Port Stanley: Volunteer Point vs. Bluff Canyon Lagoon

[Lvntrvl]

We are debating between the ship's tour to Bluff Canyon Lagoon and a private tour to Volunteer Point. Any suggestions and feedback are appreciated.

[joetop2467]

We were just at Volunteer Point a few days ago from the Sapphire Princess. If you have any possible way to go there, please do. It’s amazing. Check out Shaun Jaffray. He’s $200 compared to over $400 with the cruise ship. There are hundreds of King Penguins there.  

[cccole]

I cannot comment on the above tours but I can comment on our tour with Adrian at Kidney Cove Tours.  There were only 4 of us.  His ranch begins about 45 minutes from Port Stanley and besides the beautiful scenery we saw 4 species of penguins close up.  Adrian was a great guide and made sure we had a good time.  We did this tour in January.  Cherie  

[Lvntrvl]

I appreciate the above comments. My heart tells me to go to Volunteer Point, but my wallet is leaning towards Bluff Canyon Reserve (significant cruiseline discount). Thank you.

[SFCAcruiser]

18 hours ago, Lvntrvl said:

I appreciate the above comments. My heart tells me to go to Volunteer Point, but my wallet is leaning towards Bluff Canyon Reserve (significant cruiseline discount). Thank you.

 

You probably already know this, but as a reminder to others..... cruise ships frequently cancel their port stops at the Falklands due to weather concerns. I did the research and evaluated options, but was disappointed our stop got cancelled one day in advance. It is important to make sure you will not be charged, or will at least get a full refund, if the cruise cancels that port call. 

[Mercruiser]

We just completed a tour to Volunteer Point with Estancia Excursions. The cost was $200 USD, in cash, on arrival. They do not require a deposit, and you don't lose any money if the port call is canceled.

 

http://estancia-excursions.com/tour/volunteer-point/

 

When we arrived in Stanley on the very first tender, we were immediately whisked away with one other couple to Volunteer point. They use Toyota Land Cruisers and Range Rovers. So it's only two couples. We didn't have to wait for other people on later tenders. The later folks went on later vehicles. It was very time efficient.

[Mercruiser]

See my penguin photos here:

 

 

[JoRoy218]

We are on the Sapphire right now. Fortunately she made it into Stanley two days ago. We reserved a spot with Shaun Jaffray (to Volunteer Point) as mentioned above, two years ago. It was an outstanding excursion. First off, he requests no deposit up front because many ships have to cancel Stanley visit due to harsh weather in this area. Re: waiting for large crowds, our group was made up of 14 Land Rovers (4 people in each) and they travelled the same trail to and from. There was no hold up waiting for others. Caution: 50% of the ride to and from was VERY rough grass/dirt trails with frequent jarring potholes. Those with chronic neck or back issues may regret the 2 hrs each way. On a positive note, there were hundreds of King Penguins, along with Gentoo. The Volunteers present remind the visitors about respecting these beautiful animals.

Another more reasonable tour though fewer penguins to be observed, is using the local bus to Gypsy Cove, $20 each way.  
It was a magical day! The town of Stanley is cute as well.

[Liz Masterson]

On 2/19/2024 at 6:00 PM, cccole said:

I cannot comment on the above tours but I can comment on our tour with Adrian at Kidney Cove Tours.  There were only 4 of us.  His ranch begins about 45 minutes from Port Stanley and besides the beautiful scenery we saw 4 species of penguins close up.  Adrian was a great guide and made sure we had a good time.  We did this tour in January.  Cherie  

Thank yo Cherie,

 

Can you go into specifics about what kind of vehicles you were in and on what types of roads for how long? My friend was worried about the longer trip to Volunteer Point. They are considering this one because it appears to be shorter. 

 

How far do you travel until you see the penguins? 

 

I've already booked... because rockhopper penguins are there and I find their comical eyebrows and antics irresistible. 🙂

 

[cccole]

Hi Liz,  I can't remember the exact times but will try.  Adrian met us at the tender port and we went in a  5 passenger Land Rover (I think a LR) to begin our adventure.  It was about 15 minutes on a tar road to the entrance to his farm.  After taking care of financial details we then began the tour to see penguins.  I think it was about an hour to our first penguins, the rock hoppers.  The drive thru the property is fabulous, and I had never known of glacier rock fields.  There are a couple stops with the rock hoppers, and they are so "comical".  The babies are also adorable.  One of my favorite stops was going to the beach with the King penguins.  It was amazing.  I have so many photos and videos.  I do not remember what time we returned to Stanley, but we enjoyed lunch at a restaurant prior to taking a tender back to the ship.  We chose not to travel 2 hrs each way to Volunteer Point and are so happy we chose Kidney Cove Tours.  While driving around the property it was great.  Let me know if you have other questions or would like any photos.  You'll have a great adventure with Adrian.  Cherie

[cccole]

Liz Masterson - I hope you saw my reply to your post.  Cherie

[Liz Masterson]

5 minutes ago, cccole said:

Liz Masterson - I hope you saw my reply to your post.  Cherie

Yes! Thank you. I have booked and someone else on our cruise is considering it as well. It seems like a less intense excursion than Volunteer Point. Adian told my friend he thought her husband's mild back issue would be fine and he tries to go as gently as he can. And I like that it is a bit shorter. I love the look of those silly rockhoppers. 🙂