Sal, Cape Verde » general info

Forever yearning for far-off shores

The Cape Verde islands are a small archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic, 1,500 kilometres south of the Canary Islands and approximately 450 kilometres off the western coast of Senegal. Although appearing insignificant, they are actually of great importance. Not only for us windsurfers. Long before we came here, seafaring men used the auspicious winds of the Cape Verde islands to cross the Atlantic Ocean from there.

We, however, do not want to travel quite as far and prefer to remain on Sal. Although this island is very barren, everyone who comes here falls under its spell and plans to return. Cape Verdeans call it "Sodade", which means yearning. The fun-loving locals, above all, shape one's image of the Cape Verdean lifestyle and help make you feel really at home here. "You do not need much to be happy." This saying could have originated on these islands. Apart from fishing, the islanders' main source of food and income, music also plays a key role in Cape Verdeans' life.

All tastes are catered for here, from windsurfers interested in a wave taster course to full-fledged professionals.
Our centre is right in the middle of the most beautiful and largest sandy beach on the island.
As the wind blows side-offshore from the left, it is slightly gusty in the bay. If you enter the water right in front of the centre, the advanced surfers can reach two wave spots directly with your board. So you are spoilt for choice: one spot upwind, one spot downwind, or maybe the flat-water section right in front of your nose after all. The solution: take the lot, because it's all on offer here!!

Apart from windsurfing and wave riding, kitesurfing is also big on Sal.
The kitesurfing spot is 100m directly downwind of the centre – only a stone's throw away.

Although more and more hotels have been built on Sal in the last few years, the "desert island" has retained its charm and is still the ultimate wave paradise for windsurfers, kitesurfers and wave riders.

Our insider tips:

• Deep-sea fishing on a sailing boat or traditional fishing with the locals
• Buggy or squad tours across the island
• Professional surfing with world champions Josh Angulo and Björn Dunkerbeck in Ponta Preta
• Fantastic wave spots such as Ponta Sino, Ponta Preta, Rife, and Ponta Leme
• Catamaran trip to Boavista
• Beautiful African art at the Akuaba Shop
• First-rate tuna sashimi (raw fish steak) at the Atlantis Restaurant
• Typical local fare such as catchupa - and grogue drinks... but be careful!
• A sightseeing trip around the island