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.

🏄 Kite Beach, Sal

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Water Type: Choppy, Waves | Bottom: Sand | Launch: Established kite-school launch along Kite Beach on Sal’s eastern coast.

Kite Beach is Cape Verde’s best-known kitesurfing destination. Located on the eastern coast of Sal, it attracts riders from around the world with reliable winter trade winds, warm temperatures and an established kiteboarding community.

The wide sandy beach provides space for kite lessons and freeriding. However, the water is often choppy, and breaking waves near the shore can make the first few metres challenging.

Several kite schools operate directly at the beach, offering lessons and equipment rental. Beginners can learn here under professional supervision when conditions are appropriate, while experienced riders enjoy jumping, freeriding and wave sessions.

During the peak season, Kite Beach can become busy, so launching and landing require extra attention.

Best Wind Season: November–April, especially December–March.

Typical Wind Speed: Approximately 15–25 knots on suitable trade-wind days, with stronger sessions possible.

Facilities: Kite schools and equipment rental at established beach centres.

Important Local Rules: Follow local kite-school launching arrangements. Keep clear of swimmers and other riders, watch for shorebreak and check rescue arrangements before heading offshore.

Planning a session at Kite Beach? Visit our Kite Beach Kitesurf Spot Guide for wind conditions, facilities, launch information and local restrictions.

🏄 Ponta Preta, Sal

Skill Level: Advanced | Water Type: Waves, Choppy | Bottom: Rocks, Reef and Sand | Launch: Technical wave-break access; inspect the rocky shoreline and conditions with experienced local riders.

Ponta Preta is one of the world’s most famous wave-kitesurfing locations. Situated on the western coast of Sal, this legendary break is known for powerful Atlantic swells and long, clean waves.

The spot attracts highly experienced wave riders looking for demanding conditions. On the right day, the waves can provide spectacular down-the-line riding, but the combination of rocks, heavy surf and offshore or side-offshore wind creates significant risk.

Unlike Kite Beach, Ponta Preta is not a place for beginner lessons or casual freeriding. Riders need advanced wave skills, excellent kite control and a reliable safety plan.

Local knowledge is particularly valuable because the safest entry and exit points depend on swell, tide and wind direction.

Best Wind Season: December–March, when trade winds and Atlantic swell can align.

Typical Wind Speed: Variable; approximately 15–25 knots on many suitable winter sessions.

Facilities: No permanent kite-specific facilities confirmed directly at the wave break.

Important Local Rules: Advanced riders only. Assess the rocks, wave size, currents and offshore-wind risk. Arrange local guidance and suitable rescue support before riding.

Planning a session at Ponta Preta? Read our Ponta Preta Kitesurf Spot Guide for wave conditions, access information and safety considerations.

🏄 Santa Maria Beach, Sal

Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced | Water Type: Choppy | Bottom: Sand | Launch: Only from a locally confirmed kite-permitted section of Santa Maria Beach, away from swimmers and boat traffic.

Santa Maria Beach is one of Sal’s most popular coastal destinations, famous for its long sandy shoreline, turquoise water and lively beachfront atmosphere.

The bay offers a variety of watersports, and kitesurfing may be possible from suitable sections when the wind direction and local arrangements allow.

Compared with Kite Beach on the eastern coast, Santa Maria has more swimmers, beach visitors and boat activity. This makes choosing the correct launching area especially important.

Intermediate and advanced riders may enjoy freeriding in suitable conditions, but visitors should not assume that kitesurfing is permitted along the entire beach.

For dedicated kite lessons, nearby Kite Beach is often the more practical option.

Best Wind Season: November–April.

Typical Wind Speed: Approximately 12–22 knots on suitable trade-wind days, depending on the exact launch.

Facilities: Watersports services, restaurants and accommodation are available along Santa Maria Beach, but kite-specific facilities at a permitted launch are not confirmed.

Important Local Rules: Confirm current kiteboarding permissions with a local operator. Do not launch among swimmers, crowded beach areas or boat lanes. Check wind direction before entering the water.

Planning a session at Santa Maria Beach? Explore our Santa Maria Beach Kitesurf Spot Guide for wind conditions, launch information and local restrictions.

🏄 Sal Rei / Praia Carlota, Boa Vista

Skill Level: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced | Water Type: Flat, Choppy | Bottom: Sand, with Possible Rocky Patches | Launch: Established operator-approved kiteboarding area around Praia Carlota and Sal Rei.

Sal Rei is one of Boa Vista’s main kitesurfing destinations. Located on the island’s northwestern coast, the area offers beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise water and reliable seasonal trade winds.

The waters around Praia Carlota and Sal Rei provide a mixture of sheltered and more exposed conditions. Depending on the exact launch and wind direction, riders may find relatively smooth water or moderate chop.

Local kite schools offer instruction and equipment rental, making this an attractive alternative to the busier kitesurfing beaches on Sal.

Beginners should use a supervised teaching area, while intermediate and advanced riders can explore freeriding opportunities under suitable conditions.

Boat traffic, changing water depth and different wind exposure across the bay require attention.

Best Wind Season: November–April, particularly December–March.

Typical Wind Speed: Approximately 15–25 knots during suitable trade-wind sessions.

Facilities: Kite schools and equipment rental at established watersports centres.

Important Local Rules: Follow local school guidance, use the designated launch and avoid swimmers and boat channels. Check wind direction, water depth and rescue arrangements before riding.

Planning a session at Sal Rei? Visit our Sal Rei / Praia Carlota Kitesurf Spot Guide for wind conditions, facilities and local restrictions.

🏄 Praia de Chaves, Boa Vista

Skill Level: Intermediate, Advanced | Water Type: Choppy, Waves | Bottom: Sand | Launch: Open sandy beach; select a safe, locally permitted section away from resort swimming areas.

Praia de Chaves is one of Boa Vista’s most beautiful beaches, known for its enormous sandy shoreline, dunes and exposed Atlantic coastline.

During the trade-wind season, the beach can offer exciting freeriding and wave-kitesurfing conditions. Its open setting provides plenty of space, but the water is generally more demanding than a sheltered lagoon.

Shorebreak, ocean swell and currents can make launching challenging, particularly when the waves increase.

Praia de Chaves is therefore better suited to intermediate and advanced riders who are comfortable in open-ocean conditions.

Although resorts operate along parts of the coastline, visitors should not assume that every section permits kitesurfing or has dedicated rescue services.

Best Wind Season: November–April.

Typical Wind Speed: Approximately 15–25 knots during suitable trade-wind conditions.

Facilities: No permanent kite-specific facilities confirmed directly at the selected launch. Nearby resort services should not be treated as on-site kite facilities.

Important Local Rules: Confirm where kitesurfing is permitted. Avoid resort swimming zones, assess shorebreak and currents, and do not rely on immediate rescue assistance.

Planning a session at Praia de Chaves? Read our Praia de Chaves Kitesurf Spot Guide for wind conditions, launch information and safety considerations.

🏄 Salamansa Beach, São Vicente

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.