The departure point for the boat is Padang, West-Sumatra, Indonesia. You are required to arrive at Minangkabau International Airport on the initial day of your trip as outlined in the schedule, no later than 4 pm. A staff member will be present to welcome you at the airport, assist with surfboards and luggage. Our usual meeting point is at a hotel*, where all guests gather to proceed to the boat together and commence the adventure. *Personal hotel expenses are not covered.

Please be aware of the MENTAWAI TAX – Since 2015, the Mentawai Government imposes a fee on all surfers visiting the islands. The cost is IDR 1,000,000.00 (approximately USD 80) and is valid for 15 days, with the option for renewal. This fee must be settled upon your arrival, before the boat departure. You can exchange your currency for local Rupiahs at the airport and pay the fee directly to our staff. Upon boarding the boat, you will receive a wristband and a receipt with your name. The boat will only depart once all client fees are paid.

This boat excursion, apart from the typical risks associated with any holiday, involves additional challenges and hazards. These may include physical exertion, distance from standard routines and medical facilities, unexpected severe weather conditions, and the complexities of evacuating the area (given the remote location in the middle of the Indian Ocean within a third-world country). As a result, we kindly request your attention to the rules and safety procedures on board, which will be communicated by the surf guide and the crew.

It is imperative to ensure you have comprehensive Travel Insurance that covers emergencies such as evacuation or hospitalization. While we don’t intend to cause alarm, prioritizing safety is paramount. Having the right insurance will contribute to a smooth trip, ensuring you have a fantastic experience.

Indonesia experiences two distinct seasons – the wet season and the dry season – both characterized by consistently hot temperatures. The dry season, spanning from April to September, typically offers optimal surf conditions with favorable winds. It’s common to encounter extended periods of light to no winds during this time. On the other hand, the wet season, occurring from October to March, lives up to its name with frequent and scattered downpours. While this season brings cooler temperatures, swell frequency isn’t as high. However, regions like Mentawai and North Sumatra continue to produce consistent swells and light winds, providing a great option to escape the crowds and surf enjoyable mid-sized waves during the off-season.

The microclimate of the small islands in the archipelago adds complexity, and the local knowledge of our surf guides is a significant advantage for securing the best waves, irrespective of the macro forecast. While we aspire to be the architects of the swell engine, we cannot assume liability for climatic or weather conditions. Surf availability is not always guaranteed when the weather is unfavorable. Nevertheless, our mission is to continually seek the best available waves, adjusting coordinates to meet the needs and surfing standards of the group.

We recommend bringing your own medications, considering the remote nature of the location, with no nearby drugstores or CVS pharmacies around 😄. Essential items include antibiotics, prescribed medications, a first aid kit (though one is available on the boat), anti-fever medication, anti-nausea medication (in case of seasickness), and any other necessary medicines. It’s better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them. In the event of a serious injury to a guest or crew member, posing a risk of death or permanent loss, the captain and surf guide reserve the right to conclude the trip early and return to Padang for proper medical assistance. (Trust us, the island shamans won’t cure a dislocated shoulder – we’ve tried it!)

Our surf guides are avid surfers themselves, equipped with extensive local knowledge about the waves and the unique weather patterns of the islands. This expertise enables them to navigate the boat strategically and select the optimal surf spot based on daily forecasts and conditions. Upon your arrival, the surf guide will introduce the entire boat crew and deliver a crucial briefing regarding rules and safety both on board and in the water (yes, there are a few rules to ensure the best surf experience in the Mentawais). Occasionally, the surf guide may join guests in the water, providing a fantastic opportunity for you to sit nearby, learn about the best positioning on the lineup, and capitalize on this valuable insight 😉.

These are undoubtedly moments to cherish forever. That’s why we collaborate with a carefully chosen team of professional surf photographers/videographers who will capture all the memorable moments throughout the trip. Using top-quality equipment, they skillfully shoot from various angles, including from the water. The photo/video packages encompass high-resolution images featuring surfing, boat life, and the picturesque landscape, ensuring our guests can take home the finest memories from their journey with a affordable extra cost.

The advantage of being on a boat, as opposed to a land camp, is the absence of a fixed itinerary! The surf guide, armed with the latest forecast, navigates the boat in response to weather and swell conditions, always striving to reach the finest waves. The boat travels from North to South (or vice versa), making stops at world-class surf spots favored by the current forecast, as well as secret spots and lesser-known waves. This way, you get the opportunity to surf the best waves in their optimal conditions. The only surf spot requiring pre-booking for boat charter is Macarronis, and the dates for this spot are scheduled before the trip, sometimes even before the forecast is available. We typically stay there for 2 days to ensure you get your fill of “pasta”!

The Mentawais archipelago boasts approximately 50 surf spots, with 10 of them being world-class waves, along with several secret spots. If it adds to your comfort, consider bringing surf boots and a helmet. As most waves break over sharp reefs, having this equipment can be particularly useful during lower tides, even for walking back to the beach if you happen to lose your board. The water temperature is tropical (around 26°C), and the sun is quite intense, so packing a UV shirt and plenty of waterproof sunscreen, including zinc, is advisable. For rainy days, a light wetsuit (1.5 or 2mm) may also come in handy. Since we do not provide surfing equipment for rent, it’s recommended to bring essentials like wax, extra fins, and leashes to ensure you have everything you need on hand. Otherwise, you might find yourself on the deck with an icy Bintang, enjoying the view of your friends getting barreled (which doesn’t sound like a bad idea, does it? 😊).

Phone signals are restricted to certain areas around the islands, but with a local SIM card, you can access the internet in a few spots during your trip. This is handy for sharing that perfect sunset picture and making your Instagram friends jealous. For emergency calls (or just to say hi to your mom), a satellite phone is available with a fee of USD 4 per minute. Only a few resorts permit surfers from the boats to use their internet, and this service may incur charges. So, get ready to disconnect from Wi-Fi and connect to everything else around you.

The sleeping cabins come with air conditioning, a small cabinet for storing personal items, electric plugs, and we provide towels, pillows, and bedcovers.

Our onboard chef will present a diverse menu featuring two substantial meals a day in addition to breakfast. For meat enthusiasts, we offer options such as beef, lamb, BBQ, chicken, fish, prawns, and squid. Special meals are available for vegetarians (please inform us in advance of any food intolerances). The beverage selection includes soft drinks, natural and boxed juices, filtered water, tea, and coffee. Each charter includes 15 cartons of Bintang beer, with more available upon prior request. Wine and other alcoholic beverages can also be arranged with advance notice. While you’re free to bring your own alcoholic drinks, please be mindful of Indonesian laws, allowing only one bottle to enter the country (do not open it before crossing immigration, as Indonesia is a Muslim country with strict laws). Feel free to bring your own snacks if you’d like!

Our boats come fully equipped with fishing gear, snorkeling masks for amateur diving, all provided free of charge for our guests to use. If you’re passionate about fishing and diving, feel free to bring your own gear and go after the big catches. While the tender boat and speedboat are primarily available for transporting clients to the lineup and picking them up from surfing, you can also request our crew to take you on a fishing ride. Just be sure to bring back some nice Mahi-Mahi for a delightful nighttime sashimi dinner!