Mentawai Surf Charter (Mentawai Islands, Indonesia)

ABOUT THE SURF CAMP

LOCATION AND SURF CONDITIONS

Thanks to its location in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the Mentawai’s area picks up a large amount of swell what makes it one of the most consistent surf destinations in the world. 

The surf guides are the owners of the boat themselves who are experienced and dedicated surfers keen to navigate that extra mile chasing the best surf conditions everyday. More than a dozen "world class" reef breaks exists here, making it one the most surf infested regions in the world.

CAMP CHARACTER

Our boats maximum occupancy is 12 guests each. Most of our trips are made of groups of male surfers with ages varying from 18 to 60 years old. We do organize exclusive trips for women, couples, children and families. Our groups can be often mixed with people coming from different countries, in a very friendly environment.

The amount of space and sleeping arrangements is a welcome break from the dorm style accommodation adopted by many vessels operating in the region. Our boats have air-con sleeping cabins with comfortable bunks for two and four guests. With a large external deck, Moon Palikir offers a spacious area to chill and relax during the day and is equipped with a barbecue on the top deck for a sunset time celebration. Star Koat has an excellent space distribution offering comfortable areas to chill out and watch the surf or just hang and have a cold Bintang. 

CAMP OPERATOR

The surf guides are the owners of the boat themselves who are experienced and dedicated surfers keen to navigate that extra mile chasing the best surf conditions everyday. 

They have an interest in ensuring your trip runs smoothly and that you are kept happy along the way. With an in-depth and vast local knowledge, they are welcome to share with you where’s the best spot for current conditions, the forecast, tips on wave behaviour, tides, reef characteristics, local culture etc. Alongside that, our boat staff is always prompt to give the clients all support needed before, during and after each surf session. 

ACCOMMODATION AND CATERING

ACCOMMODATION TYPES

 Cabins with 2 or 4 bunks, equipped with air-con, small closet, energy plugs and small window. Both boats have 2 bathrooms equipped with shower and toilet. The kitchen has limited access to guests, but we have professional chefs ready to prepare healthy and tasty meals, and also special requests (vegetarian, gluten free). The main room of the boats are equipped with air-con and have a 42”TV, DVD equipment and movable sound system. We provide towel and bed linen, changed one time at the middle of the trip. Rooms and inside of the boats are non-smoking. 

CATERING

Our cooks are real chefs, wich add a special touch to the menu to give our clients that extra healthy boost needed in between surf sessions. A diversified and tasty menu, mix of local delights with traditional western cuisine make you feel like home, so don’t even think you can loose any weight on a trip! We can also provide special meals for vegetarians/persons who are allergic to something (under previous request). All meals are included in the boat package, as well as soft drinks, mineral water, fruits and snacks. Each boat includes 15 cartoon of Bintang beer per charter.

SURF COURSE AND ACTIVITIES

SURF COURSE DETAILS

We organize a grommet trip called FUTURE LEGENDS, perfect for young surfers of all ability levels who are competing or wishing to improve on their technique to take their surfing to the next level. The trip always comes with one legendary surfer/coach on board, who will be transmitting his knowledge and experience to the gromms. Besides the coach, there is a professional videomaker/photographer to register the kids water performance (under previous request)

SURF MATERIALS

Participants must bring their own equipment for surfing: surfboards, fins, leash, wax, reef boots, helmet (if they think is needed). We provide photo and video services (under extra cost). The boat package includes accommodation, all meals on board and use of all boat facilities. The coaching program is included on the kids package. Flight book, Mentawai Tax, travel insurance, personal expenses and photography services are not included. 

OTHER ACTIVITIES

Our boats are equipped with fishing gear, snorkel, Stand up board and kayak (only Moon Palikir), all available free to use for our guests. For non-surfers coming aboard, or for in between surf sessions, you can have a walk on the beach, swim by the reefs, stand up paddle or kayak paddle, go fishing, all great choices of activities to do during the surf trip.

