South Mentawai · Indonesia
Surfing Macaronis
A left reef in South Mentawai, Indonesia, for intermediate, advanced and pro surfers.
Macaronis is a left in a mangrove corner of North Pagai, and it's often described as one of the most fun waves in the world. It breaks the same way all day: a barrel section at the takeoff and then a long wall for turns.
It suits a wide range of surfers. Good tube riders get barrelled on the first section, others use the end section for turns and airs, and strong intermediates can have a great time on the shoulder. 3-6ft is the best size, with NW-N winds, and because the takeoff is so predictable the crowd takes turns fairly easily.
The Macaronis Resort sits on the wave and many charters stop here, so you won't have it to yourself. Bring your best shortboard and spare fins, because the inside is hard on them.
When to surf
Macaronis
Macaronis is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, NW-N wind.
April to May: Good
Fewer boats and good swell
June to August: Prime
Peak season: maximum swell, maximum boats, book long ahead
September to October: Prime
Still good swell, fewer boats
November to March: Quiet
Small season: playful sizes, big discounts, empty lineups
The year across Mentawai Islands
Waves near Macaronis
Greenbush
9 kmSouth Mentawai · Left Reef · Pro
Thunders
41 kmSouth Mentawai · Left & Right Reef · Advanced
Lance's Right (HT's)
45 kmSouth Mentawai · Right Reef · Advanced / Pro
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: The south splits into two hubs: Katiet under Lance's Right/HT's, and Macaronis' resort-and-anchorage bay on Pagai. All stays are full-board with transfers arranged from Tuapejat's ferry. Cash only south of Tuapejat, bring more rupiah than you think you need. Known places: Hollow Tree's Resort sits on Katiet beach with Lance's Right (HT's) in front and Lance's Left a short walk away, and Macaronis Resort is on the bay at Macaronis on North Pagai.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the South Mentawai guide.
South Mentawai surf guideSurf it often and something here is wrong? Tell us and we will fix it.