Watersports on Sal, Cape Verde: kitesurfing, wing foiling and surfing
English | Deutsch | Nederlands | Français | Español | Italiano | Português
Sal (Cape Verde, Cabo Verde) is a paradise for watersports: a strong trade wind, warm turquoise water and spots for every level. Kitesurfers and wing foilers come mainly in the wind season, surfers for the waves of Ponta Preta, and in the calm bay of Santa Maria you can dive and snorkel all year.
Sun, sea and beach under the palms
Sal is the island for a true sun, sea and beach holiday. You get more than 350 days of sunshine a year, miles of white sandy beaches lined with beach bars, and at Santa Maria you simply walk into the calm, clear sea for a swim. Lying under the palms, a drink on the beach and watching the sun set over the sea: that is a holiday on Sal.
The sea water is around 25 °C on average, and from August to October it is often 28 °C and up to 29 °C. Because it hardly ever rains, the heat is dry: the cooling trade wind keeps it pleasant, never too hot and never cold, and in the evening it cools down a few degrees.
The wind season: November to May
The trade wind blows from the north east almost every day. From January to May it is strongest, on average 12 to 13.5 knots (4 Bft) and stronger on many days: high season for kitesurfing and wing foiling. From July to September the wind is lighter. See the figures per month on the weather on Sal.
Kite Beach: the best spot on Sal
Kite Beach on the east coast, close to Santa Maria, is the best place to kite and wing: the wind comes in side onshore, there is plenty of room on the beach and you find schools and rental. Near the shore the water is flatter, further out you find waves and chop.
What can you do?
- Kitesurfing: from first lesson to freestyle and wave riding.
- Wing foiling: the fastest growing watersport, ideal in the steady wind of Sal.
- Lessons: kitesurfing, wing foil and surf lessons for beginners and improvers.
- Surfing: the waves of Ponta Preta from November to March.
- Diving and snorkelling: in the clear turquoise water of Santa Maria.
Staying longer for the wind?
Many watersports lovers come back, or stay. The Huefter Group helps with a holiday home or with living on Sal. Send us a message on WhatsApp: +238 597 56 78.