Watersports in Sal, Cape Verde
Year-round trade winds and world-class waves in the mid-Atlantic
Sal is a flat, sun-baked island in Cape Verde, 500km off the West African coast. Northeast trade winds blow 11 months of the year at 15–30 knots, and Atlantic swells produce world-class waves. The island's flagship spot, Kite Beach (Ponta Preta), is home to a powerful right-hand point break with side-offshore wind — the combination has made it a bucket-list destination for wave kiters and surfers alike.
Best Season
November to May (biggest swells + strongest trades). Wind year-round.
Wind
NE trades 15–30 knots, 11 months of the year
Water Temp
22°C in winter, 26°C in summer. Boardshorts or shorty.
Highlights
Year-round wind, world-class waves, warm water, raw volcanic landscape
Popular watersports in Sal
Here's why riders travel to Sal — and what to expect when you get there.
Kiteboarding
Kite Beach / Ponta Preta is one of the world's top wave-kite spots. Year-round trade winds and clean Atlantic swell.
Track kiteboarding sessions →Windsurfing
Strong trades and perfect wave-wind angles at Ponta Preta make Sal a wave-sailing paradise.
Track windsurfing sessions →Surfing
Ponta Preta's right-hander is Cape Verde's best wave. Consistent Atlantic swell from October to May.
Track surfing sessions →Wing Foiling
Flat water in Santa Maria Bay with strong trades. Great conditions for foiling before heading out to the waves.
Track wing foiling sessions →Top spots in Sal
Where to go, what to expect, and which sports work best at each spot.
Kite Beach / Ponta Preta
The famous right-hand point break with side-offshore trade wind. World-class wave riding. Intermediate to expert.
Santa Maria Bay
Flat water in the town bay. Good for beginners, freestyle, and wing foiling. Sandy bottom, warm water.
Shark Bay
Sheltered bay north of Santa Maria. Flat, shallow water. Lemon sharks swim beneath you (harmless). Popular with kite schools.
Ponta Sino
Wave spot further north. Left-hand break that works on bigger swells. Less crowded than Ponta Preta.
Track every session in Sal
Whether you're riding kiteboarding at Kite Beach / Ponta Preta or exploring a new spot, Watersports Tracker records your route, speed, distance, and heart rate automatically.
Compare sessions across different spots in Sal to find where you ride best. Share your routes with friends and keep a log of every trip.
Ready to ride in Sal?
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