Bertha's Beach

OVERVIEW

Discover a world of indigenous flora and fauna at Bertha’s Beach, including numerous endemic plants and a large colony of Gentoo penguins. To reach this isolated stretch of sand, you will ride through the starkly beautiful flatlands. Stone runs comprised of boulders that have naturally accumulated in stripes are the landscape’s most prominent feature. The flatlands are home to some of the island’s most elusive waterfowl and you may spot dabbling ducks such as Chiloé wigeons and silver teals, whose characteristics the guide will describe. Seeing hundreds of Gentoo penguins that live year-round on Bertha’s Beach will be quite the spectacle, as you will see them close-up. They swim underwater faster than any other bird in the world and can reach speeds up to 22 miles per hour. However, like all penguins they waddle awkwardly on land. You may also spot sea lions and seals resting on the rock-strewn beach.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Ride through the hauntingly beautiful flatlands west of Stanley.
• See stone runs, a geological phenomenon prominent in the flatlands.
• Walk among a colony of hundreds of Gentoo penguins at Bertha’s Beach.
• Look for other birds such as steamer ducks, which are endemic to the Falklands.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.