Cape Verde · Atlantic Africa
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Ponta Preta is a world-class right-hand point and reef break on the island of Sal in Cape Verde, producing short, intense barrels over a severely shallow volcanic rock shelf. The wave is known for its raw power and the unforgiving nature of the bottom. Located in the mid-Atlantic, Cape Verde intercepts North Atlantic winter swells with minimal attenuation, receiving raw ocean energy directly. The arid, windswept island landscape provides a dramatic setting for this powerful wave.
North-westerly winter groundswells from November through March deliver the most powerful conditions. The wave needs 4ft-plus swell to properly activate. The largest days can exceed 10ft. North-easterly offshore trade winds are consistent year-round, providing clean conditions virtually daily during the swell season.
The take-off zone is concentrated over the shallowest section of the volcanic rock shelf. The right pitches into a fast, intense barrel section before the wave reforms or dissipates into deeper water. Position yourself tight on the peak; the barrel is short and demands immediate commitment.
The volcanic rock is severely sharp and the water depth over the reef is minimal. Wipeouts result in severe lacerations. The wave breaks with disproportionate force for its size due to the shallow shelf. Strong trade wind-driven currents sweep across the reef. The rocks on shore are equally sharp and slippery.
Informal parking near the break. The walk to the waterline crosses sharp volcanic rock. Reef boots essential for entry and exit. Santa Maria town (5-minute drive) has accommodation and services. Sal island is accessed by international flights.
Ponta Preta draws a dedicated community of European and international surfers during the winter swell season. