Kitesurf in Cape Verde : all you need to know
Cape Verde, an ideal kite destination for lovers of beautiful waves. If you want to learn kite there, surround yourself with a school.
The best season extends from December to May.
The island of Sal is the one where most spots are found.
High Season
Required level
Best suited for
Budget
Spots
Other activities
Why kitesurfing in Cape Verde is a good choice ?
A small archipelago off the coast of Senegal, Cape Verde is divided into two groups of islands:
– the Sotavento islands in the South
– the Barlavento islands in the North, which are more recognized for kite surfing, particularly the spots of Santa Maria, Punta Preta, Kitebeach…
Sal, Boa Vista or Sao Vicente are all small islands swept by wind from December to May, and where the locals are particularly welcoming. In fact, Sal Island receives the most visitors.
However, while Cape Verde benefits from a consistent wind and warm water, it is more of a wave destination which is therefore not suitable for beginners practicing alone. It is better to be surrounded by a kite school.
In terms of landscapes, expect the beauty of a rather deserted environment of dunes and mountains falling into a turquoise sea.
Best period and spots to kite in Cape Verde
In Cape Verde, kiting is mainly done on the island of Sal, with well-known spots there such as Kitebeach and its side-on wind that allows for safe riding. There is also Santa Maria, a flat spot but offshore, where you need to be accompanied by a school to ride there. Finally, there are numerous wave spots, which are reserved for experienced profiles.
Kiting is also done in Sao Vicente and Boa Vista, but these are less accessible spots, with fewer infrastructures for beginners. For more experienced kiters, it can be a good experience.
Best season (for kiting): from December to May.
Cape Verde is under the influence of the trade winds, which blow almost every winter day up to 20 knots.
Discover the kite spots in Cape Verde
Baie de Sal Rei
Santa Maria, on Sal Island
Salamansa, à Sao Vicente
Shark Bay, sur l'île de Sal
Punta Preta, sur l'île de Sal
Find a kite school, accomodation, or kitetrip organiser in Cape Verde
With Kitetrip Planner, I give my best to suggest the best options for schools, accomodation and travel partner to help you organize your kitetrip.
Get in touch with them, and realize the trip of your dreams.
If you don’t see any listing here yet, be patient, I am just working on it.
What we love most
Drawbacks
- Warm welcome
- Beautiful waves
- Turquoise water
- Difficult to start (except school)
- Sharp reefs
- Dry and desert-like
Our best advices to travelers
How to get there ?
Travel time: 7h to 15h depending on the time spent on layovers (usually Lisbon)
Direct flights: yes, but infrequent
Time difference: UTC-1
Airlines: TAP – TACV
Main airports: Sal (SID) – Sao Vicente (VXE) – Boa Vista (BVC)
Flight price: €400 to €700
Formalities
- Mandatory vaccines: Yellow fever vaccination required
- Visa requirements: Visa required for both American and British nationals, cost varies
- Electrical adapter: Type C and F electrical outlets, adapter may be needed
- Official language: Portuguese
- Currency: Cape Verdean Escudo (CVE)
Additional tips
Contrary to what one might think, the cost of living is quite high, especially on the island of Sal. It is not a “budget” destination.
Tap water is not drinkable, you have to buy mineral water and make sure the bottle is tightly sealed before opening.
The only international airport in Cape Verde is located on the island of Sal (Amilcar Cabral SID), which explains why it is the most touristic island.
What are the best non kitesurfing activities ?
Outside of kitesurfing, Cape Verde is an archipelago rich in activities, it’s no wonder that so many tourists come here to spend their holidays.
From hiking on volcanoes, enjoying the musical atmosphere of bars and restaurants, and discovering the beaches of the archipelago, there is plenty to do, that’s for sure.