MV Indies Trader III has been out doing what she does best in the Mentawai Islands, and in what is shaping up to be a pretty amazing overall season, the surf has continued to deliver.

Our standard 14-day trip window is set for a reason. Having the time and flexibility to move around the islands, follow the conditions, and wait for the right waves can make all the difference — and as they say, the proof is in the pudding.

The trip featured in this video was a little different from our usual charters. This time around, we were chasing some serious tow-surfing, looking for the right conditions to make the most of some of the Mentawai’s bigger and more powerful waves.

There are still a few trips available for 2027, while 2028 is already starting to fill up. If you’re thinking about travelling for surf in either year, shoot us a message and secure your charter early.

We’d love to explain why MV Indies Trader III is considered by many to be one of the world’s premier surf charter experiences HERE or, if you’d rather, just sit back, turn the volume up and enjoy the video by TYGphoto.

Depending on which hemisphere you call home, you’re experiencing two very different realities as you read this. In the Northern Hemisphere it’s the height of summer, with many regions working up a serious sweat through some of the warmest days on record. Down south, winter has well and truly settled in, bringing cooler temperatures and shorter days.

Indo, however, sits in a unique position straddling the equator, largely removed from the extremes of either hemisphere. Instead of four distinct seasons, it follows a rhythm of wet and dry seasons, while the weather patterns from both hemispheres combine to shape one of the world’s most reliable surf climates. During the middle of the year, the southeast trade winds establish themselves across the archipelago, grooming the reefs with clean offshore conditions while Southern Ocean swells march uninterrupted across the Indian Ocean. It’s this remarkable combination of geography, wind and swell combined with perhaps the planets longest fetch that has made Indonesia the benchmark for tropical surf destinations and perfect surf, the Mentawai Islands are the best bottle on this top shelf selection.

For more than 30 years, our founder Martin Daly and the Indies Trader vessels have been chasing these weather windows and understanding the subtle nuances that separate a good trip from an unforgettable one. Experience counts in Indonesia. Reading the charts, knowing how different island groups respond to changing swell directions, wind shifts and tides, and having the flexibility to move with the conditions are all part of what has made the Indies Trader one of the most respected surf charter operations in the region. Reading what’s not on the charts is the secret sauce. Three decades of exploring these waters means our guests are always in the best possible position to make the most of whatever the Indian Ocean delivers.

Thank Huey, the ocean has been delivering in spades.

Above: Chris Burniske slides under the lid of the below mentioned right. Seq via @TYGphoto

Indonesia has been on the receiving end of an exceptional run of swell and wind combinations, and our last two charters have been rewarded accordingly. You may have already caught up on the highlights from Trip 514 in our previous blog, and Trip 515 wasted no time carrying that momentum forward.

A feast of quality right-handers kicked things off, with clean lines wrapping onto the reefs under perfectly groomed winds. From there, the week simply settled into that magical rhythm that surfers dream about—consistent swell, favourable winds, long sessions, and the kind of uncrowded, tropical perfection that defines a classic mid-season Indonesian charter.

These are the weeks that remind us why surfers have been making the pilgrimage to Indonesia for decades. The consistency, the variety of waves, the warm water, and the ability to adapt our itinerary to the prevailing conditions all combine to create something truly special. When the Indian Ocean switches on, there really are few places on Earth that can match it.

Of course, no amount of storytelling can quite capture the feeling of those sessions. Fortunately, the gallery and video does a far better job than words ever could. As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words.

There is still a lot of gas in the tank for the season and the glorious September Sessions have some open spaces so head over HERE to have a chat about joining us if you are interested in this type of experience.

For technical wreck divers, there are few places on Earth that inspire the same sense of anticipation as Bikini Atoll. Remote, exclusive and steeped in history, the sunken nuclear fleet represents the pinnacle of wreck diving—an expedition reserved for those with the experience, training and ambition to explore one of the world’s most extraordinary underwater museums.

Following the Second World War, Bikini Atoll became the site of Operation Crossroads, the first series of post-war nuclear weapons tests. In 1946, more than 90 surplus warships—including aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers and submarines—were assembled as target vessels for the atomic detonations. Today, many of these massive ships lie in pristine tropical waters between 30 and 60 metres deep, preserved by the atoll’s isolation and crystal-clear visibility. Wrecks such as the USS Saratoga, USS Arkansas, HIJMS Nagato and USS Pilotfish have become legendary among technical divers, making Bikini Atoll one of the world’s ultimate bucket-list diving destinations.