MORE INFO, HOW TO GET THERE & FAQ

Our boats have no fixed route. According to the forecast, the swell and wind conditions, our surfguide will take the boat for the best surf spots. We can go from North to South Mentawais and experience all surf levels in one trip, always having in mind the group surfing level and the best surfing conditions. Just to name a few, these are some spots we usually surf on a trip: Siberut island: No Kanduis, Burguerworld, Bankvaults, Nipussi, Rifles, Hideway. Sipora island: Lances Left, HT’s, Telescopes. Pagai Utara island: Macarronis, Greenbush. Pagai Selatan island: The Hole, Thunders, Rags. There are many other surf spots, its not guaranteed to surf all the mentioned spots, it all depends on the surf forecast and length of the trip.

Seasonal conditions

High Season: from April to October. Low Season: from October to December and January to March. From April to August you can expect to see swells of 6-10ft and for the rest of the year you can see 3-6ft swells and other 2-6ft cyclone swells. The water is Tropical warm and winds usually weak in the High Season, providing great surfing conditions.

Crowd factor and local people

If your choice is NO crowded and easier surfing we suggest you to book in February, March, October and November. If you like to play rough you must book from April to September. Local surfers are usually nice to visitors, but respect is always a key factor for a pleasant surf session. If you don’t want trouble, respect others, follow the line of priority in the lineup, and you will make the surf of your life and some friends too.

SURROUNDINGS / REGION

Characterization of surroundings/region

We recommend our guests to have a travel insurance in case of accident during surfing or other situation that need immediate removal. Vacination is not mandatory, but Malaria is very common in the islands. As you will be boarded the risk of contracting malaria decrease significantly.  Local currency is Indonesia Rupiah. Locals hardly speak English, and the language spoken in Bahasa. Locals are very friendly and very humble. They will be your friend for life if you treat them with respect and they will be very thankful if you kindly give them a present (boardshorts, tshirts, cap, tip, etc). They sell wodden artcrafts and it’s a great memory to bring one with you.

JOURNEY

Ways to get to the camp

The adventure starts in Padang, west coast of Sumatra. When arriving at the Padang’s international airport, our staff will pick you up and arrange your boards and luggage transfer to the boat. If you arrive in early flight, you will be taken to a nice hotel where you can chill and wait for the other guests to arrive. The transfer to the port will be around 4pm. The boat departs around 6pm of the first day of the trip and sails thru the night in direction to the islands. It usually takes 10-14hs crossing and you will wake up to the tropical surfers paradise of Mentawai for your first surf session. The first and last day of the trip have no surf. You will arrive back to the port in the early morning of the last day of the trip. Transfer boat-airport will be provided by us.

Important details

If you stay less then 30 days in Indonesia, no visa is required. If you plan to stay longer, you can get your tourist visa at the airport. A tax must be payed.

PACKAGES & PRICES

Only Accommodation A: 12 nights in air-conditioned cabin onboard of Star Koat
- 12 nights from 2433 € per person

 5 Cabins (1 cabin with 4 single bunks + 4 cabins with 2 single bunks each)

Included 

Return airport to boat transfers in Padang, Services of a surf-guide, All meals snacks and fruits, Soft drinks and filtered water, 15 cartons of Bintang beer per Charter, use of boat facilities.

NOT Included 

Photo package (available on request), other alcohol (BYO Spirits), Mentawai tourism taxes of IDR 1.000.000 per person per trip, Spending money, Insurance, Flights, visas and Airport fees, Tips for crew.

Only Accommodation B: 12 nights in air-conditioned cabin onboard of Moon Palikir
-12 nights from 2747 € per person

5 Cabins (1 cabin with 4 single bunks + 4 cabins with 2 single bunks each) 

Included 

Return airport to boat transfers in Padang, Services of a surf-guide, All meals snacks and fruits, Soft drinks and filtered water, 15 cartons of Bintang beer per Charter, use of boat facilities.

NOT Included 

Photo package (available on request), other alcohol (BYO Spirits), Mentawai tourism taxes of IDR 1.000.000 per person per trip, Spending money, Insurance, Flights, visas and Airport fees, Tips for crew.