Macaronis
Macaronis is the Mentawai Islands' most user-friendly world-class wave—a forgiving left that produces 4-6 second barrels followed by rippable walls, working in virtually any conditions. The reef is relatively deep and friendly, the wave handles all tides and even onshore wind, and the takeoff is predictable. The Macaronis Resort sits right in front of the break. When other Mentawai spots are too big, too small, or too windy, Macaronis usually delivers. It's the Mentawais' most reliable path to perfect barrels.
Macaronis surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to PDG, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Southeast Asia is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Southeast Asia — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Macaronis trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSW (210°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 250°
- Size range
- 0.8m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 1.8m - 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NE (45°)
- Offshore range
- 0° - 90°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
- Optimal range
- 0.4m - 1.8m
Water temp
29°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Macaronis Resort or charter boat from Padang.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Macaronis?
The Macaronis profile favors the recorded tide range, ideally between 0.4m and 1.8m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Macaronis?
The Macaronis profile uses wind from NE (45°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 0° to 90°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Macaronis?
The Macaronis scoring profile favors swell from SSW (180° to 250°), a swell-height range of 0.8m to 3m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Macaronis?
The main season at Macaronis is Apr-Oct. A secondary window runs Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Most consistent wave in Mentawais. Works all tides, all sizes, handles wind.
How do I get to Macaronis?
The spot profile lists PDG as a nearby airport. A boat transfer is also required. The profile estimates $150 USD; confirm the current price and departure point with an operator. Macaronis Resort or charter boat from Padang.
What kind of wave is Macaronis?
Macaronis is a reef break, a left-hander. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Apr-Oct
Secondary: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Most consistent wave in Mentawais. Works all tides, all sizes, handles wind.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
E-Bay
🌊 Emerald Mentawai barrel • Two rock sections • Heavy tube time
Greenbush
🌙 Spring tide slabs • Square barrels • Timing is everything
Stormrider
📖 Guidebook namesake • Heavy left barrel • Playgrounds serious side
Bankvaults
🎰 Playgrounds multi-section right • Linking walls • Mid-crowd escape
Beng Bengs
🔔 Maccas' mellow neighbor • Rippable lefts • Low-crowd gold
Rags Right
🌊 South Pagai perfection • Multi-section barrels • Super shallow
Plan a trip around Macaronis
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.