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.
