Discovering Volunteer Point: The Falklands’ Most Iconic Penguin Destination
If you’ve started researching the Falkland Islands, there’s one place that pops up again and again: Volunteer Point. And for good reason. It’s home to the largest and most accessible king penguin colony in the Falklands, and honestly, it’s every bit as magical as the photos suggest. For many visitors, this is the highlight of their entire trip.
Whether you’re arriving on a cruise or staying longer in Stanley, here’s everything you need to know about making the most of a visit to this iconic location.
A Haven for King Penguins
Volunteer Point boasts a thriving colony of king penguins who sit proudly against the backdrop of grassy dunes and a flawless white-sand beach. These elegant birds stand almost a metre tall, with bright gold markings and a calm, regal presence that gives them their name.
You can watch them at the colony — where adults, and depending on the time of year, tiny chicks, fluffy brown chicks or juveniles gather — and also meet them again on the beach as they come and go from the sea. It’s one of the easiest places in the world to see king penguins up close, all while keeping a respectful distance.
Gentoo and Magellanic penguins are also found here, so there’s always plenty to see as you explore.
One of my favourite sights is seeing the Upland geese and sheep mingling around the king penguins. A unique Falklands’ scene!
That Beautiful White-Sand Beach
The beach at Volunteer Point is very typical for Falkland Island beaches: bright white sand, clear turquoise shallows and long sweeping views. The king penguins love it, and so will you. It’s a brilliant place for photography, especially if you catch those moments when penguins wander past you on their way to the water.
The Journey: Part of the Adventure
Getting to Volunteer Point is an experience in itself. The trip from Stanley takes around 2 to 2.5 hours each way, and a good portion of that is off-road across private farmland. The terrain can be rough, and you’ll be in a 4x4, but the scenery is fantastic and full of that wide-open Falklands atmosphere that people fall in love with.
Because the route crosses privately owned land and the area is carefully managed, visitor numbers are limited, which helps protect the penguins and their habitat. If you’re arriving by cruise ship into Stanley then you can take a tour with Adventure Falklands, Jimmy Curtis Tours or Estancia Excursions. If you’re staying longer then we would love to take you on a tour when a big cruise ship isn’t in port.
Facilities and Accessibility
Facilities at Volunteer Point are very basic — there are WCs but don’t expect anything fancy. The walk from the car park to the king penguin colony is around 5 minutes across grass. Wheelchair users can access the area, though assistance is usually needed over the grassy terrain.
Remember that the Falklands have changeable weather, so it’s always best to dress in layers ready for anything. It is a really sunny island and it’s very easy to get sunburnt, so sunglasses and sunscreen are a must.
Why Volunteer Point Is Worth the Effort
Volunteer Point is not the easiest place to get to, but that’s part of its charm. It feels wild, remote and completely untouched. The combination of wildlife, landscape and sheer tranquillity makes it one of the most extraordinary places you can visit in the Falklands.
For many guests on our tours, it’s the moment they realise just how special these islands are. The king penguins give the place its fame, but the whole experience — the journey, the beach, the peace — is what stays with you long after you leave.
Visiting Volunteer Point with Lupin Tours
At Lupin Tours, Volunteer Point is the heart of our King’s Haven Tour, created for travellers who want to see the Falklands at their most beautiful and wild. Our drivers know the off-road route like the back of their hand, and we make sure you have plenty of time at the colony and beach to really take it all in.
