Kitesurfing in Sal
Why Visit?
Cape Verde is gaining more and more popularity amongst kitesurfers, and for a good reason! This small west-African archipelago is blessed with perfect winds and enjoyable air and water temperatures; making it the ideal escape from brutal European winters! It is an excellent destination if you want to get started with wave riding, different waves and different spots for all levels and it is equally as good for free riders who want to use their twin tip boards.
Wind and Weather
The Island of Sal is the most popular touristic and kitesurfing destination in Cape Verde. It's about a 6hr flight from most European main cities and pretty much guarantees strong and consistent from the end of October till April!
Even though it's not too cold, remember to bring your long wetsuit, its always better to be warm on the water. The air temperature is a pleasant 20°, so you usually won't need more than a sweater during the day and a light jacket in the night.
Schools & Recommended Businesses in Sal
Getting Around
The most popular destination is the Island of Sal (Ilha do sal), home to wave-kitesurfing-world-champions like Mitu Monteiro, Airton Cozzolino (current GKA world champion) and Matchu Lopes. Several favourited charter companies organise direct flights from the UK and Europe, making it very convenient and easy to get to the island.
You'll land in the small town of Santa Maria, and the centre of all kitesurfing and nightlife activities is just a 20-minute taxi ride. I strongly recommend you get your accommodation in Santa Maria because once you are here, you can easily go to the kite beach every day. The ride will cost you about 5€ per way, and you can share it with your friends or with random kiters you'll meet at the beach. Renting a car is also possible, but it is quite expensive, and you'll only need a car to get to the kite beach, everything else is within walking distance.
Food and Drink
Plenty of both! Santa Maria offers great local and international cuisine, deadly Caipirinhas, good cocktails, and beers!
Nightlife
Santa Maria is a unique and vibrant town, and you won't be disappointed! There are plenty of nice bars with live music, BBQs on the beach, happy hour, and a few clubs if you want to stay out late! It's a small town, so it will take you a couple of days to get your barrings, but then you'll know what's going on where - and the vibe is great!
No Wind?
No wind days are rare and don't happen in the winter! But if it does; you can go diving or rent an electric bike or quad and take a tour of the island. In case of light wind, have a day out on the water on a sailing boat, there are a few nice boats that organise daily trips.
Internet
You will find wifi connection in several bars and hotels, but the best option (same as most places) is to buy a local sim card directly at the airport or in town.
Accommodation
There is a range of different types of accommodation from 5* hotels to cheap rental apartments, as well as a few air BnB and surf houses close to the spots.
Where Are the Best Kitesurfing Spots in Sal?
Kite beach is by far the most popular spot on the island. It offers a good mix of flatter water and waves, so is very popular amongst wave and twin tip riders. During high season, it can get a little busy so it usually better wait for a late afternoon session or for everyone to take a lunch break. The wind is a very comfortable cross-on, so perfect for beginners and Kite Beach is also one of the few places on the island where you can learn to kitesurf (most schools teach here)
- Wind: Cross on from the left
- Waves: Yes
- Shorebreak: Yes
Ponta Preta is an advanced kitesurfing spot especially when it is big! Ponta Preta recently hosted 2018 GKAevent and for a good reason. With good swell, it generates a long ride that closes dangerously close to the rocks (offshore winds help you to get out of it though). Challenging but rewarding!
- Wind: Offshore
- Waves: Yes
- Shorebreak: Yes
A short downwinder from Kite Beach, you reach Ponta Leme. Home to a very nice left wave (with the right direction of the swell) When it's on (and it doesn't happen often) it gets busy, so keep your eyes open and be prepared!
- Wind: Side-on
- Waves: Yes
- Shorebreak: Yes
When Is the Best Time to Go?
The windiest months in Sal are January, February, March, April, October, November, December.
Historical Wind Statistics
Plan Your Trip
Destination Map
Open in Google Maps Getting There
At a Glance
Cape Verde Essentials
- Currency
- CVE (Cape Verdean escudo)
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Population
- 491,233
- Capital
- Praia
- Time Zone
- UTC-01:00
