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Baia das Gates / Sao Vicente kitesurf and wingfoil spot
Cape Verde · São Vicente
Overview
Baia das Gatas (Catfish Bay) is a unique natural lagoon on the northeast coast of São Vicente Island, Cape Verde. It's the only permanent flat water spot in the entire Cape Verde archipelago — a shallow natural swimming pool protected from ocean swell by a reef barrier.
The lagoon is knee-to-waist deep with an ultra-flat water surface, making it exceptional for freestyle practice. However, the spot is tiny — two kites are enough to fill it. The main challenge is the rocky bottom: at low tide, rocks become exposed and dangerous.
Baia das Gatas is a popular weekend spot for local families who come to swim and snorkel. It also hosts the famous Baia das Gatas Music Festival in August, one of Cape Verde's biggest cultural events.
Spot forecast for Baia das Gates / Sao Vicente
Sunrise 06:33 · Sunset 18:15
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Tides
Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 4.6 km from the spot.
- Tuesday 20 October High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 0.5 m Low tide · 0.4 m
- Wednesday 21 October High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 0.6 m Low tide · 0.4 m
- Thursday 22 October High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.3 m
- Friday 23 October High tide · 0.8 m Low tide · 0.2 m High tide · 0.7 m
- Saturday 24 October Low tide · 0.2 m High tide · 0.8 m Low tide · 0.2 m High tide · 0.8 m
Baia das Gates / Sao Vicente: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
399h
in January · 31 rideable days
The spot works year-round: 30 rideable days a month on average, at 24 °C. It peaks in January, with 399 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 — 70% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is February, at 22 °C. The wettest month is October, with 76 mm.
Monthly averages: Baia das Gates / Sao Vicente
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.0 | 399 h | 24 °C | 3 mm |
| February | 28.5 | 376 h | 22 °C | 0 mm |
| March | 31.0 | 433 h | 22 °C | 0 mm |
| April | 29.5 | 411 h | 23 °C | 3 mm |
| May | 31.0 | 463 h | 23 °C | 0 mm |
| June | 30.0 | 450 h | 24 °C | 2 mm |
| July | 29.5 | 400 h | 25 °C | 9 mm |
| August | 29.0 | 399 h | 26 °C | 67 mm |
| September | 28.5 | 376 h | 27 °C | 56 mm |
| October | 30.5 | 409 h | 27 °C | 76 mm |
| November | 29.5 | 413 h | 26 °C | 6 mm |
| December | 30.5 | 407 h | 24 °C | 8 mm |
Photo gallery of Baia das Gates / Sao Vicente
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Baia das Gates / Sao Vicente spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE.
Spot functioning
Tide-dependent: ride in the morning when water is deep enough (knee to waist). By noon the water drops and rocks become exposed. Check tide tables before going.
The ultra-flat water is perfect for freestyle tricks and practice — nowhere else in Cape Verde offers this.
Very limited space — maximum 2 kites at a time. Don't go if others are already riding.
Not suitable for beginners due to rocks and limited space.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
Year-round, best October to June. Tide-dependent — mornings only. Baia das Gatas Music Festival in August (no kiting during the festival).
- Required level
- Intermediate
On the water
Flat water lagoon, knee-to-waist deep. Rocky bottom with sea urchins. Crystal-clear water.
Water temperature 21–25°C. Reef shoes mandatory.
Parking
Baia das Gatas is on the northeast coast of São Vicente, east of Salamansa. Accessible by taxi or car from Mindelo (~20 minutes).
Small village with basic amenities. Some local restaurants. No kite school on site.
Best to arrange a visit through a kite school in Salamansa — they know the tides and conditions.
Wind specificities
NE trade wind blows across the lagoon. Wind can be slightly gusty due to the surrounding terrain, but generally consistent.
Wind strength: 15–25 knots in season. Kite sizes 7–12m.
The flat water and steady wind make it a freestyle paradise — but only if the tide cooperates.
Hazards
ROCKS: this is the biggest danger. The lagoon has a rocky bottom. At low tide, rocks become exposed and can destroy boards and injure riders. Only ride from early morning until around noon when water level is sufficient.
Very limited space: the lagoon is tiny. Two kites maximum. Kiteloop practice is risky — a failed kiteloop can put you on rocks or into telephone poles on shore.
Sea urchins: the rocks are covered in sea urchins. Reef shoes absolutely essential.
Shared space: local families swim here on weekends. Avoid riding when bathers are present.
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Nearby spots
All spots: São Vicente- 2 km Baia Norte / Sao VicenteSão Vicente, Cape Verde
- 4 km Salamansa / Sao VicenteSão Vicente, Cape Verde
- 6 km Sandy Beach / Sao VicenteSão Vicente, Cape Verde
- 10 km Topim / Sao VicenteSão Vicente, Cape Verde
- 19 km Sao Pedro / Sao VicenteSão Vicente, Cape Verde
- 205 km Curral Joul / SalSal, Cape Verde
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