Summary
Often referred to as a kite surfing and wind surfing paradise due to its strong winds, Cape Verde also has a few decent surf spots to please anyone who is not into wind sports.
Cape Verde lies on the west coast of Africa just a few hundred miles away from Dakar, Senegal. This arid archipelago is composed of 10 major islands which are all very exposed to different swell and wind directions.
Being quite a remote destination, Cape Verde remains fairly uncrowded and you should not have any problems integrating a surf spot as long as you respect locals and fellow travelers.
The Island with the biggest surfing potential is called Sal and is located on the north-eastern part of the archipelago. You will find many surf spots such as Santa Maria and Ponta Preta.
**Surfing in windy conditions might require a different equipment. Strong offshore winds will hold you back from paddling into the wave. We recommend using a board with higher volume and faster paddling speed to ensure a smooth take-off.
When to go
The best time to surf Cape Verde is from November to March with bigger and more consistent swells. During this season, winds will also be much stronger. From, April to October you will find less consistent waves but also more mellow winds.
January-February March-April May-June July-August September-October November-December
Suitable for: Intermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
AdvancedIntermediate
Advanced
Air temperature 23°C
73°F25°C
77°F25°C
77°F27°C
81°F27°C
81°F26°C
79°F
Water temperature 23°C
73°F25°C
77°F25°C
77°F27°C
81°F27°C
81°F25°C
77°F
Crowd Few people Few people Empty Few people Few people Few people
Swell Consistency 80% 80% 50% 65% 70% 80%
Swell height 8 ft 7 ft 6 ft 6 ft 6 ft 7 ft
Where to stay in Cape Verde
On Isla de Sal, where most surf spots will be found, the two best cities to establish yourself on a surf trip are Santa Maria or Palmeira. They both give you great access to several decent surf spots on the island.
Browse our interactive map to find an accommodation deal in Cape Verde!
Getting there
Flying is the only reasonable option. Most flights will transit in Portugal.
Safety/things to know
-For visa information, visit the official government website.
-Conditions are very shifty and inconsistent
-Shallow reef
-Swell and wind seasons are the same…Expect windy surf, chose your quiver accordingly
-The euro is widely used in Cape Verde
Surf spots in Cape Verde
Ponta Preta
Alibaba
Fontana
Santa Maria