The Southern Mentawai islands includes both North and South Pagai and are home to a number of world class waves such as Macaronis and Green Bush.
These 2 waves are the real pull for the majority of travelling surfers - but those who have visited the region will also know there’s plenty more waves on offer.
With the only camp being Macaronis Surf Resort in the whole region, the best way to access the rest of the waves is by charter boat as the Maca's camp will often limit their travel to their immediate vicinity for the majority of the time.
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Macas
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-35 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: The Bush
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Average
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Fish Fingers
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: Sand
Crowd: 0-5 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Excellent
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: KFC's
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Roxys
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Excellent
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Thunders
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Excellent
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Rednuht
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Bat Caves
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: Year round
Wave Quality: Excellent
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Rags Left
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Silabu Left
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Excellent
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Rags Right
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Mini Macas
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
The ultimate Mentawai surf resort with direct access to what's been described as the funnest wave on the planet...
Surfers From: USD 193 pp / night
Reviews
Built in 2000, Wild Cat is a 70' surf cat that boasts an impressive top speed of 15 knots and has been retrofitted specifically for Mentawai surf charters.
From: USD 2600 1900 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Tengirri surf charter boat is a 14 metre (46 foot) power catamaran designed specifically for surf charters for small groups of 6-8 guests.
From: USD 5250 4500 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 8 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Switchfoot is a 52' power catamaran that caters for up to 10 guests. One of the quicker boats in the Mentawais with a day time cruising of 12 knots.
From: USD 3799 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Operating surf charters since 2000, Seriti is an extremely reputable boat that operates in both the Banyak & Mentawai islands
From: USD 3345 2750 pp / night 10-11 days surfing / 10-11 nights Max 12 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
Perfect for groups of 8-12 guests, the Sola Gracia had a recent refit and is incredible value for money
From: USD 4500 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 11 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
Wave Hunter is a popular Mentawai surf charter ideal for budget conscious groups of 7 to 12 guests (16 on request)
From: USD 2790 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
D'Bora is an 80' motor cruiser that is ideal for groups of 10 guests (12 on request). Built in 2007 she remains one of the most popular surf charter operations in the Mentawai Islands.
From: USD 4250 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 10 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
If you're looking for that something extra from your Mentawai experience, then the MP just might be the answer...
From: USD 2890 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Bintang is one of the largest & longest serving charter boats in the West Sumatra region...
From: USD 4300 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 14 / Min 10 guests
Reviews
The Santana Laut boasts gourmet level food, first class Aussie skippers, 8 (a/c) cabins as well as 2 indoor social areas.
From: USD 4200 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 10 guests
Reviews
The Nusa Dewata is all about scoring uncrowded surf where the larger charters simply can't compete...
From: USD 3900 3100 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 6 / Min 4 guests (7 on request)
Reviews
Built in 1999, the Sea Dragon was designed exclusively for upmarket surf charters...
From: USD 2790 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Indo Satu is an 80' motor cruiser that is perfect for groups of 7-9 guests. Built in 2015 she remains one of the newest surf charter boats operating in Sumatra.
From: USD 3600 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 9 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
Built in 2007, The Melaleuca is a spacious charter boat that specialises in trips to the Mentawais & Telo Islands
From: USD 2670 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 14 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
Saraina is a 64' motor cruiser that is perfect for groups of 6-9 guests & those looking for great value.
From: USD 3150 2675 pp / night 5-14 days surfing / 4-13 nights Max 10 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
The Nomad surf charter is skippered by an Australian and is perfect for small groups of 6-8 guests.
From: USD 3399 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 8 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Orca Laut is a 53ft surf charter, skippered by Mentawai legend Tim Everingham and is perfect for small groups of 6-8 guests.
From: USD 3999 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 8 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
The Jiwa is a 75' traditional phinisi surf charter boat that can comfortably sleep 8-10 guests.
From: USD 2500 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Addiction is the most luxurious surf charter in the Mentawai Islands as well as being one of the fastest...
From: USD 3900 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 10 guests
Reviews
KM2 is an Aussie built surf charter catamaran that can comfortably sleep 8 to 12 guests in its 4 guest cabins
From: USD 3200 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Huey is an 82' ex customs patrol vessel that was built & launched by the Japanese Government in '78 & is also one of the faster boats servicing the Islands.
