Bluff Cove Lagoon
Bluff Cove Lagoon
5
About
The Lagoon on our ranch, Bluff Cove, is home to 3,000 Gentoo Penguins, a growing colony of King Penguins, and an abundance of other spectacular wildlife on a beautiful wilderness beach only reached by our 4x4 vehicles. Home-baking and delicious local flavours are served with live music in the Sea Cabbage Café. The Museum tells the story of Bluff Cove. Our award winning tour is a fabulous combination of Falkland wildlife, heritage and hospitality.
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5.0
306 reviews
Excellent
284
Very good
21
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0
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1
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0
Wendy S
Madison, WI26 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Came via cruise ship. Short van ride to the lagoon with highlights and history given by our driver. There were several hundred penguins, more than visitors! There is also a darling tea/coffee shop with home baked treats and a small gift shop. The owners raise sheep and sell tartan plaid shawls, yarn and pillows made from the local wool. A real Brittish experience so close to Argentina!
Written 14 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MNM1011
Decatur, IL3,081 contributions
Jan 2023
We visited Bluff Cove Lagoon in January 2023. We were picked up by bus at the port and driven directly to the lagoon. (No more 4 wheel drive vehicles.)
As we got off the bus we were virtually in the Gentoo penguin colony. It was amazing! There are little white markers showing where humans could be, but the penguins didn't pay any attention to them and they would walk right up to us with no fear. What an incredible experience! The Gentoos were also dealing with new-born chicks...what lucky timing for us.
There were two Gentoo colonies and one King Penguin colony. It was not as large and the Kings weren't as active, probably because they were nearing the end of their nesting cycle with the first newborn hatched just the day before we arrived.
When you're too cold to continue watching the penguins you walk to the Sea Cabbage Cafe, also located on Bluff Cove. There they offer free coffee, hot chocolate and cake and cookies. Total yum!
This was by far the best excursion we took on our cruise and we highly recommend it!
As we got off the bus we were virtually in the Gentoo penguin colony. It was amazing! There are little white markers showing where humans could be, but the penguins didn't pay any attention to them and they would walk right up to us with no fear. What an incredible experience! The Gentoos were also dealing with new-born chicks...what lucky timing for us.
There were two Gentoo colonies and one King Penguin colony. It was not as large and the Kings weren't as active, probably because they were nearing the end of their nesting cycle with the first newborn hatched just the day before we arrived.
When you're too cold to continue watching the penguins you walk to the Sea Cabbage Cafe, also located on Bluff Cove. There they offer free coffee, hot chocolate and cake and cookies. Total yum!
This was by far the best excursion we took on our cruise and we highly recommend it!
Written 20 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marc Moffatt
Birkenhead, UK34 contributions
Mar 2020
Called Berthas beach when I was there, chicks being hatched in December etc. Gentle slopping beach with rock pools were the chicks practice the swimming skills. Sheep walking amongst them with Johnney rook getting into the act. Gentle surf and dolphins using the breaking waves as a window to get a close look at us, stunning. Beware all the seasons can happen in a day.
Written 11 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moe
Longwood, FL12 contributions
Dec 2019
Bluff Cove is a must see. The penguins come and go to the sea to fish and back to their family. Everything about this visit was exciting, including the sweet tea shack.
Written 6 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oscar Lawrence
1 contribution
Feb 2020
I loved it here. The penguins were gorgeous. The cakes were delicious and the weather wasn't as bad as advertised. The owners, Hattie and Kevin were very nice and make me truly interested in life there. I would happily pay double what was charged for this experience, can not recommend enough to anyone who wants a good experience, wether alone or with a large group.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Danwood11
Schaffhausen, Switzerland54 contributions
Mar 2020
very nice visit at Bluff Cove Lagoon. The King population is small, but guaranteed for great pictures. The coffee shop itself and the sweets are an attraction itself.
