South Mentawai · Indonesia
Surfing Iceland
A reef break in South Mentawai, Indonesia, for advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced
- Size4-10 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Iceland is a big left in central Sipora, lumpy and shifting, breaking over deep reef that lets the full Indian Ocean swell through.
When swells reach 6-10ft and the more precise waves max out, Iceland keeps working, with long, powerful walls, some hollow sections and big paddle-in drops. The lumps and shifts mean experience and positioning count for a lot.
E-NE winds clean it up and the channel is wide. It doesn't look great on camera, which keeps the crowd small. Bring a proper step-up, around 6'8".
-2.24, 99.6 · SW swell, E-NE wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Iceland
Iceland 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 Iceland
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarecrows | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 5 km |
| Telescopes | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 6 km |
| Lance's Left | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 30 km |
| Lance's Right (HT's) | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 31 km |
| Macaronis | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced / Pro | 79 km |
| Hideaways | Playgrounds (North) | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 88 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 →
Iceland: common questions
When is the best time to surf Iceland?
Iceland works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, E-NE wind.
Is Iceland good for beginners?
No. Iceland is a wave for advanced surfers.
How crowded is Iceland?
Iceland is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Iceland?
Iceland is in South Mentawai, in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-2.24, 99.6). The nearest wave we cover is Scarecrows, about 5 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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