SUMATRA
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11 Nights
Sumatran
boat trip

Chasing some of the best waves of your life with a group of friends? It doesn't get much better than this.
Mentawai and Telos Islands: cruise through the islands off Sumatra and wake up each morning to perfect tropical lineups. From the mythical waves of the Mentawai to the playful uncrowded peaks of the Telos, the goal is to put you in some of the best waves on the planet, with just your crew around.
Three delicious meals a day, boat drops straight to the lineup, and nothing to think about except which board to wax next.

Ride the waves
with your tribe












Your stay on a Boat in Indonesia
The Kaimana and Melaleuca are sister boats built for comfort, space and long days chasing waves. At 24 metres in length, they feel solid and stable at sea, with a generous layout that makes life on board easy and relaxed.
Both boats run on two 320 hp main engines, adding an extra layer of safety and reliability for remote surf missions. On board, you will find six comfortable cabins with large bunk beds, a mix of double and triple setups. All cabins are fitted with air conditioning and fans. Bathrooms are shared, with two WCs serving the guest areas.
The social spaces are designed for downtime between sessions. You will find a large indoor lounge with sofas, TV and internet. The dining areas are indoor and outdoor, while the top deck is the perfect place to stretch out, watch the horizon and keep an eye on the next set rolling through.
For surf access and support, each boat is equipped with two tenders powered by outboard engines. These are used for getting to the breaks, surf photography and easy access to beaches and reefs.
Life on board is run by an experienced Indonesian crew of seven, including the captain, engineer, chef and assistant chef, plus three deckhands. You are also guided by an experienced western surf guide on every trip. A professional photographer often joins the journey as well, available as an optional extra to capture the sessions and moments in between.
The Boat's maximum capacity is 12 guests.
What they said about us
Sumatra Boat Trip

The Packages Summary
(all non-alcoholic drinks + 30 beers per guest are already included)
All you need to know
Read our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The boat rarely heads further north to areas like Nias, Hinako or the Banyak Islands. While beautiful and remote, these zones offer fewer surf spots and less overall consistency compared to Mentawai and Telos, which is why we focus most of our time there. The final destination is always chosen by the guests. The role of the guide is to share local knowledge, offer guidance when needed, and help shape the trip around what you want to surf. One of the advantages of boat travel in this region is flexibility. Destinations do not need to be locked in weeks ahead of time. Guests can make the final call just a couple of days before departure, once the swell charts are clear. We are always available to help interpret forecasts and talk through the options, especially for those who are less familiar with the area.
Conditions play an important role in shaping each itinerary. Safety comes first, and while weather can influence routing, West and North Sumatra are known for generally mild and stable patterns. More often, it is the swell that guides our decisions, along with how busy certain waves might be. Some surfers prefer quieter line ups over world famous peaks, even if the waves are slightly smaller. The pace and direction of the trip remain in the hands of the guests, and we stay ready to adapt and move whenever it makes sense.
Sometimes, there will be a vote on board before leaving: how many want to go to Mentawais and how many to the Telos. Usually the guide makes the call, and his advice is followed. Usually Telos is the first choice in high season (lower crowds and friendlier waves). In shoulder and low season it is usually 50/50 between Telos and Mentawais, depending on the forecast.
We are happy to talk with you and recommend you the best itinerary and dates for your level, just get in touch.
Local staff will be waiting for you at Padang Airport to welcome you and assist with transfers: directly to the boat, or to the city of Padang if you arrive earlier. You will simply need to share your flight arrival details in advance. If you arrive the same day of departure, you will have to arrive before 1:00pm.
Arriving the day before departure
Some guests choose to arrive in Padang one day before the boat departure. In this case the staff will transfer you to the hotel of your choice (hotel not included) to the boat. We can recommend the best accommodation options if needed.
Departure day schedule
On the day of departure, around 12:00 PM, the staff will pick up all guests from their hotels.
The group will go together for lunch with the surf guide. During lunch the surf guide will give an introduction to the embarkation process. A full and detailed trip briefing will then be given later on board the boat.
Boat departure time
The boat usually departs between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, depending on the itinerary. For this reason, all guests are required to arrive in Padang before 1:00 PM, to allow enough time for airport formalities and customs, transfers, possible last-minute shopping (surf gear, sunscreen, extra alcoholic drinks, etc.).
The islands of Siberut and Sipora host the majority of surf houses and surf resorts (and some of the best world-class waves in the world) while southern Mentawai (Pagai) and Telos often deliver pumping waves with less crowds.
Otherwise, the reservation will be considered void.
- after booking confirmation: 30% of the total amount (non-refundable deposit)
- within 45 days before the travel start date: 50% of the total amount
- within 30 days before the travel start date: 80% of the total amount
- within 15 days before the start of the trip: 100% of the total amount
If the surf trip is not confirmed from our side because of a lack of participants, it will be possible to move your booking to a later date or to get a refund to your bank account or credit card (according to your payment method) of the initial deposit and total amount paid.
Discover our stories
The Surf Tribe trips take us far and wide, and we share the adventures with you on our blog.
Read more for interviews, surf guides and surf movies.





















