Update November 18, 2025: I ended the operation on 17 November at 12:42 UTC, with my last QSO being EC1A on 15 meters SSB.

The final results:

3,734 QSOs
92 DXCC entities worked

Activation of a rare IOTA group (SA-084) last activated in 2010

Despite all difficulties—storms, weak propagation, power shortages, and physical exhaustion—I left the island with the certainty that I gave my absolute best to provide IOTA enthusiasts the opportunity to work this extremely rare island.

Read the full story

Update November 13, 2025: Today I managed to reach the island. The journey was through heavy rain, rough seas, and high waves. I arrived safely on the island and installed the solar panels on the house of the family that hosted me.It was a cloudy day, I barely managed to recharge the Ecoflow Power Bank, I operate at 5 watts on ft8, in the afternoon I did SSB and CW with good openings for the USA and Europe on 15 meters even with low power.

73 PY8WW 

Update November 12, 2025: Greetings to everyone! I’m currently at Medellín Airport, waiting for my charter flight to Bahía Solano. I should arrive there around 16:30 UTC. From Bahía Solano Airport, I’ll take a taxi to the town of El Valle, about one hour away, where the boat is already waiting to take me to the island.

Once I arrive, my first task will be to set up the solar panels and the EcoFlow power bank to ensure stable power for the operation. After that, I’ll start installing the DX Commander antennas on the beach.

The plan to be on the air around 20:00 UTC remains unchanged.

Thank you all for the kind messages and support — it’s a great pleasure to make this effort to activate such a rare and beautiful IOTA entity (SA-084).

73,
Renato – PY8WW / HK4/PY8WW

Update November 4, 2025: I would like to share an important update regarding the upcoming DXpedition to Playa Blanca Island (IOTA SA-084) in Colombia. From the beginning, the plan was to operate under the special callsign 5J4W, to highlight the international and unique character of this operation.

Despite numerous attempts, many email exchanges, phone calls, and even the hiring of a local agent to handle the request directly with the Colombian Ministry of Telecommunications, the application for the special callsign was officially denied.

The only justification provided was that Colombian authorities do not issue special callsigns to foreign operators, regardless of the temporary or expeditionary nature of the operation.

Therefore, the operation has been authorized only under the portable callsign HK4/PY8WW, in accordance with Colombian regulations.

Although this outcome was not what we had hoped for, the DXpedition remains fully confirmed with the same spirit and purpose — to give IOTA chasers around the world a rare opportunity to work SA-084.

The operation will take place from November 12 to November 17, 2025, covering 10–80 meters in SSB, CW, and digital modes, using Yaesu FT-DX10 and FT-710 transceivers with DX Commander vertical antennas installed close to the saltwater edge.

The station will be powered by solar panels and an EcoFlow system, reinforcing our commitment to a clean and environmentally friendly operation.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the IOTA community, sponsors, and friends who continue to support this effort, despite the administrative challenges encountered.

We look forward to seeing you on the air as HK4/PY8WW from Playa Blanca Island (SA-084).

With appreciation and respect,
Renato Araujo – PY8WW
Operator of HK4/PY8WW DXpedition – Playa Blanca Island (SA-084)

Update September 30, 2025:  The Expedition begins on November 11th when PY8WW leaves Belém, Brazil, on a flight to Bogota, Colombia, making a quick connection to Medellin.
The following morning, November 12th, they take a chartered flight to Bahía Solano Airport (IATA code: BSC) on the Colombian Pacific coast.
From Bahia Solano, they should travel for a few hours to the island of Playa Blanca, which is located in the Utria National Park. The expedition is expected to go on air around 20:00 UTC. This expedition will use solar panels and an ecoflow power bank to store the energy generated during the day.

Donations are welcome, as transportation costs will be quite high due to excess baggage. The PayPal address for donations is: pz5tw@hotmail.com

QSL via ClubLog's OQRS.

Update September 25, 2025: The Ministry of Telecommunications of Colombia has not yet responded to the request for the callsign 5J4W. If the authorization is not received in time, the expedition will take place using the portable callsign HK4/PY8WW.

The activation is scheduled for a short window between November 12–16, 2025, on Playa Blanca Island, located within Colombia’s Pacific National Park.
While the callsign is still pending approval from Colombian telecommunications authorities, the process is underway. Securing authorization from the National Park has been one of the most challenging aspects of this project, but I’m pleased to report that we’re finally moving forward.
Here’s a brief overview of the travel logistics:

    I will depart from Belém, Brazil on November 11, heading to Bogotá, then connecting to Medellín.
    From Medellín, a chartered single-engine flight will take me to Bahía Solano (Núquí Airport).
    In Bahía Solano, I’ve arranged for a fishing vessel to transport me across the Pacific Ocean to Playa Blanca—an estimated 3-hour journey.

Due to strict environmental regulations, the National Park has prohibited the use of fossil fuels on the island. Therefore, the operation will rely entirely on an EcoFlow power bank system, supported by solar panels, similar to the setup used during PX8Z Bailique. This eco-friendly approach adds complexity and cost, including excess baggage, specialized transport, and equipment logistics.
I’ll share more details soon, including the finalized callsign and operating plans. Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm—this promises to be a truly special activation.

Best 73, Renato Araujo – PY8WW

After over a year of planning and persistence, I’m thrilled to announce an upcoming expedition to the rare IOTA group SA-084. The activation is scheduled for a short window between November 12–16, 2025, on Playa Blanca Island, located within Colombia’s Pacific National Park.

While the callsign is still pending approval from Colombian telecommunications authorities, the process is underway. Securing authorization from the National Park has been one of the most challenging aspects of this project, but I’m pleased to report that we’re finally moving forward.

Here’s a brief overview of the travel logistics:

    I will depart from Belém, Brazil on November 11, heading to Bogotá, then connecting to Medellín.

    From Medellín, a chartered single-engine flight will take me to Bahía Solano (Núquí Airport).

    In Bahía Solano, I’ve arranged for a fishing vessel to transport me across the Pacific Ocean to Playa Blanca—an estimated 3-hour journey.

Due to strict environmental regulations, the National Park has prohibited the use of fossil fuels on the island. Therefore, the operation will rely entirely on an EcoFlow power bank system, supported by solar panels, similar to the setup used during PX8Z Bailique. This eco-friendly approach adds complexity and cost, including excess baggage, specialized transport, and equipment logistics.

I’ll share more details soon, including the finalized callsign and operating plans. Thank you all for your support and enthusiasm—this promises to be a truly special activation.

Best 73,
Renato Araujo – PY8WW