Explore the Mentawai islands in Indonesia, famous for world-class surfing
10 to 15 days of surfing some of the best waves in the world
Surf the northern and central islands + southern island (macaronis) optional
Video analysis of your surfing
Quiet beach front locations with all meals included
Boat trips to surf twice a day
Mentawai Surf Trip
An experience far off the map
Deep in the Indian Ocean, the Mentawai islands offer a rare combination of raw natural beauty and world-class waves. Crystal-clear water, untouched jungle, and empty horizons — it’s a setting that feels completely removed from the modern world.
It’s not just about the surf, but the atmosphere in between — the stillness, the light, and the sense of being exactly where you’re meant to be.
This is the ultimate surf destination for surfers wanting to chase perfect waves
Simple, comfortable, well dialed
High-quality beachfront accommodation, smooth logistics, and everything taken care of — so you can focus entirely on surfing and recovery between sessions.
Private speedboat ready each day to take us surfing to the best waves depending on conditions, twice a day.
Between sessions, slow things down: relax by the ocean, recharge in the shade, and enjoy the raw beauty of these remote islands.
Two islands, double the opportunity
This trip is designed to go beyond a single location. By splitting our time between the northern and central Mentawai, we gain access to a much wider variety of waves — effectively doubling the number of surf spots we can explore.
A private speed boat will transport us between our first and second stop. The result is simple: discovering more waves and surfing more variety.
See what last year’s looked like → Watch now
Small crew, better experience
Limited to just 5–7 surfers, the trip stays tight, efficient, and flexible. It allows us to move quickly and keep the experience personal.
Less people, better positioning, and ultimately a higher quality experience in and out of the lineup.
Build your confidence, speed and technique with your crew empowering you, helping you commit and decide which wave to go for.
Improve your technique by understanding what to correct with the photos and videos taken during the surf sessions.
Stay safe while surfing with an experienced guide and a close group of friends looking out for you.
World-class waves for real progression
Designed for intermediate to advanced surfers who are already comfortable in the lineup — duck diving, taking off on steeper waves, and catching their own waves without assistance. The environment pushes you, but rewards you just as much.
Different waves, different setups, different challenges. Your learning curve will grow exponentially to adapt and level up across a variety of conditions.
One thing is guaranteed — you’ll come back having surfed some of the best waves of your life.
Progress and refine through photos and videos
Video analysis sessions are included to break down your surfing and accelerate progression.
Optional local coaching is available if you want extra input.
Not sure if this trip is right for your level? → Take the 2-minute quiz
Mentawai Surf Trip Packages
What’s included?
October 2026 · Indonesia
Choose your experience
12 days · 2 islands · Sep 30 – Oct 12 · small group of 5–7 surfers
1 spot remaining for October 2026
Free surf
Surf at your own pace
For experienced surfers who want to charge the lineup independently, without coaching.
USD$4,900
per person · all inclusions below
What's included
12 nights — 2 in Padang, 10 in Mentawai across 2 islands
Beachfront lodge, 3 meals per day
Private speedboat, 2 surf sessions per day
Surf guide at every session
Professional photo and video every session
Fast ferry + private speedboat transfer between islands
All airport pickups and hotel/ferry transfers
Surf coach in the water
Video analysis sessions
Recommended
Surf & coach
Everything in Free Surf, plus a dedicated in-water coach and video analysis to accelerate your progression.
USD$5,800
per person · +$900 vs Free Surf
Everything in Free Surf, plus
12 nights — 2 in Padang, 10 in Mentawai across 2 islands
Beachfront lodge, 3 meals per day
Private speedboat, 2 surf sessions per day
Surf guide at every session
Professional photo and video every session
Fast ferry + private speedboat transfer between islands
All airport pickups and hotel/ferry transfers
Dedicated surf coach in the water (max 2 students per coach)
Minimum 3 video analysis sessions during the trip
Optional extension
Add 5 nights · southern island
Surf Macaronis
One of the most famous left-handers on the planet. Includes private speedboat transfer, shared a/c accommodation, and full photo/video coverage. Departs Oct 12, returns Oct 17.
Add to my trip ↗USD
+$2,000
5 nights · Oct 12–17
Not included
The following are not covered by any package
–Flights to Padang (PDG)
–Travel insurance (required, with air evac)
–Mentawai surf tax — $120
–Board fee on ferry — $15 to $45
–Dinners in Padang
–Alcoholic drinks and souvenirs
–Surf equipment (bring 2–3 boards)
–Tips for local staff
Once you book, we help you plan your flights. Most guests fly to Jakarta first, then connect to Padang. International flights from North America typically run $900–$1,400 USD return.
Surf Retreats Dates
September 30th to October 12th – 12 days 2 islands or,
September 30th to October 17th – 17 days, 3 islands
1 spot remaining for October 2026
** Dates could slightly change on rare occasion. 1. Book your spot. 2. Wait for our confirmation that the retreat is confirmed. 3. Book your flights. **
Because the waves are unlike anything you have surfed before
The Mentawai Islands are home to some of the most perfect waves on the planet. They are the waves intermediate surfers spend years working towards. A milestone in your surf journey. You will surf them with us, build your confidence and step up your surfing.
