Port Lockroy

A former British base built in 1944, Port Lockroy is located on Goudier Island near the Antarctic Peninsula

Port Lockroy

Region: Antarctica

Destinations: Antarctic Peninsula

The people and penguins of Port Lockroy

Port Lockroy is a former Antarctic base located along a scenic bay on Goudier Island, southwest of Wiencke Island, near the Antarctic Peninsula. French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot discovered the bay after which the facility is named during his 1903―1905 expedition, naming Port Lockroy after the politician who helped finance his expedition.

This site is managed by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust and has a thriving population of breeding gentoo penguins. Port Lockroy is perhaps most known for being the site of the world’s most southerly post office, known as the Penguin Post Office.

Port Lockroy, Station A, and Operation Tabarin

During World War II, British forces established Station A at the site of the current Port Lockroy facility, though the base was not meant to be built here at all. The original location was intended to be Hope Bay, but ice prevented British personnel from landing there. The secret British expedition that established Port Lockroy’s Station A was known as Operation Tabarin.

0 photo

Picture by Esther Kokmeijer

Seeing Port Lockroy for yourself

Port Lockroy offers visitors much to enjoy: a well-preserved site that is home to the planet’s southernmost operational post office, a small museum, a well-supplied gift shop, and a number of breeding gentoo penguins who call the area home.

The site is also of varied historical significance. In addition to being associated with Operation Tabarin, the building where Port Lockroy’s post office now operates was the starting point for what later became the British Antarctic Survey.

1 photo

Picture by Sandra Petrowitz

Even so, it is important that expectations are realistic when visiting Port Lockroy. The area’s breeding seabirds mean there are many restrictions in place, and landings in the area do require some agility owing to the rocky terrain at the landing point.

Also, only a limited number of guests can enter the Port Lockroy building at one time. This is monitored by staff, and often there is a queue. This means our time here is relatively short, and to allow all guests to experience this location, we usually combine our Port Lockroy landings with Zodiac cruises or landings at nearby Jougla Point.

2 photo

Picture by Sara Jenner

Main image by unknown photographer

Related cruises

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle
Up to $8450 OFF

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle

20 Feb - 14 Mar, 2025

Tripcode: HDS29-25

This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.

Go to cruise page

from: 10000 USD

Antarctica - Whale watching discovery and learning voyage
Up to $2500 OFF

Antarctica - Whale watching discovery and learning voyage

14 Mar - 23 Mar, 2025

Tripcode: HDS30-25

  • EN

This Antarctic Peninsula cruise delivers you into a landscape of rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and penguins.

Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica - Photographic Special

22 Oct - 11 Nov, 2025

Tripcode: OTL21-25

A cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. This journey will introduce you to at least 6 species of penguin and a whole lot of Antarctic fur seals!

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

17 Nov - 27 Nov, 2025

Tripcode: HDS22-25

This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins.

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

27 Nov - 16 Dec, 2025

Tripcode: PLA23-25

  • EN

This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.

Loading