South Mentawai · Indonesia
Surfing Greenbush
A reef break in South Mentawai, Indonesia, for pro surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelPro
- Size4-10 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Greenbush is a left on South Pagai that goes from deep water to very shallow reef in one step. It throws a thick barrel over coral, with the jungle right behind it.
It's for expert tube riders only. The takeoff is critical and there is no shoulder: the wave is the barrel. Guides only take people there when everything is right, with 4-8ft of SW swell, E-NE wind, the right tide and a capable group.
Photographers love it for the jungle backdrop. Bring a barrel board and a spare, wear booties and think about a helmet.
-3, 100.25 · SW swell, E-NE wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Greenbush
Greenbush is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, E-NE wind. This is how the year looks across Mentawai Islands:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Waves near Greenbush
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thunders | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 8 km |
| Macaronis | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced / Pro | 33 km |
| Lance's Right (HT's) | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 83 km |
| Lance's Left | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 83 km |
| Scarecrows | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 109 km |
| Iceland | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 111 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around South Mentawai
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the South Mentawai surf guide →
A week here costs from about $1,040 with flights from Europe, or around $2,195 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,500 →
Greenbush: common questions
When is the best time to surf Greenbush?
Greenbush works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, E-NE wind.
Is Greenbush good for beginners?
No. Greenbush is a wave for pro surfers.
How crowded is Greenbush?
Greenbush is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Greenbush?
Greenbush is in South Mentawai, in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-3, 100.25). The nearest wave we cover is Thunders, about 8 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
One strange surf spot a week
The Lineup: one strange surf spot each week, from hippos on the beach in Gabon to lefts under the volcanoes of Kamchatka. Free, and nothing else lands in your inbox.