"The Neck" on Saunders Island

Saunders Island [1] is located in the northern part of the Falkland Islands. It is a working sheep farm, but also one of the premier wildlife destinations in the Falklands. The only settlement is located on the eastern portion of the island, with the highest concentration of wildlife found to the west at "The Neck".

Get in

Most visitors arrive using the government air service. The landing strip is a short drive from the settlement and is well-maintained. Cruise ships have been increasingly adding Saunders to their itineraries, with many of them spending at least a half day at the neck.

See

The wildlife on Saunders is exceptional, especially at the Neck. Saunders boasts a huge colony of black-browed albatrosses, numerous rockhopper and gentoo penguins, magellanic penguins, occasional king penguins, and imperial cormorants. Elephant seals, black-necked swans, and other rare animals may also be seen.

Do

Gentoo penguin on Saunders Island

Hiking and wildlife are the highlights of this island. Landrover trips to the Neck are available for £20 (as of November 2004) for a return journey.

Eat

Everything on Saunders is self-catering. Basic food supplies such as eggs and bread can be purchased at the settlement. All of the lodging on the island provides basic cooking facilities.

Sleep

There are four lodging options on the island, each of which should be reserved well in advance by contacting David & Suzan Pole-Evans at davidpe@horizon.co.fk. Rates quoted were accurate as of November 2004.

• Camping. The owners allow camping on the island for a cost of £10 per person per night.
• The Settlement. An older building of the settlement has been converted for guest use. Rooms are shared, but the accommodation is clean and comfortable with running water, electricity, a full kitchen, and a large living room area. Rates are £20 per person per night on a shared basis.
• The Neck. There is a porta-cabin at the Neck that offers running water, flush toilet, basic kitchen facilities, a solar-powered electric light (no electrical outlets), and a gas heater. The wildlife is literally right outside the door. Rates are £40 per person per night for a bed on a shared basis. The one hour Landrover journey to the Neck is an additional £20.
• Near the Neck. Lodging is also available near the neck in a converted shipping container.

Contact

Phone and internet service are not currently available.