Port information & tips for Saunders Island
Saunders Island is a pristine natural paradise in the northwest of the Falkland Islands and enchants visitors with its wild, original beauty. The atmosphere is characterized by wide, white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, and a globally unique biodiversity that can be experienced in full glory thanks to its seclusion. Outstanding highlights include the narrow strip of sand known as The Neck, with its huge colonies of King and Rockhopper penguins, as well as the historic site of Port Egmont, the first British settlement in the archipelago. As Saunders Island does not have a traditional harbor, landings are made flexibly by Zodiac directly onto the beach or at the small jetty of the Saunders Settlement. From this landing point, travelers reach the spectacular wildlife hotspots immediately and enjoy the infinite expanse of the subantarctic landscape.
Saunders Island in the Falkland Islands is a remote and pristine natural paradise that is visited exclusively as a port of call during expedition cruises. For guests from the DACH region, the journey therefore begins with travel to a South American embarkation port, as Saunders Island itself does not have a passenger terminal for embarkation and the island is accessed from the cruise ship via Zodiac or tender boat.
Airplane
Travel to the most common embarkation ports for Falkland and Antarctic cruises is via international airports in South America, such as Ushuaia (USH) in Argentina, Buenos Aires (EZE), or Santiago de Chile (SCL) for the port of Valparaíso. Direct flights from the DACH region to South America are rare; connecting flights via European or North American hubs are usually required. Flight times to Ushuaia can exceed 16 hours, including layovers, making forward planning advisable. Major airlines serving these routes include LATAM Airlines and Aerolíneas Argentinas to Ushuaia, as well as various airlines such as American Airlines, United, and Lufthansa (via partners) to Buenos Aires and Santiago.
Transfer & Shuttle
Comfortable transfer options are available from the airport to the respective cruise port. Ushuaia Airport (USH) is located only about 4-5 kilometers from the cruise port. Taxis and private transfer services are recommended and frequently available to take you quickly and directly to your ship. From Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, there is also a variety of private transfer services to the cruise terminal, allowing for a stress-free journey. For arrivals in Santiago de Chile (SCL) for embarkation in Valparaíso, which is around 130 kilometers away, a private transfer or a bus transfer organized by the cruise line is recommended to make the approximately 70-minute journey comfortable.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights to South America and the possibility of flight delays, arriving at least one day before the scheduled embarkation is highly recommended. An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in the embarkation city – whether it be Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, or Santiago/Valparaíso – ensures a relaxed start to your expedition. Many hotels in these cities are geared towards cruise guests and often offer special packages or transfers to the port, allowing you to reach your ship well-rested and on time.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Saunders Island in the Falkland Islands is a remote and pristine natural paradise that is visited exclusively as a port of call during expedition cruises. For guests from the DACH region, the journey therefore begins with travel to a South American embarkation port, as Saunders Island itself does not have a passenger terminal for embarkation and the island is accessed from the cruise ship via Zodiac or tender boat.
Airplane
Travel to the most common embarkation ports for Falkland and Antarctic cruises is via international airports in South America, such as Ushuaia (USH) in Argentina, Buenos Aires (EZE), or Santiago de Chile (SCL) for the port of Valparaíso. Direct flights from the DACH region to South America are rare; connecting flights via European or North American hubs are usually required. Flight times to Ushuaia can exceed 16 hours, including layovers, making forward planning advisable. Major airlines serving these routes include LATAM Airlines and Aerolíneas Argentinas to Ushuaia, as well as various airlines such as American Airlines, United, and Lufthansa (via partners) to Buenos Aires and Santiago.
Transfer & Shuttle
Comfortable transfer options are available from the airport to the respective cruise port. Ushuaia Airport (USH) is located only about 4-5 kilometers from the cruise port. Taxis and private transfer services are recommended and frequently available to take you quickly and directly to your ship. From Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires, there is also a variety of private transfer services to the cruise terminal, allowing for a stress-free journey. For arrivals in Santiago de Chile (SCL) for embarkation in Valparaíso, which is around 130 kilometers away, a private transfer or a bus transfer organized by the cruise line is recommended to make the approximately 70-minute journey comfortable.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flights to South America and the possibility of flight delays, arriving at least one day before the scheduled embarkation is highly recommended. An overnight stay in a pre-cruise hotel in the embarkation city – whether it be Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, or Santiago/Valparaíso – ensures a relaxed start to your expedition. Many hotels in these cities are geared towards cruise guests and often offer special packages or transfers to the port, allowing you to reach your ship well-rested and on time.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the latest announcements and the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Landings on Saunders Island are conveniently made by expedition boats, providing direct access to the spectacular nature of this private island.
Expedition Boats (Zodiacs)
The transfer from the ship to the shore takes place in agile Zodiacs, offering great opportunities for spotting seabirds while still on the water. These boats bring you safely to the shallow beaches or small landing stages of the settlement.
Off-Road Vehicle Transfers
Local island drivers offer trips in robust off-road vehicles, taking you directly to distant highlights such as the Neck or the Rookery. These transfers allow for a comfortable journey through the wild landscape to the large penguin colonies and save time for wildlife observation on-site.
On Foot
The immediate surroundings of the settlement and the adjacent coastal sections can be wonderfully explored on a hike. You can reach the first viewpoints and breeding grounds in just a few minutes, enjoying the freedom and complete tranquility of the island's untouched nature.
To fully enjoy the untouched nature of Saunders Island, it is recommended to focus on the spectacular wildlife colonies as well as the island's historic coastal sections.
The Neck
This iconic white sand beach connects two parts of the island and is a true paradise for nature observers thanks to its resident colonies of King and Gentoo penguins; at the same time, the gentle waves often provide the opportunity to spot playful dolphins directly in the bay.
The Settlement
The island's charming main settlement offers travelers an authentic insight into traditional Falkland Islands farm life thanks to its location, and is also an ideal starting point to experience the peaceful atmosphere and the warm hospitality of the island owners.
Port Egmont
As the site of the first British settlement from 1765, this historic destination impresses with its sheltered location and is perfectly suited for an excursion into the region's colonial past thanks to the remaining ruins and memorials.
The Neck
The picturesque white sandy beach "The Neck" is easily accessible after a short landing with the ship's own Zodiacs and offers cruise guests a globally unique backdrop of untouched nature and fascinating wildlife. Thanks to its immediate proximity to colonies of King, Gentoo, and Rockhopper penguins, as well as elegant Black-browed albatrosses, you can enjoy an exclusive nature experience in a peaceful atmosphere directly on the South Atlantic. Ideally, take the first available tender boat in the morning to observe the busy activity of the penguins in the best light, and plan your stay so that you arrive back at the landing site relaxed and in good time before departure.
The return journey to the landing site on Saunders Island is safe and well-coordinated, thanks to the excellent organization of the expedition team and the local island family. Since the island has no urban infrastructure, transport takes place directly via natural paths to the respective beach section.
Off-Road Shuttle
For longer distances from sights such as The Neck back to the landing site, robust four-wheel drive vehicles are available. These shuttles are driven by the local farm owners and, thanks to their off-road capability, will bring you punctually and comfortably across the unpaved tracks to the meeting point on the shore.
Zodiacs and Tender Boats
The actual return journey to the ship takes place using the ship's own Zodiacs or tender boats directly from the sandy beach. Departure times are closely coordinated with the daily program, and the expedition team assists you at the shore with easy boarding for a quick crossing.
On Foot
In the immediate vicinity of the settlement or the colonies near the beach, simply walk back to the landing stage via the marked grass paths. The clear landscape and the prominent coastline serve as excellent landmarks and allow you a relaxed walk back to the ship.
