Volunteer Point is also home to numerous Gentoo and Magellanic penguins and a large variety of other birdlife, as well as boasting a long white sand-beach on which you can occasionally find a Sea Lion lurking.
The tour is usually around 6 to 6.5 hours in total, which includes two hours of travel in each direction. For cruise ships that are in port for less than 8 hours, the amount of time actually spent at Volunteer Point can be reduced to still allow you the opportunity to visit this beautiful location with its amazing wildlife.
The first hour of your journey, from the pier where you come ashore, to the privately owned Johnson’s Harbour farm of which Volunteer Point is a part, is on gravel roads. Upon reaching Johnson’s Harbour we then travel off-road for the remaining 12 miles to Volunteer Point. This ‘track’ is bumpy with the vehicle rocking from side to side often as we cross the land.
All of our drivers who double as your guide during the journey are extremely experienced at off-road driving, and many spent their childhood on farms learning to drive at a very young age. They all own their own vehicles, usually 4×4 Land Rovers, are fully insured, and carry four passengers each.
During the journey your driver will answer any questions that you may have, and tell you about sites and features on the way. Part of the gravel road on which you will travel passes beside the mountains made famous during the Liberation of the Falklands from the invading Argentinian forces in 1982. You will also see many of the unusual natural rock formations called Stone Runs.
Upon arriving at Volunteer Point your driver will advise you of any areas in which you may not walk, tell you your departure time, and provide you with your light packed lunch. You are then free to wander and photograph the amazing wildlife this location has to offer. You are asked to remain 6m from all wildlife at all times so as to not cause them any undue disturbance. There are Wardens in high visibility clothing positioned around the sand beach and penguin rookeries that can answer any questions that you may have at the time. These Wardens are also there to ensure that you do unintentionally get too close to the wildlife or enter areas that you are not permitted to. Please listen to their advice when given.
The penguins particularly the chicks are curious by nature and will often approach you if you sit quietly observing them. The area of Volunteer Point itself is fairly flat and easy walking and the car park is very close to the penguins.
Whilst our drivers make every effort to drive carefully and make your journey as smooth as possible, please bear in mind that due to the long grass covering much of the off-road section of the track, it is not always possible to see every hole and bump. If you have a back or neck injury this is not the tour for you.
Dressing in layers is always best so that you can add or remove layers depending on the conditions on the day, and if possible bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain showers. Additional bags, jackets etc can be left safely in the vehicles. The winds can be chilling so hats and gloves are always a good idea. Flat footwear, such as trainers, or light walking shoes/boots are advised. Restrooms are available at Volunteer Point as is a small room with a gas heater to warm up in should you get cold.
Time permitting, upon our return to Stanley your driver will give you a short tour of the town pointing out the highlights before dropping you off at the pier where we met you in the morning, or alternatively at a location of your choosing – Museum, gift shops, pub etc – all very close and within easy walking distance of the pier.
If you have any questions, or would like to enquire about prices and bookings, please get in touch via our contact form.
Volunteer Point is also home to numerous Gentoo and Magellanic penguins and a large variety of other birdlife, as well as boasting a long white sand-beach on which you can occasionally find a Sea Lion lurking.
The tour compromises two hours of travel in each direction and up to 4 hours at Volunteer Point itself. The first hour of your journey from your accommodation in Stanley to the privately owned Johnson’s Harbour farm of which Volunteer Point is a part, is on gravel roads. Upon reaching Johnson’s Harbour we then travel off-road for the remaining 12 miles to Volunteer Point. This ‘track’ is a little bumpy, and after rainfall can be wet adding a little travelling time, but is certainly nothing like the images often portrayed of off-roading on television.
All of our drivers who double as your guide during the journey are extremely experienced at off-road driving, and many spent their childhood on farms learning to drive at a very young age. They all own their own vehicles, usually 4×4 Land Rovers, are fully insured, and carry up to four passengers each.
During the journey your driver will answer any questions that you may have, and tell you about sites and features on the way. Part of the gravel road on which you will travel passes beside the mountains made famous during the Liberation of the Falklands from the invading Argentinian forces in 1982. You will also pass by our farm Estancia, and see many of the unusual natural rock formations called Stone Runs.
Upon arriving at Volunteer Point your driver will advise you of any areas in which you may not walk, and tell you your departure time. You are then free to wander and photograph the amazing wildlife this location has to offer. You are asked to remain 6m from all wildlife at all times so as to not cause them any undue disturbance.
Whilst our drivers make every effort to drive carefully and make your journey as smooth as possible, please bear in mind that due to the long ‘whitegrass’ covering much of the off-road section of the track, it is not always possible to see every hole and bump, and ask that if you have a back or neck injury, that you understand the risks involved.
Dressing in layers is always best so that you can add or remove layers depending on the conditions on the day, and if possible bring a waterproof jacket in case of rain showers. The winds can be chilling so hats and gloves are always a good idea. Flat footwear, such as trainers, or light walking shoes/boots are advised. Restrooms are available at Volunteer Point as is a small room with a gas heater to warm up in should you get cold.
If you have any questions, or would like to enquire about prices and bookings, please get in touch via our contact page. Restrooms are available at Volunteer Point.
