Antidote Travel :: The Ultimate Surf Travel Network

A Mentawai Islands boat trip is recognized as one of the greatest surf adventures on Earth. There truly is nothing better than traveling, living, and surfing by boat through exotic, remote locations. A "boat trip" in the Mentawai Islands pushes surfing frontiers and offers what many consider the ultimate surfing experience. At Antidote Travel our goal is to partner with the safest and most affordable options and provide the finest surf charter experience for our guests, period.

Antidote Travel currently manages three local surf charter boats, the Star Koat, Oasis, and Melaleuca. Each one offers their own unique advantages and each one promises a one-of-a-kind surf adventure into the most fertile wave region in the entire world, the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia!

Why choose Antidote Travel to organize your Mentawai Islands surf trip? Antidote Travel's founder, Anthony Marcotti, has been coordinating surf trips to the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia since 2001. He has been involved in numerous surf charter boats and resorts for the past ten seasons and has literally coordinated and organized over three thousand surfers' trips to the Mentawai Islands from all over the world.

His websites, like the one you are using here, are widely regarded as some of the most visual and informative surf travel websites available. His knowledge and experience about traveling to the Mentawai Islands from anywhere in the world is unparalleled. Consequently, the Antidote team is looking forward to setting up your next surf adventure in paradise and helping guide you through the entire process with ease and simplicity!

Mentawai Islands Boat Trip Information.

2011 Travel Pack Now Available!
Browse through all of Antidote Travel's destinations in this easy to read document perfect for printing, your iPad, or viewing in any web browser. Click here to open PDF

Brad Gerlach Surf Academy: Kandui Resort, Mentawai Islands, Indonesia
Dates: October 18, 2011 - October 29, 2011
Expert: Brad Gerlach (Surf Guide)
Description: Brad Gerlach offers his first ever surf academy featuring coaching, photo and video analysis, and good times in the intimate resort setting at Kandui. Click here for more information.

Surf with Tropicsurf in the Maldives onboard the Four Seasons Explorer!
Dates: June 6, 2011 - July 21, 2011
Expert: Ross Phillips (Surf Instructor at Tropicsurf)
Description: Cruise the picturesque atolls of the Maldives in complete seclusion on the best charter boat in the Maldives and learn to surf with a team of qualified experts! Click here for more information.

Star Koat Mentawai Islands Yacht Charter - New to Antidote Travel!
Dates: 2011 trips now available!
Description: Travel back in time through the fabled Mentawai Islands with one of the best teams out there! This is the best surf experience on the planet! Click here for more information.

Tavarua Resort
Dates: Available by Request
Description: Tavarua Resort is located on its own heart-shaped island, a quiet sanctuary hidden among the Fijian island chain. The island can accommodate an average of 36 guests each week and is typically reserved for whole group bookings. Antidote Travel has created this special "Events" section to help connect people interested in going to Tavarua with groups when there is a chance of availability. We look forward to greeting you with a friendly "Bula! Welcome to Tavarua!" Click here for more information.

Surf Sumba with Tropicsurf at the world famous Nihiwatu Resort!
Dates:October 20 - 27, 2011
Expert: Ross Phillips (Surf Instructor at Tropicsurf)
Description: Nihiwatu is a unique location.You've probably never been anywhere quite like it. The location is beautiful, remote and showcases a fascinating local culture. Sitting at the spectacular, hill-side bar and restaurant watching perfect waves peel off un-ridden is a sight to behold. Nihiwatu is a special place. There's just something about it. Click here for more information.

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Reservations/Questions
Anthony Marcotti
anthony@antidotetravel.com
Anthony is one of the founders of Kandui Resort in the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia and managed all of the Indies Trader surf charter bookings exclusively for Captain Martin Daly for 6 years. Anthony created Antidote Travel to establish a surf travel hub offering unique surf trips and special events all over the world for people looking to maximize their valuable vacation time. He oversees all of the day to day operations, marketing, and web development for Antidote Travel.

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Surf Travel Expert
Justin Cote
justin@antidotetravel.com
Justin Cote has been surfing and traveling for well over 20 years. A veteran of countless “surgical strike” surf missions, Cote knows where you want to be when the swell hits. As Online Editor for TransWorld SURF Magazine, Cote has a vault of experience when it comes to planning and executing your ultimate surf adventure.

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Airline Tickets
Jeff Samuleson
jeff@antidotetravel.com
Jeff Samuelson specializes in airline tickets for surfers all over the world. Based in his office in San Clemente, California, Jeff has teamed up with Antidote Travel to help coordinate all of our flight arrangements for all of our destinations and events! Even if you are not planning a trip with Antidote Travel we highly recommend using Jeff Samuelson for all of your travel needs!

