South Mentawai · Indonesia
Surfing Macaronis
A reef break in South Mentawai, Indonesia, for intermediate, advanced and pro surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced / Pro
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd4/5
The wave
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.
-2.81, 100.02 · SW swell, NW-N wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Macaronis
Macaronis is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, NW-N 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 Macaronis
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greenbush | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Pro | 33 km |
| Thunders | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 33 km |
| Lance's Right (HT's) | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 52 km |
| Lance's Left | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 52 km |
| Scarecrows | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 77 km |
| Iceland | South Mentawai | Reef Break | Advanced | 79 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 →
Macaronis: common questions
When is the best time to surf Macaronis?
Macaronis works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, NW-N wind.
Is Macaronis good for beginners?
No. Macaronis is a wave for intermediate, advanced and pro surfers.
How crowded is Macaronis?
Macaronis is usually busy: 4 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Macaronis?
Macaronis is in South Mentawai, in the Mentawai Islands region of Indonesia (-2.81, 100.02). The nearest wave we cover is Greenbush, about 33 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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