The Cape Verde islands are a small archipelago in the Atlantic, 1,500km south of the Canary Islands and approx. 450 km off the West coast of Africa in the trade wind belt.
Due to their position within this winter trade wind belt the Cape Verde Islands boast near perfect windsurfing conditions from late November to June. The Island of Sal, with the airport, has been a popular windsurfing haven for years. It's a barren island but everyone who comes here falls under the spell of its mysterious charm and plans to return.
SANTA MARIA: For the more experienced seeking the rush of some serious wave riding then a visit to Ponta Preta, on the rougher west side, is a must! Waves here can reach up to 8ft running on to a stony shore break. Local drivers are always available with pick-ups to take you to the spots away from the main bay.
PUNTA PRETA: For the more experienced seeking the rush of some serious wave riding then a visit to Ponta Preta, on the rougher west side, is a must! Waves here can reach up to 8ft running on to a stony shore break. Local drivers are always available with pick-ups to take you to the spots away from the main bay.
The wind in the Cape Verde islands is very reliable, and strong, between the months of October to June. There are few destinations that offer such consistently strong conditions for October to December; for most other destinations, both long and short haul, these can be very tricky months as they are between seasons.
At the main spot the wind blows side-offshore from the left and is slightly gusty in the centre of the bay.
Sal is an awesome spot for kitesurfing and is especially suited to the advanced riders and wave sailor. Despite the sometimes gusty wind there is a large kiting area at the westerly half of the main bay area with a deep beach for safe launching and landing.
For those requiring instruction Planet work with Skyriders in Sal who offer a very high level of service and have excellent instructors. There is also plenty of space for beginners to body drag and for those that have not yet mastered sailing up wind. Because of the way that the beach is shaped you will constantly return to the shore even if you cannot relaunch your kite. Sal is not the easiest place to learn due to the shore break and heavy swell but it will make you a better kiter in the long run to have learnt here!
Although there are not many other activities on offer on Sal it is a fantastic place to go just for a holiday; the food is amazing (and cheap), the locals always have a smile, the beaches are beautiful and the hotels offer varying standards of comfort and facilities.
The main activity, aside from windsurfing or kitesurfing, is scuba diving. Manta Divers, the local PADI centre, has an excellent set up and offers a full range of courses and daily diving.
A trip around the island is worthwhile and quite interesting, if not a bit barren ! Car hire is easily arranged and the best way to get around.
Sal is best suited to intermediate to advanced riders (especially wave sailors), Due to the considerable shore break it can be quite challenging for beginners. Having said that there is one spot on the other side of town, in front of the Leme Bedje Hotel. Here there is much flatter water, smaller shore break and consistent clean wind - beginners should head there.
Sal has a handful of small but charming and fun bars all within easy staggering distance of the hotels. One of our favourites was Tam Tam or you can try Squeeze Bar, which is popular with the windsurfing staff there.
British Passport holders may buy a tourist visa on arrival at a cost of E45, or we can arrange this prior to travel for E10. Other passport holders should consult their respective consulates. All entrants should have a full passport that does not expire within 6 months of your return date.
There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK . Please check with your GP or local travel health clinic for the latest advice.
