Those willing to make the long pilgrimage to this remote outpost of Sumatra will have access to the most wave dense surf regions on the planet. Surfers can choose to surf waves that suit their level, thanks to more than 20 world class waves all reachable within a 40 minute (max) boat ride.
Travel to the islands is via the city of Padang, West Sumatra. Daily flights to Padang Airport are best reached via Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. At least 1 night will need to spent in Padang (when staying at a surf camp) in order to take the morning Fast Ferry to Siberut, departing around 6:30 am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The crossing takes 3-4 hours. Guests can return back the same day, arriving into Padang around 6:15 pm.
Those opting to take a Charter Boat to explore the whole of the Mentawais can usually expect to spend at least 2 or 3 days in the area. One bonus is that charter boats typically depart around 6:00 pm and so guests can avoid spending anytime in Padang.
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Bankies
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: Year Round
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Emerald Bay
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-25 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Pitstops
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Nokandui
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-30 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Left & Right
Also Known As: Dogs
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Burgers
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-25 surfers
Season: Year Round
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Kandui Right
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 20-50 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Pussies
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: Year Round
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Bengers
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Hideaways
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Ladys Left
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Bikinis
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Four Bobs
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: Year Round
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: The Clit
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-10 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Chrystals
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-10 surfers
Season: Year Round
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Baby Kandui
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Average
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Burger Left
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-10 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good
Wave Direction: Left and Right
Also Known As: John Candys
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Shadow Right
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Just steps away from Pitstops, a picture perfect rippable right hander; Kaini is also located very centrally to the regions 20+ other waves
Surfers From: USD 190 pp / night
Reviews
Set in a pristine bay with sunset views overlooking Pitstops, an extremely fun and rippable right hander...
Surfers From: USD 275 pp / night
Reviews
Located in front of a tubing left and a short stroll to a zippy right, guests also have access to another 20 or so waves in the region.
Surfers From: USD 150 pp / night
Reviews
Locally run and owned by two of the nicest and well respected brothers in the whole of the Playgrounds surf region...
Surfers From: USD 185 pp / night
Reviews
Located in the heart of the Playgrounds surf zone, guests can also benefit from DIRECT transfers to/from Padang
Surfers From: USD 220 pp / night
Reviews
Located in the heart of Playgrounds, slap bang in front of E-Bay, this camp is ideal for the budget conscious surfer
Surfers From: USD 165 pp / night
Reviews
Set in an idyllic bay and perfectly located in front of Beng Bengs, one of the Mentawai Islands funnest left handers...
Surfers From: USD 120 pp / night
Reviews
Perfect for groups of 8-12 guests, the Sola Gracia had a recent refit and is incredible value for money
From: USD 3950 3450 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 11 / 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 5450 4500 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 8 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Saraina is a 64' motor cruiser that was refit in 2022-23 and is perfect for groups of 6-9 guests & those looking for great value.
From: USD 3250 pp / night 6-14 days surfing / 7-15 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 3690 2750 pp / night 10-11 days surfing / 10-11 nights Max 12 / Min 7 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 4175 3653 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 8 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Wave Hunter is a popular Mentawai surf charter ideal for budget conscious groups of 8 to 12 guests (16 on request)
From: USD 2750 1999 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 7 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
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 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / 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 3995 3395 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 9 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
The Jiwa is a 75' traditional phinisi surf charter boat that can comfortably sleep 8-10 guests.
From: USD 2800 2199 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / Min 8 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 3999 3300 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / Min 6 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
The Nomad surf charter is skippered by an Australian and is perfect for small groups of 6-8 guests.
From: USD 3899 3599 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 8 / Min 6 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 3595 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 10 / Min 8 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 2950 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
The Addiction is the most luxurious surf charter in the Mentawai Islands as well as being one of the fastest...
From: USD 4400 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 10 guests
Reviews
Built in 1999, the Sea Dragon was designed exclusively for upmarket surf charters...
From: USD 2600 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 12 / 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 3100 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 13 / Min 12 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 Bintang is one of the largest & longest serving charter boats in the West Sumatra region...
From: USD 4400 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 14 / Min 10 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 Nusa Dewata is all about scoring uncrowded surf where the larger charters simply can't compete...
From: USD 3900 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 6 / Min 4 guests (7 on request)
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
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
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
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 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews
Destination Guide
Those willing to make the long pilgrimage to this remote outpost of Sumatra will have access to the most wave dense surf regions on the planet. Surfers can choose to surf waves that suit their level, thanks to more than 20 world class waves all reachable within a 40 minute (max) boat ride.