Guiding every expedition is Pete Mesley of Lust4Rust, one of the most respected names in international technical wreck diving. With decades spent exploring, surveying and documenting some of the world’s most iconic deep wrecks, Pete has earned a global reputation for his professionalism, meticulous expedition planning and unwavering commitment to safe technical diving. His knowledge of the wrecks, their history and the stories they hold beneath the surface adds a dimension to every dive that few expedition leaders can offer. Diving alongside Pete is not simply an opportunity to visit Bikini—it is an opportunity to experience it through the eyes of one of the world’s foremost wreck explorers and we are stoked to have him as part of the Indies Trader family.

Below: Pete Mesley our man at Bikini in full tech mode.

Our home throughout the expedition is MV Indies Surveyor, a expedition vessel ideally suited to supporting advanced technical diving in one of the most remote locations on the planet and purpose built by Indies Trader Marine Adventures founder Martin Daly specifically for Bikini Atoll. Designed for extended offshore operations, she offers dedicated technical diving facilities including gas blending systems, spacious dive and equipment areas, comprehensive support for closed-circuit rebreather and open-circuit divers, and an onboard decompression chamber that provides an additional level of safety and operational confidence.

Above: The mighty MV Indies Surveyor our purpose built tech diving machine.

Life aboard is every bit as memorable as the diving itself. Between dives, guests can relax in comfortable surroundings, enjoy chef-prepared cuisine showcasing fresh ingredients, and unwind each evening with a carefully selected range of premium wines, beers and spirits. It’s an expedition that combines world-class technical diving with the comfort and hospitality expected of a premium liveaboard experience.

Recently, MV Indies Surveyor demonstrated exactly why she is such a capable expedition platform. While the remainder of our fleet was sheltered in Majuro Marina, Captain Jean Tu, Pete Mesley and the crew were already operating at Bikini when a tropical depression developed almost directly over the atoll. While such systems are the precursor to typhoons and demand respect, the combination of Captain Jean’s extensive experience, sophisticated onboard navigation and weather forecasting systems, and the vessel’s fully stabilised design meant operations were only briefly interrupted. Diving was paused for a single afternoon before the weather system continued west, allowing the expedition to continue safely—an excellent demonstration of the value of preparation, experience and operating the right vessel in remote environments.

The Bikini season is intentionally limited, ensuring an exclusive experience and the highest standards of operation. With only a small number of expeditions each year, places are always in strong demand, and we are now accepting expressions of interest for our 2027 season.

Above: As well as being an acomlished tech diver Pete is also a master dive photographer. All images copyright lust4rust.

These expeditions are designed exclusively for experienced technical divers with the appropriate certifications, deep wreck experience and logged dives required for this remarkable destination. If you’ve always dreamed of exploring the world’s most famous nuclear fleet while enjoying the comfort, safety and camaraderie of a first-class expedition vessel, we’d be delighted to welcome you aboard.

Click HERE to start the conversation and secure your place on one of the world’s truly iconic diving adventures.

When our founder, Martin Daly, first chose the Marshall Islands as the place to drop the anchor and establish Beran Island the worlds most exclusive watersports resort, one factor stood above all the rest—the extraordinary, pristine nature of the environment. Healthy populations of marine life, vibrant coral walls, crystal-clear water, untouched atolls, and, of course, the perfect reef surf that has become part of the Indies Trader DNA made the decision an easy one. It’s also why our operation has been run on renewable energy since day one.

Years later, that decision continues to be validated. The Marshall Islands remain one of the last truly wild marine environments on Earth, a place where healthy reef ecosystems still thrive and nature exists much as it has for centuries. From sharks, turtles and giant trevally to flourishing coral reefs and abundant seabird populations, these islands represent a rare glimpse of what a healthy tropical ocean should look like.

If there is a global authority on the natural world, National Geographic would undoubtedly be at the top of the list. Through its internationally renowned Pristine Seas initiative, National Geographic has been working to explore, document and help protect some of the world’s last healthy marine ecosystems. Their recent expedition to the Marshall Islands highlighted the exceptional ecological value of these remote atolls, reinforcing what we’ve known since the very beginning—that the Marshall Islands are one of the planet’s true natural treasures and a place worth protecting for future generations.

