The Cape Verde Islands - are a group of 11 islands, just 450kms off the west coast of Africa. Thanks to their position within the winter trade-wind belt, the islands offer perfect wind and wave conditions from November until May. Since the introduction of direct UK flights, Sal is fast becoming a favourite winter, watersports destination. The bay of Santa Maria is located on the southern tip of this island and its long, fine-grained sandy beach extends over more than four kilometers.  When not windsurfing, kitesurfing or diving there are a good choice of bars & restaurants.  You will find the local people are friendly, having a very ‘laid back' attitude to life.

Sailing Spot & Conditions

The cross-offshore or sideshore wind from the left enables effortless upwind sailing to the various sections of the beach. From the Club Mistral center you can sail directly from the flat water section into two fantastic wave spots: Both Ponta Leme upwind and Ponta Sino downwind offer great wave sailing with the best conditions December to April. Closer in the swell is more gentle.  Trips to local wave spots are recommended including Ponta Sinor, and Ponta Lembedje as well as excursions to Rife and Canoa islands. 

Cabo Verde has even one more treasure to give, that of Punta Preta where the conditions both of wind and wave are one of those special spots in the world (sailing is undertaken totally at one's own risk).

The windsurfing facilities in Santa Maria are some of the best.  The Club Mistral windsurfing and kitesurfing centre is located in front of the Hotel Belorizonte on the superb endless beach.  The centre offers plenty of space, with a boutique, showers and toilets, Atlantis Bar & Restaurant and ‘Internet-Cafe’.  The bay is situated on the south coast of the island and the white sands stretch for over 4 kms. The prevailing Northeast Trade winds that blow move down to Cabo Verde during the winter months. Due to the mechanics of wind zone movements over the earth, Cabo Verde are blessed with consistent winds from October to June.

The sailing areas of Santa Maria are well defined. In front of the centre, the water is a little choppy outside the shorebreak. If the shorebreak becomes too strong, then launching further upwind nearer the village jetty, makes getting away more comfortable. Once past the jetty and the local fishing boat moorings upwind, the conditions getter flatter but with the new developments has created a wind shadow. But keep sailing upwind and the swells get better along with a cleaner wind, perfect for wave riding.

Click here to Enquire about Sal - Cabo Verde

Click here to Email A Friend about Sal - Cabo Verde