Bleaker Island

Bleaker Island, first known as Long Island then became Breaker Island after the large waves that crash on the shores. Situated in the south-east of the Falklands’ archipelago it is not bleak at all and, as there is no land of any great height, the highest point Semaphore Hill is just 27 metres (89 feet), it is very easy to explore.

Bleaker is scenically attractive with a stunning long beach known as Sandy Bay. Most of the birdlife can be found on this beach or close by on the ponds. There is a long list of birds to observe.

Gentoo penguins inhabit the north end of Sandy Bay. Heading south from here to an area called Long Gulch will take you past Magellanic penguins in their burrows, crested and striated caracara, skuas, snowy sheathbills, ruddy-headed geese and the prolific upland geese. Two small ponds and the aptly named Big Pond are home to many water-birds including silvery and white-tufted grebes, speckled and silver teal, Chiloe wigeon and black-necked swans. The keen birder will also be looking carefully for that top spot, the flying steamer duck.

At Long Gulch are rockhopper penguins and rock cormorants. Macaroni penguins sometimes blend in to the colony. Over eight thousand pairs of imperial cormorants breed in the main colony towards the centre of the island.

Look out also for grass wrens, tussac birds, pipits, finches and thrushes. Sooty shearwaters and grey-backed storm petrels also breed here.

The small settlement with its luxurious, eco-friendly accommodation is located roughly in the centre of the island and ideally placed to see the best of the wildlife and beaches.

The island is an organic sustainably managed farm, mainly sheep with a small number of cattle. These domestic animals live happily alongside the wildlife and the cattle provide tasty, locally-sourced steaks.

Bleaker Island features on some cruise itineraries.

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