The Pristine Seas team documented the remarkable biodiversity both above and below the water while working alongside local communities, scientists, and conservation partners. Their work not only shines a spotlight on the importance of the Marshall Islands but also helps support long-term conservation efforts across the region. To watch the programs they produced and learn more about the Pristine Seas project, head over HERE.

ISLAND CONSERVATION

In a country as small and interconnected as the Marshall Islands, everyone is joined together in one way or another. That’s why we were especially pleased to support our friends at Island Conservation, who are on an expedition to the country’s northernmost islands to continue their ground-breaking conservation work.

Island Conservation has been leading efforts to remove invasive rats (Read about it HERE) from remote islands—an initiative that has proven transformative for the Marshall Islands’ ecosystems and something we have been supporting for a few years now. Introduced rodents have long threatened native seabirds by preying on eggs and chicks, but with their removal, bird populations have begun to recover, restoring natural ecological processes that benefit the entire island environment. Healthy seabird colonies return valuable nutrients to both the land and surrounding reefs, creating stronger, more resilient ecosystems from the forest canopy right through to the coral reefs.

The eradication process uses drones to deliver a baited grid across the effected island and has shown how techonology can address conservation issues. The system is from the good folk at Provision New Zealand and a pretty impressive operation.

Above: The Island Conservation team’s home away from home.

As you read this, the MV Indies Trader is making her way north once again to collect Paul Jaques and the Island Conservation team as they wrap up another successful expedition. In true Marshall Islands fashion, the voyage is serving more than one purpose. Alongside the conservation mission, we’ve loaded approximately 10 tonnes of supplies from the Utrik Local Government, which will be delivered to the community on the atoll before bringing the team home.

Above: Supplies that have headed out to Utrik Atoll aboard MV Indies Trader.

Below: Captain Spink setting a course for the northern reaches.

Our good friend Captain Dick Spink is leading the mission aboard the Indies Trader, continuing a tradition that has always been at the heart of what we do—connecting remote communities, supporting meaningful conservation projects, and helping protect the remarkable natural environment that first brought us to the Marshall Islands all those years ago.

If you would like to come and experience the beauty of the Marshall Islands from the comfort of Beran Island’s luxe surrounds head over HERE.

WHERE’S WINDWARD?

Our Senior Skipper, Chris Abrahams, has been performing a masterclass in logistics this week as the entire Indies Trader fleet prepared to head back to sea. As if coordinating multiple vessels wasn’t enough, he also had to contend with the severe weather that preceded a typhoon which formed in the Marshall Islands before tracking westward.

Typhoons are among the most powerful and destructive weather systems on Earth. Historically, storms that develop in this region can travel thousands of kilometres across the Pacific before making landfall anywhere between the Philippines and Japan. At the time of writing, forecasting models indicate this particular system is on course to make a direct impact on Taiwan.

Fortunately, one of our founder Martin Daly’s recent initiatives proved invaluable. His decision to participate in the development of a small marina and protected boat basin in partnership with a local company paid off in spades. While much of Majuro’s waterfront descended into marine chaos, every Indies Trader vessel remained safe and secure. Elsewhere, yachts were washed ashore, larger vessels sustained damage while rafted alongside one another, and power lines were brought down by the storm.

With the weather now behind us, Chris and the MV Windward are departing on a multi-atoll charter with our friends at the International Organization for Migration (IOM). As the United Nations agency dedicated to promoting safe, orderly, and humane migration, IOM works closely with governments and communities around the world to strengthen resilience, support disaster preparedness and response, and improve the lives of vulnerable populations.

This latest voyage will see the team travelling throughout the remote atolls of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to install and upgrade vital radio communications equipment in small outer island communities. Reliable communications are a lifeline for these isolated islands, providing essential links during medical emergencies, severe weather events, and natural disasters, while also helping communities stay connected with government services and one another. It is critical infrastructure that strengthens resilience across the nation, and we’re proud that the MV Windward and her crew can play a part in supporting this important work.

To connect for a chat and understand more about how we can help with commericial marine projects in any part of the Pacific head over HERE.

It started with a simple text message …

“Got a good one tonight at Lances from one of my old marks”

Any text from MD is worth following up on and the conversation we had was like the conversations so many surfers have. It was about a single wave and the circumstances surrounding it. The conversation was long, way longer than it should have been considering about 40 other things that were pressing and right bang in the middle of something we refer to at Indies Trader called “Critical Path” … shit that is not smouldering but more so a baby inferno, the kind of things that happen in a company that operates in two or three different oceans at the same time and does everything from underwater surveys and conservation projects right through to surf tourism. But this, this was one of my favourite conversations in the last month.

