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The Cape Verde islands are a small archipelago in the Atlantic, 1,500 km south of the Canary Islands and approx. 450 km off the West coast of Africa in the trade wind belt.
Due to their position within this winter trade wind belt, the Cape Verde Islands boast near perfect windsurfing conditions from late November to June. The Island of Sal, with the airport, has been a popular windsurfing haven for years. It's a barren island, but everyone who comes here falls under the spell of its mysterious charm and plans to return.
Santa Maria The main area for windsurfing is at the southern end of the island at the town of Santa Maria. The bay here has a white sandy beach stretching for approx. 4 km with a steep sand entry in parts. The main windsurfing area has some stones and rocks; however, the entry is not so steep here. The centres offer an assisted entry if required for those not used to a shore break.
Punta Preta For the more experienced seeking the rush of some serious wave riding a visit to Punta Preta, on the rougher West side, is a must!! Waves here can reach up to 8ft running on to a stony shore break.
The wind in the Cape Verde islands is very reliable, and strong, between the months of October to June. There are few destinations that offer such consistently strong conditions for October to December; for most other destinations, both long and short haul, these can be very tricky months as they are between seasons.
At the main spot the wind blows side-offshore from the left and is slightly gusty in the centre of the bay.
Sal is best suited to intermediate to advanced riders (especially wave sailors); due to the considerable shore break it can be quite challenging for beginners. Having said that, there is one spot on the other side of town, in front of the Leme Betch Hotel. Here there is much flatter water, no shore break and consistent clean wind - beginners should head there.
The great attraction of Sal, apart from the wind, is the variety of conditions available from blasting to big waves. This really is a windsurfers paradise!!
Although there are not many other activities on offer on Sal, it is a fantastic place to go just for a holiday; the food is amazing (and cheap), the locals always have a smile, the beaches are beautiful and the hotels offer varying standards of comfort and facilities.
The main activity, aside from windsurfing or kitesurfing, is scuba diving. Manta Divers, the local PADI centre, has an excellent set-up and offers a full range of courses and daily diving.
A trip around the island is worthwhile and quite interesting, if not a bit barren! Car hire is easily arranged and the best way to get around.
Sal has also become popular with Kitesurfers in recent years and for good reason. Santa Maria Beach, which is 4-5 km long, offers ideal kitesurfing conditions for all levels.
Sal has a handful of small but charming and fun bars, all within easy staggering distance of the hotels. One of our favourites was Tam Tam, or you can try Squeeze Bar, which is popular with the windsurfing staff there.
British Passport holder may buy a tourist visa on arrival at a cost of E25. Other passport holders should consult their respective consulates. All entrants should have a full passport that does not expire within 6 months of your return date.
There are no compulsory inoculations if travelling from the UK but we recommend to check with your GP for the latest advice.
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