A coastal day trip from Stanley to Bertha’s Beach brings you close to noisy gentoo penguins on a Ramsar-listed shore, with stops at Yorke Bay and Gypsy Cove. Expect short beach walks, wind-swept views, and simple but unforgettable wildlife encounters.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The hush of the Falklands is interrupted by pebbled surf and the chatter of gentoo penguins as the coastline opens into a wide, bleached crescent of sand. On a clear morning the sea turns an improbable blue; on windier days the surf dares you to stand still. This half-day tour drives a bit over an hour from Stanley, depositing you at Bertha’s Beach — a Ramsar-listed wetland where 500 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins dominate the flat shoreline.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short flat beach walks and brief dune climbs.
Wildlife
History
The shore bears remnants of shipwrecks like the vessel Bertha; the islands’ maritime past shaped settlement patterns and sparse woodland cover.
Conservation
Bertha’s Beach is a Ramsar site and an Important Bird Area—visitors are asked to minimize disturbance, avoid nests, and pack out all litter to protect breeding colonies.
Reserve your spot on the Let the Bertha’s Beach Penguins Make You Smile today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Layer for wind and sun
Temperatures change quickly and wind is constant; pack a breathable base and windproof outer layer.
Stay on paths and keep distance
Follow guide instructions to avoid trampling burrows and to minimize stress to nesting penguins.
Wear sturdy shoes for dunes
Sand and gravel slopes can be slippery—closed-toe, treaded footwear improves stability.
Bring binoculars and a zoom lens
Binoculars let you observe behavior without approaching nests; a 200mm+ lens is ideal for photos.
Windproof jacket
Protects against the persistent coastal wind and sudden temperature drops.
Sturdy walking shoes
Good traction helps on sand, gravel paths and sloping trails at Gypsy Cove.
Binoculars
Useful for watching penguin behavior from a respectful distance and scanning the surf for dolphins.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Low-latitude sun and reflective sand increase UV exposure on clear days.
summer