Best Kitesurfing Spots in Cape Verde

Cape Verde, an archipelago gem off West Africa’s coast, boasts world-class kitesurfing opportunities. With its year-round trade winds and diverse coastal landscapes, Cape Verde offers an exhilarating playground for kitesurfers. From the sandy shores of Sal and Boa Vista to the rugged coasts of São Vicente and Santiago, kitesurfing spots abound, catering to riders of all skill levels.

Whether carving through flat waters or riding epic waves, the allure of Cape Verde lies in its perfect blend of wind, waves, and warm hospitality, drawing kitesurfing enthusiasts from across the globe to its stunning shores.

Weather

Cape Verde enjoys a pleasant subtropical climate characterized by warm temperatures, low humidity, and refreshing ocean breezes throughout the year. Here’s an overview of the yearly average weather in Cape Verde:

Temperature:

• Average temperatures range from around 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) throughout the year.
• The hottest months are typically from June to September, with temperatures occasionally reaching above 30°C (86°F).
• Even during the cooler months, temperatures rarely drop below 20°C (68°F), making Cape Verde a year-round destination for beach and outdoor activities.

Rainfall:

• Cape Verde experiences a dry climate with minimal rainfall, especially in the coastal areas.
• The rainy season typically occurs from August to October, with sporadic showers and occasional thunderstorms, mainly affecting the higher elevations and interior regions of the islands.

Humidity:

• Relative humidity levels in Cape Verde remain relatively low, contributing to the comfortable and pleasant climate.
• Humidity tends to increase slightly during the rainy season but remains lower compared to many tropical destinations.

Sunshine:

• Cape Verde enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, with clear skies and minimal cloud cover, especially during the dry season.
• Visitors can expect plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities, beach relaxation, and exploration of the islands’ natural beauty.

Cape Verde offers a delightful climate conducive to year-round tourism, with warm temperatures, gentle breezes, and plenty of sunshine.

Wind conditions

The Cape Verde Islands are renowned for their excellent wind conditions, making them a sought-after destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts. Here’s an overview of the average yearly wind conditions:

Trade Winds:

• The Cape Verde Islands benefit from consistent trade winds that blow throughout the year, providing reliable wind patterns for kitesurfing.
• During the winter months (November to March), the trade winds typically blow from the northeast, while during the summer months (April to October), they usually come from the southeast.

Wind Speed:

• Wind speeds at the Cape Verde Islands range from 15 to 25 knots on average during the peak kitesurfing season.
• The islands occasionally experience stronger wind gusts, especially during the summer months, which can reach up to 30 knots or more, providing exhilarating riding experiences for kitesurfers.

Wind Direction:

• The prevailing wind direction at the Cape Verde Islands generally varies depending on the time of year but tends to blow from the northeast or southeast due to the influence of the trade winds.
• The specific wind direction may vary slightly from one island to another, depending on their geographical location and topography.

Thermal Winds:

• In addition to the trade winds, the Cape Verde Islands also experience thermal winds, particularly during the afternoon hours when the land heats up.
• These thermal winds can enhance the overall wind conditions for kitesurfing, providing additional opportunities for riders to enjoy the sport.

Seasonal Variations:

• While the Cape Verde Islands offer excellent wind conditions year-round, the peak kitesurfing season typically coincides with the winter months when the trade winds are strongest.
• However, kitesurfing is still possible and enjoyable during the summer months, with slightly lighter winds and warmer temperatures.

Overall, the Cape Verde Islands provide kitesurfers with a perfect blend of reliable, consistent, and strong wind conditions, ensuring unforgettable riding experiences against the backdrop of their stunning coastal landscapes.

Water conditions

The Cape Verde Islands offer diverse water conditions that cater to kitesurfers of different skill levels. Here’s an overview of the water conditions at the Cape Verde Islands in regards to kitesurfing:

Waves:

• Many of the Cape Verde Islands feature a variety of wave conditions, ranging from flat water to challenging reef breaks.
• Some islands, such as Sal and Boa Vista, have spots with flat water conditions like lagoons, ideal for beginners and freestyle kitesurfing.
• Other islands, like São Vicente and Santo Antão, offer more challenging wave conditions, attracting experienced wave riders seeking thrilling rides along reef breaks.

Tides:

• Tidal fluctuations at the Cape Verde Islands are generally moderate, with average tidal ranges.
• While tides can influence water depth and currents, they typically do not have a drastic impact on kitesurfing activities.

Reefs:

• Some kitesurfing spots in the Cape Verde Islands may have reefs, particularly those offering wave riding experiences.
• Kitesurfers should exercise caution when riding near reefs to avoid collisions and injuries.
• Familiarity with the location of reefs, as well as the ability to navigate around them, is crucial for a safe kitesurfing experience.

