Mentawai Surf Charter Boats
How many surf charter boats are in the Mentawai Islands?
We counted 35 charter boats operating in the Mentawai Islands. These range from budget local style boats to western built luxury charter vessels. Are you planning a boat trip soon? We recently read a good article on the inertia 'How to have a successful Indonesian boat trip from the boat owners themselves'. Worth a look if you're planning a trip. Below is our directory of surf charter boats, can you think of anymore? Let us know in the comments below.
Our list of Mentawai surf charter boats.
Pelagic Surf Charters / Indies Trader 3 / Tengirri Surf Charters / Raja Elang /The Barrenjoey / The Bintang / The Huey / The Indo Satu / The Jiwa / The King Millenium / The Mahogonay / The Mangalui / The Addiction / The Naga Laut / The Nomad / Ocean Dreams / The Santana laut / The Switchfoot / Star Koat / Crystal Clear / Budyadahri / D'Bora / Moon Palikir / The Orca Laut / Sola Garcia / Sibon Baru / Jaya / Sothern Cross / The Maki boat / The Wave Hunter / Ombak Kabau / Oasis / The Asia / Wildcat surf charters / Samudra Biru / The Melaleuca
How much does a Mentawai Surf charter Cost?
Prices vary between USD $2000 to $6000 per person for a trip. While budget boats may seem like a more affordable option, it's worth considering the benefits of paying extra for your trip of a lifetime. Do your research and talk to people that have done trips before. Martin Daly did a good run down on all the boats operating in the islands 'The definitive list of Mentawai Surf Boats'. He makes some good points in this article and worth reading before you book a charter.
What to consider when booking a Mentawai surf charter
Boat Size: Consider the size of the boat and the number of guests it can accommodate. You want to make sure there is enough room for everyone to be comfortable and store their equipment. Also take into mind how many surfers are on the boat. More than 8/10 surfers on a trip might bring the per person price down but surfing in a crowd can spoil your experience.
Safety Equipment: Check the boat has the necessary safety equipment such as life jackets, first aid kits, life Rafts and most importantly a satellite phone in case of emergency.
Boat Amenities: Check if the boat provides amenities such as air conditioning, fresh water, and comfortable sleeping quarters.
Food and Beverages: Most charters offer 3 meals a day with soft drinks included. Make sure you're on a charter that's well stoked. Beer allowances vary so check that especially if you don't mind a couple of beers at the end of the day.
Mentawai Tax: Is the Mentawai tax charge included in your price for the charter. The current price per person is $100 USD. The Mentawai tax is paid in Padang before departure.
Photography Services: Is there a photographer onboard and does this come at an extra cost? Some photographers can charge up to $400 USD per person.
Airport transfers: Are your airport transfers covered from the airport to the boat?
Fuel Surcharges: are there extra charges for fuel? Check that there are no limitations on where your charter goes. Plenty of charters stick to the 'Milk Run' and don't like to deviate too far off track.
Surf Guides / Captains Check if the surf charter boat provides experienced guides who know the Mentawai Islands well. Having a good Captain or guide can make or break a trip. Take a look at the boats testimonials and check the reputation of the charter operator.
In conclusion do your research and ask around before you book on a trip. Most the charter websites claim they are the best in the business, every operator provides a different service. The key is to find a charter boat that suits your needs. Don't trust everything you read online, speak to people in the industry and chat with friends that have done trips before.
A guide to the Mentawai Islands
There are 4 main Islands in the Mentawai Chain. Siberut, Sipora, Pagai Utara and Pagai Selatan. By far the best way to access all these areas is by a surf charter boat. For a full guide on all the spots and more good information on the Islands take a look the Surf Indonesia website. We also highly recommend having a look at the Indonesian Stormrider guide from low pressure. The Indonesian Storm Rider Guide is one of the most detailed guide books for surfing in Indonesia. Dont bring it on your surf charter though, the captain may well chuck it overboard.
Have you already booked your trip and heading to the Mentawai Islands soon? Check out our Mentawai Boat Trip Checklist for what to bring with you. For more information on a Mentawai surf charters contact us at [email protected]
