Discover Yorke Bay: A Hidden Gem for Penguin Lovers in the Falkland Islands

If you're planning a visit to the Falkland Islands, there's one destination you won’t want to miss — Yorke Bay. Just 9 miles from Port Stanley, this breathtaking white-sand beach is home to over 400 Gentoo penguins, along with a variety of birdlife and occasional dolphin sightings. Whether you're arriving by cruise or visiting independently, Yorke Bay is one of the most accessible and rewarding wildlife experiences in the Falklands.

In this blog, we'll cover why Yorke Bay is a must-visit, what you can expect on a tour, and how you can make the most of your time with Premium Penguin Tours — a local tour company offering small-group guided trips to this incredible site.

🗺️ Where is Yorke Bay?

Yorke Bay is located just 9.3 miles (about 15 km) northeast of Port Stanley, the capital of the Falkland Islands. It’s a quick 24-minute drive from the port, making it a perfect short excursion for cruise ship visitors or day-trippers.

After parking, there's a gentle 8-minute walk along a sandy path to reach the Gentoo penguin colony, set against a backdrop of dunes, wild grasses, and crashing waves.

🐧 What Makes Yorke Bay Special?

Yorke Bay is more than just a beach — it’s a thriving Gentoo penguin breeding ground and an evolving wildlife hotspot that’s grown in popularity among visitors from around the world. Here's why it's so remarkable:

✅ Large Gentoo Penguin Colony

From November to December, over 400 Gentoo penguins breed and raise their chicks at Yorke Bay. You can often observe their unique behaviors — nest building, feeding, preening, and even clumsy waddling runs back to the sea.

✅ Bonus Penguin Sightings

While Gentoo penguins are the stars of the show, a few King penguins are occasionally spotted in the area during December and January, adding a surprise element to your visit.

✅ Birdwatcher’s Paradise

The area around Yorke Bay is teeming with birdlife:

• Upland geese

• Oystercatchers

• Turkey vultures

• Steamer ducks

You don't need binoculars — many birds can be seen close to the trail or shoreline.

✅ Commerson’s Dolphins

These rare black-and-white dolphins often make appearances in the shallow waters near the beach. If you’re lucky, you might catch them surfing waves or playfully leaping close to shore.

🚐 Getting There with Premium Penguin Tours

At Premium Penguin Tours, we offer a dedicated 2-hour tour to Yorke Bay, designed with cruise ship guests and short-stay travelers in mind. You'll ride comfortably in a modern 17-seater minibus with a friendly local guide, providing insight into the island’s wildlife, history, and natural environment.

🌟 Tour Highlights:

• Return transport from Port Stanley (approx. 24 minutes each way)

• Short 8-minute walk to the penguin colony

• Breathtaking views of the white sand beach

• Photography stop at the Lady Liz Shipwreck along the way

  
  

This is one of the most time-efficient and photo-worthy tours available in the Falklands.

🕒 When is the Best Time to Visit Yorke Bay?

📆 Penguin Breeding Season

• November to December: Active Gentoo breeding and chick hatching

• December to January: Possible sightings of King penguins

🐬 Dolphin Sightings

• Commerson’s dolphins are most commonly seen in summer months (December–March)

This seasonal activity makes November to February the ideal window for wildlife lovers planning a trip to the Falklands.

📸 Photography Tips for Yorke Bay

• Bring a zoom lens: While the penguins may be close, a zoom lens helps capture natural behavior without disturbing them.

• Use a polarizing filter: Reduces glare on the white sand and ocean.

• Shoot during morning or late afternoon: Softer light and less shadow.

• Be respectful: Always stay on the marked path and keep your distance — let the wildlife come to you!

📚 A Bit of Yorke Bay History

While now a peaceful tourist destination, Yorke Bay has a complex past. For years it was closed off due to landmines left during the 1982 conflict. In 2020, the area was officially declared landmine-free, and it's since opened as a safe, welcoming, and stunning destination for both locals and tourists.

The drive to Yorke Bay also passes one of Stanley’s most striking visual reminders of history — the rusted skeleton of the Lady Liz shipwreck, a great spot for photos and maritime storytelling.

👫 Who is this Tour For?

• Cruise ship passengers with limited time on shore

• Wildlife photographers and birdwatchers

• Families and couples seeking a scenic, peaceful activity

• Visitors who want to avoid off-road travel

• Anyone looking for a memorable yet relaxing experience

🔗 Book Your Tour to Yorke Bay Today

At Premium Penguin Tours, we’re proud to offer one of the most accessible, affordable, and unforgettable wildlife tours in the Falkland Islands. Our Yorke Bay tour is ideal for all ages and is frequently ranked by guests as a top highlight of their cruise.

We handle the logistics — all you have to do is bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and sense of adventure.

👉 Ready to visit Yorke Bay?📩 Email: info@premiumpenguintours-falklandislands.com📞 Phone: +500 51030