Shoreline:

• The Cape Verde Islands have diverse coastlines, featuring long sandy beaches, rocky shores, and areas with coral reefs.
• Sandy beaches provide ample space for launching and landing kites, making them suitable for beginners and riders practicing maneuvers.
• Kitesurfers should be aware of their surroundings and choose appropriate launching and landing locations based on the specific conditions of each spot..

On the whole, the Cape Verde Islands provide a mix of water conditions suitable for various kitesurfing preferences. Whether riders seek flat water lagoons or challenging reef breaks, the islands offer a diverse and exciting playground for kitesurfing enthusiasts.

Sal Island

Sal Island, nestled in the Cape Verde archipelago, is a renowned kitesurfing paradise. With its consistent trade winds, expansive sandy beaches, and azure waters, Sal Island offers ideal conditions for kitesurfing enthusiasts of all levels. The main kitesurfing spot, Santa Maria Beach, beckons riders with its steady winds and flat water, perfect for freestyle maneuvers and beginner lessons.

For the more adventurous, Ponta Preta presents challenging reef break waves, attracting experienced wave riders from around the world. Sal Island’s vibrant kitesurfing scene, combined with its breathtaking natural beauty, makes it a must-visit destination for thrill-seekers and water sports enthusiasts.

Boa Vista Island

Boa Vista Island is a haven for kitesurfing enthusiasts. Blessed with consistent trade winds and pristine sandy beaches, Boa Vista offers an idyllic setting for riders of all levels.

Praia de Chaves, the island’s premier kitesurfing spot, beckons with its turquoise waters and gentle breezes, perfect for freestyle sessions and leisurely rides. For the more adventurous, the northeast coast of Boa Vista delivers exhilarating wave riding opportunities, drawing experienced kitesurfers seeking adrenaline-fueled thrills.

With its breathtaking natural beauty and ideal wind conditions, Boa Vista Island stands as a must-visit destination for kitesurfing aficionados seeking unforgettable experiences.

São Vicente Island

São Vicente Island, nestled within the Cape Verde archipelago, offers kitesurfers an exhilarating playground amidst stunning coastal landscapes. With its consistent trade winds and diverse wave conditions, São Vicente presents ideal opportunities for riders of all levels.

The Bay of São Pedro, a renowned kitesurfing spot, beckons with its steady winds and flat water, perfect for freestyle sessions and beginner lessons. For the more adventurous, the island’s northern coast boasts challenging wave breaks, attracting experienced riders seeking adrenaline-fueled thrills.

With its captivating scenery and perfect wind conditions, São Vicente Island stands as a must-visit destination for kitesurfing enthusiasts seeking unforgettable experiences.

Santiago Island

Santiago Island, nestled within the captivating Cape Verde archipelago, offers kitesurfers a unique blend of wind and waves against a backdrop of stunning coastal vistas. With its consistent trade winds and diverse coastline, Santiago provides an ideal setting for kitesurfing adventures.

Tarrafal Beach, a prominent kitesurfing spot on the island’s northern coast, boasts steady winds and flat water conditions, perfect for beginners and freestyle enthusiasts.

For those seeking more adrenaline-fueled experiences, Ponta Atum on the eastern coast offers challenging wave breaks for experienced riders. Santiago Island invites kitesurfers to revel in its natural beauty while enjoying thrilling rides on the water.

Maio Island

Maio Island, nestled within the enchanting Cape Verde archipelago, offers kitesurfers a serene paradise for riding the wind and waves. Blessed with consistent trade winds and pristine sandy beaches, Maio Island provides an idyllic setting for kitesurfing adventures.

Praia de Morro, a hidden gem on the island’s southeastern coast, beckons with its shallow turquoise waters and gentle breezes, perfect for beginners and freestyle enthusiasts alike.

Away from the crowds, Maio Island offers a tranquil escape where kitesurfers can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the island while enjoying exhilarating rides on the crystal-clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

Kitesurfing Schools

Sal Island:

• Mitu & Djo Kite Surf School: Santa Maria, Cape Verde. Check website for specific address: https://mitudjokiteschoolcaboverde.com/
• 100 Feet Kite School: Located on different beaches in Sal depending on wind conditions. Contact school for specific location: https://www.100piedikiteschool.com/
• Kite & Tonic: Kite & Tonic doesn’t have a fixed location and operates from their boat. They offer lessons in different spots depending on wind and student level. Contact school for details: https://kitetonic.com/

Boa Vista Island:

• Kite Kriol – Kite & Surf School Boa Vista: Sal Rei, Boa Vista, Cape Verde. Check website for specific address: https://www.kitekriol.com/
• Boavista Kitesurf School: Rabil, Boa Vista, Cape Verde. Check website or contact school for specific address: [invalid URL removed]

Additional Information:

• It’s important to note that some schools may have multiple locations within an island depending on wind conditions.
• Contacting the schools directly is recommended to confirm their current address and lesson availability.
• This list is not exhaustive and there may be other reputable kitesurfing schools in Cape Verde.