Bertha's Beach
A long white sand beach on East Falkland's south coast, backed by a wetland reserve.
Updated 3 September 2026
Bertha's Beach runs for several kilometres along East Falkland's south coast, white sand backed by dunes and a wetland that is a designated Ramsar site, with gentoo penguins coming ashore along the beach and waders working the pools behind. Commerson's dolphins are seen in the surf regularly. It is one of the few beaches in the islands reachable on a made road. The wetland behind it was designated under the Ramsar convention in 2001, one of two such sites in the islands.
Highlights
- The white sand - several kilometres of beach on the south coast.
- The gentoo colony - penguins coming ashore along the beach.
- The Ramsar wetland - the ponds behind the dunes and their waders.
- The Commerson's dolphins - the small dolphins regularly seen in the surf.
When to go
October to March is the penguin breeding season. Waders are present through the summer. Winter is bleak and the beach empty of wildlife.
Practical notes
The water is far too cold for swimming at any time of year. There are no facilities of any kind. Wind on the exposed beach is constant.
Nearby
Mount Pleasant is north, and Stanley is northeast.
What to pack for Bertha's Beach
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry clothing - Board shorts or synthetics that shrug off spray and dry fast. Find on Amazon
- Binoculars - The single best wildlife tool - even a compact pair transforms a sighting. Find on Amazon
- Loose, light, long clothing - Covering up beats bare skin in the desert - and locals dress this way for a reason. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