Because you will surf more in 10 days than most do in a year
We run two to three sessions per day, timed around optimal tides and swell windows. Dawn patrol when the surface is glass, lunch sessions when the other camps are leaving for lunch, late afternoon sessions if you still have some energy left. Our boat gives us access to multiple breaks in the same day — when one spot goes flat or crowded, we move. Every hour in the water counts.
Because your surfing will actually change
In powerful, consistent surf like the Mentawais, progression happens fast. You adapt to faster take off, more powerful waves, harder water face, reading the wave, judging the line up. Everything is more challenging, but you adapt to it and level up quickly. Plus we will have a photographer filming and shooting photos every sessions so that we can quickly see what went well and what can be improved.
Because getting there is half the adventure
Reaching the Mentawais requires commitment — and that is exactly the point. Once you are there, the outside world disappears. The excitement around the trip is something amazing. Once we get there, it’s all about surfing. No noise, no distractions. Just ocean, jungle, and waves.
Because the food will surprise you
Fresh, carefully prepared meals made from local ingredients waiting for you every time you come in from the water. Eating well in a remote island chain is not a given — we make it a priority.
Because you will not come back the same surfer
10 days or surfing in the Mentawais with perfect waves, and nothing else to think about does what months of weekend sessions cannot. You will leave surfing differently. That is the whole point.
To make new friends
Meet other like-minded intermediate surfers who are interested in pushing their surfing and creating new connections.
For the adventure, without the hassle
From the moment you book the trip, we will help you find the best flights, make sure you arrive in time, organize your airport pick up, hotel reservation, send a list of what you need to bring, answer any questions, and take care of your logistic from the moment you arrive in Padang until the moment you fly home. We’ve traveled to Indonesia consistently since 2007 and we partner with the best local crew to make sure everything goes smoothly.
For the local experience
We’ve teamed up with the nicest and most reliable locals of the area to share with you the beauty of their country.
How should I plan my flights?
The trip starts in Padang (PDG). It will be cheaper to use a local flight app like Traveloka to book your last flight to Padang. You should plan your international flights to be aarriving in Jakarta in the evening before the official arrival day in Padang. This way you can rest, catch up on the sleep and time difference, fly the next morning to Padang, if there are any delays with flights you don’t have to worry about missing the ferry. Alternatively you could also arrive in Jakarta in the morning and catch a flight to Padang on the same day, but you will be more tired. Once you book, we can recommend some hotels in Jakarta, and the night in Padang is covered in one of the best hotel of the city.
This year, plan your arrival in Padang for September 30th. If you are doing the 12 days, 2 islands trip, plan your return on October 12th. If you are extending to surf and explore 5 more days on the southern island, plan your return trip on October 17th.
How does arrival and departure days works?
We include a pick up and drop off in Padang at any arrival time. We will all meet at the hotel in Padang before dinner on day 1 and likely go out to eat at a great restaurant in the area, or you’re welcome to sleep and order food to your room if you need extra rest.
On the last day, you will come back from the ferry to Padang, stay the night there and catch your departure flight on the following day. That way you do not risk missing your flight if there are any delays with the ferry. Breakfast buffets are included on both days, dinners are not.
Is this trip suitable for my surf level?
This trip is for you if:
- You can catch unbroken waves on your own — no push needed
- You are comfortable when waves reach head-high
- You know how to angle your take-off and ride the shoulder left and right
- You can generate your own speed using flexion extension and arms
- You can position yourself properly in a lineup, read waves and move safely around other surfers
- You can link a few turns and trace a clean line down the face
This trip is probably not for you if:
- You are a complete beginner or have only surfed a few times
- You still rely on a coach or someone to push you into waves
- Your take-off is inconsistent and you fall on most waves you attempt
- Shoulder-to-head-high surf makes you too nervous to paddle
- You are an expert barrel hunter wanting to surf double overhead barrels over shallow reef — since we go during the shoulder season, these waves might leave you wanting more size and consequence. On average, our guest’s surf level is 4-6 for the Mentawais. A fit and confidently strong level 3 could manage to have an enjoyable time. Not sure of your level? Answer our quiz here to find out.
A quick gut check: if you are wiping out on more than half the waves you go for, the Mentawais will be more frustrating than fun. Come to Costa Rica first, get the foundation solid, and this trip will be everything you imagined it would be once you’ve been surfing for a minimum of 5+ years.
What kind of boards should I bring?
The normal board you surf on typical 3-5ft waves, one with 2-3 inches more and 3-4L more of volume, ideal for when you get more tired or the waves are faster/heavier, and a step up if you plan on charging bigger waves of 8ft+ (or if you haven’t paddle for a long time).
Bring new leashes, one per board + 1 extra. Good ones (Dakine big wave) Extra set of large fins, wax, reef booties, long sleeve rashguard for sun protection, a 1mm top for reef protection.
How much do flights cost to Padang, Indonesia?
International flights from North America typically range from $900–$1,400 USD return depending on your departure city and booking timing. Use Google Flights or Skyscanner to get a current estimate from your city. It’s usually much cheaper to get a flight to Jakarta, Singapore or Bali, and then use the local flights app Traveloka to purchase your last flight to Padang.