This mattered because this was surf and at Indies Trader NOTHING matters more, to a surfer nothing matters more. We spent the time on a full breakdown, the period, the wind, what board made the cut, how the boat happened to end up at Lances when we sort of avoid the name spots these days, we ran through the waves, @walker.daly had (Lots of em) the waves @cburniske ticked off (Long and a few deep) the waves @healywaterops put on the list (Deep but nothing giant yet) all the normal stuff. The Starlink connected version of a chat in the carpark at the surf, equipment came up (Props to Rusty and KT) and from there we got to the less urgent but perhaps important stuff anyway, the more nuts and bolts conversations about parts and movements and weather in other parts of the world other than the Mentawai Islands. El Nino came up and there was quiet hopeful speculation on the coming Pacific season and the prospect of a special year, no matter where the conversation went it kept returning to the surf and the buzz from one wave that was powering stoke in two separate locations via a satellite connection that has changed the entire world of remote locations and surfing them.

We covered what we needed to, then I could hear the back deck crackling on the radio in the background of our conversation and MD bringing up the anchor, the client on board is an awesome bloke who has the boat locked in for a month and is rotating through two separate groups of mates who all share his want for perfect surf with minimal crowds. They were heading in for the change-over, bunkering fuel, taking on fresh produce, beer and anything else needed. In 48 hours time the Mighty MV Indies Trader III would be back out here parked in front of a perfect wave and running clients out to the take-off, same as she has for decades. Martin had the forecast open on the dash of the wheelhouse and as he drove he was breaking it down, things looked great, good times forecast for all coming aboard and everything as it should be on the most critical path of all … the path to surf! 

None of it was for IG, there were no influencers leveraging their following in exchange for a trip, and I suspect the main reason any device would have been open at all in the last few days would have been for a forecast update. You can imagine a world though where one of the influencer crowd was onboard and maybe it would be to reels and not a post, a quick montage of sunsets and perfect waves as directed by thier agency with the obligatory “I’m on a boat” selfie, perhaps even the hashtag  #Authentic.

The Mighty MV Indies Trader III has been busy chasing and scoring perfect surf at every destination visited so far in 2026, and there are still exceptional opportunities to join us for this standout season.

For those looking to treat their family to a truly unforgettable Christmas vacation, we have a full-boat booking available from December 19 to January 1 in our exclusive NDA Islands zone. This unique itinerary allows you to celebrate both Christmas and New Year in one of the most spectacular and remote surfing destinations in the world.

If you’re seeking an individual spot, we currently have four spots remaining on our Mentawai Islands voyage from August 22 – September 2, 2026. For those looking for a full-boat experience, our final full-boat departure in the Mentawai Islands is available from September 5 – September 18, 2026. This period represents prime swell season in the Mentawai’s, and with over 30 years of experience navigating these waves, we know exactly how to reach the spots few others can. As Martin often says, it’s about “giving the pack the slip”—less crowd, more waves—an ethos that’s embedded in the very DNA of the MV Indies Trader III.

To get a real sense of the experience aboard the vessel, we invite you to check out our video and see for yourself the adventure, comfort, and incredible surf that awaits.

We would be thrilled to welcome you aboard before 2026 ends, and it would be a particular honour to share this holiday season—Christmas and New Year—with you on the Mighty MV Indies Trader III.

Beran Island is gearing up for the 2026/2027 watersports season, and we still have excellent availability for guests looking to experience one of the South Pacific’s most unique private island escapes.

There are two ways to visit Beran. Our most popular option is a full private island booking, giving you exclusive use of the island for up to 12 guests—or even just one guest if your dream is to have an entire tropical paradise all to yourself.

The second option is to visit as an individual traveller or small group during the select weeks we have set aside throughout the season.

So, once you’re on Beran, what activities are available?

For water sports enthusiasts, Beran is a true playground. Guests can enjoy world-class scuba diving, wing foiling, surfing, kite surfing, and light game fishing in the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island. The main feature that sets us apart from ALL other operators in the water sports space is our total exclusivity, given our remote location and the complex logistics required to run a world class operation we have the Atoll to ourselves. If you prefer a slower pace, you can spend your days beach combing, exploring untouched shorelines, discovering shells and marine treasures, or simply relaxing under the palms.

For those wanting to take their skills to the next level, we can arrange specialist guides and instructors across all water sports disciplines, whether you’re a complete beginner looking to learn or an experienced rider looking to move up a level.

