Summary
Over the last decade, the Mentawai Islands have built for themselves nothing less than a reputation for being the tropical surfing mecca. Some of the best waves on Earth are found right here, in West Sumatra.
Ever since the Mentawai became mainstream, every hardcore surfer dreams of getting barreled all day long in this tropical paradise. The reason for the Mentawai islands’ popularity is quite simple, it is far from any kind of modern civilization, loaded with palm trees, delivers year-round world class swells and has some incredibly warm, pristine water.
To find the best surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!
Most breaks here are known for being heavy and intense. However, beginners can also find their way into the water if they chose the right spot and the right season. Most accommodations are using an all-inclusive formula and offer boat rides to the breaks.
When booking a surf camp on the Mentawai Islands, you get everything taken care of and all you have left to do is surf yourself out.
The other way to experience a great surf trip in the Mentawai islands is on a charter boat for an absolutely unique surfing experience where you wake up literally right next to the break. Either way, you are gonna score big time and remember this trip forever.
When to go
The best time to surf the Mentawai Islands, Indonesia is from March to November for consistent swells and dry weather. January and February will be rainier and will deliver fairly inconsistent surfing conditions.
| January-February | March-April | May-June | July-August | September-October | November-December | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Suitable for: | All surfers | All surfers | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | Intermediate Advanced | All surfers |
| Air temperature | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F |
| Water temperature | 28°C 82°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 29°C 84°F | 28°C 82°F | 28°C 82°F |
| Crowd | Empty | Empty | Few people | Fairly crowded | Few people | Empty |
| Swell Consistency | 90% | 95% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 95% |
| Swell height | 5 ft | 7 ft | 9 ft | 10 ft | 9 ft | 7 ft |
Surf Camps and Surfing Charters in Mentawai
Find a surf camp in Mentawai, starting at US$1,050
- Surf guide
- Speedboat usage to 25 breaks in the area
- Boat driver and photographer
- Speedboat from Siberut to camp and return
- Daily cleaning service and Mentawai tax
- 10 nights’ beach front accommodation
- Airport / hotel / ferry van transfers
- All meals and snacks
Getting to the Mentawai Islands
This is where things get a bit complicated. Fyling to Bali is fairly easy, hence why it is so crowded. However, The Mentawai Islands are pretty remote so getting there requires a bit of an effort.
Fly to Padang which is the nearest airport to the islands. It is also from where you will catch the ferry to the Mentawais. The faster the boat, the more expensive. One takes between 10-12 hours, the other will take a third of that. The first option is obviously cheaper. There is also a way to hire a private charter boat but that option will be way more expensive
Safety/things to know
- For information regarding visas and required documents, visit official website.
- Bring a good first aid kit as most waves will break over a razor-sharp reef.
- Bring a few extra boards…thank me later!
- Malaria!
Surf spots in Mentawai
BurgerWorld
A playful and reliable right-hander that works best on smaller swells when other spots are maxed out. It’s a great go-to wave when the rest of the region is too heavy.
- Wave direction : Right
- Bottom : Reef
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Advanced
- Optimal swell direction : W
- Optimal wind direction : N
Macaronis
Often called one of the world’s most perfect lefts, Macaronis delivers long, fast, and super fun barrels with a forgiving reef. A favorite among advanced surfers chasing high-performance waves.
- Wave direction : Left
- Bottom : Reef
- Best tide : Mid to high
- Skill level : Advanced
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : NE
Beng Bengs
A mellow and consistent left-hander that’s great for long, cruisy rides and less intimidating sessions. Perfect for intermediate surfers on good days.
- Wave direction : Left
- Bottom : Reef
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Advanced
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : E
Kandui
One of the heaviest and most powerful lefts in the Mentawais, Kandui offers thick, fast barrels and heavy drop-ins. Best suited for expert surfers chasing adrenaline.
- Wave direction : Left
- Bottom : Reef
- Best tide : Any
- Skill level : Advanced
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : NE
Lance’s Right
A world-famous, high-performance right-hander known for its hollow barrels and perfect, mechanical shape. One of the most sought-after waves in the Mentawais for advanced surfers.
- Wave direction : Right
- Bottom : Reef
- Best tide : Mid to high
- Skill level : Advanced
- Optimal swell direction : SW
- Optimal wind direction : NW