Back to Cape Verde Cape Verde

Published on March 5, 2026

Water Sports in Cape Verde: Kitesurfing, Windsurfing, and Diving Hotspots

Cape Verde, an archipelago nation off the west coast of Africa, is a true haven for water sports enthusiasts. With its consistent trade winds, warm Atlantic waters, and vibrant marine life, it offers world-class conditions for kitesurfing, windsurfing, and diving.

Why Cape Verde for Water Sports?

The ten volcanic islands of Cape Verde are blessed with a unique combination of factors that make them ideal for aquatic adventures. The year-round sunshine ensures pleasant temperatures, while the powerful Atlantic currents and steady north-easterly trade winds, particularly from November to June, create perfect conditions for wind-powered sports.

Beneath the surface, the crystal-clear waters boast exceptional visibility, often exceeding 20-30 meters, revealing a rich tapestry of marine ecosystems. Volcanic reefs, shipwrecks, and diverse species of fish, turtles, and even sharks make for unforgettable underwater explorations. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner eager to learn, Cape Verde provides an exhilarating playground.

Kitesurfing in Cape Verde

Cape Verde is internationally renowned as a top kitesurfing destination, attracting riders from across the globe. The consistent winds and varied wave conditions cater to all skill levels, from flat-water freestyle to challenging wave riding.

Best Kitesurfing Islands and Spots

  • Sal Island:Often considered the epicenter of Cape Verdean kitesurfing.
    • Ponta Preta:Famous for its powerful, world-class waves, attracting expert riders. Home to international competitions.
    • Kite Beach (Santa Maria):A vast, sandy bay with consistent side-onshore winds, ideal for all levels, especially beginners and intermediates. Numerous schools and rental centers line the beach.
    • Secret Spot / Shark Bay:Offers flatter water inside the reef, perfect for freestyle, with waves on the outer reef for advanced riders.
  • Boa Vista:Known for its endless sandy beaches and strong, reliable winds.
    • Praia de Chaves:Offers a mix of flat water and gentle waves, suitable for various skill levels.
    • Ervatão:A more secluded spot with great waves, better suited for experienced kitesurfers.
    • Praia de Santa Mónica:While stunning, its exposed nature makes it challenging and better for advanced riders or those seeking solitude.
  • São Vicente:Offers great conditions, particularly around São Pedro bay, known for its strong winds and opportunities for speed sailing and wave riding.

Kitesurfing Conditions and Seasons

The prime kitesurfing season runs fromNovember to June, when the trade winds are at their strongest and most consistent, typically blowing between 15 and 30 knots. Water temperatures are warm year-round, making wetsuits optional or only necessary for cooler mornings/evenings (shorty or 3/2mm full suit).

Learning and Rentals

Both Sal and Boa Vista host numerous professional kitesurfing schools offering lessons for all levels, from introductory courses to advanced coaching. Equipment rental is readily available, allowing travelers to pack lighter or try different gear. Booking in advance, especially during peak season, is highly recommended.

Tip:Always check local conditions and forecasts, and consider taking lessons or guidance from local schools, even if you're experienced, to understand the unique characteristics of each spot.

Windsurfing in Cape Verde

Cape Verde holds a legendary status in the windsurfing world, particularly for its challenging wave spots that have tested the skills of world champions. Yet, it also offers more sheltered areas for intermediate and recreational windsurfers.

Best Windsurfing Islands and Spots

  • Sal Island:The most developed island for windsurfing.
    • Ponta Preta:A world-famous wave spot, offering fast, powerful, and often hollow waves – strictly for experts.
    • Santa Maria Bay:The main bay provides ideal conditions for intermediate windsurfers, with steady winds and relatively flat water closer to shore, and small chop further out. Several windsurfing centers offer lessons and rentals.
    • Murdeira Bay:A more sheltered bay, good for beginners on lighter wind days.
  • Boa Vista:Provides excellent windsurfing opportunities, particularly along its vast coastline.
    • Praia de Chaves:Offers a good mix of conditions, with areas suitable for beginners to intermediates, and more open water for advanced riders.
    • Salgado Beach:Known for strong winds and good waves, attracting more experienced windsurfers.

Windsurfing Conditions and Seasons

Similar to kitesurfing, the optimal windsurfing season is fromNovember to June, with strong, reliable trade winds. January and February often see the strongest winds and biggest waves, ideal for advanced wave riders. The warm water means comfortable riding conditions, often without the need for a thick wetsuit.