Back on shore, Beran is famous for its beach barbecues, where guests gather to enjoy spectacular sunsets, great company, and unforgettable island evenings. Dining is a highlight of the Beran experience, with three-course meals prepared daily by our dedicated chef, featuring fresh ingredients and flavours inspired by the many regions the Indies Trader company chefs call home.

Accommodation is equally impressive. Our super luxe, fully air-conditioned rooms provide the perfect sanctuary after a day on the water, all feature balcony access and our upstairs rooms are in the canopy of the coconut grove the resort is built in, featuring ocean views, all combining comfort, privacy, and stunning island surroundings.

No mention of Beran would be complete without recognising our legendary founder, Martin Daly, whose vision, passion for the ocean, and pioneering spirit helped establish Beran as one of the Pacific’s most sought-after marine adventure destinations.

Whether you’re looking for a private island holiday with family and friends, an action-packed water sports adventure, world-class fishing and diving, or simply a chance to disconnect and enjoy a tropical paradise in complete comfort, Beran Island offers an experience unlike anywhere else.

The 2026/2027 season is shaping up to be one of our best yet, and with availability still open, now is the perfect time to secure your place on Beran Island.

AMI Launches Additional Aircraft

After years of planning and anticipation, the first of two new aircraft joining the Air Marshall Islands fleet has officially arrived in Majuro. The newest addition, a Cessna SkyCourier, marks a major step forward in improving inter-island connectivity and cargo capability across the Marshall Islands.

Compared with the airline’s existing Dornier aircraft, the SkyCourier offers an additional 5,000 pounds of cargo capacity — a significant upgrade for a nation where dependable air transport is essential for both communities and commerce.

Speaking at the aircraft’s arrival, RMI President Hilda Heine described the moment as the beginning of a new era for the country’s aviation services:

“Today, with the arrival of this first Cessna SkyCourier, we begin a new chapter defined by action, not excuses. This aircraft is a workhorse for the nation. Equipped with 19 seats and expanded cargo capacity, this aircraft is designed for the realities of our islands. It strengthens safety, reduces maintenance burdens, and restores the reliability our communities deserve.”

For guests of Beran Island, the arrival of the SkyCourier is particularly welcome news. The aircraft’s increased cargo capacity will play an important role in strengthening one of the island’s key supply lines, improving both guest provisioning and operational reliability.

The timing could not be better. United Airlines has also recently upgraded its Hawaii–Majuro service with newer aircraft featuring inflight entertainment and onboard Wi-Fi, making the journey to the Marshall Islands — and onward to Beran Island — more comfortable and enjoyable than ever before.

With improved connectivity in the air and stronger logistics on the ground, travel to Beran Island is entering an exciting new chapter.

It’s been a while between drinks, but we’re proud to say we’ve found our way onto the cover of Surfer Magazine — in a roundabout sort of way.

The latest issue from the desk of surf journalism icon Jake Howard features renowned surfer and recording artist Jack Johnson, who also graces the cover following a recent trip to Beran Island with his longtime friend and surfing icon Kelly Slater. As always, Jack and Kelly seemed to have an uncanny ability to score perfect conditions, and this trip was no exception. They scored several of our waves in firing, all beautifully documented by acclaimed photographer Todd Glaser.

The cover artwork itself was created by another master of his craft and longtime friend of Indies Trader, Thomas Campbell, adding yet another layer of artistry to an already memorable issue.

Beyond the stunning visuals, the feature serves as an excellent introduction for anyone unfamiliar with Jack Johnson’s journey from professional surfer to one of the world’s most celebrated musicians. It also explores the deep and far-reaching connections he maintains throughout surf culture. The story coincides with the launch of a worldwide tour, the release of a new double-album soundtrack, and the debut of a new film project from acclaimed filmmaker Chris Malloy and Jack — making this a particularly exciting moment in the broader Jack Johnson universe.

For those of you who have spent time with Martin out on the island, there are more than a few familiar sights and scenes throughout the feature that will no doubt bring back memories.

The issue also includes artwork from the legendary Rick Griffin, widely regarded as one of the defining visual artists in surf culture and an influence against whom many others are measured. Altogether, it’s an exceptional edition and essential reading for anyone with an appreciation for surfing, art, music, and the culture that ties them all together.

To purchase a copy of the Magazine head over here.

To come visit us at Beran and see what all the fuss is about hit here