Written 23 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sm05060
4,679 contributions
Mar 2020
We took this as an excursion from our cruise ship. We were transported by mini bus to the farm and then taken in small groups across the rough farmland by 4 wheel drive vehicles, a very bumpy ride so I would not suggest it is any good for people with back issues as it can be very jarring. On arrival we were given a safety talk to let us know to stay behind the barriers and not to get close to penguins on the beach. The Penguin rookery was a highlight for us, with so many penguins grouped around and walking up from the water across the beach to the other penguins. After we had seen enough of the penguins we walked up the neach to the small cafe where we had a lovely afternoon tea. A definite must if you are in the area.
Written 13 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy Coombs
North Petherton, UK548 contributions
Mar 2020
We visited Bluff Cove as a ship tour & it was just fantastic, loads of penguins that you could get up close o, and the most amazing cafe and shop down by the cove.
We drove from Stanley in a narrated mini bus trip, then moved into 4 X4's for the remainder of the journey to the cove. The lagoon was beautiful with hundreds of penguins in their natural habitat. The cafe was exceptional, with lovely home made cakes. It was a perfect tour in one of the nicest places I have ever been to (The Falkland Islands).
We drove from Stanley in a narrated mini bus trip, then moved into 4 X4's for the remainder of the journey to the cove. The lagoon was beautiful with hundreds of penguins in their natural habitat. The cafe was exceptional, with lovely home made cakes. It was a perfect tour in one of the nicest places I have ever been to (The Falkland Islands).
Written 5 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiskatom
Upstate New York171 contributions
Feb 2020
I was very impressed by the Kilmartins Bluff Cove farm excursion. We were taken by bus here in a small group. The small group was perfect in that it didn't seem to bother the wildlife's daily life style by hundreds of people fighting to take a picture. We were able wander about without there being dozens of people blocking the view or penguins. Small white flags have been put out as markers not to cross over so as to not disrupt the wildlife's daily routine -wonderful idea! We were able to wander about and just enjoy watching the penguins with the beauty of the surrounding area. There were two different type of penguins there the day we visited -King and Gentoo. There was a siting of a Magellan penguin but we didn't get to see it -wonder why, lol - so many black and whites it probably just mixed right in with the Gentoos. The owner's wife runs the Sea Cabbage Cafe, oh how wonderful it was to come into the cozy cafe for a cup coffee and the choices of homemade sweets. They have a gift shop here that sells many different high quality gifts that are made exclusively for their shop using Falkland Island products. I found beautifully soft woven Falkland Island wool scarfs. I just loved it here and think the owners have done an outrageous job for tourist as well as the wildlife.
Written 25 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sally-copps49
Newcastle and Gateshead, UK712 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Well .... it is really a strange privilege to set foot here ... The weather was in our favour the sun was glorious and hot , the wide skies were amazing .
The Bluff Cove penguin tour was recommended and it was fantastic .
The drivers all locals who are part of this venture , were friendly and informative and so charming ❤️🥰.
It turned out our 4x4 driver Mark ( the last bit if the journey , was a toon supporter , this came to light when he told us about the black and white island cows .
At the cove we were greeted by wardens And volunteers , again such lovely people .
We saw king penguins with chicks and one with an egg incubating . Lots of Gentoo penguins , chicks and youngsters and adults feeding them . And one Magellenic penguin just being there .
It was amazing , the end of the walk has a cafe with a drink and cakes and scones with the islands special jam, wild Diddle dee jam 🤣🤩.
This part of the island is amazingly beautiful, huge skies and open landscapes . I have to say we were exceptionally lucky with the weather , which can completely change in minutes !!!!
Hattie and Kevin Kilmartin have an absolute gem here ; the ownership by themselves and the community is fantastic !
A different local Mary brought us back to the main street , all along anyone we saw was cheerful and friendly .
The community must be praised for the way they have reinvented and set up such a supportive and strong economy and sense of working together , and succeeding .
I would love to visit again and stay on the islands .
And buy some of the stunning tweed , which i cannot find available anywhere else . Thank you Falklands ❤️❤️❤️❤️
The Bluff Cove penguin tour was recommended and it was fantastic .
The drivers all locals who are part of this venture , were friendly and informative and so charming ❤️🥰.
