Begin or improve kitesurfing in Cape Verde – our recommendations

How to get to Cape Verde?

Several airlines offer flights from Europe during the week and at weekends, notably the Portuguese airline TAP, the Cape Verdean airline TACV, and the French low-cost airline Transavia. Some charter airlines also take you there but as a complete package – flight, transfers, hotel – offered by some travel agencies.

Many flights are not direct, but the stopover in Lisbon or Praia is never too long and the connection to Sal or Boa Vista can be made on the same day. If not it may be a good opportunity to visit other places you hadn’t planned, and to do a bit of sightseeing.

Don’t forget your passport, it is compulsory and must be valid for 6 months after the date of return from your holiday. Also, you will be asked to pay the airport tax (TSA, 30€) once you arrive, unless you have already paid it in advance if you have booked your kite trip through a travel agency.

Where are the best kitesurfing spots in Cape Verde?

The most popular kitesurfing spot for any level of kitesurfer is undoubtedly Kite Beach on the island of Sal, just a 10 minute drive from Santa Maria which is a small tourist fishing town.

The reputation of Sal, located in the north-east of the archipelago, is well known. It owes its notoriety to the waveriders and international windsurfers at the beginning of the 90’s when the wave world cup took place for the first time. Then came the Windsurf Trilogy in 1997 from the famous spot in the south of the island, Ponta Preta, reserved for the expert windsurfers and now for the kitesurfers with a very good level, owing to the big fast reef waves. Fortunately, it is possible to sail on much more accessible spots on Sal, still very far south of the island, in Santa Maria itself. These spots are practical for all levels of kitesurfing, without danger or fear since they are sandy beaches supervised by the kite schools, whether you are taking a course or renting equipment. The four kilometre long sandy Santa Maria beach is ideal for kite surfers who want to be close to the village without having to hire a car or take a shuttle from a kite club or hotel. However, beware of the shore break and the occasional drop zone. The spot is mainly for experienced kitesurfers (unless you are on a course) as the wind blows side-offshore, coming from the from the land.

On the beach of Santa Maria you will find the ION CLUB kitesurfing centre, who will take you to practice either on the eastern side at kite beach, or in front of the club, depending on the weather conditions.

Kite beach is a large lagoon intended for freeride enthusiasts but also for wave lovers thanks to its reef, recommended at high tide and quickly reached in a few tacks, 300 metres from the launch. The wind blows side-onshore, which makes it very safe, especially as there are no infrastructures or buildings on the beach or in the surrounding area, which means that you can launch your kite with maximum comfort. It is certainly better to take a few kite lessons at ION CLUB and on the spot in question to get the hang of it. 

Renting a car in Sal is easy. Load up your quiver and head for Ponta Sino, on the southwest coast, a few kilometres from Santa Maria, opposite Kite beach. Sometimes there are waves, sometimes not. Ask the locals as it’s the best way to know what the conditions are. For the pure wave riders, head further north, west coast, to Secret or Ali Baba, two nice wave spots for swell and thrill seekers. The wind blows sideshore. Beware of the rocks.

In the east of the Cape Verde archipelago, some will prefer to put their cases down in Boa Vista, an island full of beaches that are close to paradise both in terms of their natural beauty and their size. Several kite spots are accessible to all, and some are supervised by kite clubs. They are exposed all along the northwest coast of the island, close to the town of Sal Rei. Freeride, freestyle, waves and why not kitefoil, in short a wide program that suits any kitesurfer, from beginner to expert. There are several kite centres on the beaches south of this small town of 6,000 inhabitants, not far from the hotels and apartments that can accommodate holidaymakers. For those who wish to take lessons or hire equipment, the beaches of Carlota and Estoril await you. The wind is generally side-shore or even side-offshore, blowing between 15 and 25 knots. Some centres offer boat drop-offs on wave spots not far from the superb beach of Santa Monica, as access by car is not recommended there as the roads are difficult to navigate.

Which club should I choose to take a kitesurfing lesson or to hire equipment?

Kitesurfing in Sal has become an institution for passionate kitesurfers. The island is full of schools set up for learning kitesurfing, from the beginner to the apprentice freestyler. Opt for a private or semi-private course to learn safely and quickly. The ION CLUB centre is waiting for you with a large choice of Duotone equipment for rental and kite lessons.

What other activities are available in Cape Verde besides kitesurfing?

The Cape Verde archipelago offers a multitude of kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing and stand up paddle spots and beaches of exceptional beauty, but don’t hesitate to spend a few days in the mountains of the island of Santo Antao, which will take your breath away, both because of its dense vegetation and because of the incredible view from the peaks.

Scuba diving, sailing, quad biking, swimming in the translucent Cape Verdean waters. The air temperature is pleasant all year round and rarely drops below 20°. In winter, it can be more complicated to find islands or countries close to Europe that compete with Cape Verde, which is known for its excellent sailing conditions and favourable climate. Ten hours is the time it usually takes from Paris to the islands of Sal or Boa Vista – including a stopover in Lisbon -. If you feel like kitesurfing this winter, Cape Verde is without a doubt the destination to know or to do again! Don’t wait any longer, adopt the Cape Verdean spirit!