Overview

Location

The Mentawai Islands are amongst the most beautiful in the world with white beaches, dazzling coral and picture perfect palm trees.

These unique tropical islands are situated approximately 150km west of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. They sit on the edge of a continental shelf where deep water surges up onto the beautiful coral reefs that surround and protect them.

There are four main islands making up the chain including Siberut, Sipura and North & South Pagai. These four main islands are surrounded by many smaller ones.

The position of these islands attract large swells that have travelled thousands of miles, making them surge and wrap around the islands creating some of the best waves on the globe!

The Surf

The crew will find you and your friends the best waves on the day to suit your level, raw beginners may find themselves watching the group from the shoulder but if you are serious about improving your surfing you will be rewarded.

The biggest and most consistent surf hits the islands from March to November. Biggest months are usually May, June, July and August. But intense storms in the Southern Indian Ocean can send big swell to the area as early as March and as late as November.

Winds are light and variable most of the year, During April to October SE to SW winds favour the left hand breaks and NW to W winds for the remainder of the year favour the rights. E to SE winds are strongest from June till September but expect lots of calm glassy days, especially early morning and afternoon.

Expect the occasional small days (1-2 ft Swell) for up to 3 or 4 days. Since the Indian Ocean is running the show there is not much they can do, however there are some special spots that break in the slightest ground swell so bring a short board for mini barrels in crystal clear water.

Also expect some thunderstorms with squalls for short periods of time, followed by calm weather. Perfect to take a break and have a warm rain shower.

Accommodation

The boat can accommodate up to 10 surfers and the minimum required to take off is 6. The Kaimana has everything you need; a comfortable lounge area with TV, a kitchen and dining room, 6 cabins, 2 bathrooms, board storage space, crews cabin and spacious decks....

ACCOMMODATION BEFORE/AFTER THE CHARTER
If your flight arrival or departure does not fit in with the charter dates and you need a hotel room for a night, please let us know and they can organise a hotel reservation for you.

Packages

ALL INCLUSIVE SURF CHARTER PACKAGE =
* 10 full days/11 nights of surf in Mentawai Islands
* all transfers to and from Padang airport
* 3 gourmet meals per person per day
* snacks: fruit, nuts, chocolate, biscuits
* drinks - tea, coffee, mineral water, soft drinks & juice
* 3 icy cold beers per person per day
* use of all on-board equipment - fishing and snorkelling gear
* government and harbour permits
* Mentawai Government Tax

Facilities

* flat screen TV with DVD, video and stereo
* satellite phone on board
* bedding
* air-conditioning
* fishing gear
* snorkeling gear
* chauffeur driven tender
* full safety gear - life rafts, life jackets, flares, EPIRB, fire extinguishers
...

CHARTER BOAT SPECIFICATIONS
* Length 80 Ft
* Beam 20 Ft
* Draft 9 Ft
* Engine 2 x Mitsubishi 8DC9, 320 HP each
* Gearbox Type 135 A Hydraulic Ratio; 3:1
* Genset 2 x 20KW, 220 V 3 Pole
* Steering Hydraulic system

What to bring

Remember, its always best to travel light!

* 2 to 4 surf boards, extra leashes, reef booties, board shorts, tropical/warm water wax, fin sets and fin keys, helmet, spring suit, surf hat, sun block, ding repair kit

*airlines tickets (& visa if app), passport, copy of passport

* beach towel, seasick pills, walkman, toiletries, shoes and sandals, sunglasses, camera, light weight clothing

* travel Insurance (compulsory)
* health check up
* prescription medicine, basic medical kit, anti malaria medication, insect repellent
...

More info

MOSQUITOS
Mosquito nets are a good idea to bring, especially if you plan to trek or visit other parts of Sumatra.

All rooms of the Kaimana Charter are equipped with air conditioning but feel free to use a net if you like sleeping under the stars on deck. Generally they anchor well way from land and mosquitoes but they recommend that you play it safe. Malaria and other mosquito borne diseases are a problem in most tropical countries, although not so much on the charter boats.

BAGGAGE HANDLERS
At the airport in Padang be prepared for hustling baggage handlers. If you use their service please pay Rp. 10.000 this equivalent to about AUD$2.00. If you don't need them to help you, please say TIDAK (NO) and do not let them carry your baggage.

MONEY
Bring cash or exchange to Rupiah in Singapore or Jakarta or Bali. Padang rates are always lower. Major credit cards are accepted in Padang. Trading in islands requires small Rupiah denominations, bring Rp 1000, Rp. 5000 and Rp. 10.000 notes. Average Tips is Rp 10,000.

Rates

LAST MINUTE SPECIAL:
31/7  -  11/8/2010
2000 $ per persoon

Organise a group of 10 and only pay US$ 2000 pp !!
normal rate: US$ 2470 pp for 10d/11n

* Year round flat rate. Don't pay extra for high season
* Group discounts available
* Repeat customer discounts
* Longer charters available upon request

CHARTER DATES 2010-2011

24 April - 5 May 2010
18 Sept - 29 Sept 2010
30 Oct - 10 Nov 2010
13 Nov - 24 Nov 2010

19 March - 30 March 2011
2 April - 13 April 2011
16 April - 27 April 2011
30 April - 11 May 2011
28 May - 9 June 2011
25 June - 6 July 2011
6 Aug - 17 Aug 2011
19 ug - 30 Aug 2011
3 Sept - 14 Sept 2011
17 Sept - 28 Sept 2011
1 Oct - 12 Oct 2011
15 Oct - 26 Oct 2011
29 Oct - 9 Nov 2011