Mentawai Surf Resorts & Surf Charters

Mentawai surf resorts Mentawai surf charters FAQs Mentawai Surf Guide

Mentawai Surf Trips: Resort or Charter?

The Mentawai Islands off West Sumatra are one of the most wave‑rich surf destinations on earth, with around 50 recognised quality breaks including Hollow Trees (HT’s), Macaronis, Rifles and Greenbush. You can base yourself at a Mentawai surf resort with direct access to world‑class waves and all the comforts on land, or jump on a Mentawai surf charter and chase swells around the islands. Peak season is May–September, while the off‑season offers fewer crowds, softer conditions and lower prices.

New to the Mentawai? Read our Mentawai Surf Travel Guide for the best waves and surf seasons, or see all our Indonesia surf trips.

What we love

Some of the most perfect waves on the planet and waves can be scored all year round.

Off-peak season of December – February has the least crowds and mellow waves.

Charter boats from basic to luxury, and a growing number of quality Mentawai surf resorts.

Massive number of surf breaks in a relatively small area.

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Mentawai Surf Resorts

Staying at a Mentawai surf resort is the best option if you want comfort on land with easy speedboat access to the waves. Our Mentawai surf resorts range from luxury villas with private pools to relaxed beachfront bungalows close to playful, user‑friendly surf. Whether you’re travelling as a couple, a family, or a group of frothing mates, we’ll match you with the right Mentawai resort for your surf level, budget and preferred wave type.

Mentawai Surf Charters

If you want to maximise swell exposure and chase the best waves each day, a Mentawai surf charter is hard to beat. Live on board, wake up anchored in front of a different reef, and use fast tenders to be first in the lineup. From budget‑friendly boats to premium catamarans, we work with experienced captains and surf guides who know how to get you into the right spot, whatever the swell and wind are doing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mentawai

How do I get to Mentawai Islands?

Padang (PDG) in West Sumatra is the gateway airport to the Mentawai. Fly to Padang via Jakarta or Kuala Lumpur. From Padang, charter guests transfer to their boat. Most of our Mentawai surf resorts use the Mentawai Fast Ferry (about 3.5 hours to Tua Pejat) and then the resort’s boat or car, and some also offer private speedboat transfers. Your resort or charter page has the details.

Can a beginner surf in the Mentawai?

Yes, especially if you stay at the right Mentawai surf resort and travel in the softer months.

Best time for beginners: the off-season (Dec–Feb), when waves are smaller and more forgiving. The shoulder months (Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov) get everything from solid swells to small fun days, so ask us before you book.

Beginner-friendly resorts: Aloita, Macaronis and a few other Mentawai surf resorts have access to easy, mellow waves ideal for learning and progression.

Contact your Perfect Wave surf travel guru and we’ll recommend the right Mentawai resort and time of year based on your level.

Are the Mentawais crowded?

The off-season (December to February) has fewer crowds, with very few surfers around. The shoulder months (March–April and October–November) have manageable crowds, and the peak season of May to September brings in more surfers, especially at the big-name breaks. Consult your surf guide if you want to surf less known and less crowded breaks.

What are the best months to surf Mentawai?

You can surf the Mentawai all year, but each season has a different feel:

Off season (Dec–Feb): Smaller, fun and glassy waves, very few surfers around. Great for longboarders, intermediates and anyone after a quieter Mentawai surf resort experience.

Shoulder season (Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov): Mix of small fun days and solid swells. A good balance of consistency, variety and manageable crowds.

Peak season (May–Sep): Most consistent for powerful swells and barrels. Best if you’re chasing hollow, barrelling reef waves like HT’s, Rifles and Greenbush.

How do I book a Mentawai surf trip with Perfect Wave?

Send us an enquiry or call us with your travel dates, surf level, budget and whether you’d prefer a resort or a charter. We’ll recommend the best-fit Mentawai surf resorts and charters, check availability and send you a quote. We can also package your flights, and many of our Mentawai packages include transfers from Padang. Enquire now.

Which Mentawai Surf Resort Suits You?

Every Mentawai surf resort is different: some sit right in front of a famous wave, others are built for comfort, families or learning. Tap a trip style to see where we’d start.

resort-styles

If you want to surf a quality wave with the least logistics, these resorts sit right in front of one:

Hollow Trees Resort: looks straight out over HT’s (Lance’s Right), one of the best and most consistent barrelling right-handers in the world. Best for intermediate and advanced surfers.
Kingfisher Resort: beachfront bungalows directly in front of Lance’s Left.
Beng Bengs Surf Camp: one of the Mentawai’s best value surf camps, in the Playgrounds region with the E-Bay left out the front.
Mentawai Surf Retreat: Pitstops and E-Bay are just steps from every bungalow.
Southern Mentawai Outpost: bamboo houses directly in front of Thunders, a consistent left that can hold the biggest swells.

For high-end comfort on land, close to world-class waves:

Awera Resort: ten villas, each with a private infinity pool, plus yoga, spa and a thermal pool. Three breaks are right outside the resort and ten more are a short boat ride away.
Kandui Villas: beachfront villas (umas), an infinity pool, yoga and spa, with many more waves nearby in the Playgrounds area.
Hollow Trees Resort: beachfront bungalows with private plunge pools, for a maximum of 16 guests.

Travelling with a partner, kids or non-surfers? These resorts balance surf with space and things to do:

Kandui Villas: great for families, couples and non-surfers, with a family package for two adults and two surfer kids aged 12–16.
Macaronis Resort: family suites, a pool, kids’ rates and beginner-friendly waves like Fish Fingers, while parents surf Macaronis and nearby breaks.
Villa Mentawai: a 4-bedroom private beachfront villa that suits multi-generational families and larger groups. Rent single rooms or the whole villa.

You don’t have to be an expert to surf the Mentawai. These resorts look after learners:

Aloita Resort: its home wave, a short walk from the resort, is suitable for learning or improving, the reef is safe without strong currents, and certified instructors run lessons.
Macaronis Resort: beginners pay non-surfer rates and get free use of learner boards plus a one-hour surf lesson.
Awera Resort: a package with a daily surf lesson with a qualified instructor, for complete beginners through to advanced surfers.

Tell us your level and we’ll match you with the right resort and time of year.

Prefer a quiet lineup and a handful of guests? Try these small resorts:

Togat Nusa Retreat: a maximum of 8 guests, with surf and yoga.
Kingfisher Resort: never more than 12 guests at a time, and you can book the whole resort.
Southern Mentawai Outpost: five bamboo houses and a maximum of 10 guests.
Mentawai Surf Retreat: three hillside bungalows and a maximum of 10 guests.

Here to charge? Base yourself close to the heavier waves:

Southern Mentawai Outpost: Thunders handles all sizes, with legitimate 20ft-face days for chargers, and Rags Right and Rags Left are less than 3 miles (5 km) away.
Hollow Trees Resort: HT’s is a fast, barrelling right for intermediate and advanced surfers, with Lance’s Left around the corner.
Macaronis Resort: close to Greenbush, a heavier left for experienced surfers only.

Ask us about the best dates for bigger swells.

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