How close is Ranu Surf Camp to the surf spots?

Ranu Surf Camp is located directly overlooking Dylan's Right. Other breaks such as One Thong are around 10 minutes away, with boat access to T-Bags and nearby reefs.

Do you have a surf photographer at Ranu Surf Camp?

Yes. A live-in photographer captures every surf session and also assists with surf guiding.

How far is the camp from the airport?

Ranu Surf Camp is approximately 10 minutes from Simeulue Airport (SMG). Airport transfers are included.

What is the food like at the camp?

Guests enjoy freshly prepared Indonesian and Western meals designed to fuel long surf sessions.

Is surf guiding included?

Yes. Local surf guiding is included to help guests choose the best waves and conditions each day.

Is Ranu Surf Camp suitable for solo travellers?

Yes. Many guests travel solo and enjoy the relaxed, social atmosphere at the camp.

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Surfing in Simeulue

Dylans right is literally on our door step, you can roll out of bed, grab your board and walk 1 minute to the keyhole and be the first one out.

Our in-house photographers also serve as surf/tour guides who will accompany you to the many other breaks that suit your ability and the current swell and wind conditions (or when you tire of getting pitted at Dylans).

For those brave enough, Tea Bags is accessible via a boat from the nearby harbor (10 minutes walk away). There's also a secret left hander in that area which we will show you.

This is all included in your package at our camp, we can also organise a car/driver and boat trips (at an additional charge).

Ranu Surf Camp Overlooks The No.1 Wave in Simeulue: Dylans

The legendary Dylan's Right is indisputably the number one wave on Simeulue Island. Ranu Surf Camp offers you a front-row seat to this truly world-class right-hand point break. Known as one of the best waves in the world for learning how to get barreled, Dylan's delivers high-quality, consistent surfing for all intermediate and advanced riders.

Wave Characteristics & Consistency: When the swell is running, this wave transforms into a reeling, hollow machine. The takeoff at Dylan's is surprisingly user-friendly, setting you up for a long, clean wall. A key feature is the precision consistency of the break: the larger set waves tend to break in the same spot as the smaller ones. This reliable consistency means you never get caught out on the inside wishing you had stayed on the beach—you can predict the lineup and focus on your ride.

Safety and User-Friendly Design: One of the most unique and appealing aspects of Dylan's Right is its forgiving nature. Despite looking like a powerful, shallow, slab-like monster of a wave, it tends to be remarkably safe. A crucial natural feature is the rip current in the 'boneyard' (the inside section), which quickly flushes you out into the deep-water safety of the channel. This mechanism dramatically reduces the time you spend taking waves on the head, minimizes the need to duckdive, and allows the progressing surfer to become comfortable chasing tubes and getting wiped out with minimal consequence, as you rarely hit the reef.

Accessibility from Ranu Surf Camp: Crucially, Ranu Surf Camp is located directly overlooking the Dylan's Right surf break. You can check the conditions from our restaurant or our platform overlooking the wave and be in the water paddling into one of the world's best right-hand barrels within minutes. Our local guides ensure you have the inside scoop on the best tides and times to surf Dylan's and the surrounding spots on Simeulue.

The Best Surf Spots in Simeulue

Exploring Simeulue: Other World-Class Surf Breaks

Beyond Dylan's Right, Simeulue Island offers a wide range of waves to suit all skill levels. Ranu Surf Camp provides easy access (and scooter rentals) to all these incredible surf spots.

1. One Thong (The Consistent Left)

Location: Approximately 10 minutes by scooter from Ranu Surf Camp.

The Wave: A highly consistent, mellow left-hand reef break that rarely goes flat. When Dylan's is on the smaller side, One Thong is the go-to spot for fun-packed, long, rippable left-hander walls. This wave is accessible to most skill levels and offers excellent length and maneuverability, making it perfect for practicing turns and carves. If you are looking for a reliable, surfable wave every day, One Thong is your spot.

2. Tea Bags (The Heavy Right-Hand Monster)

Location: Only accessible by boat charter from a nearby harbor (a quick 10-minute walk from Ranu Surf Camp).

The Wave: Tea Bags is a serious, heavy, and perfect right-hand reef break. This wave makes Dylan's look like a playground. It breaks with immense power onto a shallow, uneven coral reef, and is strictly best left to expert, black-belt core lord surfers. Tea Bags requires overhead conditions to be surfable. Expect demanding logistics, including plenty of clean-up sets, wide sets, and a lack of a safe channel after the ride. However, for those prepared to take the challenge, Tea Bags offers the potential for the wave of your life, providing intense, flawless tube-riding opportunities.

3. The Peak / Jakals / Pig (The Fun A-Frame)

Location: About 25 minutes up the road from Ranu Surf Camp.

The Wave: On a good day, you'll find a fun A-Frame peak here. While it's a far cry from the perfect standard of Dylan's, this spot provides enjoyable left and right-hand barrels in a beautiful, picturesque setting. It offers a great alternative for a fun session away from the main spots, giving you some variety in your daily surf.

4. Alus Alus (The Lunchtime Right)

Location: Approximately 20 minutes south from Ranu Surf Camp.

The Wave: Alus Alus is a fun, forgiving right-hand reef break that frequently offers clean barrel sections. This spot is a local favorite to check out if a slight sea breeze (onshore wind) starts to affect the main west-coast breaks around lunchtime. The wave at Alus Alus often handles the wind well and can provide excellent, uncrowded waves when other spots are getting messy.

5. Thailand (The Consistent Swell Magnet)

Location: Further south again from Alus Alus, roughly 40 minutes from Ranu's.

The Wave: Thailand is consistently worth the journey. This spot is a key swell magnet, often picking up more size than Dylan's and generally offering better quality than One Thong. Thailand is home to a bunch of different mellow waves that can light up simultaneously, and they remain very manageable even when the swell is solid. This makes it an ideal spot for intermediate surfers looking to push their limits on larger, but forgiving, waves.

6. The Secret Spots in Simeulue (For the Respectful Surfer)

Location: Scattered across Simeulue.

The Reward: Simeulue Island is dotted with numerous unmapped, secret surf spots. While we respect the local desire for privacy, our local team is always keeping an eye on these breaks. If our in-house photographer or guides observe you being respectful and courteous with other surfers in the water, you might just get a special treat and be invited to join a session at one of our truly secret, uncrowded locations!

Community and Cultural Value By choosing to stay at Ranu Surf Camp, you are making a conscious decision to support the local Simeulue community. Ranu and his team are not just staff; they are genuine members of the extended community, ensuring your money directly benefits the local economy. This locally owned and run surf camp offers a far more culturally enriched trip than other foreign-owned options.

The Surfer Advantage This strong community connection translates directly to your surf experience. Ranu and his team have excellent relationships with all the local surfers and village elders. Staying with the locals truly pays off in this regard. As a guest here, you are seen as an ally who is supporting the community, which helps ensure a harmonious and respectful environment in the water. This local insight means you are the first to know the best times, tides, and uncrowded spots.