5 Best Mentawai Surf Camps Compared (2026): Which is Right for You?
The following examples are based on publicly available positioning and general market perception. Experiences may vary depending on booking type and season.
In this guide, we compare surf camps in our direct surroundings, as well as other key surf regions across the Mentawai.
Our camp is based on Sipora Island, in the northern part of the island, with direct access to the South Sipora region — home to some of the most consistent waves in the Mentawai, including HT’s, Bintang, and Lances.
We also include a comparison with surf camps located further north in the Mentawai, such as the Playgrounds area on Siberut Island, approximately 50 km north of Sipora.
💡 Hidden Cost Most People Miss
The Mentawai Surf Tax (~IDR 1.5M / ~€90 per person) is mandatory.
Most surf camps → paid separately on arrival
Solid → already included
👉 No surprises. No hidden costs.
🌴 What Makes Solid Different
The Mentawai Islands offer different surf camp experiences depending on location, pricing model, and travel style.
👉 Solid Surf House uses clear per person all-inclusive pricing
👉 Most Mentawai resorts use cabin / villa / room base pricing, with surf and extra services added separately
Food is included across all categories. The key difference lies in how surf access, coaching, equipment, and extras are structured.
| Comparison | Solid North Sipora Mentawai (All-Inclusive) |
North Sipora Most Resorts |
South Sipora Most Resorts |
Playgrounds Area Most Resorts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Per person pricing | Per cabin / villa | Per room / cabin | Mostly per person package |
| Food | Included | Included | Included | Included |
| Surf Access / Boat | Included | Extra (€70 – €110 / day) | Extra or limited | Included |
| Surf Coaching / Lessons | Included (board + boat) | Extra €75 – €95 / day (board + boat) | Extra (€60 – €95 / day, (board included) | Extra or limited |
| Board Rental | Included | Extra (€25 – €35 / day) | Extra (€20 – €30 / day) | Extra |
| Video Analysis | Included | Included with coaching | Included with coaching | Varies |
| Yoga / Wellness | Included | Yoga included / spa extra | Add-on | Varies |
| Mentawai Surf Tax | Included* | €100 per person / trip | €100 per person / trip | €100 per person / trip |
| Total Example (double occupancy, 2 guests, 7 nights) |
€2,030 – €2,590 total all-inclusive |
€2,993 – €4,330 total including surf access, coaching, and surf tax |
€2,440 – €4,330 total including lessons / coaching and surf tax |
€2,800 – €4,900+ total including surf package and surf tax |
| Total Example (single occupancy, 7 nights) |
€1,365 – €1,645 total all-inclusive |
€2,368 – €3,565 total including surf access, coaching, and surf tax |
€1,920 – €3,565 total including lessons / coaching and surf tax |
€1,400 – €2,450+ total including surf package and surf tax |
| Total Example (shared room, 7 nights) |
€1,015 total p.p. all-inclusive |
Not typical | Rare | Sometimes available |
| Accommodation Style | Boutique social luxury | Boutique to luxury private resort | Wave-focused stay | Surf-focused stay |
| Best For | Structured progression, social atmosphere, and clear pricing | Privacy, comfort, flexible stay | Wave-focused surfers | Experienced surfers |
Prices are based on publicly available information and typical package structures. Resort pricing is based on cabin, villa, or room rates, with surf and services added separately.
* Solid includes the Mentawai surf tax for stays over 7 days.
💥 Boutique Social Surf Resort
Most Mentawai options fall into two categories:
- Resorts → private, less social
- Surf camps → social, but basic
👉 Solid is both:
- Social like a surf camp
- Comfortable like a resort
- Structured like a coaching retreat
🍽️ One Table Dining (Big Difference)
At most resorts:
- private tables
- limited interaction
At Solid:
- one shared dining table
- everyone eats together
creates:
- connection
- atmosphere
- real surf trip energy
Designed for Social Flow
- central lounge
- deep seating
- shared spaces
not spread-out villas but a connected experience
Real Comfort (Resort Level)
- ocean view rooms
- bathtubs
- couples showers
- high-end bathrooms
similar levels as high end resorts
Built for Surfers
- surf skate bowl
- ice bath
- structured coaching system
- progression-focused setup
not just a place to sleep but built around surfing
Food That Competes with Resorts
- high quality
- varied
- designed for surf days
not “camp food” proper dining experience
Examples of Surf Camps & Resorts in Each Category
South Sipora (HT’s Area)
Iconic wave-focused stays with direct access to world-class breaks
→ Best for: surfers chasing a specific wave
North Sipora Boutique Resorts
Relaxed, comfortable stays with a focus on atmosphere and balance
→ Best for: good surf + chill
🌊 North Sipora All-Inclusive Surf Camp Resort (Solid)
Structured surf progression, social atmosphere, and predictable pricing
→ Best for: surfers who want to improve and experience more
North Sipora Private Island Resorts
Luxury, privacy, and premium resort experience
→ Best for: couples, families, and high-end travel
Playgrounds Area (Siberut)
High wave density, advanced surf environment
→ Best for: experienced surfers
🌊 Solid Surf Camp – North Sipora Mentawai
quality surf across multiple breaks
structured coaching for all levels
social atmosphere with boutique comfort
👉 best for: progression, experience, and all-inclusive value
🧠 The Real Different
Most camps:
👉 give access to waves
👉 Solid:
Gives structure, progression, and one of the best price value offers
⚖️ Which One Should You Choose?
Want a spa-style luxury experience with maximum privacy → Private island or boutique resorts
Want to stay directly in front of a single world-class wave → South Sipora stays (HT’s area)
Want advanced-only surf with full flexibility → Playgrounds area camps
Want quality surf, boutique comfort, a social atmosphere, and structured progression → Solid Surf Camp
🚀 Final Thought
You don’t go to Mentawai just to surf.
You go for:
- the experience
- the progression
- the people
👉 READY PLAN YOUR TRIP?