Learning and Rentals

Windsurfing schools and rental centers are concentrated in Santa Maria on Sal Island and along the main beaches of Boa Vista. They cater to all levels, with modern equipment available for rent. Pre-booking equipment is advisable during peak season.

Diving & Snorkeling in Cape Verde

The underwater world of Cape Verde is a captivating realm of volcanic landscapes, vibrant coral reefs, and intriguing shipwrecks, making it a prime destination for diving and snorkeling.

Underwater World and Marine Life

The archipelago's volcanic origins have created dramatic underwater topography, including caves, grottoes, and lava formations. The nutrient-rich Atlantic waters support an astonishing array of marine life. Divers can expect to encounter:

  • Fish:Parrotfish, barracuda, tuna, groupers, moray eels, angelfish, and various reef fish.
  • Turtles:Loggerhead, green, and hawksbill turtles are common, especially between June and October when they come ashore to nest.
  • Sharks:Nurse sharks, lemon sharks, and even whale sharks (seasonally) can be spotted.
  • Rays:Manta rays and stingrays glide gracefully through the waters.
  • Wrecks:Numerous fascinating shipwrecks, often teeming with marine life, provide excellent dive sites.

Top Diving Spots

  • Sal Island:The most developed diving infrastructure.
    • Buracona (Blue Eye):While famous for its surface attraction, the surrounding caves and swim-throughs offer excellent diving.
    • Santa Maria Pier:A vibrant site for night dives, teeming with smaller reef creatures.
    • Wrecks:Dive sites like the "Santo Antão" and "Bolama" offer penetration opportunities and are home to diverse marine life.
    • Caves:"Olagun" and "Cavala" are popular for their unique formations.
  • Boa Vista:Offers a mix of reefs and wrecks, with impressive visibility.
    • Santa Maria Wreck:An easily accessible and popular wreck site, suitable for all levels.
    • Chaves Reef:A vibrant reef system with plenty of fish and occasional turtles.
  • Santiago Island:Diving around the capital, Praia, and especially Tarrafal beach to the north, offers rich volcanic reefs and historical wrecks.
  • São Vicente:Particularly around Mindelo, offers diverse dive sites including reefs, walls, and wrecks, often with stronger currents and more pelagic sightings.
  • Maio:Less developed but boasts pristine reefs and a high chance of encountering turtles.

Best Time to Dive

Diving is possible year-round in Cape Verde, but the best conditions are typically fromMay to October, when the seas are calmer, and visibility is at its peak. This also coincides with the turtle nesting and hatching season, offering incredible encounters. Water temperatures range from 22°C (72°F) in winter to 27°C (81°F) in summer.

Dive Centers and Courses

Numerous PADI and SSI certified dive centers operate on Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, and São Vicente. They offer a full range of courses, from beginner "Discover Scuba Diving" experiences to advanced certifications, as well as guided dives for certified divers. Equipment rental is always available.

Other Water Activities

Beyond the "big three," Cape Verde offers a variety of other water-based activities:

  • Surfing:Consistent swells attract surfers, particularly on Sal Island(Ponta Preta) and São Vicente.
  • Stand-Up Paddleboarding (SUP):A calmer way to explore the coastline, available for rent in many tourist areas.
  • Deep-Sea Fishing:The rich Atlantic waters are home to marlin, tuna, wahoo, and dorado, making Cape Verde a prime spot for big-game fishing.
  • Snorkeling:Accessible from many beaches, especially around rocky outcrops or near dive sites.
  • Sailing & Catamaran Trips:Offers a relaxing way to explore the islands from the sea, often including stops for swimming and snorkeling.

Planning Your Water Sports Trip

  • When to Go:For wind-powered sports, November to June is best. For diving, May to October offers calmer seas and warmer water.
  • Accommodation:A wide range of options exist, from luxury resorts to guesthouses, particularly on Sal Island and Boa Vista.
  • Safety:Always choose reputable schools and dive centers. Respect local conditions and follow expert advice.
  • What to Bring:Sunscreen, UV-protective clothing, a hat, and reef-safe products are essential. Don't forget your certification cards if you're a certified diver or kiter.

Embark on Your Cape Verdean Water Adventure

Cape Verde truly stands out as a premier destination for water sports. Whether you're chasing the perfect wave, gliding across flat water, or exploring a mesmerizing underwater world, the islands offer an unforgettable experience. Prepare to be captivated by the winds, the waves, and the incredible marine biodiversity of this Atlantic gem.