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Pro Surfers
Brad Gerlach
brad@antidotetravel.com
Brad is one of the most influential and well known surfers in the world today. He is known for charging some of the biggest waves in the world but he still rips harder than anyone in everyday conditions. He is involved in many facets of the surf industry and his credentials speak for themselves! Brad is in charge of our surf guide program and is even involved in a few guided trips where you can see his passion for surfing first-hand!

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Filmmakers
Sonny Miller
sonny@antidotetravel.com
Sonny is a legendary filmmaker best known for his iconic masterpiece "Searching for Tom Curren." He has traveled to every corner of the globe documenting his adventures and in the process creating some of the most beloved and respected surf films ever made. Sonny helps manage our team of filmmakers and is available on a limited number of trips as well!

Kandui Resort offers a world entirely beyond time and obligations. For adventurous surfers looking for a free spirited, relaxing surf holiday in the company of world class waves to everyday wanderers looking for a private paradise where time seemingly stands still – this is it! Hidden among the palms on this remote island are just 7 traditional Mentawai “umas” offering solitude and luxury.

Kandui Resort is located in one of the most sought after locations in the world and is surrounded by more than 2 dozen world class waves all within a 30 minute boat ride from the resort. Kandui's goal is to provide the average surfer the opportunity to score the best waves of their lives atthe premiere surfing resort location on Earth!

About Kandui Resort
In 2010 Kandui will be entering their r fifth year of operation. They've learned over these past four years that most of our guests just want to surf the best waves of their lives and they really can't blame them! They are truly honored to have hosted some of the best surfers and best guests in the world and look forward to continue to deliver the ultimate surf adventure on Earth into the foreseeable future!

Kandui's ultimate goal is to be able to provide their guests the best surfing/cultural experience of their lives; an experience that will keep everyone occupied whether they are out surfing, hanging out in the resort, or on a cultural trek deep into the jungle; they have it all!

Most importantly, they are dedicated to supporting the local Mentawai economy, culture, and traditions by employing Mentawai residents and guides directly at the resort and on our cultural tours. Their staff are experienced locals committed to protecting the well being and natural environment of the Mentawai Islands while providing their guests an unforgettable experience on the land and in the water.

Kandui Resort Website

Antidote Travel and Tropicsurf, based out of Australia, have partnered to offer a variety of unique surf experiences.

"Tropicsurf delivers the world's best surfing holidays... with an emphasis on service, luxury, water safety and improvement. Regardless of age or ability, with Tropicsurf everyone can enjoy surfing's ultimate thrills in style, comfort and safety. Our obvious starting point is to put you into primo surf. And our preference will always be towards un-crowded breaks. But a 5-star vacation should be more than just quality surf. Over the years we've developed what we term 'Tropicsurf Style' - distinguishing features that make every Tropicsurf trip distinctive. Luxury. Safety. Expert guidance. Coaching. Alternative activities. Consideration of companions. Service.

Additionally your wave riding can become more fruitful through our style or technique advice. We've been professionally coaching since '91 and have helped total novices through to world champions achieve their dreams. Our skill progressions are sophisticated and you can learn and improve as much as you want to. Many guests actually ride the best wave of their life with TS and open new world's of opportunity.

It's this coaching background that also allows us to accurately match break with ability, facilitate safety and allow all abilities to succeed. This is a crucial point of difference in favour of the Tropicsurf experience.

We've also paid attention to the un-thinkable ... no surf, by planning a range of stimulating alternatives to keep you active and broaden your experience base. These can be enjoyed at any time.

We've considered everything to offer a range of outstanding boat and land-based holidays that can be tailored to ensure your holiday with us is the best."

Tropicsurf Website

Antidote Travel sends hundreds upon hundreds of guests all over the world every year on the surf adventures of their lives... We specialize in trips on Singapore Airlines to our core list of destinations in Indonesia but we are also capable of setting up the best airline arrangements in conjunction with our travel partner, Jeff Samuelson to any location in the world! To reserve a spot on one of our trips or if you are looking for the right person to talk to feel free contact us anytime:

Antidote Travel
629 Camino de los Mares #101
San Clemente, Ca 92673
Local: 714.478.2487
Contact Name: Anthony Marcotti
anthony@antidotetravel.com

Casa La Big Sur is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece nestled in the lush tropical rainforest, located in Dominical and the Southern Zone of Costa Rica where the lush verdant mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. This 6,000 square foot Balinese-style home is designed to optimize the views from every angle and includes all the amenities you are accustomed to from a 5-Star Resort.

