The Spanish Antarctic Base (BAE) Juan Carlos I, managed by the Marine Technology Unit (UTM) of the CSIC, was opened in January 1988. It aims to support Spanish activities in Antarctica and in particular the implementation of scientific research projects coordinated by the Antarctic Research Subprogramme of the National Natural Resources Programme.

The base is occupied only during the southern summer, from mid-November to early March, although automated records are maintained throughout the year.

It is located on the SE coast of Bahia Sur, on the Hurd Peninsula of Livingston Island (archipelago of the South Shetland), about 20 miles from the Spanish base Gabriel de Castilla, located on Decepción Island.

Access to the BAE is open and competitive and is regulated by an access protocol that prioritizes requests for the use of the infrastructure according to the scientific-technological quality of the proposals.