Lighthouse
Lighthouse is the southernmost surf break in the Mentawai Islands chain, located in South Pagai. It needs a solid south swell to light up but rewards with very long, rippable walls that allow for extended rides with numerous turn sections. The wave faces more south than other Mentawai spots, picking up S-SW swells that miss breaks further north. Less visited due to its remote location, offering a more solitary surf experience.
Lighthouse surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- S (185°)
- Direction range
- 170° - 200°
- Size range
- 1.5m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.2m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 45° - 135°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.5m
Water temp
28°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Charter boat from Padang (~10hr) or speedboat (~4hr)
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wave is Lighthouse?
Lighthouse is a reef break in South Pagai, Mentawai, Indonesia, that mostly breaks left.
What swell works best at Lighthouse?
Lighthouse picks up swell from the S round to the SSW, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the S. That's a tight window, so it needs the swell direction to line up. It starts working at around 1.5m and handles up to about 3m, with the sweet spot around 2.2 to 2.6m. Period matters too: aim for 14s or longer, as anything under 10s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Lighthouse?
An E wind is dead offshore at Lighthouse, and anything from the NE round to the SE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to midday. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Lighthouse?
Lighthouse is at its best around mid tide, roughly 0.5m to 1.5m on the local chart.
When is the best time of year to surf Lighthouse?
The most reliable run of swell at Lighthouse comes Apr to Oct. There's a second window in Nov to Mar too. Best Apr-Oct (dry season, SE trades offshore). Swells year-round but wet season brings onshore winds.
How cold is the water at Lighthouse?
The water at Lighthouse averages around 28°C, so boardshorts or a rashguard will do. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Lighthouse good for beginners?
Not really. It's rated 7/10 for difficulty and suits experienced surfers. Expect a moderate crowd (4/10) when it's on. Things to watch for: strong rips and sharp, shallow reef (booties help).
How do I get to Lighthouse?
The nearest airport on our list is PDG. From there you need a boat to reach the break (we estimate around $200 USD, but confirm with an operator). Charter boat from Padang (~10hr) or speedboat (~4hr).
What other surf spots are near Lighthouse?
The closest breaks we track are Thunders (29 km) and Rags Right (35 km), handy when Lighthouse isn't working.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Best Apr-Oct (dry season, SE trades offshore). Swells year-round but wet season brings onshore winds.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Thunders
⛈️ Heavy Playgrounds barrel • Bowling lefts • Not for the timid
Rags Right
🌊 South Pagai perfection • Multi-section barrels • Super shallow
Macaronis
🍝 The consistent one • Works when others don't • User-friendly perfection
E-Bay
🌊 Emerald Mentawai barrel • Two rock sections • Heavy tube time
Greenbush
🌙 Spring tide slabs • Square barrels • Timing is everything
Bankvaults
🎰 Playgrounds multi-section right • Linking walls • Mid-crowd escape