Mentawai Surf Charter Guide

The history of the Mentawai Islands starts with only the Trader and a scattering of adventurers hitching rides on local boats, progresses to the first generation of captains and charters in the 90s, and lands with more than 40 boats operating out of Padang and cruising around the many islands of the Mentawais. Of course the latest new factor is the land camps, which have also significantly changed the game, offering stationary land based options. However, the surfer that was raised on the alluring images of faraway islands and epic waves, or waking up to the sound of the anchor being pulled to head to a new break will still seek that “bucket-list” trip, and the Mentawais remain the iconic place to do so.

The Mentawai Islands conjure up images of pristine beaches, crystal clear water, and perfect waves. Comprised of over seventy islands, the Mentawais have a plethora of different breaks from hollow lefts to peeling leg burner rights. Unique reef formations around these islands ensure that waves break perfectly and there is consistent swell year round. The summer months, from June to August, bring peak conditions. Due to its remote location, the Mentawais offer opportunities to surf perfect empty waves during the right season. Those who have surfed elsewhere in Indo (Bali or Java), know the frustration of battling lineups of hundreds of other surfers on the more popular breaks. Surfers dream of having the adventure of a lifetime aboard a charter boat taking you to some of the best spots in the world without dealing with crowds. When this dream becomes a reality, you want to be confident that the company you choose to sail with will provide the experience that meets your expectations.

The first thing many surfers will look at when starting to look at options for their Mentawai trip is the total cost of their charter boat. Like most things in life, you get what you pay for and opting for the cheapest option may not ultimately provide you with the most value – especially considering the time and money you’ve spent just to get across the world. When it comes to choosing a charter boat for your trip, there are definitely varied choices in terms of budget, accommodations, size of charter etc. Regardless of what you want, here are a few things to look for when deciding which charter boat will take you on your next surf adventure.

Safety is an important aspect of choosing a boat company that often gets overlooked, but definitely should not. Navigating through the myriad of islands in precariously shallow waters takes an advanced level of skill that requires decades of experience. Hundreds of people die in boating accidents in Indonesia each year, and many as a result of errors committed by the captains. Watch out for cheaper boat options, that will have captains who don’t surf themselves, don’t have the necessary experience, and have an unqualified crew. Make sure your Captain has a license of ANT V (Master 5) or higher so that you can be assured they have the proper training to know how to deal with emergencies and make prudent calls on weather conditions and risk.

The quality of the boat also contributes significantly to your safety. Many of the cheaper boats are Indonesian built wooden boats without waterproof bulkheads or fire control systems. These boats wouldn’t pass a proper inspection and therefore can’t be covered by insurance. Imagine spending all the time and money to get to the Mentawais and your trip gets ruined by your boat breaking down or getting wrecked. You would be surprised how frequently this happens. For example, Rip Curl’s Quest 1 boat sank back in 2015, due to the engine room flooding. Luckily, those on board were able to evacuate and were eventually rescued by Martin and the Indies Trader 3.

Quest 1 – Sank (Rescued by Trader 3) – Incompetent crew, poor maintenance
Katika – Burnt near Rags Right – Gallery Fire
Indies Explorer – Burnt in Port-Bungus
Star Koat – Hit the reef and caught fire (rescued by Ratu Motu)
Midas – Caught inside by tsunami at Macaronis
Sea Dog (Anjing Laut) – Sunk – Fiberglass delaminated off wooden planked hull
Sri Wedana – Washed aground at Lance’s Right, anchored in Keyhole overnight hit by a squall, no radar, bad judgement, no qualified crew
Lautan Megah – Rick Cameron’s boat that caught fire – Karma
MV Diane – Washed on to the beach in squall , bad ground tackle only one of 2 main engines operable near Macaronis (Trader 3 Rescued)
KM Alissa – Sunk due to hull integrity failing, no bulkheads in moderately rough seas

Some boats depend on cell and VHF for communication, but there are no cell phone towers on the majority of the islands and once you’re five miles from the nearest tower you lose service. This is why it is important for your boat captain to use a satellite telephone and a Single Side Band Radio in case of emergencies. Don’t skimp on safety!

Whether you have a particular break you want to spend most of your time at or hit as many spots as possible, it is important that you find out what your options are before booking your boat. Conditions, crowds, and weather can be unpredictable so having a captain that surfs is vital to the success of your trip.

Cheaper boats with an all Indonesian crew like to stick to breaks that are near cell towers so that they can use their cell phones while the guys are surfing. They’ll come up with excuses as to why they can’t or shouldn’t visit other breaks but in reality they just don’t want to be bored without cell service. A lot of the Indo captains also have a bonus scheme where they will get more money if they use less fuel. Ask about the company’s optimal travel itinerary as well as their back up plans in the case of weather/swell changes. Check if your boat has 24/7 satellite internet to avoid having to stay close to the cell towers.

