Sal is known worldwide as a top kitesurfing and windsurfing destination, thanks to its constant trade wind and wide, open coastline.
The best season
Conditions are at their best from November to March, when the wind blows almost every day. December to March is peak season, so it's busiest — and best — for experienced riders.
Best spots
Kite Beach, just south of Santa Maria, is the main hub: reliable wind, plenty of space to launch and several kite schools. Ponta Preta on the west coast offers powerful waves for advanced riders, but its strong currents make it strictly for experts.
Lessons & schools
Several schools around Santa Maria and Kite Beach offer lessons for complete beginners as well as space and rental gear for those who already ride. Even if you don't kite, it's spectacular to watch dozens of sails skim across the water.
The spots in detail
Kite Beach, a few minutes north of Santa Maria, is the engine room: a long sandy launch, cross-onshore trades, chop-to-small-wave conditions inside and proper waves further out. It is home to the main schools and rescue cover. Santa Maria bay itself works on lighter days and for lessons, with flatter water and easy standing depth inshore. Ponta Preta is the expert wave: a fast, powerful left-breaking point that has hosted world-tour riders — spectacular to watch even if you never ride it.
Learning here: what to expect
Schools run IKO-style progressions from body-dragging to independent riding, usually in 2–3 hour blocks over several days. Expect around €60–80 per hour of private tuition or €200–350 for a multi-day beginner course with gear. The season's reliability means you rarely lose booked days to no wind between December and March. Book ahead for January and February.
Practical notes
- Wind stats: roughly 20+ ridable days per month, Dec–Mar.
- A 9m and a 7m kite cover most visitors in season.
- Shorty wetsuit or lycra is enough; water is 22–24°C in winter.
- Downwinders along the east coast are a highlight — arrange pick-up.
- Rest-day ideas: Shark Bay, diving or a catamaran trip.