The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about 70 islands and islets off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Siberut is the largest of the islands. The other major islands include Sipora, North Pagai (Pagai Utara) and South Pagai (Pagai Selatan). Approximately 150 km from the Sumatran coast across the Mentawai Strait. Our journey starts from the port of Padang. From April until October, Mentawai is hit by consistent groundswells that form off the coast of South Africa and travel over a week to arrive from either a South or SouthWest influence. The dream for surfers. White sands, palm trees and 79°F waters make up the perfect ground for the trip. Snorkel coral reefs with crystal clear water right on the corner of rolling waves. All kinds of passage fish can be caught trolling around.
The crew will be waiting for you at Padang’s airport, Sumatra. The passengers will be taken to either a hotel, restaurant or surf shop until the boat gets ready to leave, usually after sunset. The board bags and big suitcases are taken straight to the boat, as part of the preparation for the crossing to Mentawai. The crossing takes 10 to 14 hours over the Mentawai Strait.
From then on, you spend 9 or 11 days chasing some of the best waves on the planet. Lefts, rights, mushy, hollow, long, short, a true playground for all levels of surfers, from beginners to professionals. You will be surfing waves like
Macaronis, Hollow Trees, E-Bay, Rifles, Hideaways, No Kandui, Nipussi, Greenbush, Thunders, among many other perfect spots in the islands. There are more than a hundred spots, a couple for almost any possible condition of swell, wind and tide. They are spread out in 4 main surf zones. The surf guide will present the best options for the given conditions in that zone and the group can decide where to surf.
We usually sleep in calm, protected anchorages. Early in the morning the boat is already in front of a spot according to the forecast. You can hop on our dinghy and be dropped close to the take off spot only moments after getting out of bed if you wish. The water is transparent and warm, definitely bring your snorkel.
The breakfast buffet includes fruits, cereal, granola, milk, juice, coffee, bread, butter, cheese, jam, Nutella and honey.
At midmorning you can also order pancakes and omelettes or eggs as you want cooked. You are welcome to help yourself all day for snacks and cold drinks, including the famous Bintang – Indonesia’s favourite beer.
Meals are fit for a king and it ranges from different types of fish, shrimp, squid, chicken or beef to vegetarian delicious recipes.
Traditional Brazilian and Indo food pushing to healthy recipes. During and after dinner we all seat comfortably in the lounge and watch the pictures and footage from the day, this is one of the best things about being aboard Maki!
Guaranteed laughs and good vibes, topped with a chance for auto-criticism and insights for improvement.
Come enjoy the Mentawai Islands with us and live the ultimate surf retreat aboard the newest and flashiest vessel operated by seasoned guides and crew – you’ll be taking home memories for a lifetime!
The route and dives are always organized according to the weather conditions, the currents and tides.