29. Damoy Point

29.Damoy Point

64º49´00´´S, 63º31´00´´W

Dorian Bay, Wiencke Island

Latest Revision: 2026

Key Features

-Historic British and Argentine field huts
-Gentoo penguin colony
-Glacial scenery

Description

TOPOGRAPHY

Damoy Point is a rocky isthmus off the west coast of Wiencke Island, Antarctic Peninsula.

FAUNA

Confirmed breeders: Antarctic tern, Gentoo penguin, Kelp gull, Subantarctic Skua.

Also present: Crabeater Seal, Fur seal, Leopard seal, Weddell seal.

FLORA

5 species of lichen and 3 species of moss have been reported from Damoy Point, in addition to the common green alga Prasiola crispa.

OTHER

Damoy Hut is designated as Historic Site and Monument No. 84. It sits approximately 100 metres from the shoreline of Dorian Bay. The hut was established by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) in November 1975 and was used as a transit station for BAS staff and stores to be flown south from the skiway on the glacier above the hut to Rothera Research Station when sea ice prevented access by ship. It was last occupied by BAS in 1993.
The Bahía Dorian hut was established by the Argentine Navy on February 23rd, 1953. It sits in very close proximity to the British Hut and covers an area of c. 12 square metres. The hut has been used as an emergency refuge.

Visitor Impact

KNOWN IMPACTS

None known.

POTENTIAL IMPACTS

Fire. Minor fuel spills. Disturbance of wildlife and trampling of vegetation.

Landing Requirements

SHIPS*

Max pax on board: 500

VISITORS

Maximum number of visitors at any time, exclusive of expedition guides and leaders: 100
Comments: No more than 10 visitors are allowed inside Damoy hut at any one time**.
Damoy Hut was proposed as HSM 84 by the UK. Visits to this hut may only take place with prior permission given by a Party. The Party undertaking management of the site should also be informed prior to the visit. The Argentine hut should only be accessed by visitors in cases of emergency.
**Visitors enter the base at their own risk and the UK authorities will not be liable for any personal injury or damage to property that may be sustained.

Visitor Area

LANDING AREA

The preferred landing site is in Dorian Bay, immediately adjacent to the field huts.

An alternate landing site can be found on the outer coast of Damoy Point, south of the major Gentoo penguin colonies. The approach is generally steep, with scattered boulders that are easily avoided.

This landing is comprised of large snow- and ice-covered boulders that may be slippery to walk on. Assistance for visitors is recommended.

The landing area and field huts are east and southeast of the major colonies; however, it is possible that penguin highways may be in the area. Care should be taken to maintain adequate distances from all wildlife.

Alternate landing sites may be found along the bedrock shoreline on the northwest side of Damoy Point, often dependent on tide heights.

Risks to visitor safety: The entrance to Dorian Bay is most accessible at highest tides, with an ebbing tide exposing a shoal of rocks becoming a barrier to entry to the bay except for a small channel along the southeastern glacial edge. Additional rocks and marine hazards are present within Dorian Bay, most notably during an ebb tide.

Proximity of the northern entrance to the channel to over-hanging ice requires increased vigilance when navigating to and from the landing area.

Glaciers surrounding Dorian Bay are of small size. However, if a bigger calving event occurs this might produce a mini tsunami around the coastline.

There is a current in Neumayer Channel connected to the tides that will move ice. Stay vigilant as ice can close the landing quickly, and early departure of a site may be needed. This is especially important for short overnight stays.

CLOSED AREA

None.

GUIDED WALKING AREA

None.

FREE ROAMING AREA

Visitors may roam freely under supervision (but see cautionary notes below). From the alternate landing site, visitors will walk northeast along Tombstone Hill to reach the HSM and refuge hut. A flagged route marking safe distances from all colonies should be used. A loop path or out-and-back may be created, depending on wildlife distribution. This route is approximately 1.6km (1mi).

Visitor code of conduct

BEHAVIOUR ASHORE

A record of each visit should be left in the Visitors Book, located in the base.
All boots and outdoor clothing should be cleaned of snow and grit before entering the building. All backpacks and large bags should be left outside the hut.
All the hut windows are covered with easily removable shutters. They should be removed by the first visitors of the season, stored inside and the Port Lockroy team informed. Artefacts or other items should not be handled or removed from the site. Do not sit on chairs or other furniture, or lay objects down on tables or work surfaces. Do not graffiti rocks or buildings.
All visits are to be conducted in accordance with the General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic.
Best practices are to only access the hut via the side door (on looker’s right) and not to walk fully into the hut so as not to disturb the nesting penguins below.
Damoy Hut might not be accessible, as there may be penguins nesting underneath the hut. Maintain extra vigilance and distance from this wildlife and do not plan any overnight stays near the hut. Visitors must not enter the hut using the steps directly above the nests but use the alternate side entrance instead. Guides should ensure all visitors inside of the hut are not disturbing the wildlife below if penguins are nesting there
Expedition Leaders should report any damage to the hut to the UK, as the Party undertaking management of the site. Any damage to the Argentine hut should be informed to Argentina.
In addition to ensuring that nothing is left behind, all camping field parties should ensure that any snow holes dug for tents or similar are filled-in prior to departing to avoid potential impact on wildlife or on wilderness values.
Loose gravel, mud and snow should be swept up, and floors wiped dry after each visit.
No overnight stays in the hut are allowed. The hut is available for educational visits and, except in emergency circumstances, should not be used for any other purpose.
Smoking and the use of candles, matches or stoves are prohibited in and around the hut.
Visitors are to leave the base clean, dry, safe and fully closed up on departure.

CAUTIONARY NOTES

Boat drivers should be aware of rocks on the entrance to and within Dorian Bay. Brash ice can collect rapidly within Dorian Bay, preventing access to or from the site. If overnight camping is planned, the shore party should maintain an ice watch throughout the time spent ashore.
The glacier between Jabet Peak and Damoy Point is crevassed and dangerous. It should only be accessed by those with suitable experience and training and with suitable equipment (eg, roped access). When operating small boats or other water activities north of the channel entrance to Dorian Bay, be aware of overhanging ice and potential for falling ice and debris.

Landing site in Dorian Bay




Damoy Hut (UK), Historic Site and Monument No 84		Bahía Dorian hut (Argentina)

29. Damoy Point

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