Bertha’s Beach Falklands – Penguin Watching & Tours Guide

Bertha’s Beach, located on the southern coast of East Falkland, offers an idyllic blend of untouched natural beauty, rich wildlife, and peaceful solitude. 

Known for its vibrant Gentoo penguin colony, this white-sand coastal gem also occasionally hosts King and Magellanic penguins, making it a favorite among wildlife photographers and nature lovers. 

As a featured stop on our Falkland Islands wildlife combination tours, Bertha’s Beach provides an accessible yet remote-feeling experience for those seeking intimate encounters with Falklands fauna.

Learn more about the region in our guide: Where is the Falkland Islands?

Quick Facts About Bertha’s Beach

Feature	Details
📍 Location	Southern coast of East Falkland
🐧 Main Wildlife	Gentoo, King, and Magellanic penguins
🛻 Access	Guided 4x4 tour from Stanley
📅 Best Time to Visit	October to March (spring/summer)
🧭 Tour Type	Combination wildlife tour
🏝️ Terrain	Sandy beach, grassy dunes, coastal hills
🌿 Known For	Penguin diversity and tranquil scenery

Why Visit Bertha’s Beach?

• Gentoo Penguin Colony: Home to hundreds of breeding Gentoo penguins, offering close-up observation opportunities.

• Rare Penguin Sightings: On occasion, Magellanic and King penguins also grace the area, especially in the warmer months.

• Beautiful Coastal Scenery: The long stretch of white sand beach and surrounding grasslands form a postcard-perfect landscape.

• Protected Area: Bertha’s Beach is designated as a National Nature Reserve, highlighting its ecological significance.

What You’ll See on Our Guided Tours

• Gentoo Penguins nesting in colonies and waddling along the beach

• Occasional sightings of King and Magellanic Penguins

• Upland geese, oystercatchers, and other seabirds

• Unspoiled beach views perfect for photography

Photography & Wildlife Etiquette

Bring a Zoom Lens (200mm+)

Get crisp, detailed shots of penguins and seabirds from a respectful distance.

Stay Low and Quiet

Approach slowly and calmly. Sudden movements can alarm the wildlife.

Don’t Block Their Path

Penguins often march between their nests and the sea—never stand in their way.

Never Feed or Touch Wildlife

Falklands’ animals are wild and must remain undisturbed to protect their health and behavior.

Follow Your Guide’s Instructions

Our trained guides prioritize both your experience and wildlife safety. Always follow their lead.

Combine with Other Tour Highlights

Bertha’s Beach is often included in combination tours alongside:

• Yorke Bay Penguin Colony – Famous for its large Gentoo population and white sands

•  Kelp Point (Whale Point) – Known for elephant seals and seabird cliffs

• Stanley sightseeing – Colonial charm and local culture

Stats & Wildlife Notes

Bertha’s Beach is part of a 1,600-hectare Ramsar site, hosting over 500 Gentoo breeding pairs and numerous migratory birds (gov.fk). It is considered an Important Bird Area (IBA) and a biodiversity hotspot on East Falkland.

History of Bertha’s Beach

Bertha’s Beach carries both natural and historical significance. Named after a vessel or possibly an early settler, the beach lies near Mount Pleasant Airport. 

This place played a background role during the Falklands War due to its proximity to British military installations. However, its most lasting importance stems from its designation as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 2001. 

This status reflects its unique coastal ecosystem, which supports not only Gentoo penguins, but also rare flora, seabirds, and migratory waders.

In recent decades, Bertha’s Beach has become a favored destination for guided eco-tours, balancing accessibility with conservation. Its history reflects the broader story of the Falklands—a land shaped by both human activity and natural wonder.

FAQs About Bertha’s Beach, Falkland Islands

How do I get to Bertha’s Beach from Stanley? 

Bertha’s Beach is approximately 10 miles (16 km) southeast of Stanley. It’s best accessed via guided 4x4 tours due to rough terrain and private land permissions.

When is the best time to visit Bertha’s Beach?

The ideal time to visit is between October and March, during the spring and summer months, when penguin activity and chick rearing are at their peak.

Is Bertha’s Beach suitable for families and kids?

Yes, it’s a family-friendly destination! The flat terrain, safe distance wildlife viewing, and beach setting make it a great spot for all ages — especially on guided tours.

Are there facilities or shelters at Bertha’s Beach?

No public facilities exist at the beach itself. Visitors should come with suitable clothing,and be prepared with snacks, sun and water protection. Tours typically provide guidance and support.

Experience Bertha’s Beach With Us

Let our expert local guides lead you through this stunning coastal reserve. Whether you're here for the penguins or the peaceful escape, our Bertha’s Beach wildlife tours deliver an unforgettable experience.