How Do I Plan a Private Mentawai Islands Surf Trip? Step by Step

A private trip means your group controls the boat or camp: no strangers in the cabins, no compromise on where to surf, and a schedule built around your crew. It is a popular choice for groups of friends, families and surf clubs. If you are asking how do I plan a private Mentawai Islands surf trip, the steps below take you from the first group chat to the day you step on board. They work whether this is your first mentawai adventure or your tenth.

Step 1: Decide what “private” means for your group

There are three common ways to travel privately in the islands, and each suits a different group.

Many operators limit a boat’s working capacity to about 10 to 12 guests even if it sleeps more. Ask for the maximum number of surfers, not just the number of beds.

Step 2: Fix the group and the dates

Private trips are priced per boat or per property, so the per-person cost depends on how many people share it. Lock in names before you request quotes, and agree what happens if someone drops out.

Next, pick dates. The main surf season runs roughly April to October. June to August usually brings the most powerful swells and the most demand. May and September often offer a good balance of swell and fewer boats. If your group includes beginners or children, consider the smaller months from November to March, or a land base that teaches. Our page on the Mentawai surf trip for families explains what to look for with mixed ages.

Step 3: Set a realistic budget

Private boat pricing varies a lot by vessel size, comfort level, trip length and season. A simple way to estimate is to start from shared-berth prices. In 2025 and 2026 listings, shared charter berths were typically advertised somewhere around AUD 3,250 to 5,000 per person for 10 to 12 days on mid-range boats. A full-boat booking is often in the region of that per-person price multiplied by the boat’s capacity, with premium boats and peak weeks costing more.

Treat those numbers as a rough guide only. Prices change every season, operators price in different currencies, and inclusions differ. The only figure that counts is the written quote for your dates.

Step 4: Compare quotes properly

When you contact operators, ask each one to confirm the same list in writing:

1. Maximum number of guests and surfers.
2. Number of nights on board or at the camp, and fixed start days.
3. Airport, hotel and port transfers in Padang.
4. Whether the crossing is by fast ferry plus speedboat, or on the boat itself.
5. Meals, drinking water, soft drinks and any alcohol.
6. Surf guiding and tender boats to the waves.
7. The Mentawai Islands Regency surf levy: whether it is included, the current amount and how it is paid.
8. Fishing, snorkelling or SUP gear, and Wi-Fi.
9. Deposit, payment schedule, cancellation terms and what happens in a flat spell or bad weather.

Our post on what is included in a Mentawai surf trip goes into more detail on common inclusions and extras.

Step 5: Book early

For June to August, booking around a year ahead is sensible, because popular boats and camps often fill early. Shoulder months are easier, but good boats still book out. Pay deposits by traceable methods, keep copies of contracts, and make sure the name on the contract matches the operator you are dealing with.

Step 6: Shape the itinerary

The big advantage of a private trip is control. Talk to the skipper or surf guide about your group’s level before departure. A mixed group might split time between friendlier reefs and a marquee wave on its best day. An advanced crew might ask to prioritise heavier waves when the swell peaks. If anyone in the group wants to surf the famous right at Lance’s, read our HTs Mentawai surf trip guide first so expectations match the wave.

Remember that the guide’s final call on safety stands, even on a private boat. Swell, wind and tide decide where you surf.

Step 7: Handle travel and gear

Most groups fly into Padang the day before departure, stay overnight and transfer to the port early. Plan on returning to Padang the day before any long-haul flight. Domestic airlines in Indonesia have their own baggage and surfboard rules, so check them for every leg; our post on Mentawai surf trip luggage limits covers this. Everyone should carry travel insurance that covers surfing and medical evacuation.

How do I plan a private Mentawai Islands surf trip on a timeline?

Working backwards from your departure date keeps the process calm. A typical peak-season plan looks like this:

1. 12 months out: confirm the group, agree a budget range and request quotes from several operators.
2. 10 to 11 months out: choose a boat or camp, sign the contract and pay the deposit.
3. 6 months out: book international and domestic flights into Padang, arriving the day before departure.
4. 3 months out: buy insurance, see a travel doctor and sort out boards and board bags.
5. 1 month out: pay the balance, confirm transfers and the current surf levy, and share everyone’s skill levels with the guide.
6. 1 week out: check the swell forecast, pack repair kits and reef booties, and confirm hotel and pickup times in Padang.

Shoulder-season and off-season trips can compress this timeline, but the order of steps stays the same.

Quick facts

• Typical private boat group: around 8 to 12 surfers.
• Peak demand: June to August; book about a year ahead.
• Gateway: Padang, Sumatra; arrive the day before departure.
• The regional surf levy is often charged separately; confirm the current amount.
• Get every inclusion and cancellation term in writing.
• Prices vary by boat, season and currency; treat online figures as rough guides.

Frequently asked questions

How many people do I need for a private charter?

Most boats are designed for around 8 to 12 surfers. Smaller groups can still charter privately, but the cost per person rises. Some operators offer smaller boats for small groups.

How far ahead should I book?

For June to August, around 12 months ahead is a good rule. For shoulder and off-season months, a few months may be enough, but good boats and camps still fill.

Can non-surfers come on a private trip?

Often yes, especially at a land camp. On boats, non-surfers usually pay close to full price, and days revolve around the surf. Ask the operator first.

Is the surf levy included in private charter prices?

Often it is not. The levy is set by the regional government and has changed over time, so ask your operator for the current amount and payment method.

Can we choose which waves we surf?

You can share preferences, and private groups have more say than shared boats. The final choice depends on conditions and the guide’s safety judgement.

Plan your trip

Planning a private group trip? Send us your group size, levels, preferred dates and budget, and we will help you shortlist boats and camps to request quotes from. Message us on WhatsApp or email bd@juaraholding.com. We are an independent planning guide; contracts and payments are always made with the operator.