HK4T will be active as 5K0T from Fuerte Island, IOTA SA - 078, late July 2025.
He will operate on HF Bands, including activity in RSGB IOTA Contest, 26 - 27 July 2025.
Recent DX Spots 5K0T
QSL via EA5GL.
Previous activity:
Radio Amateurs members of Yaguarete DXers Group will be active from San Andres Island, IOTA NA - 033, as 5K0T, 12 - 26 November 2017.
Team - LU1FM Jose Luis (Joe) Team Leader, LU9FHF Daniel (Dan), LU2JCW Andres (Andy), LU3FMD Walter (Wally), LU6FOV Fernando (Fer), KK6EK Robert (Bob).
They will operate on 160 - 10m CW, SSB, Digital modes.
QSL via LU1FM.
Ads for direct QSL:
JOSE LUIS MURANO, AV. FACUNDO ZUVIRIA 7745, SANTA FE, SANTA FE, SF 3000, Argentina.
San Andrés Island
Despite being located near Nicaragua, the island is part of Colombia. Its modest size, just over 12 km long and 3 km wide, makes it an attractive destination for tourists. This little gem of the Caribbean Sea beckons with its mysterious places and interesting sights.
Thanks to Christopher Columbus
The history of San Andrés is full of adventure and excitement. According to some sources, the island was discovered by the great navigator in 1502 during his fourth expedition. However, it appeared on maps much later, in the second half of the 16th century.
Around this time, the colonization of San Andrés began. Virtually nothing is known about the population before the Dutch arrived here in 1628. A little later, the British arrived, followed by the English, who were attracted by the fertile land, abundant fresh water resources, and favorable climate. It took the English two years to completely drive the Dutch out of this attractive territory. Later, slaves were brought here to work on cotton and tobacco plantations.
San Andrés was attractive in every way, especially from an economic point of view, so the island changed hands several times. The English were driven out by pirates, who even managed to rule the island for a while, and the latter were driven out by the Spanish, but they did not last long either. In 1740, the island once again became British property, which it remained until 1787. The series of conquests could go on and on, but let's stop in 1900, when the island officially became part of Colombia.
San Andres Island 5K0T DX Pedition Logo.
Sunken ships and Morgan's Caves
Divers are fascinated by San Andrés. Hundreds of legends tell of ships sunk in these waters with priceless treasures on board. These stories are believable, as the island has been attacked from the sea throughout its history.
San Andrés also attracted pirates, who even conquered it. Two ships, the Blue Diamond and the Nikaraguense, are known to have sunk here. They lie not far from the shore, and anyone who wishes can go diving and touch a piece of history.
The adventures do not end there. On the other side of the island, off the southern coast, lies the equally interesting underwater geyser El Hoyo Soplador, which once belonged to the Spanish. After exploring the island's underwater territories, it is time to take a walk on land and visit the legendary Morgan's Cave. They say that the treasures of the famous pirate were kept there, but so far no one has found anything. This fact does not interest travelers at all, as the cave is the most popular attraction on the island. Archaeologists are also not indifferent to it, as they firmly believe that the treasures looted in Panama lie somewhere there. Today, the cave houses a museum dedicated to the famous pirate, but the exhibition is less attractive to visitors than a walk through the labyrinth. It is much more interesting to visit the Pirate Museum, where the exhibition is full of unusual items: treasures found off the coast of the island, jewelry, several anchors and hooks, and antique bells. Next to the museum, there is a small shop where you can buy replicas of the precious exhibits.
San Andres Island. Author - Sophie Fatale.
Unique flora and fauna
The first thing that catches the eye of travelers is the mangrove forests. Surprisingly, there are 12 of them in such a small area, and each one is interesting in its own way.
One is dominated by white mangroves, another by black and red ones. Another stunning place is the Botanical Garden, which is home to about 500 species of plants, many of which are unique in their kind, as they cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
The underwater world is rich not only in sunken ships or what remains of them, but also in unusual fish. If sea horses and barracudas do not surprise you, the butterfly fish swimming among the gorgonians and sergeant fish will certainly impress you. To admire the fish and underwater plants, you don't have to go underwater, as the water here is so clear that visibility reaches 15 meters.
Local residents and their way of life
Tourists are greeted by amazing people who speak a completely incomprehensible language. The local dialect is indeed very complex and was formed due to the large number of ethnic groups that came here to settle permanently. Sometimes it resembles birdsong. Even if you can't talk to the locals, it won't be difficult to figure out where to go and where you are, as all signs and indicators are duplicated in English. The mix of cultures has also influenced the islanders' traditions, cuisine, and customs. They are very cheerful and friendly people, but slow-paced. Life on the island is measured and unhurried.
San Andres Island. Author - Lucio Duarte Guimaraes.
Everyone dances!
Having saved their energy during the day, the islanders let loose when night falls. Literally everyone dances everywhere: on the streets, in cafes, on beaches, and in forests. It is an amazing sight, and the incredible flexibility and grace of the dark-skinned people leave a lasting impression.
It's hard not to smile when you're surrounded by old people and children, fat and thin, dancing their hearts out. Looking at them, you understand where Latin American dances came from.
San Andres, the island of wonders
Such a small piece of land has so much to offer! The stunningly beautiful natural beaches are another attraction of the island. The snow-white sand that covers the beach area is more like powdered sugar. It is incredibly soft and a pleasure to walk on. It is not for nothing that the island is called the pearl of the Caribbean Sea. You can get there by sea or by plane. The latter option is more attractive, because when you see San Andrés for the first time from above, assessing its small size and dense green forests, it is difficult to imagine that incredible adventures and an interesting vacation await you.