Price On Request 10-12 days surfing / 11-13 nights Max 12 / Min 10 guests
Reviews
Built in 2017, Maki is a large 105' "Phinisi" style sail boat that is perfect for groups of 11 guests or less.
From: USD 3300 pp / night 10-12 days surfing / 11-13 nights Max 11 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
The Aileoita 1, is a modern & comfortable surf charter that can host groups of 8 to 10 surfers...
From: USD 2500 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 10 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Kuda Laut had a recent refit and is ideal for small groups looking to explore the Mentawai & Telos...
From: USD 2300 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 7 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
The Swell Lines was built for long range charters & is considered one of the fastest & safest boats in the region.
From: USD 2600 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 10 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
An 85' teak and iron wood phinisi surf charter, the Ismari can comfortably sleep 8 guests within its 5 a/c cabins.
From: USD 2200 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 10 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Built in 2013, The Kaimana 2 is a spacious charter boat that specialises in trips to the Mentawais & Telo Islands
From: USD 2770 pp / night 8-10 days surfing / 9-11 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
Praya is a large 80' motor cruiser that sleeps up to 12 guests with an impressive top speed of 16 knots.
From: USD 2500 2500 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
Destination Guide
The Southern Mentawai islands includes both North and South Pagai and are home to a number of world class waves such as Macaronis and Green Bush.
These 2 waves are the real pull for the majority of travelling surfers - but those who have visited the region will also know there’s plenty more waves on offer.
With the only camp being Macaronis Surf Resort in the whole region, the best way to access the rest of the waves is by charter boat as the Maca's camp will often limit their travel to their immediate vicinity for the majority of the time.
Photos
Pagai
Surf Breaks
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Macas
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-35 surfers
Season: April until October
Macaronis is the reason you should come to the Mentawai Islands. At least for 9/10 surfers anyway. Most of us dream of surfing HT’s, Rifles or Kandui but fall short due to their ferocity. Macas is the answer! In glassy or off-shore conditions, it can deliver 4-6 second barrels from the take off, while the inside section delivers endless sections for re-entries, tail-slides, floaters, airs & cut-backs. It’s truly the thing dreams are made of. Even in onshore conditions it cranks, and it’s one of the few reef breaks in the world that continues to work well on all tides. From 2-4’ it’s for everyone, 4-6’ is for more advanced surfers and at 8’ it’s for chargers only. In 2003, Waves Magazine conducted a survey (from 50 of the world's best surfers and industry figureheads) in order to rank the world's best waves purely for their enjoyment value. Macaronis ranked 1. Enough said!
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: The Bush
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-20 surfers
Season: April until October
If you’re not a charger or an advanced tube rider, then it’s best to give Green Bush a miss. But if you’re willing to go and you pick the right one, then this uber hollow left will produce some of the best barrels on the planet, let alone the Mentawai Islands. You really have to pick the right wave, but when do, this is definitely a tube ride you'll never forget. Not too shallow considering its ferocity, extremely photogenic, and a perfect wave for those willing to charge. To score The Bush, you need to time your trip with a new or full moon as it needs a big high tide to break at its best. Ideally early season, April - June when winds are lighter and big South swells light up the reef.
Wave Quality: Average
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Fish Fingers
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: Sand
Crowd: 0-5 surfers
Season: April until October
A stone’s throw from the resort, just across a small channel is Fish Fingers - a perfect beginner wave breaking close to a palm fringed shoreline. A forgiving small peak peels regularly to the right and occasionally left, providing the ideal spot to try surfing for the first time. And with a selection of soft-top learner boards to choose from (free of charge for Macaronis Guests) you’ll never find a better time to give it a go. Progressing learners can also try out Silabu Left and Mini Macas.
Wave Quality: Excellent
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: KFC's
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Macaronis little brother aka KFC's is found across the bay from the left. Ideal on a higher tide with a north wind, this noteworthy wave is so often overlooked it's almost a tragedy. Maca's right is often at its best when Macaronis is doing it’s thing and amongst the excitement will largely go unnoticed. But this wave can certainly dish up the goods, certainly around the head high range - running down the reef producing both barrel sections and fun walls to throw some turns on. So if you fancy surfing alone or with a handful of others, then check out the right, you might be surprised with what you find.
