Base-A Port Lockroy

The Base-A Port Lockroy geocache (GC4TM62) sits in one of the most extreme and isolated environments in the world: on Goudier Island, in Antarctica. Its main peculiarity is having obtained special permission from Geocaching HQ to be hidden indoors, protecting it from the violent winds and colossal snowstorms that would demand far too much maintenance. It takes the form of a yellow box tucked inside “Base A”, a former British research station turned museum and post office run by the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust. Given its legendary status among players worldwide, this cache now has its tribute geocoin on geocoins.io.

Despite its inhospitable location, it holds the record for the most found geocache on the entire Antarctic continent, with 216 validated finds up to the 2019-2020 season. It was crowned geocache of the week in December 2022, in recognition of the exceptional spirit of adventure it demands.

Geocachers' accounts illustrate the local logistics perfectly. Passengers on the largest expedition ships, for instance, are not always allowed to land on the small island. Some describe having to coordinate with the staff of the Port Lockroy post office so that they would exceptionally bring the cache aboard their vessel, letting them finally sign the famous logbook. For explorers lucky enough to set foot ashore, the search takes a more sociable turn: the cache page states firmly that you must not go rummaging yourself. You simply present yourself at the counter and ask the postal staff for the box — they know about the game and gladly play along.