Costa Rica is one of the premiere surf destinations in the entire world. Casa La Big Sur is located above numerous beautiful national marine parks and plentiful beaches each offering something fun for surfers of all levels. Your time at Casa La Big Sur is your own - make the most of it!

About Casa La Big Sur
Casa Big Sur is located in the community of Escaleras in southern Costa Rica near Dominical. At Casa Big Sur you are in a very special place where the jungle covered mountains meets the Pacific Ocean with clouds, microclimates, and the sky constantly evolving and creating world class views. Our tropical Balinese style house is designed to fit the 3 acre site and maximize beauty from every angle with all the luxuries and quality you would expect from a 5 Star Resort!

Casa Big Sur contains 5 bedrooms, 5 baths and over 6000 sq. ft.living space. The home has central air conditioning or it can be opened up to enjoy the breeze and sounds of the jungle with our open floor design.

Their ultimate goal is to be able to provide our guests the best experience of their lives; an experience that will keep everyone occupied whether they are out venturing around national parks, hanging out at the house, or on another adventure.

Casa La Big Sur Website

Mark and Dave's Place is located on Iguana Beach in the heart of the Nicaraguan Riviera. During your stay, home will be in one of four private cabanas, each one clean, simple, and built by a team of Nicaraguan craftsmen in the traditional style. The house sits on two acres of immaculate beach front property and offers three incredible waves, and two swimming pools!

Mark and Dave's Place is located in a private community that offers instant access to one of the the best beach breaks in Central America, Colorado's, and our own reef break, Ponga Drops. While other surfers can only access these waves by an arduous boat ride you are already there!

About Mark and Dave's
Mark and Dave's Place is located on Iguana Beach in the heart of the Nicaraguan Riviera. It is situated roughly 60 miles from the Managua Airport but due to the nature of the third world roads, or lack thereof, it requires a spirited 2 1/2 hour journey to get there. The house is set amidst 600 acres of native trees, lagoons, a restaurant-bar, and a few other sparse developments, all of which are highlighted by a spectacular mile long white sand beach overlooking three of the best waves in Nicaragua.

The whole idea and concept behind this venture is to offer a simple, user-friendly alternative for people who want to visit this area but only have one week to make it happen! Most of their guests just want to surf the best waves of their lives and very few guests leave this area because there really is no need to! They typically only accept whole group bookings so they can guarantee your trip will filled with just you and your friends, a great time to reconnect and share a few laughs, waves, and stories!

The Nicaraguan culture, traditions, and values are the fundamental force behind the way the house is maintained. Fabulous food, stunning beaches, beautiful accommodation, and an abundance of sandbar barrels await!

Mark and Dave's Website

Tavarua Resort is the most recognized and well known surf resort in the world! It is located on its own heart-shaped island, a quiet sanctuary hidden among the Fijian island chain. The island can accommodate an average of 36 guests each week and is typically reserved for whole group bookings. Antidote Travel has created a special "Events" section to help connect people interested in going to Tavarua with groups when there is a chance of availability.

Tavarua boasts two world-class lefts, Cloudbreak and Restaurants - both waves are managed by Tavarua and available to resort guests. Tavarua looks forward to greeting you with a friendly "Bula! Welcome to Tavarua!"

Tavarua History
The Tale of Tavarua took place early in the 19th century. Ratu (Chief) Kini Vosailagi was the powerful Ka Levu (Paramount Chief) of the entire Southwestern region of Fiji. Upon visiting the outer island of Malolo, Ratu Kini was tricked, possibly by family members, separating him from the safety of his tribal warriors and following an ambush he was mortally wounded. Fleeing his attackers, Ratu Kini used his remaining strength to swim several miles to Tavarua Island, where he died wounded and exhausted. The owners of Tavarua Island, although blameless in the death of the Ka Levu, feared they would be seen as co-conspirators and would face brutal revenge. So they gave Tavarua to Ratu Kini’s family to insure their own safety.

Today, the current Ka Levu and community members have allowed Tavarua to be modestly developed into a small vacation resort where you can find beautiful and colorful sealife and world-class surfing waves. You may also find Druku, the great-great grandson of Ratu Kini, fishing, surfing or laughing with the guests. As for Ratu Kini buried on the island, his spirit and legacy lives on through anyone who visits Tavarua.

Tavarua Resort Website