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Roxys
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Roxies is a very fun wave that everyone seems to like. Its located 45 mins South of the Macaronis camp - and towards the very southern end of the Mentawai islands. It prefers some west in the swell and is pretty consistent from small to medium sized pulses that frequent the area. When it’s small it’s a top turn machine - but as the swell increases, this wave really comes alive offering beautiful barrels in dream like fashion. Many travelling surfers have compared this wave to a "Macas in reverse" due its synchronised shape & perfect rhythm.
Wave Quality: Excellent
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Thunders
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Thunders is one of the most reliable waves in the whole island chain. It benefits from the fact that it not only picks up consistent swell, but it also breaks on all tides. It also has a number of take-off spots which will always spread the crowd out. The fuller tide can offer decent tube sections across a shallow inside shelf breaking close to shore, whilst on the lower tide a fuller shoulder breaks further out the back. As a rule, Thunders is an excellent option in smaller to medium swells due its diversity and adaptability in varying conditions.
Wave Quality: Excellent
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Rednuht
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-15 surfers
Season: April until October
The relatively unknown deep water peak known as Thunderbox aka Rednuht, is located on the other side of the island where you'll find its neighbouring left hander called Thunders (Rednuht is Thunder spelt backwards!).
A short but uber thick right-hander that can deliver absolute gold from time to time if you know when to look. A throaty tube, barrels from start to finish and what it lacks in length is certainly made up in quality. With less than average consistency, the wave requires the right tide and swell direction to really fire, but when it's on, it's fully worth the mission.
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Bat Caves
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: Year round
A long point break style right hander that wraps around a tiny tropical island, a trip to Bat Caves is a must. This wave breaks for a few hundred metres offering fast walls, playful sections and even the occasional tube. This swell magnet catches most swells and will usually be bigger than Macaronis. Certainly a great day trip for everyone, as across the channel, high cliffs provide a place for those willing to try out cliff jumping. Non-surfers can also take in the spectacular scenery, have a picnic on the deserted beach & snorkel along the crystal clear reef that hugs the island.
Wave Quality: Excellent
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Rags Left
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Rag's Left is a very long barrelling wave that only becomes more manageable during large south-west swells. An extraordinary sight to behold when the swell, wind and tide finally unite, the image will remain embedded in your mind for ever. Certainly not for the faint hearted, bring a big board and you might just luck into a 100mfreight train tube, before bursting onto a mellower wall, further down the line, which can be ridden for another 150m or more. The end bowl is certainly the easier section to navigate whereas the top bend of reef displays both picture perfect tubes as well as jaw dropping shut-downs. This place holds serious size.
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Silabu Left
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Silabu Left is another overlooked wave in the region. Perhaps not world class or the longest of waves - but it’s certainly a fun option and rarely comes with any sort of crowd. Surfable on all tides it is ideal for those seeking a mellower left-hander (to Macas and Green Bush). Silabu is more protected from the Southerly wind than Macas, and as Macas begins to turn on-shore mid morning during South East trades, Silabu Left will remain off-shore for a good hour or so longer. Although not that long, it is a rippable wave to have close by (when staying at Macaronis Resort) - as its located on the other side of the headland. Charter boat guests never surf here, being too far from Macaronis (who go through the tidal lagoon to access the wave). So long as Macas is breaking 3-4 feet or bigger, Silabu should be also working, usually with very surfers too.
Wave Quality: Excellent
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Rags Right
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Rags Right is a fast paced reeling right hand tube not far from its neighbouring left. Generally considered a high tide only spot, on the right swell, Rag's Right can offer perhaps some of the most perfect tubes in South Mentawai. A full commitment wave, for advanced riders and tube specialists only - this thick cavernous right hander churns along the reef with raw perfection before shutting down in front of two coral heads that poke their way out of the line-up. Be sure to exit the tube safely!
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Mini Macas
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Mini Macas is found inside the bay from Macaronis. Best at high tide, it's a fun & nicely shaped left-hander perfect for those looking for a playful session away from the main spectacle of Macaronis left. Ideal for guests staying at Macaronis Resort - guests can get dropped off on the way out to Macaronis and picked up on the way back. This wave works best when Macaronis is pumping so is often overlooked.
Surf Camps
Pagai
The ultimate Mentawai surf resort with direct access to what's been described as the funnest wave on the planet...
Surfers From: USD 193 pp / night
Reviews
Charter Boats
Built in 2000, Wild Cat is a 70' surf cat that boasts an impressive top speed of 15 knots and has been retrofitted specifically for Mentawai surf charters.
