The Mentawai Islands lie roughly 100 km off of the west coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. They consist of 4 main islands with many smaller islands scattered throughout. From north to south, the main islands are Siberut, Sipora, North Pagi, and South Pagi. These islands block most swells from reaching the mainland on Sumatra, but they offer some of the most perfect surf in the world. Access to the islands is by sea only with regular ferries to the main trading ports, but by far the best way to access the surf is by charter boat.
The Mentawais is the ultimate surf trip. The Mentawais are located some 130 km off the west coast of West Sumatra and the island chain offers some of the best surf to be found anywhere in the world
Selecting your surf charter boat may frankly be the most important decision you make while planning your Mentawais trip. The quality and maintenance of the vessel, the charter operation at large, and the experience of the captain and crew will make or break your trip. Wavehunters offers 9 surf charter boats in the Mentawais. We have opted to work with these vessels because each of these boats in our experience offers a competitive or tactical edge over other Mentawais vessels. Each of these vessels and their crews have logged a minimum of 3-10 years experience in the Mentawais islands. Each of these boats and/or their skippers and crews have a positive track record for a minimum of 3-10 seasons which speaks for itself.
When to go:
The Mentawais receive large swells between the months of May and October with waves ranging up to (and over) fifteen feet. When the swells are large there is often the opportunity to surf smaller breaks. There are swells year round and always good waves to be found for all skill levels, from pro to amateur. There is also good fishing, diving, and trekking
The best spots:
There are four large Mentawai islands and many smaller islands scattered throughout. The most northerly is Siberut which contains an amazing area of world class in a five mile radius. Also to the North there are the Tellos Islands and the island of Nias.
Immediately to the south is Sipora which is home to world famous waves such as Telescopes and HT’s. A little way to the south are North and South Pagai. Home to Maccaroni’s, Thunder’s, and many more world class spots you’ve never even heard of.
Indonesia is one of the most consistent surf destinations in the world. The Mentawai islands block most swells from reaching the mainland on Sumatra, but they offer some of the most perfect surf in the world. Access to the islands is by sea only with regular ferries to the main trading ports, but by far the best way to access the surf is by charter boat.
More information: http://www.surfing-mentawais.com
Mentawai Surfing Information
