Sal, Cape Verde: The Ultimate Winter Destination for Watersports on an Island

If you’re dreaming of sun in the middle of winter while practicing your favorite watersports, Sal in Cape Verde is the perfect destination. Located off the coast of West Africa, this island in the Cape Verdean archipelago attracts kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling enthusiasts thanks to its diverse spots, consistent winds, and the “Cape Verde – No Stress” vibe.

With sunshine almost all year round and ideal conditions from November to April, Sal is a top destination for riders looking for warmth and wind during the winter months.

THE BEST WATERSPORTS SPOTS ON SAL ISLAND

ION CLUB Sal offers a variety of spots for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and wingfoiling. Here are the must-visit locations:

1. Santa Maria: The Main Spot for Learning Watersports

Santa Maria is the heart of watersports in Sal. Located at the southern tip of the island, this spot is popular for its long sandy beach

• For windsurfing and wingfoiling: Side-shore wind, perfect for learning safely.
• For kitesurfing: An area with space for confirmed riders.
• Occasional waves, great for improving maneuvers in gentle conditions.

The village of Santa Maria, with its cafés and restaurants, is perfect for relaxing after your sessions. Enjoy a fresh coconut or visit Pontao Pier, where fishermen bring in fresh catches daily. This small wooden pier is also a great spot to admire the crystal-clear waters and watch stingrays near the shore.

2. Ponta Leme: The Best Spot to Progress in Wingfoil and Windsurf

Located 2 km from Santa Maria, Ponta Leme is a top spot for progression.

• For windsurfing and wingfoiling: Side-shore wind, ideal for advancing your skills.
• Occasional waves, great for riders looking to improve their maneuvers.

3. Kite Beach: The Best Place to Learn Kitesurfing

As the name suggests, Kite Beach is the go-to spot for learning kitesurfing on Sal. Located just 10 minutes from Santa Maria by taxi, this beach provides ideal conditions for both beginners and advanced riders wanting to improve in freeride or freestyle.

• Calm waters near the shore, perfect for beginners (you might even spot some turtles between November and December!).
• Consistent wind, making it easier to progress quickly.
• Lessons and rental services available at Santa Maria, with transport organized to Kite Beach.

This beach also has a social and welcoming vibe, making it easy to meet other riders.

4. Ponta Preta: A Paradise for Experienced Riders

If you’re an advanced rider seeking thrills, Ponta Preta is your dream spot. This location is famous for powerful waves, making it ideal for surfing, kitesurfing, wingfoiling and windsurf wave riding.

• World-class waves, but only for experienced riders.
• A must-see spectacle, even from the beach.

SERVICES & INFRASTRUCTURES FOR RIDERS IN SAL

ION CLUB Sal is well-equipped to welcome watersports enthusiasts.

WHAT TO DO IN SAL BESIDES WATERSPORTS ?

Between sessions, take the time to explore Sal’s hidden gems. Here are some top activities:

1. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling

The crystal-clear waters of Sal are home to incredible marine life. Discover coral reefs, swim with turtles, and spot stingrays. ION CLUB Sal organize locally boat snorkeling trips on request or on non-windy days.

2. Pedra de Lume Salt Flats

Visit the historic salt flats located inside an extinct volcano crater. Experience effortless floating in the highly saline waters, renowned for their skin benefits..

3. Quad or Buggy Tours

Explore Sal’s stunning desert landscapes on a thrilling quad or buggy adventure.

4. TASTE LOCAL CAPE VERDEAN FOOD

Don’t leave without trying cachupa, a traditional Cape Verdean stew, or freshly caught seafood.

5. SHARK BAY

Have a unique experience at Shark Bay, where you can observe baby lemon sharks in their natural habitat.

6. BLUE EYE (Buracona)

Discover Blue Eye, a natural sea cave where sunlight creates a mesmerizing blue eye effect in the water. This spot also has natural pools for a refreshing swim.

Planning Your Trip to Sal

Here are some tips to help you organize your stay:

1. Travel & Transport

• Direct flights from cities like Marseille, Lisbon, Paris, Porto, Amsterdam, Düsseldorf, Birmingham, Brussels, Luxembourg, London, Zurich, Barcelona, etc.
• Sal International Airport is 20 minutes from Santa Maria, with taxis costing around €20.
• Important: Pre-pay your visa at least 5 days before departure via https://www.ease.gov.cv/.

2. Equipment

• Beginners or light travelers can rent gear on-site.
• If you bring your own windsurf or wingfoil gear, you can store it at Ponta Leme.

3. Accommodation

• Stay in Santa Maria for easy access to the best spots.
• Choose from budget lodgings to all-inclusive resorts with ION CLUB Holidays.

With steady winds, diverse spots, and a chilled-out island vibe, Sal is the ultimate winter escape for watersports enthusiasts. Whether you’re into kitesurfing, windsurfing, wingfoiling, or surfing, Sal promises epic sessions and unforgettable adventures.

Juliane, ION CLUB manager, sums it up:
“Sal is a magical island where Africa meets Europe in a unique blend of cultures. With perfect conditions for riders of all levels, it’s a paradise whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family.”

So, are you ready to ride under the Cape Verdean sun? 🇨🇻