Explore Bertha’s Beach
Bertha’s Beach, located on Fitzroy Farm in East Falkland, is a remarkable destination for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. Named after the shipwrecked barque “Bertha,” this area is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International and is a designated Ramsar site, highlighting its significance as a wetland of international importance.
Wildlife and Natural Features
The beach is a haven for a diverse array of wildlife. Visitors can expect to see Gentoo and Magellanic penguins, South American terns, and the endemic Falkland flightless steamer duck. Keep an eye out for ruddy-headed geese and, if you’re fortunate, Commerson’s and Peale’s dolphins frolicking in the surf. Occasionally, sea lions can be spotted basking along the shore. The area is also rich in plant life, boasting over eighty recorded species, including the rare Dusen’s moonwort fern.
Best Time to Visit
For the best experience, plan your visit between December and February. During this period, the weather is mild, and wildlife activity is at its peak. This time coincides with the breeding season for many species, offering a chance to see young penguins and seals. However, the weather can be unpredictable, so pack clothing suitable for all conditions.
Getting There
Reaching the Falkland Islands requires some planning. The islands are located about 300 miles off the coast of Argentina. Flights are available from major South American cities such as Buenos Aires and Santiago. Once on the islands, you can travel to Bertha’s Beach by domestic flight or ferry. Note that permission for a day excursion must be obtained from the FLH Tourism Development Coordinator, and charges may apply.
Transportation and Accessibility
Public transportation options are limited, so renting a car or joining a guided tour is recommended for exploring the area. Car rentals are available at the main airport and in nearby towns. Alternatively, local tour operators offer transportation and expert guidance to enhance your visit.
Personal Experience and Tips
From Mount Pleasant Airport, it took us approximately 20 minutes to drive to the car park, which is a fair distance from Bertha’s Beach. We walked about 1.5 km to the beach and then a further 4-5 km east along the white sands. The walk was certainly worth it, as we were accompanied by an active waddle of Gentoo Penguins, entertaining and playful in their natural habitat. We were lucky enough to spot a few whales from a distance as well.
The beach itself is beautiful—untouched and peaceful, creating a real sense of solitude. It’s hard to believe that we were less than 1,000 miles from Antarctica! For those planning a visit, I highly recommend taking warm clothing and, most importantly, sensible walking footwear, as this caught out a few people in our group.
One thing to note is that the road we traveled on was not tarmac, which might have contributed to some discomfort. However, we left quickly to avoid disturbing the magnificent creatures that call this place home.
Our day at Bertha’s Beach was made even more special with Rex from Eagle Tours. He is a lovely man, knowledgeable about the Falkland Islands and its history, which enriched our experience. Walking among the penguins was truly amazing and a highlight of our trip.
