin colony, along with a variety of seabirds, making it a popular spot for wildlife viewing and photography. Visitors can enjoy a short walk to the viewing area and take in the peaceful natural setting. Gypsy Cove also has historical significance, having been part of the Yorke Bay area during the 1982 Falklands Conflict, when it was heavily mined. The mines were later cleared, and the area has since been restored and protected for both wildlife and visitors.

On the way back to the port, the journey from Gypsy Cove to Stanley takes approximately 10–15 minutes, followed by stops at key historic and scenic landmarks within the town. Along the way, visitors will visit the Totem Pole, Whalebone Display, and the 1982 Liberation Monument, Christ Cathedral Church each offering insight into the Falkland Islands’ maritime heritage, cultural traditions, and modern history. In Stanley, travellers will see colorful buildings, historic architecture, and views across Stanley Harbour before returning to the port.