West Point Island

West Point is a small island off the northwestern corner of West Falkland whose main draw is a colony on the cliffs at the Devil's Nose, where black-browed albatross and rockhopper penguins nest interleaved among tussac grass on a steep slope above the sea. The walk out from the settlement takes around forty minutes across the island. Striated caracaras patrol the colony constantly.

What you actually see

• The Devil's Nose - the cliff where albatross and rockhoppers nest together.
• The mixed colony - two species interleaved among tussac on the same slope.
• The striated caracaras - the aggressive raptors working the colony edges.
• The walk across - around forty minutes from the settlement to the cliffs.

When to go

October to March is the breeding season. Albatross are on eggs and chicks through that period. Winter has almost nothing and no regular access.

Honest expectations

Most visitors arrive by cruise ship and the site is crowded on those days. The walk is exposed and the wind on the cliff is severe. Accommodation on the island is minimal.

Nearby

Carcass Island is north, and Saunders is northeast.