Cape Bougainville
A remote northeastern headland on East Falkland with cliffs and a rockhopper colony.
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Cape Bougainville is a headland on the northeastern corner of East Falkland where cliffs drop into the sea and a rockhopper penguin colony nests on the ledges with imperial shags alongside. The drive from Stanley runs several hours over rough tracks across camp. It is named for the French navigator whose 1764 expedition made the first European settlement in the islands at Port Louis. The Fanny Cove and Kelp Harbour ground nearby carries further colonies, and the whole stretch of coast is worth the drive rather than the cape alone.
What you actually see
- The cliff colony - rockhoppers and imperial shags on the ledges.
- The headland - the cliffs on East Falkland's northeastern corner.
- The drive across camp - several hours over rough tracks to reach it.
- The Bougainville name - the navigator who founded the first settlement in 1764.
When to go
October to March is the breeding season. Rockhoppers leave by April. Winter tracks become impassable and there is nothing to see.
Honest expectations
The drive takes several hours over rough tracks and needs four wheel drive and local knowledge. Permission from the landowner is required. There are no facilities anywhere near.
Nearby
Port Louis is southwest, and Stanley is south.
What to pack for Cape Bougainville
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.