Technical details of spot

Spot functioning

Launch from the beach at Fontona bay — the only practical beach launch on the west coast. Get through the shore break and head out to the lineup.

At Fontona itself: when swell runs, both left and right waves break in the bay. Moderate size, less intense than the exposed breaks further south. Good for getting comfortable with offshore wave riding before venturing further.

As a starting point: most riders launch at Fontona and then ride downwind to Curral Joul (to the south). This is the classic way to access the west coast breaks safely. From Curral Joul, experts can continue south to Ali Baba and even Ponta Preta.

Return: getting back to Fontona from downwind requires riding upwind along the coast, which can be exhausting. Plan accordingly or arrange a pickup by car at your exit point.

On the water

Open Atlantic Ocean. When swell runs, waves break in both directions (lefts and rights) over a mixed sand and rock bottom. Wave height varies from 1–3 metres depending on swell.

Water temperature 21–24°C during the kite season. A 3/2mm wetsuit is recommended for comfort. The wind chill factor from offshore wind can make it feel colder than the east coast.

Crystal-clear water. Reef and rocks in places — reef shoes advisable for shore access.

Required level

Advanced

Spot opening date

Open all year round

Year-round, but the main season runs from November to May/June when the northeast trade winds blow.

Best when combining good trade wind with northwest or west swell — typically December to March for the biggest and most consistent waves.

Summer months (July–October) see less wind and smaller swell.

Parking

Fontona is located on the northwest coast of Sal, far from Santa Maria. Access requires a 4x4 vehicle — no paved road leads here.

Drive north from Santa Maria toward Palmeira, then follow dirt tracks west toward the coast. Local knowledge or a guide is recommended for first-timers.

No infrastructure at all — no bar, no toilets, no shade. Bring everything you need: water, food, sun protection, spare kite gear, phone.

Some kite centres in Santa Maria organize guided excursions to the west coast spots including Fontona. This is the recommended option for first visits.

Hazards

Offshore wind: the trade wind blows from land out to the open Atlantic. If you have a kite problem, you will be blown out to sea with nothing between you and Brazil. Never ride alone.

No rescue service: this is a remote, uninhabited stretch of coast. There is absolutely no safety infrastructure. Bring a charged phone, tell someone where you're going, and bring spare gear.

Waves and reef: when swell runs, waves break over rocky reef. The shore is rocky in places. Helmet and impact vest recommended.

Shore break: even though Fontona is the easiest launch on the west coast, getting through the shore break can be challenging when swell is up.

Isolation: no mobile phone signal in some areas. If something goes wrong, help is far away.

4x4 only: the dirt tracks can be rough. Getting stuck means a long walk back.

Wind specificities

The northeast trade wind at Fontona blows offshore, having crossed the entire width of the island. The bay's partial shelter means the wind can be slightly lighter and more gusty than at fully exposed spots like Ponta Preta.

When conditions are right, the offshore wind grooms the wave faces beautifully, creating clean rideable waves in both directions (lefts and rights).

Wind strength: 15–25 knots during the trade wind season (November–May). Can be stronger in the afternoon. Kite sizes 7–11m.

Fontona's main advantage is being the easiest launch point on the west coast. From here, riders can head downwind to explore Curral Joul, Ali Baba and other west coast breaks, knowing they launched from a relatively safe spot.

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