When thinking of South Sipora, surfers will immediately think of Lances Right (HT’s) – and its neighbouring left round the corner, Lances Left. Of course, these world class set-ups are the big pull for the masses but those who spend a lot of time in the area know it’s got much more to offer. There are around a dozen quality and very accessible set-ups that will often go unridden whilst the majority of the travelling surfers pursue a dream session at Lances Left or Lances Right.
Although there aren’t quite as many waves in the direct vicinity as *playgrounds* - there’s a nice variation of lefts and rights with differing ferocity. HT’s can get busy but when you consider the other so called lesser waves on offer, it’s actually pretty uncrowded when comparing to some of the other spots in the Mentawai Island archipelago.
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Lances Left
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-25 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Lances Right
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-35 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Binnies
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: The Cobra
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-10 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: JJ's
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Unicorns
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: Chongs
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 sufers
Season: April until October
Wave Quality: Good
Wave Direction: Left and Right
Also Known As: Beach Break
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: Beach
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Overlooking HT's, a picture perfect world class tube & one of Indonesia's most iconic right handers.
Surfers From: USD 198 pp / night
Reviews
The only camp in the bay, each bungalow overlooks Lances Left, one of the most consistent & fun waves in Indo
Surfers From: USD 190 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 4250 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
When thinking of South Sipora, surfers will immediately think of Lances Right (HT’s) – and its neighbouring left round the corner, Lances Left. Of course, these world class set-ups are the big pull for the masses but those who spend a lot of time in the area know it’s got much more to offer. There are around a dozen quality and very accessible set-ups that will often go unridden whilst the majority of the travelling surfers pursue a dream session at Lances Left or Lances Right.
Although there aren’t quite as many waves in the direct vicinity as *playgrounds* - there’s a nice variation of lefts and rights with differing ferocity. HT’s can get busy but when you consider the other so called lesser waves on offer, it’s actually pretty uncrowded when comparing to some of the other spots in the Mentawai Island archipelago.
Photos
South Sipora
Surf Breaks
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Lances Left
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-25 surfers
Season: April until October
Lances Left is a very long, superbly shaped wave that is renowned for being one of the most consistent breaks in the Mentawai islands. A number of take-off options means this place rarely feels crowded, and with an easy entry, it’s obvious to see why Lances is such a popular option. At head high, expect long, peeling, down the line walls, ideal for turns, combined with two distinct tube sections. At six feet plus, the wave transforms into a steep, deep water take-off with big open faces and some makeable barrel sections. Although not the most consistent barrel in the Mentawai archipelago, it’s length and overall variation means most surfers will prefer Lances Left to HT’s.
Wave Quality: World Class
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Lances Right
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 10-35 surfers
Season: April until October
Located in a palm fringed cove, the waves of Lances Right is one of the main reasons surfers make the long trip to the Mentawai Islands. More commonly referred to as "HT's" - this world class right hander is considered one of the top ten waves in the world. The wave wraps 180 degrees and actually breaks almost due south after bending and amplifying around the Southern tip of Sipora. Wide sets are softer but everything else is fast, hollow and picture perfect. Depending on swell direction and size, there are a couple of different take off zones where you can take off quite easily. And like many of the world's most alluring reef breaks, high tide is a safer option and the lower tide for the more advanced surfers. Failure to exit the inside bowl will often result in a horror experience amongst the reef pinnacles guarded by the aptly named surgeons table.
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Binnies
Experience: Intermediate
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 5-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Truly one of the most underrated waves in the Mentawais, this classy right-hander produces a slabby, take-off barrel section followed by a fun bowly wall. A 5 minute boat ride from Lances Left, although relatively short, Bintangs can deliver some memorable sessions under the noses of the crowds at the regions more famous waves. Certainly fun under 4 feet, a more solid swell will deliver a more thick perfectly formed cavern along the entire length of the wave.
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: The Cobra
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-10 surfers
Season: April until October
Just 50-100 meters from Lances left, The Cobra rears up from deep water to produce a tube from start to finish. Many waves shut down after 50-100m but some will go much further. Its a matter of spending time in the water there & then picking the right one. Most surfers will head for Kingfisher Bay's main wave, but don't under estimate how good The Cobra can be. Those willing to surf this spot will not only share with far less surfers but they will also give themselves the chance of occasionally linking up with Lances left for one of the longest lefts in the whole of the Mentawai Islands.
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: JJ's
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Located on an outside reef on the edge of a small bay, this right hander offers two main peaks. The outside section offers an easy take-off, before lining up into a horseshoe style barrel on the inside bowl which produces a perfect back door section. This wave is a body boarders heaven - especially with a perfect ramp at the end section. Intermediate to advanced only.
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Right
Also Known As: Unicorns
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
Another well kept secret in the region, Unicorns is one of the more challenging waves in the area. A thick right hander with mechanical shape has a barrel comparable to that of HT's. A large peak jacks up on take-off before exploding onto the shallow reef, where it fires down the line with numerous backdoor sections along the way. Advanced surfers only.
Wave Quality: Very Good
Wave Direction: Left
Also Known As: Chongs
Experience: Advanced
Consistency: Average
Wave Type: reef
Crowd: 0-15 sufers
Season: April until October
One of the areas secret spots, Chongs is a thick left hander that rarely gets crowded due to its secrecy. Its outside peak offers an easy take-off before hitting the reef, bending into a long barrel section. Intermediate and advanced surfers only, the wave is surfable at all sizes - but with an increase in size, turns into a thick lipped barrel machine.
Wave Quality: Good
Wave Direction: Left and Right
Also Known As: Beach Break
Experience: Intermediate+
Consistency: Consistent
Wave Type: Beach
Crowd: 0-15 surfers
Season: April until October
A one kilometre stretch of idyllic palm fringed, white sand beach is not too far from the resort. The turquoise coloured water is picture perfect, with a series of sandbars to choose from. Good sand banks can be a little fickle, but with the right conditions a super fun session can be had by the patient surfer.
Surf Camps
South Sipora
Overlooking HT's, a picture perfect world class tube & one of Indonesia's most iconic right handers.
Surfers From: USD 198 pp / night
Reviews
South Sipora
The only camp in the bay, each bungalow overlooks Lances Left, one of the most consistent & fun waves in Indo
Surfers From: USD 190 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 4250 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