Port William

Port William is a natural inlet on the east coast of East Falkland, comprising several connected bays such as Gypsy Cove and Yorke Bay. The waters form a sheltered system with a passage to Stanley Harbour and function as protected anchorages for vessels.

The inlet was first charted by French cartographer Dom Pernety in 1769, establishing its strategic maritime role. Following the Falklands War, mine removal operations cleared the waters, with the final mine recovered in November 2020.

The name reflects British colonial ties to the area during maritime exploration. Today, visitors notice the sheltered anchorage serves as a gateway to wildlife and penguin colonies south of Stanley.

Visitors can best explore the inlet from land by following walking routes around Gypsy Cove and Yorke Bay. The areas are relatively accessible, but weather changes quickly, so preparation for varying conditions is important.

North of the inlet sits Kidney Island, a destination with notable wildlife that receives fewer visitors than neighboring areas. Its location between Stanley Harbour and the airport creates a strategic spot for nature watching off the main travel routes.

Location: Falkland Islands

GPS coordinates: -51.66700,-57.78600

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:04