About the Wave Hunter

Step aboard the Wave Hunter Mentawai and you’ll find a straightforward, surf-first live-aboard that has been purpose-refined for chasing world-class reef breaks, without the ultra-luxury price tag. The vessel is about 70 ft long, with substantial wooden/50mm plank construction and twin Mitsubishi 622 engines (280 hp each) ensuring hull speeds around 10–12 knots.

Accommodation is air-conditioned throughout: you’ll stay in either the couple cabins (two double cabins) or the dormitory room (12 beds) depending on your preference or group. The main decks feature multiple outdoor lounge/relaxation areas including a full-360° top deck view of the ocean, ideal for keeping an eye on swell, sunsets and surf windows.

From a surf-logistics standpoint, the key is mobility: the Wave Hunter is capable of repositioning nightly (or as needed) based on swell and wind, giving guests access to premium waves across the Mentawai and Telo archipelagos. On board you’ll find Surf transfers via aluminium dinghies (40hp), snorkelling/fishing gear, free beers (24 per person) and a balanced menu covering Indonesian, Brazilian, Mexican & Western cuisine - vegetarian options available with notice.

In short: if you’re looking for a surf boat that puts most of its budget into getting you on great waves (versus ultra-luxury fittings), and you’re comfortable with dorm rooms or shared space, the Wave Hunter Mentawai delivers one of the best value live-aboard options in the Mentawai Islands.

Accommodation / boat details:

• Vessel length: ~70 ft (wood/wood-plank construction).
• Engines: 2 × Mitsubishi 622 (280 hp each) → hull speed around 10-12 knots.
• Guest capacity: Typically limited to 12 guests for more comfort; maximum up to 16 on full-boat charter.
• Cabins:
• 2 couple/private double cabins.
• Dormitory cabin: ~12 beds (for example 10 singles + 1 double) depending on configuration.
• A/C: Yes, cabins and common lounge/dining areas fully air-conditioned.
• Deck space: Front & rear outdoor deck areas, large shaded rear deck for relaxing/fishing.
• Extras: On-board equipment includes snorkelling gear, fishing rods, stand-up paddle boards, and dinghies for surf transfers.
• Safety & navigation specs: Furuno radar, Garmin GPS, VHF/SSB radios, EPIRB, life-raft for ~15 persons, etc.

Surf & destination details:

• Region: Mentawai Islands (primary) and optionally Telo Islands (on request).
• Wave types: From long, rippable walls to hollow barrels, reef breaks of extreme quality - suited more for intermediate-advanced surfers (beginners less recommended).
• Seasonality: Best conditions roughly April through September (southern hemisphere winter) when Indian Ocean groundswell is strongest; however trips may run outside this window.

Inclusions:

• Airport-harbour transfers (Padang → boat and return).
• Full-board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) plus snacks, fruit, juices, coffee/tea, water.
• Use of on-board gear: snorkel/fishing/dinghies/PAD.
• Free 24 beers per person per trip (transferable).
• Air-conditioned accommodation; surf transfers daily via tender.
• WiFi (satellite) on board (advertised for 2024 season).

Exclusions / Important to know:

• International flights to/from Indonesia.
• Visas, departure taxes, optional land nights pre/post boat.
• Surf photo/video package usually extra.
• Beginners less recommended: many waves are advanced reef breaks with risk.

Why it stands out

• Excellent value: strong surf logistics and comfort for a mid-tier price in the Mentawai charters.
• Dedicated to surf: boat set-up, transfers and crew aligned to getting you into waves rather than just floating.
• Air-conditioning, decent comfort and room to relax - good mix of surf-action and downtime.
• Mobility and capability to move to best breaks each day/night means high chance of scoring quality waves.
• Suited for groups, friends, couples (via private cabins) as well as solo travellers (via dorm).

Who it’s best for:

• Intermediate to advanced surfers who want access to world-class reef breaks in a remote destination.
• Groups of friends or couples who are comfortable sharing space but still want decent comfort and good surf logistics.
• Travellers who value surf access more than ultra-luxurious boat fittings, and are prepared for remote charter style.
• Those willing to commit to ~11-12 nights on board (typical trip length) and accept shared accommodation where applicable.

Pricing Summary

• $2,750 / 12 nights

Booking Policy

• 35% non-refundable deposit required to secure your booking.
• Remaining 65% due 60 days before arrival.

Cancellation Policy

• Initial deposit is non-refundable but transferable. A friend can take your place on that specific date only.
• In the case of a partially booked trips with less than 7 passengers, we would cancel the trip and refund all deposits/payments for the trip in full 15 days prior to the trips departure date.
• Cancellation of a trip must be made within 60 days of your departure date. 50% of the total trip cost will be charges as the cancellation fee. The remaining 50% paid will become a discount coupon for another trip.
• The coupon must be used to use within 1 year from the cancelled trip date. Cancellation within 59 days prior to departure apply non refundable.
• There are no refunds given for airlines delays or cancelation, poor surf, or inclement weather. In addition, there are no refunds given for reasons pertaining to unstable global, national, local political situations or natural disasters that undergo the trip schedule.
• In the event of cancellation of a trip by Surf Paradise Travel, the company reserves the right to substitute a trip on another comparable boat or accommodation on the same dates. If no alternative trip is available as described above, the guest will receive a full refund of the boat payment (not including airfares).
• If the boat cannot continue the trip journey due to mechanical or technical problems and no alternative boat is available to continue the trip, the guest will receive a refund proportional to the number of days left.
• If an accident happens to one of the guests or boat crew members during the trip, the Captain reserves the right to finish the trip early. No refund will be given and Surf Paradise Travel can not be held liable.