It turned out our 4x4 driver Mark ( the last bit if the journey , was a toon supporter , this came to light when he told us about the black and white island cows .
At the cove we were greeted by wardens And volunteers , again such lovely people .
We saw king penguins with chicks and one with an egg incubating . Lots of Gentoo penguins , chicks and youngsters and adults feeding them . And one Magellenic penguin just being there .
It was amazing , the end of the walk has a cafe with a drink and cakes and scones with the islands special jam, wild Diddle dee jam 🤣🤩.
This part of the island is amazingly beautiful, huge skies and open landscapes . I have to say we were exceptionally lucky with the weather , which can completely change in minutes !!!!
Hattie and Kevin Kilmartin have an absolute gem here ; the ownership by themselves and the community is fantastic !
A different local Mary brought us back to the main street , all along anyone we saw was cheerful and friendly .
The community must be praised for the way they have reinvented and set up such a supportive and strong economy and sense of working together , and succeeding .
I would love to visit again and stay on the islands .
And buy some of the stunning tweed , which i cannot find available anywhere else . Thank you Falklands ❤️❤️❤️❤️
Written 21 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Conni K
Puerto Penasco, Mexico30 contributions
Is it better to see the penguins and activity and in morning of afternoon
carolhas62
Las Vegas, NV4 contributions
Is this a tour through Holland America or on your own?
We took it a few years ago and now it is not listed under HAL
Thanks
MNM1011
Decatur, IL3,081 contributions
We took our tour through Norwegian...who offered it as an excursion.
janepaskhutchings
Newport, UK34 contributions
We are hoping to visit Bluff Cove in March and wondered if I could get away with wearing my old comfortable low heeled leather boots or would walking boots be advisable? (not quite so comfortable) Many thanks
.
Judith W
Philadelphia, PA69 contributions
Wear the comfortable boots!
PennyRand
Dayton, OH2 contributions
Arriving on Princess Cruise Lines on 25 January 2020. Would like to engage your tour services for two adults. Do you have availability?
Ray
Leyland, UK39 contributions
We booked our trip through our cruise company, Hurtigruten, while we were in the Falkland Islands. It says on their website that the only way to book is through your ship.
Martha B
La Canada Flintridge, CA11 contributions
what is the best time of day to see the penquins or does it matter?
Helene H
Seattle, WA16 contributions
I don't think time of day really matters. We visited Bluff Cove and were assigned the 1:00 pm. to 3 p.m. time slot.
You will see penguins no matter the time of day, but some penguins will be more likely around than others depending on the time of year. ...there are the gentoos, the King's, and even Rockhoppers.
We did not see any Rockhoppers. As mentioned in my review, the most important thing is to sign up for two Penguin excursions if you are going by cruise ship itinerary. That is because it is not unusual for a port to be cancelled due to weather/high waves.
And you must sign up months and months in advance as those excursions sell out rapidly.
Hi Susan, how did you book the tour. Was it through the cruiseship? The Bluff Cove website describes the tour but I couldn't find any way to book it through them. Thanks. --Carol Banks
Lindy011
Maidstone6 contributions
Can anyone tell me how difficult is the journey. The cruise team say it is not suitable for people with back, hip or neck problems. I have osteoarthritis and would be very disappointed if I could not do this trip. Can anyone enlighten me please? Thank you
John W
Okeechobee, FL134 contributions
They are in the process of extending the paved road. It should be completed by next season (December to March).
blebleu
Alpine, TX8 contributions
HI. It looks like this tour is only available to book through the ship. Is that correct?
Thanks,
Brenda
SteveandAnu
Victoria, Canada62 contributions
Yes, that’s true. I contacted them directly to try and arrange a more economical tour, but not possible.
Robert L
16 contributions
Are you available on Monday, April 1 for a party of four coming off of the Sirena? If so, what is the cost per person for the excursion?
Hi, Was this tour done through private booking? I am looking to book it outside cruise line as their tours are full.
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Claim your listingBLUFF COVE LAGOON: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Bluff Cove Lagoon
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