Most charter boat trips last 10+ days so it is essential to choose a boat that is comfortable, well maintained, and stocked with provisions. For many surfers, this trip will be their first experience spending such a large amount of time out on the ocean. You want your boat to feel like an oasis to relax and recharge in after spending all day surfing. Make sure to look at the age of the boats you are researching and find out if any major renovations have been done to enhance guest experiences.

There are a variety of boat types available and can be categorized by their size, capacity, quality, amenities, etc. The most common boat types to see are: Yacht, Sailboat, Catamaran, Converted Trawlers and Patrol Vessels, and the most common – Indonesian. Yachts and some of the Catamaran boats are usually going to be the most expensive on the list but provide the most comfort and amenities. The most common type is the traditional wooden Indo boat, which will have been converted to accommodate surfers. Sailboats look awesome, but many times you are still cruising around on your motor, as the Ments are notorious for being oily glassy without wind for sailing. Also many sailboats include their bowsprit and swimming deck in their length – so your actual living space will be smaller than that.

Think of your boat as your floating hotel, ask what type of amenities and space are most comfortable for your 2 weeks at sea.

Prices in charter boats vary greatly and you should look at all aspects of your trip when budgeting. Look at the per person per night cost, and also factor in additional expenses such as:

Beer & Drinks
Many boats offer a beer quota of 2-8 beers per day. Check this out so you don’t get hit with a high bar bill on the way out. Wine and Spirits are generally not included on most of the boats – if you are interested in this, do some research before to make sure the boats will be stocked ahead of time, and you know the price you are getting.

Internet Access
Without internet you may feel like you’ve lost out on some leads back home, which may have you rushing back or stressed about things you may be missing out on. Only a few boats have satellite internet which allow you to stay up to date with work or family issues that may come up while you are at sea. The other boats will either be out of touch (perhaps that’s what you are looking for), or will be anchored up next to one of the few cell towers on the islands – which can get very crowded. If that’s the case, make sure you get a SIM card ahead of time.

Mentawais surf tax
Ever since 2016, there is a mandatory surf tax, make sure you know if this is included in your bill or will be paid on departure.

Duration of Stay
We always recommend two week trips to maximize your swell window. Traveling half way across the world and missing a major ground swell is a huge bummer. More and more boats are offering shorter trips with more time in port in Padang. The boats who stay out longer can usually nab a few days when most of the boats are in port, and can sneak even the high profile spots empty.

Choosing you charter boat can be a daunting task but by making sure the company you choose has the right experience, quality equipment, and skill you will alleviate a lot of your anxiety knowing that you will be in good hands. Having confidence in the company you choose is essential to making sure you have everything you need to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. Cutting corners to save a buck may very well cost you that perfect wave.

• What happens if your boat sinks and you lose everything, or you are injured due to negligence, or you die in a fire or drown?
• Look at the fallout of the Quest 1 to see the lawsuits
• Ask about insurance cover, P & I club entry before booking, ask to see a copy of the policy

• Many local Indo boats don’t have watertight bulkheads – meaning if you catch a leak the boat will likely sink – Like the Alissa. Many have fiberglass sheathing. One had fiberglass sheathing over the wooden planking, seas got rough planks started moving, fiberglass delaminated and came off in sheets, no caulking between planks, boat sunk.

• Master V license covers boats less than 78ft
• Master IV license covers boats less than 115ft

• The captain needs a qualified First Mate, Engineer and crew who can also assist during an emergency

• Fire fighting equipment readily available, Fire extinguishers in all spaces. Fire blanket
• Engine room fire control system either Co2 or Mistex

• Smoke alarms in all spaces
• General Fire alarm audible throughout vessel

• We’ve seen boats with shop-vacs acting as Bilge pumps, Quest 1 was lost due to inoperable bilge alarms and pumps
• Bilge alarms (visual and sound) on all spaces, tested regularly.
• Primary and secondary bilge pumps, one must be diesel driven, plastic recreational battery powered bilge pumps are not suitable without proper backup. Main engine driven high volume or separate diesel drive bilge pump/fire pump.

• There are reasons for strict maritime regulations – mainly the safety of the guests
• Most boats on this list would not pass, ask when the last survey was
• Vessel to have Solas Approved life jackets for all pax and crew with lights
• EPIRB, tested with current cert
• Liferafts- at least 2 with either raft capable of accommodating passengers and crew. ie 16 person minimum, 10pax 6 crew
• Satellite telephone or in reach device or similar. Do not go to sea without this. How can you call for help if you can’t call.
• SSB radio, that is working and surveyed with Radio license.
• SART-search and rescue transponder
• Liferings with lifebuoy lights and smoke