Travel to the islands is via the city of Padang, West Sumatra. Daily flights to Padang Airport are best reached via Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur. At least 1 night will need to spent in Padang (when staying at a surf camp) in order to take the morning Fast Ferry to Siberut, departing around 6:30 am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. The crossing takes 3-4 hours. Guests can return back the same day, arriving into Padang around 6:15 pm.
Those opting to take a Charter Boat to explore the whole of the Mentawais can usually expect to spend at least 2 or 3 days in the area. One bonus is that charter boats typically depart around 6:00 pm and so guests can avoid spending anytime in Padang.
Photos
Playgrounds
Surf Breaks
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Bankies
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: Year Round
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Emerald Bay
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-25 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Pitstops
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Nokandui
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-30 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Left & Right
Also Known As: Dogs
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Burgers
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-25 surfers
Season: Year Round
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Kandui Right
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 20-50 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Pussies
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: Year Round
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Bengers
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Hideaways
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Ladys Left
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Bikinis
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good Fun
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Four Bobs
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: Year Round
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: The Clit
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-10 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Chrystals
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-10 surfers
Season: Year Round
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Baby Kandui
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-20 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Average
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Burger Left
Experience: All levels
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-10 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good
Wave Direction: Left and Right
Also Known As: John Candys
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Shadow Right
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Inconsistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Surf Camps
Playgrounds
Just steps away from Pitstops, a picture perfect rippable right hander; Kaini is also located very centrally to the regions 20+ other waves
Surfers From: USD 190 pp / night
Reviews
Playgrounds
Set in a pristine bay with sunset views overlooking Pitstops, an extremely fun and rippable right hander...
Surfers From: USD 275 pp / night
Reviews
Playgrounds
Located in front of a tubing left and a short stroll to a zippy right, guests also have access to another 20 or so waves in the region.
Surfers From: USD 150 pp / night
Reviews
Playgrounds
Locally run and owned by two of the nicest and well respected brothers in the whole of the Playgrounds surf region...
Surfers From: USD 185 pp / night
Reviews
Playgrounds
Located in the heart of the Playgrounds surf zone, guests can also benefit from DIRECT transfers to/from Padang
Surfers From: USD 220 pp / night
Reviews
Playgrounds
Located in the heart of Playgrounds, slap bang in front of E-Bay, this camp is ideal for the budget conscious surfer
Surfers From: USD 165 pp / night
Reviews
Playgrounds
Set in an idyllic bay and perfectly located in front of Beng Bengs, one of the Mentawai Islands funnest left handers...
Surfers From: USD 120 pp / night
Reviews
Charter Boats
Perfect for groups of 8-12 guests, the Sola Gracia had a recent refit and is incredible value for money
From: USD 3950 3450 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 11 / 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 5450 4500 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 8 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Saraina is a 64' motor cruiser that was refit in 2022-23 and is perfect for groups of 6-9 guests & those looking for great value.
From: USD 3250 pp / night 6-14 days surfing / 7-15 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 3690 2750 pp / night 10-11 days surfing / 10-11 nights Max 12 / Min 7 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 4175 3653 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 8 / Min 6 guests
Reviews
Wave Hunter is a popular Mentawai surf charter ideal for budget conscious groups of 8 to 12 guests (16 on request)
From: USD 2750 1999 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 7 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
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 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / 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 3995 3395 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 9 / Min 7 guests
Reviews
The Jiwa is a 75' traditional phinisi surf charter boat that can comfortably sleep 8-10 guests.
From: USD 2800 2199 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / Min 8 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 3999 3300 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 10 / Min 6 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
The Nomad surf charter is skippered by an Australian and is perfect for small groups of 6-8 guests.
From: USD 3899 3599 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 8 / Min 6 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 3595 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 10 / Min 8 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 2950 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
The Addiction is the most luxurious surf charter in the Mentawai Islands as well as being one of the fastest...
From: USD 4400 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 10 guests
Reviews
Built in 1999, the Sea Dragon was designed exclusively for upmarket surf charters...
From: USD 2600 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 12 / 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 3100 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 13 / Min 12 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 Bintang is one of the largest & longest serving charter boats in the West Sumatra region...
From: USD 4400 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 14 / Min 10 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 Nusa Dewata is all about scoring uncrowded surf where the larger charters simply can't compete...
From: USD 3900 pp / night 10 days surfing / 11 nights Max 6 / Min 4 guests (7 on request)
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
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
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
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 pp / night 11 days surfing / 12 nights Max 12 / Min 8 guests
Reviews