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Murdeira kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
Cape Verde · Sal
Overview
Murdeira Bay (Baía da Murdeira) is a large, crescent-shaped bay on the southwest coast of Sal Island, Cape Verde. It's a nature reserve known for its rich marine biodiversity, coral reef, and the imposing Monte Leão (Lion Mountain) rising 165m above the bay.
For kitesurfers and windsurfers, Murdeira offers a more sheltered alternative to the fully exposed west coast spots. The bay provides some protection, creating conditions that are less extreme than Ponta Preta or Ali Baba while still having offshore wind and moderate waves.
The spot is also known as Canoa in some kite guides. Waves are moderate, breaking over reef and rock patches within the bay. It's a good intermediate step between the flat water of Kite Beach and the serious west coast breaks.
The small village of Murdeira sits at the centre of the bay, providing basic services. The area is much quieter than Santa Maria, with a more local, off-the-beaten-path feel.
Spot forecast for Murdeira
Sunrise 06:25 · Sunset 18:07
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Murdeira: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
378h
in January · 31 rideable days
The spot works year-round: 29 rideable days a month on average, at 28 °C. It peaks in January, with 378 hours of usable wind.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 53% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is March, at 25 °C. The wettest month is September, with 51 mm.
Monthly averages: Murdeira
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.0 | 378 h | 26 °C | 0 mm |
| February | 28.5 | 390 h | 26 °C | 0 mm |
| March | 31.0 | 434 h | 25 °C | 0 mm |
| April | 30.0 | 408 h | 27 °C | 5 mm |
| May | 31.0 | 452 h | 27 °C | 0 mm |
| June | 30.0 | 458 h | 27 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 25.0 | 299 h | 28 °C | 5 mm |
| August | 24.0 | 253 h | 29 °C | 35 mm |
| September | 26.0 | 316 h | 30 °C | 51 mm |
| October | 29.5 | 386 h | 30 °C | 15 mm |
| November | 29.0 | 372 h | 29 °C | 20 mm |
| December | 31.0 | 404 h | 26 °C | 6 mm |
Photo gallery of Murdeira
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Murdeira spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE, NNW.
Spot functioning
Launch from the beach in Murdeira Bay. The bay offers a mix of flat water in sheltered sections and moderate waves breaking over reef patches.
Good for intermediate to advanced riders who want to practice in cross-offshore conditions without the intensity of the fully exposed west coast breaks.
Also used as a waypoint on downwind tours — some guided excursions from Santa Maria pass through the Murdeira area on west coast exploration trips.
The spot works best at mid to high tide when there's enough water over the reef.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
Year-round, main season November to May/June with NE trades. As a nature reserve, riders should respect any local regulations regarding protected areas and wildlife.
- Required level
- Intermediate
On the water
Semi-sheltered bay with moderate waves over reef and rock bottom. Wave height 0.5–2m depending on swell. Less powerful than the exposed west coast breaks.
Water temperature 21–25°C. 3/2mm wetsuit recommended in winter with offshore wind chill, shorty or boardshorts in warmer months.
Rich marine life — sea turtles, rays, tropical fish. Crystal-clear water over coral reef.
Parking
Murdeira village is located on the southwest coast of Sal, about 10–15 minutes drive north of Santa Maria on the main road toward Espargos/the airport.
Turn west off the main road at the Murdeira junction. The village has basic road access and some parking near the beach.
Limited infrastructure compared to Santa Maria — a few small shops and restaurants in the village but no kite centre or dedicated facilities at the spot. Bring your own gear and supplies.
Wind specificities
The NE trade wind at Murdeira blows cross-offshore to offshore, having crossed the island. Monte Leão (165m) and the bay's shape provide some partial shelter, making the wind slightly lighter and more variable than at the fully exposed west coast spots.
Wind strength: 12–22 knots typically, slightly less than the exposed west coast. Kite sizes 9–12m.
The bay's partial shelter means conditions can be gusty near shore, with smoother wind further out.
Hazards
Nature reserve: Baía da Murdeira is a protected area. Respect the marine environment — avoid riding over shallow coral reef and nesting areas.
Offshore component to wind: the NE trade wind has an offshore or cross-offshore angle here. While the bay provides some shelter, riders must still be comfortable with offshore wind dynamics.
Reef and rocks: the bay has reef patches and rocky outcrops, including natural rock pools. Reef shoes essential. Be aware of shallow sections, especially at low tide.
No kite school or rescue at this spot. Nearest facilities are in Santa Maria.
Currents: the bay can have currents, especially near the openings. Don't venture too far from shore.
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Ogimet - Sal (Cape Verde)6.6 km
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