Overview

Praia Carlota (also called Sal Rei or Estoril Beach) is the main kitesurf spot on Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde. Located on the northwest coast just south of the town of Sal Rei, it's where most of the island's kite schools are based.

The spot is protected by Ilhéu de Sal Rei, a small island roughly 1km offshore that blocks the ocean swell. This creates a large area of flat to slightly choppy water — ideal for beginners, freestyle riders and foilers. The water is shallow (1–2m depending on tide), with a sandy bottom and no shore break.

The wind is cross-offshore (NE trade wind blowing from the land), which means riders need to be able to ride upwind. Rescue boats from the kite schools are available, making this the safest spot on the island despite the offshore wind direction.

Praia Carlota is the social hub of Boa Vista's kite scene — schools, equipment rental, storage, bars and restaurants all within walking distance of Sal Rei town.

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Spot forecast for Boa Vista, Praia Carlota

Sunrise 06:25 · Sunset 18:07

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< 7 kn7–12 kn13–20 kn21–30 kn31–40 kn41+ kn Gusts Your minimum: 7 kn

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Swell and waves

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Wave height: < 0.5 m 0.5–1 m 1–2 m 2–3 m ≥ 3 m

Swell data by Open-Meteo Marine

Boa Vista, Praia Carlota: when to go?

Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)

Season · peak

431h

in March · 31 rideable days

Wind is uneven from month to month: the best months are January, March and May, at 31 rideable days and 23 °C. The low point is August, at 22 days.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 39%13-20 knots · 60%21-30 knots · 2%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 13 and 20 knots — 60% 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 68 mm.

Monthly averages: Boa Vista, Praia Carlota

Monthly averages — Boa Vista, Praia Carlota — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	31.0	399 h	24 °C	1 mm
February	28.5	395 h	23 °C	0 mm
March	31.0	431 h	22 °C	0 mm
April	29.5	409 h	23 °C	1 mm
May	31.0	450 h	23 °C	1 mm
June	30.0	458 h	24 °C	1 mm
July	23.5	287 h	25 °C	5 mm
August	22.0	229 h	27 °C	29 mm
September	27.0	327 h	27 °C	68 mm
October	29.0	391 h	27 °C	13 mm
November	29.5	369 h	26 °C	25 mm
December	31.0	409 h	25 °C	10 mm

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Technical details of Boa Vista, Praia Carlota spot

The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, ENE.

Rideable Not rideable

Local association recommendations

KiteKriol — local kite school with rescue boat, lessons and rental.

Duotone Pro Center Boa Vista — kitesurf, wingfoil, surf lessons and rental on Praia Carlota.

Boavista Kite — kitesurf and windsurf centre with Duotone equipment.

Spot functioning

Launch from the long sandy beach. The flat water zone between the beach and the small island (~1km) is the main riding area. Shallow, sandy bottom, no obstacles.

Beginners: the flat water and rescue boat service make this the best spot on Boa Vista for learning. Lessons typically start on the beach then move to shallow water.

Freestyle/foil: the flat water is excellent for tricks and foiling. Consistent wind and no waves in the sheltered zone.

Wave riders: beyond the island's protection, waves develop on the open ocean side. Advanced riders can venture out, but this requires strong upwind skills and experience.

Schools offer guided downwind trips to other spots around the island (Ponta Antonia, Ervatao, Praia Chaves).

Spot opening date · Required level

Spot opening date: Open all year round
Year-round, main season November to May with NE trade winds. Peak wind January to March. Kite schools typically operate November to mid-April.
Required level: Beginner

On the water

Flat to slightly choppy water in the sheltered zone behind Ilhéu de Sal Rei. Sandy bottom, 1–2m deep depending on tide. Beyond the island: open ocean with waves.

Water temperature 22–26°C. Shorty or boardshorts most of the time, 3/2mm wetsuit on windier days for comfort.

Crystal-clear turquoise water over white sand.

Parking

Praia Carlota is a 5-minute walk from the centre of Sal Rei, the main town on Boa Vista. No car needed — you can walk from most accommodations with your gear.

The beach is long and sandy with easy access. Several kite schools are set up directly on the beach: KiteKriol, Duotone Pro Center, Boavista Kite, and others. They offer storage, rental, lessons and rescue boat service.

Restaurants and bars line the beach and the Sal Rei esplanade. Basic supplies available in town.

Wind specificities

The NE trade wind at Praia Carlota blows cross-offshore to offshore. The beach faces northwest, so the trade wind comes from behind the rider when facing the water.

Wind strength: 15–30 knots during the trade wind season (November–May), with January–March seeing the strongest and most consistent wind. Kite sizes 7–12m.

The wind can be gusty near shore due to the town and terrain behind the beach, but becomes cleaner further out. The sheltered flat water behind Ilhéu de Sal Rei offers excellent conditions despite the offshore direction.

Hazards

Cross-offshore wind: the NE trade wind blows from land out toward the small island and open ocean beyond. If you can't ride upwind, you'll drift out. Kite schools provide rescue boat service — use it if you're not fully confident.

Shallow water: at low tide, the water can be very shallow (under 1m). Be careful with jumps and board landings to avoid hitting the bottom.

No lifeguard outside school hours: the rescue boats operate during school hours only. Riding outside these times means no backup.

Currents: some currents can develop around the small island, especially on larger tide swings.

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Schools, shops and places to stay nearby

Directory: Cape Verde

Nearby spots

All spots: Boa Vista

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Boa Vista, Praia Carlota kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot