ABOUT SAUNDERS ISLAND:

Saunders Island (12,400ha, 30,640 acres) is the second largest offshore island in the Falklands and is named after the 18th century British Admiral Sir Charles Saunders. In 1765 it (Port Egmont) was chosen as the first British settlement in the Falkland Islands. Today it is owned by the Pole-Evans family, who run it as a traditional farm (principally for wool) with 6,000 sheep.

It has a complex shape with dramatic scenery, being about 21km (13 miles) from east to west and almost as wide from north-east to south-west. The highest point (457m, 1,462ft) is the summit of Mount Richards.

There are wetlands and permanent lakes, sand dunes and steep cliffs – particularly towards the northern and western coasts. A narrow waist of sand, The Neck, leads to Mount Harston and Elephant Point.

Saunders Island was bought by the Pole-Evans family in 1987 but has been farmed since 1948. The island operates primarily as a sheep farm and possesses 6000 sheep. The resident population is 4 during the winter and 5 in the summer. Saunders Island is open to tourists beginning 15 September and closed after 30 April. These dates coincide with when the wildlife will be visiting Saunders as well. We accommodate families, groups, as well as single travelers.