From: USD 2600 1900 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Tengirri surf charter boat is a 14 metre (46 foot) power catamaran designed specifically for surf charters for small groups of 6-8 guests.
From: USD 5250 4500 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 8 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Switchfoot is a 52' power catamaran that caters for up to 10 guests. One of the quicker boats in the Mentawais with a day time cruising of 12 knots.
From: USD 3799 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Operating surf charters since 2000, Seriti is an extremely reputable boat that operates in both the Banyak & Mentawai islands
From: USD 3345 2750 pp / night 10-11 days surfing / 10-11 nights Max 12 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
Perfect for groups of 8-12 guests, the Sola Gracia had a recent refit and is incredible value for money
From: USD 4500 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 11 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
Wave Hunter is a popular Mentawai surf charter ideal for budget conscious groups of 7 to 12 guests (16 on request)
From: USD 2790 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
D'Bora is an 80' motor cruiser that is ideal for groups of 10 guests (12 on request). Built in 2007 she remains one of the most popular surf charter operations in the Mentawai Islands.
From: USD 4250 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 10 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
If you're looking for that something extra from your Mentawai experience, then the MP just might be the answer...
From: USD 2890 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Bintang is one of the largest & longest serving charter boats in the West Sumatra region...
From: USD 4300 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 14 / Min 10 guests
Reviews
The Santana Laut boasts gourmet level food, first class Aussie skippers, 8 (a/c) cabins as well as 2 indoor social areas.
From: USD 4200 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 10 guests
Reviews
The Nusa Dewata is all about scoring uncrowded surf where the larger charters simply can't compete...
From: USD 3900 3100 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 6 / Min 4 guests (7 on request)
Reviews
Built in 1999, the Sea Dragon was designed exclusively for upmarket surf charters...
From: USD 2790 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Indo Satu is an 80' motor cruiser that is perfect for groups of 7-9 guests. Built in 2015 she remains one of the newest surf charter boats operating in Sumatra.
From: USD 3600 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 9 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
Built in 2007, The Melaleuca is a spacious charter boat that specialises in trips to the Mentawais & Telo Islands
From: USD 2670 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 14 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
Saraina is a 64' motor cruiser that is perfect for groups of 6-9 guests & those looking for great value.
From: USD 3150 2675 pp / night 5-14 days surfing / 4-13 nights Max 10 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
The Nomad surf charter is skippered by an Australian and is perfect for small groups of 6-8 guests.
From: USD 3399 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 8 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Orca Laut is a 53ft surf charter, skippered by Mentawai legend Tim Everingham and is perfect for small groups of 6-8 guests.
From: USD 3999 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 8 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
The Jiwa is a 75' traditional phinisi surf charter boat that can comfortably sleep 8-10 guests.
From: USD 2500 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Addiction is the most luxurious surf charter in the Mentawai Islands as well as being one of the fastest...
From: USD 3900 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 10 guests
Reviews
KM2 is an Aussie built surf charter catamaran that can comfortably sleep 8 to 12 guests in its 4 guest cabins
From: USD 3200 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Huey is an 82' ex customs patrol vessel that was built & launched by the Japanese Government in '78 & is also one of the faster boats servicing the Islands.
10-12 days surfing / 11-13 nights Max 12 / Min 10 guests
Reviews
Built in 2017, Maki is a large 105' "Phinisi" style sail boat that is perfect for groups of 11 guests or less.
From: USD 3300 pp / night 10-12 days surfing / 11-13 nights Max 11 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
The Aileoita 1, is a modern & comfortable surf charter that can host groups of 8 to 10 surfers...
From: USD 2500 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 10 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
The Kuda Laut had a recent refit and is ideal for small groups looking to explore the Mentawai & Telos...
From: USD 2300 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 7 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
The Swell Lines was built for long range charters & is considered one of the fastest & safest boats in the region.
From: USD 2600 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 10 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
An 85' teak and iron wood phinisi surf charter, the Ismari can comfortably sleep 8 guests within its 5 a/c cabins.
From: USD 2200 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 10 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Built in 2013, The Kaimana 2 is a spacious charter boat that specialises in trips to the Mentawais & Telo Islands
From: USD 2770 pp / night 8-10 days surfing / 9-11 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
Praya is a large 80' motor cruiser that sleeps up to 12 guests with an impressive top speed of 16 knots.
From: USD 2500 2500 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews