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Kites over Kite Beach near Santa Maria
Photo: Tbo47
Kites beyond the shore break at Kite Beach, Sal.
Photo: Tbo47
Kites rigged and flying at Costa da Fragata.
Photo: Franzfoto
The salt pans north of Santa Maria, Sal.
Photo: Waielbi

Cape Verde

Apr · 84% rideable

Sal, Kite Beach

What it's actually like

Windsurfers get chop to waves under a trade wind that averages 15 to 17 kt, onshore to side-onshore, from December to June. ION Club Santa Maria lists windsurf, so there is kit on the island.

When it's good

Is it for you?

  • LevelNot checked yet

    Centres teach every level daily, but never kite here alone or hire kit unless experienced.

  • WaterMillpond to head-high

    Flat to choppy to wavy as the trade picks up, with bigger waves than town.

  • LaunchMind your feet

    About three kilometres of open sand, with the reefs lying further out in the water.

  • WetsuitShorty

    Sea about 22 °C in April: a shorty, plus a long sleeve on windy days.

  • AprèsGoes off till sunrise

    53 bars, 3 clubs and 116 places to eat within 5 km: the night's yours.

  • CostMid

    A full kite set for one day at two centres on the island.

Where to launch

Conditions change. Check local rules and conditions before you ride.

  • Launch
  • Parking
  • School
  • Stay
  • Kite Beach

    Open beach, wind onshore to side-onshore.

  • Santa Maria Bay

    The bay in front of Santa Maria, with further Kite Beach Water Sports Center centres.

Getting there

  • Nearest airportSal (SID). Amílcar Cabral International is on Sal itself, so you step off the plane on the island.
  • Flying with a board bagTUI Airways, TUI fly Deutschland, easyJet, TUI fly Netherlands. Flying into Sal (SID)? Tap through to their board bag rules and fees before you book.
  • Getting aroundTaxi or shuttle. Kite Beach is 10 to 15 minutes by taxi from Santa Maria, and the schools run hotel transfers, so you needn’t hire a car.

Stay, learn and rent

Full details for every place are in the Pocket Guide.

Book links to Booking.com and Agoda may earn WindChaser a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Pocket Guide

Sal, Kite Beach, in your pocket

Everything you need on the beach in one PDF. Save it to your phone and it works with no signal.

01The month: wind, conditions and water02Every hazard, and the local rules03The launches, with maps04Getting there with kit05Stays, schools and kit hire06Where every score comes from

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