The Neck

For the true wildlife lover, the cabin at The Neck offers the ideal viewing experience. Approximately a one-hour drive via Land Rover(10 miles) from the Saunders Island settlement, this refreshingly isolated cabin is rustic yet comfortable, making it the perfect place to escape from the pressures of urban life.

The sound of waves rolling into shore will lull you to sleep, and you'll wake to see dawn breaking over the Falklands. Spend your days here exploring the wild landscape and reveling in the abundance of birdlife--Black-browed albatross, Gentoo, Rockhopper, and Magellanic penguins, King and Rock cormorants, and Black-necked swans, to name a few.

The living area is equipped with gas cooker, heater and a gas water heater. The bathroom has a bath and WC, but no shower. All bedding, bed linen, towels, crockery and cooking utensils are provided. Accommodation is completely self-catering; travelers may purchase basic food supplies at the store in the settlement, or make advance arrangements for pre-prepared meals from Stanley.

It should be noted that this accommodation is quite isolated, and you may not see anyone else from when you are dropped off until early morning on the day of your departure.

The Neck Cabin Amenities
* 2 quadruple bedrooms (2 bunk beds in each)
* Shared bathroom
* Shared kitchen/seating area
* Self-catering accommodation only (travelers can buy provisions in the small settlement store or arrange for meals to be provided from Stanley)
* Gas-fired cooker, hot water, and heater
* All bed linen, towels, crockery and cooking utensils supplied
* Electricity supplied by solar panels; no electric sockets (if needed, travelers can rent a converter for charging batteries)

The Neck's Surroundings
However the attraction to the wildlife enthusiast is undoubtedly the Black-browed albatross colony which stretches along the north coast from The Neck, so named because it is a narrow sandy isthmus between two high parts of the island. The northern beach is covered in stunning white sand pounded by majestic surf and is home to all of the penguin and bird species listed above.

In addition to the abundant wildlife right on your doorstep, there are some enjoyable longer walks from the Neck for those with more time at their disposal. Elephant seals can usually be seen at Elephant Point which is the furthest point of the island from the settlement. Small pools just inland from elephant Point are home to a variety of wildfowl and the odd visiting specie from the South American mainland. Care should be taken when walking as there are many magellanic penguin and rabbit burrows in the area.

Mount Hartson (the highest point on the island at 436 m), west of the Neck, provides great views across to Carcass and West Point Islands, and even to the Jason Islands on a very clear day.

Saunders Island
This 30,000 acre island, situated about three miles off the north west coast of West Falkland, is still an active sheep farm and is important historically for being the site of the first British settlement in 1765. It is one of the Falklands supreme wildlife sites, with Gentoo, Rockhopper, Magellanic and rare sighting of Macaroni and Chinstrap penguins. Since 1980 a small breeding colony of King penguins has become established. Four species of raptors, King and Rock cormorants, Black-necked swans and many other shorebirds are easily accessible from the settlement or at the many and varied wildlife ‘hotspots' around the island.

The wildlife colonies continue along the north coast to Rookery Mountain. The “shower” formed by fresh water running down over the cliff and used by the Rockhopper penguins to preen their feathers makes for great photographs.

On rare occasions Fin and Sei Whales have been seen off the island. In all cases amazing photo opportunities abound, and Saunders Island is the perfect place to escape from the pressures of urban life.