Bluff Cove Penguin Rookery
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Port
Stanley/Falkland Is/Islas Malvinas
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,14,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$219.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3 hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
King and Gentoo penguins and other birds of the Falklands are the stars of this award-winning scenic excursion to Bluff Cove Lagoon -- a privately owned wildlife haven.
Meet the Bluff Cove team on the pier and head out by minibus for a 30-minute journey through Stanley and across the rolling hills to Bluff Cove Lagoon.
Upon your arrival at the Bluff Cove Lagoon penguin rookery, knowledgeable and friendly rangers will brief you about what to expect and what to look for. Stroll through the penguin colony, which features a scenic backdrop of a large lagoon and a white, sandy beach that is occasionally patrolled by sea lions from the nearby island. This pristine reserve is home to more than 1,000 breeding pairs of Gentoo penguins, which protect the growing colony of king penguins and their chicks. Magellan penguins, which burrow on the nearby island, can also be found on the beach. Bird species that frequent or nest in the area include skuas, upland geese, ruddy-headed geese, Magellan oystercatchers, South American terns, dolphin gulls, flightless Falkland steamer ducks, snowy sheathbills and southern giant petrels.
Warm up with a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate served at the legendary Sea Cabbage Café on the beach and enjoy delicious home-baked treats, including scones with diddle-dee jam and fresh cream (gluten-free options available). Bask in the warmth and aroma of the peat stove while enjoying splendid vistas of waves crashing on the sandy beach, and perhaps see some penguins porpoising in.
The Bluff Cove Museum, also by the beach, depicts life in the Falklands and tells the story of Penguins & Pioneers. Learn about the farm, the nearby 1863 ‘sugar wreck,’ the 1982 war with Argentina, and the fabulous lagoon wildlife.
You will have approximately two hours of free time to take photographs, stroll along the beach, and look around the museum. A small gift shop sells unique Bluff Cove souvenirs, including Bluff Cove Tweed items made with farm wool and postcards that can be stamped and mailed from here. Look for samples of knitted, crocheted and felted wool work displayed on the walls of the café and museum.
Return to Stanley and visit the new Stanley Museum at the historic dockyard.
Notes:
Minimum age is 3 years. Child car seats are mandatory for children under 4’4" and must be requested from the Shore Excursions team at least 72 hours in advance; the additional charge is payable directly to the tour operator. Credit cards and US dollars are accepted at the museum gift/souvenir shop. Modern restrooms are available at the café and museum. The 300-yard walk to the beach is mostly flat, and there are courtesy vehicles ready to drive guests with mobility limitations. Assistance is available for guests using a wheelchair. Dress warmly in layers with a windproof and waterproof outer layer; bring a warm hat, gloves and a scarf.