Sal, great beaches and the gateway to the ‘real’ Cape Verde.

After flying for 5 hours down the Atlantic, Sal appears below you like a long forgotten desert island. The salt pans of Pedra Lume can be seen to the west of the island and the white, half moon sandy beach of Santa Maria lies before you to the south, in between there are a scattering of small settlements and the capital of Espargos. Sal is the most barren of the inhabited islands, however there are some lovely (though windy) sand beaches and the water sports in Santa Maria are excellent with good diving, windsurfing and fishing. The standard of food and accommodation is also better here than on any other island with many international resorts (some all inclusive). However, if you are after sightseeing, walking, real Cape Verdean life, and a bit of peace and quiet then you would be best to avoid any more than a few nights here. Sal for those looking to explore the other islands is best seen as a transit point on the way to the other more interesting and more beautiful islands.

Population: 10,000 Elevation:406 m (Monte Vermelho) Area: 216 km²
Don’t miss : Pedra Luma, the beach of Santa Maria

Best for Medium to Advanced divers due to currents and dive depths, the diving in Sal is excellent.  We work with the oldest established centre in Cape Verde (est.1991), European run and with Cape Verdean staff based on Santa Maria beach. Dives range from 25-42m with caves, drop offs and shark sites.  You’ll see a mix of tropical and Atlantic fish – rays, turtles, morays, lobsters, groupers, Tiger sharks and huge shoals of tuna. Sea temperature is 22-27 degrees all year.

 

Please note there is no decompression chamber on the island.

For kitesurfers, it does not get better than this and we work with a school and hire centre that can cater for all abilities. There are several spots including a bay area for safe learning and long runs protected by slight on shore winds (so you won’t end up in Brazil!). Then there is the infamous kite beach for intermediate to advanced and then in larger swells, there is Punta Preta with its world class waves and winds to match. This is one of the most exciting up and coming sports and this is The Place to do it!

 

Best time : Beginners – All year, Medium to Advanced – December to March.

This is windsurf heaven with Sal regularly hosting world class competitions including the world championships inspired by their winning local surfistas! Santa Maria Bay provides excellent conditions for beginners up to the advanced Ponta Preta quoted by local hero, Josh Angulo, as being the best windsurfing beach in the world.

 

Best time : Beginners – May to August (though can learn all year), Medium to Advanced – December to March.

 

With clear turquoise waters, white sand beaches and perfect conditions, this is surfing heaven. We can cater for all abilities and all the main surf spots are within 5-15 minutes drive of the centre on the stunning Bay of Santa Maria. If you are with non surfers then there are loungers outside the centre, and a restaurant and beach bar for them to watch you from!

 

Best time : Beginners – All year, Medium to Advanced – December to March.