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Ponta Sino / Sal kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
Cape Verde · Sal
Overview
Ponta Sino (also spelled Ponta do Sino) lies at the western end of Santa Maria bay, on the south coast of Sal Island, Cape Verde. It's where the bay curves to face south, creating a wave spot that's popular for both wave riding and freestyle/jumping.
The waves break over a shallow reef with flat spots in between, creating excellent natural ramps for jumps and loops. The wind is cross-shore to cross-offshore, making it more demanding than Kite Beach but offering cleaner wave faces. Waves typically range from 1 to 3 metres.
Past the point of Ponta Sino is open ocean — riders must be cautious not to kite too far out. This is the transition zone between the protected south coast and the exposed west coast where Ponta Preta lies.
Ponta Sino is accessible on foot or by a short ride from Santa Maria, making it convenient for riders who want to step up from the bay conditions without going all the way to the west coast.
Spot forecast for Ponta Sino / Sal
Sunrise 06:25 · Sunset 18:07
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Tides
Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 3.3 km from the spot.
- Tuesday 20 October High tide · 0.7 m Low tide · 0.4 m High tide · 0.6 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 · 0.3 m
- Thursday 22 October High tide · 0.8 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 · 0.8 m
- Saturday 24 October Low tide · 0.2 m High tide · 0.9 m Low tide · 0.1 m High tide · 0.8 m
Ponta Sino / Sal: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
396h
in January · 31 rideable days
The spot works year-round: 29 rideable days a month on average, at 25 °C. It peaks in January, with 396 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 — 67% of rideable hours. That is the most versatile range, where most kites work. The coldest month is March, at 22 °C. The wettest month is September, with 67 mm.
Monthly averages: Ponta Sino / Sal
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31.0 | 396 h | 23 °C | 0 mm |
| February | 28.5 | 394 h | 23 °C | 0 mm |
| March | 31.0 | 434 h | 22 °C | 0 mm |
| April | 30.0 | 412 h | 23 °C | 2 mm |
| May | 31.0 | 454 h | 24 °C | 0 mm |
| June | 30.0 | 463 h | 24 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 25.0 | 301 h | 25 °C | 2 mm |
| August | 24.5 | 263 h | 27 °C | 11 mm |
| September | 26.5 | 329 h | 27 °C | 67 mm |
| October | 29.5 | 393 h | 27 °C | 10 mm |
| November | 29.5 | 375 h | 26 °C | 15 mm |
| December | 31.0 | 413 h | 24 °C | 7 mm |
Photo gallery of Ponta Sino / Sal
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Ponta Sino / Sal spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE, NNW.
Spot functioning
Most riders reach Ponta Sino by riding downwind from Santa Maria beach centre, or by walking/taxi from town. Some centres organize group excursions.
Waves: 1–3 metres breaking over a shallow reef. Powerful and steep — great kickers for jumps. Flat water patches between wave sets offer freestyle opportunities.
Jumping: the sideshore wind combined with the steep wave face creates ideal ramp conditions for big air, loops and powered tricks.
Wave riding: good quality waves for intermediate to advanced riders. Less intense than Ponta Preta but more demanding than Kite Beach reef.
Important: at the end of your session, you need enough energy and skill to ride upwind back to Santa Maria or along the coast. Plan accordingly — don't exhaust yourself before the return trip.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
Year-round, but the main season runs from November to May/June with the northeast trade winds.
Wave quality depends on swell — best when a south or southwest swell combines with the trade wind season (December–March typically produces the biggest swells).
- Required level
- Advanced
On the water
Waves of 1–3 metres breaking over a shallow reef. Between wave sets, flat water patches provide contrast. Water clarity is excellent — you can see the reef below.
Water temperature 21–27°C depending on season. A 3/2mm wetsuit is comfortable for winter sessions; shorty or boardshorts in warmer months.
Rocky reef bottom — not a place to fall without awareness of what's below. Low tide exposes more reef and makes conditions more technical.
Parking
Ponta Sino is located at the western end of Santa Maria bay, accessible on foot (~15–20 min walk) or by short taxi ride from Santa Maria town centre.
You can also ride downwind from the Santa Maria beach centre to Ponta Sino. Some water sports centres (ION Club, etc.) organize excursions to Ponta Sino with local fees payable.
Limited infrastructure on site. Bring water, snacks and everything you need.
Wind specificities
Ponta Sino faces south, receiving cross-shore to cross-offshore wind from the northeast trade winds. This orientation creates cleaner wave faces compared to Kite Beach's onshore conditions, but means the wind pushes you away from shore.
The wind is less gusty than at Ponta Leme (east end of the bay) and generally more consistent. Sideshore wind combined with the steep reef section creates one of the island's best jump spots.
Wind strength: 15–25 knots during season (November–May). Kite sizes 8–12m.
The combination of cross-shore wind, waves breaking over reef, and flat spots between waves makes Ponta Sino excellent for both jumping/freestyle and wave riding — a versatile spot for intermediate to advanced riders.
Hazards
Open ocean beyond the point: past Ponta Sino is the open Atlantic. Do NOT ride too far out — the cross-offshore wind will push you away from shore and into open sea.
Shallow reef: waves break over a shallow reef. Risk of impact, especially at low tide. Reef shoes recommended.
Submerged wrecks: two wrecks in the area — one visible upwind, one smaller and completely underwater near shore. The submerged wreck is particularly dangerous at low tide.
Cross-offshore wind: you must be able to ride upwind to return safely. If you can't, you'll drift into the open ocean.
Shared lineup: jumpers and wave riders share the spot. Freestylers should watch out for wave riders and vice versa. Respect priority.
Currents: lateral currents near the point can be strong.
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Live
INMG HQ SAL16.1 kmsource WIS2 - WMO
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Additional stations
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Ogimet - Sal (Cape Verde)16.6 km
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