Boat charters offer the ultimate freedom to chase swells and surf empty breaks across the Mentawai Islands. This guide covers everything you need to know to choose and book the right charter boat.
| Feature | Boat Charter | Land Resort |
|---|---|---|
| Flexibility | ✓ Chase swells anywhere | ✗ Fixed location |
| Crowd Control | ✓ Your group only | ✗ Share with other guests |
| Wave Variety | ✓ 40+ breaks accessible | ✗ 5-10 nearby breaks |
| Comfort | ✗ Smaller cabins | ✓ Spacious rooms |
| Motion | ✗ Boat sways at anchor | ✓ Solid ground |
| Food Quality | Good but limited | ✓ Better variety |
| Non-Surfers | Can be boring | ✓ More activities |
| Cost | $1,500-3,500 pp | $1,500-6,000 pp |
Features:
Good for: Young surfers, budget travelers, those who don't mind roughing it
Features:
Good for: Most surfers wanting good value and comfort
Examples: Maki Boat, SwitchFoot, Huey, Seriti, Naga Laut
Features:
Good for: Those wanting comfort and willing to pay for it
Examples: Siloina One & Two, The Addiction, Pelagic, Tengirri
Type: 40m luxury phinisi yachts (brand new 2024)
Capacity: 12 guests in 6 private ensuite cabins
Amenities: Full A/C, Starlink WiFi, dedicated bartender, gourmet chef
Cost: ~$4,200-4,800 per person (12 nights)
Website: siloina.com
Also via: World Surfaris, AWAVE Travel, Perfect Wave
Type: 24m (80ft) high-speed catamaran
Capacity: 10 guests in 4 A/C cabins
Amenities: Fastest boat in Mentawai (28 knots), all A/C, 15+ years experience
Cost: ~$4,400 per person (12 nights)
Website: addictionsurfing.com
Also via: Surf Camp Sumatra, Perfect Wave, LUEX
Type: Australian-built luxury surf yacht with jet ski
Capacity: 8 guests in private cabins
Amenities: Purpose-built for surfing, professional photography, 20 knot cruising
Cost: Premium pricing (contact for rates)
Website: pelagic-charters.com
Reputation: Choice of surf industry pros and heavyweights
Type: 46ft Australian-built power catamaran
Capacity: 8 guests in 6 private A/C cabins
Amenities: Fastest small boat (17 knots), free photo/video package, Starlink
Cost: ~$2,965-3,672 per person (12 nights)
Website: tengirri.com
Email: [email protected]
Type: 105ft traditional Phinisi (built 2017)
Capacity: 11 guests in 5 cabins (including master suite)
Amenities: Full A/C, spacious 3-deck layout, Brazilian/Indo cuisine
Cost: ~$2,699 per person (10-12 nights)
Website: makiboat.com
Also via: World Surfaris, AWAVE Travel, Stoked Surf Adventures
Type: 52ft fiberglass power catamaran (built 2017)
Capacity: 10 guests in 4 twin-share A/C cabins + bunks
Amenities: Fast (12 knots), Starlink WiFi, owner-operated by Jason Quinn (25+ years experience)
Cost: ~$1,951-2,695 per person (10-11 nights)
Website: switchfootmentawai.com
Bookings: sumatracharters.com
Type: 82ft converted Japanese patrol vessel
Capacity: 10 guests in 3 A/C cabins
Amenities: Operating since 1999, legendary chef Khairul, TV room with surround sound
Cost: ~$2,372+ per person (10-12 nights)
Website: huey.com.au
Reputation: Never missed a day due to mechanical failure in 20+ seasons
Type: 25m aluminium charter (US-built)
Capacity: 12 guests (14 on request) in 2 A/C cabins
Amenities: Operating since 2000, fastest in North Sumatra (11.5 knots), 2 tenders
Cost: ~$3,000-3,690 per person (10-12 nights)
Website: surfbanyak.com
Also via: World Surfaris, AWAVE Travel, Praya Charters
Type: 115ft luxury motor cruiser (built 2018)
Capacity: 12 guests in 6 twin-bed A/C cabins
Amenities: Largest boat in Mentawai, 12 knot cruising, individual single beds
Cost: ~$3,200 per person (10-11 nights)
Website: mentawaisurfcharters.com
Routes: Mentawai, Banyaks, Telos, Hinako Islands
Type: Traditional wooden charter (built 1999, continuously upgraded)
Capacity: 8-12 guests in 5 cabins (4 twin + 1 quad)
Amenities: Full A/C, Starlink, 2 tenders, 25+ years experience
Cost: ~$2,200-2,600 per person (10-11 nights)
Website: mentawaiblue.com
Email: [email protected]
Instagram: @mentawaibluesurfcharter
Type: Budget-friendly charter
Capacity: 8-12 guests (16 on request)
Cost: ~$1,999-2,750 per person (12 nights)
Book via: Surf Camp Sumatra
Type: 80ft motor cruiser (built 2007)
Capacity: 10 guests (12 on request)
Cost: ~$2,577-2,864 per person (12 nights)
Book via: Surf Camp Sumatra, Perfect Wave
These boats are available through booking agencies:
Day 1: Arrive Padang, overnight at hotel
Day 2: Morning speedboat to boat (3-4 hours), settle in, maybe evening surf
Days 3-12: Full surf days - 2-3 sessions per day at different breaks
Day 13: Morning surf, afternoon speedboat back to Padang
Day 14: Fly out from Padang
Wake up, check conditions, go wherever is best that day. Not stuck at one break.
Your group gets the wave to yourselves. No competing with 3 other boats and land-based surfers.
Surf 15-20 different breaks in one trip. From Hollow Trees to Bankvaults to Rifles to Thunders.
If a big swell is coming to North Sipora, move there. If South Pagai is firing, go there.
No strangers - just your friends. Makes for better vibes and photo sharing.
Cabins are small. No room to spread out. Can feel cramped after 10+ days.
Boat rocks and sways. Some people get seasick even at anchor. Can affect sleep.
No gym, no pool, no spa. Entertainment is surfing, fishing, cards, books.
Same chef for 12 days = menu repeats. Not bad, but less variety than resort.
Stuck with your group 24/7. If there's a personality conflict, nowhere to go.
Storms can trap you at anchorage. Can't move boats in rough seas.
Pros:
Cons:
Cost: $18,000-50,000 for entire boat (12 nights)
Pros:
Cons:
Website: worldsurfaris.com
Reputation: Excellent, 25+ years in surf travel
Boats: Wide selection from budget to premium
Service: Direct pricing, complimentary trip planning, local knowledge
Website: perfectwavetravel.com
Reputation: Excellent, Australian-based, fully licensed travel agent
Boats: Premium selection including Addiction, Siloina, Pelagic
Service: Can package flights, surf specialists
Website: awavetravel.com
Reputation: Excellent, boutique agency, surfer-owned
Boats: Curated selection including Siloina, Maki, Star Koat 2, Naga Laut
Service: Personalized trip planning, real-world knowledge
Website: surfcampsumatra.com
Reputation: Good, comprehensive boat directory
Boats: 30+ boats, budget to premium, great comparison tools
Service: Detailed boat info, responsive
Website: luex.com
Reputation: Good, international platform
Boats: Wide selection with user reviews
Service: Easy comparison, customized trip quotes
Website: wavehunters.com
Reputation: Established, US-based
Boats: Selected fleet including Addiction, Tengirri
Service: Individual and group bookings
Website: stokedsurfadventures.com
Reputation: Good
Boats: Selected premium charters
Service: Tailored surf trip packages
Perfect for:
NOT ideal for: