Tag: falkland islands

Penguins in the Falkland Islands

A stop at the Falkland Islands brings you close to penguins and some breathtaking scenery. Bluff Cove Farm allows visitors to view penguins from up close.

After leaving Antarctica and braving the Drake Passage once again, we sailed for Stanley in the Falkland Islands. This place landed on my favorites list in 2017 when we arrived there as a stop on our South America cruise. Why a favorite? Wonderful people (and not too many of them), gorgeous vistas, and….wait for it…penguins!

Evidence of the English roots of the Falklands.

The area is replete with several types of penguins: Gentoo, Rockhopper, Magellanic, Macaroni, and the pretty King. The King is the second largest of the penguin species after the Emperor.

I took a tour to the Bluff Cove farm, which includes several nesting areas for Gentoo and King penguins, besides being a working sheep farm. The also have a lovely tea shop with homemade pastries and a gift shop (of course). I was sad to learn the owners decided it’s time to retire, and they are putting the farm up for sale. I just hope someone is able to purchase it and keep the farm available to visitors.

What pattern would you want for wallpaper in the rest room? Penguin book covers, of course!
Some of the Kings had eggs they were holding on their feet.
A gentoo on a mission.
A friendly ranger offered to take a photo of me with the penguins.
As I watched penguins entering and leaving the water, I realized there were two Orcas patrolling the area (see below.)