Adventuring to the Marquesas Islands: The DXpedition of Paula (NX1P)

The Marquesas Islands, part of French Polynesia, are often considered one of the most remote places on Earth. Nestled in the Pacific Ocean, these lush, volcanic islands are a paradise for adventurers, offering breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and a rich cultural heritage. But for Paula, NX1P, the Marquesas offered something even more enticing: the perfect backdrop for her DXpedition.

A DXpedition Like No Other

Paula’s journey to the Marquesas Islands began with a simple idea: to operate as FO/NX1P from the island of Hiva Oa. Located in the heart of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa is not only famous for its natural beauty, but also for being the final resting place of famous French artist Paul Gauguin. For Paula, however, the island represented an opportunity to embark on a unique DXpedition — one that would test both her skills as a radio operator and her resourcefulness as an adventurer.

“I activated Marquesas on the island of Hiva Oa. I found a spot high on the volcano facing north and looking out over the Pacific,” Paula shared in her update. The setting couldn’t have been more picturesque, with views of the Pacific stretching out before her.

Imperfect Conditions, Impressive Results

The conditions were far from ideal, though. With no shelter and no accommodations, Paula found herself setting up and tearing down her station each day, returning to her boat in the evenings to rest before repeating the process the next day. She describes it as “two expeditions in one,” with the daily logistics being a challenge in and of themselves.

Operating from the backseat of a Suzuki Jimny—a compact 4x4—Paula rigged her station with a laptop on her lap, her IC7300 transceiver perched atop the seat, and a magnetically fastened expedition key. Total setup time? A mere 30 minutes, with 20 minutes to tear down. Despite the constraints, the results were unexpectedly good.

“My original plan was to operate 10 meters for as many hours as possible. But I ended up working with what I had and still had a blast,” Paula explained. On Friday, 10 meters was on fire, and by Saturday, even though the signals had dropped, the lack of noise allowed her to work with preamps. The pileup was intense, with many calling in a continuous stream, especially during the DX contest.

In total, Paula made 620 contacts, spanning 23 zones and 36 countries. Despite operating with low power and in a search-and-pounce style, she found success on a run frequency, and her log has since been uploaded to LoTW.

The Spirit of Adventure

For Paula, this DXpedition was more than just making contacts—it was a testament to the spirit of adventure that drives all great expeditions. Her experience highlights not only the beauty and challenges of remote operations but also the resilience and determination required to succeed under difficult conditions.

While the Marquesas Islands remain a sought-after destination for DXers, Paula’s journey offers a unique look into the trials and triumphs of operating from one of the most remote corners of the world. And, as she continues her travels and operations, one thing is clear: Paula’s passion for DXpeditioning, no matter the hurdles, remains as strong as ever.

QSL Information
If you worked Paula during her time in the Marquesas, you can confirm your contact via LoTW, or through direct QSL via her call sign FO/NX1P.

This story of Paula’s journey to the Marquesas Islands serves as a reminder that the world of DXpeditioning is about more than just contacts—it’s about exploration, determination, and a deep connection to the places that few ever have the chance to visit. Stay tuned for more updates and upcoming adventures from DXpeditioners around the world.