The Mentawai Islands are arguably the most famous surf destination in the world. Their broad exposure towards the vast, southern Indian Ocean provides these majestic islands with remarkable consistency and quality. There are great waves in this area year-round. However, the most ideal time to surf in the Mentawai's is during the dry season, late March to early November, the southern hemisphere's winter, when the Indian Ocean is an ultra-active, groundswell producing machine. The "Star Koat " is a beautifully crafted , traditional wooden hull vessel from Sibolga Port. The Star Koat is specifically designed to operate surf charters, equipped with the necessary high technology and safety measures to make your trip successful.What's not included in the package?
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$25 VISA fee payable inside the airport-
$3/day Mentawai Government retribution fee
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Tipping the crew is not mandatory but appreciated - the tip is distributed evenly among the crew members.
Click here for Star Koat slideshow
Featured Events
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.
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.
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!
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!
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!
Star Koat is a 23 meter by 5.5 meter hardwood boat, custom built in 2007. The Star Koat is outfitted with all the amenities of home including full air conditioning, tv, dvd, stereo, fridge, freezer, radar, depth sounder, gps,VHF/HF radio, 220V generator, life jackets, flares, EPIRB, first aid kit, tender and outboard, and a generous living room.
Star Koat has a cruising speed of 8 - 10 knots and is powered by a Nissa RE-8 300HP engine.
Accommodation on board is in five private cabins. The maximum surfers allowed on board is 12 people.
The Star Koat has an immense back deck with wrap-around benches and a roof, which is great for hanging out scoping the surf.
Features:
- Satellite Phone
- 5 x Air Conditioning
- 42" Plasma TV / Home Theater
- Video CD Player / DVD Player
- 2 Fridge / 2 Freezer
- Drinking cold water dispenser
- Modena 4 burner Stove with Oven
- 2x Shower and Toilet
- Snorkeling Gear
- Fishing Gear
- 5 Cabins(1 big with 4 single bunks and another 4 with 2 single bunks)
- Can fit 12 passengers
- Deck Table on second floor
- Radar - 24 Mile Range
- GPS plotter
- Depth Sounder / Fish Founder
- Radios - HF / SSB, VHF Radios
- Life Jackets / Life Ring with MOB Lights/ Life raft for 20 People- Life rings with MOB lights
- Satellite Phone Available
- First Aid Kit
In 2011 the Star Koat pricing is based off a 11 days/12 night schedule - one day longer than most other boats:
2011 Schedule
1. March 23 - April 4
2. April 6 - 18
3. April 20 - May 2
4. May 4 - 16
5. May 18 - 30
6. June 1 - 13
7. June 15 - 27
8. June 29 - July 11
9. July 13 - 25
10. July 27 - August 8
11. August 10 - 22
12. August 24 - September 5
13. September 7 - 19
14. September 21 - October 3
15. October 5 - 17
16.October 19 - 31
Antidote Travel - Star Koat
629 Camino de los Mares Suite 101
San Clemente, Ca 92673
Local: 714.478.2487
FAX: 949.493.2770
Contact Name: Anthony Marcotti
anthony@antidotetravel.com
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. 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. To "Make a Reservation" for the Star Koat or if you have an inquiry please fill out the following form and hit "Submit". 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, like the Star Koat, 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 please feel free to call or e-mail us anytime: The following travel information will help you prepare for your trip on the Star Koat!
1. How do I get to Indonesia? We recommend that you travel to Padang in Sumatra (port of departure) via Jakarta. For information about flights:
Oceanview Travel
629 Camino de los Mares Suite 101
San Clemente, Ca 92673
Local: 949.493.5231
FAX: 949.493.2770
Contact Name: Jeff Samuelson
oceanviewtravel629@yahoo.com
2. What do you suggest I pack for my trip? The best advice when packing for a surf trip is to pack as light as possible. This fundamental rule of travel is especially true on a surf charter through the Mentawai Islands- when most of your time is spent in the water.
3. What kind and how many boards should I take? Most people bring 2-4 boards. Most people will ride their standard shortboards most of the time but a good idea to follow is to track the swell forecast before your trip and plan accordingly.
4. What type of health pre-cautions should I take?
A. Most travelers usually update their tetanus and hepatitis shots before traveling to any remote region of the world. B. Malaria is a reality in some parts of Indonesia including the Mentawai Islands; consult your doctor for more information. C. If you take a prescription medication make sure you bring the necessary paperwork that goes with it in case of an emergency. D. If you are prone to seasickness please bring something to counteract its effects such as dramamine or bonine. E. For more information please consult your doctor.
5. Do I need travel insurance? Travel Insurance is mandatory for your personal safety. A decent travel insurance package will provide coverage for the following: trip cancellation and interruption, baggage delay, baggage coverage, travel delay, emergency medical and dental, emergency, medical transport and evacuation, and travel accident insurance.
6. What documents do I need to take? Citizens of the United States or Australia need a passport with at least six months of validity left and one other form of identification.
7. Can I be contacted while I'm on the boat? The boat currently carries a satellite phone for emergencies.
8. What is your policy on illegal substances? Our operation is drug free. Indonesia has some of the strictest laws against drug use, drug trafficking, drug anything! The Star Koat does not condone drug use in any form on our boat - guests who are found to be using drugs oin the boat will be asked to leave immediately. It's just not worth the hassle and trouble! Our policy is simple - no drugs allowed... please.If your flight is delayed we react accordingly. Whatever time you arrive in Padang we'll be there to pick you up at the airport and take you to the boat.
10. How long can I stay in Indonesia? Most travelers coming from the US, Australia, and Europe are issued tourist visas upon arrival, but if you carry a passport from other countries it is worthwhile checking to see if you need a visa. The standard tourist VISA is applicable for up to 30 days. If you plan on staying longer in Indonesia you must apply for an extended stay VISA at your local Indonesian Embassy prior to departure or in Singapore.
