Overview

Karamboa is a wave spot on the west coast of Boa Vista Island, Cape Verde, just south of Praia Carlota / Sal Rei. It's where the coastline transitions from the sheltered Sal Rei bay area into more exposed ocean conditions with waves.

When swell is running, Karamboa produces well-shaped waves that are popular with intermediate to advanced kitesurfers and surfers. The waves are funnelled between the coast and the offshore island, creating clean, rideable faces.

The spot is within walking distance south of the kite schools at Praia Carlota, making it easily accessible for riders who want to step up from flat water to waves without needing a 4x4 trip.

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Spot forecast for Karamboa

Sunrise 06:25 · Sunset 18:07

Open-Meteo

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

Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo

Swell and waves

Swell and tides over 8 days. Premium members see the swell and tides over 8 days. Without a subscription: 5 days.

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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

Karamboa: 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

429h

in March · 31 rideable days

The season runs from October to June, peaking in March: 30 rideable days a month and 429 hours of usable wind, at 27 °C. The low point is August, at 17.5 days.

Rideable days per month

Wind strength when it is rideable

7-12 knots · 58%13-20 knots · 42%21-30 knots · under 1%

When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 58% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is March, at 25 °C. The wettest month is September, with 66 mm.

Monthly averages: Karamboa

Monthly averages — Karamboa — averaged over 2 years of records — Weather data by Open-Meteo.com — How it is calculated
Month	Rideable days	Usable wind	Temperature	Rain
January	30.0	385 h	27 °C	0 mm
February	28.5	391 h	27 °C	0 mm
March	31.0	429 h	25 °C	0 mm
April	29.5	401 h	26 °C	2 mm
May	31.0	446 h	27 °C	1 mm
June	30.0	442 h	27 °C	1 mm
July	20.5	244 h	28 °C	7 mm
August	17.5	167 h	30 °C	51 mm
September	24.5	290 h	30 °C	66 mm
October	27.5	362 h	30 °C	19 mm
November	29.0	347 h	29 °C	31 mm
December	30.5	396 h	27 °C	7 mm

Photo gallery of Karamboa

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Technical details of Karamboa spot

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

Rideable Not rideable

Spot functioning

Walk south from Praia Carlota along the beach. When swell is up, waves break along this section of coast, offering wave riding conditions within easy reach of Sal Rei.

Directional board recommended for wave riding. Twin-tip riders can enjoy the choppier conditions for jumping.

Good intermediate step between the flat water at Praia Carlota and the more remote, powerful wave spots like Praia Chaves or Ervatao.

Spot opening date · Required level

Spot opening date: Open all year round
Year-round, main season November to May. Waves best December to February.
Required level: Intermediate

On the water

Open ocean waves when swell runs, breaking over mixed sand and reef bottom. Wave height 1–3m depending on swell.

Water temperature 22–26°C. Shorty or 3/2mm wetsuit.

Parking

Karamboa is on the west coast of Boa Vista, just south of Praia Carlota. Walking distance from Sal Rei and the kite schools.

Access along the beach from Praia Carlota heading south. Basic infrastructure available in nearby Sal Rei.

Wind specificities

NE trade wind blows cross-offshore to offshore, grooming the wave faces. Similar conditions to Praia Carlota but more exposed to swell.

Wind strength: 15–25 knots in season. Kite sizes 7–11m.

Hazards

Waves: when swell runs, waves can be powerful. Not suitable for beginners.

Cross-offshore wind: same as Praia Carlota — the NE trade wind blows from land. If you can't ride upwind, you drift out. Rescue boats from Praia Carlota schools may not cover this area.

Reef and rocks: wave breaks over reef/rock bottom. Reef shoes and helmet advisable.

Shared lineup: surfers and kitesurfers share the waves — respect priority.

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Live

Currently, there is no weather station at this spot. If you want to change this, help us fund one: Weather Station Project

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Webcams near Karamboa

Webcams provided by Windy.com

Schools, shops and places to stay nearby

Directory: Cape Verde

Nearby spots

All spots: Boa Vista

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Karamboa kitesurf, wingfoil and surf spot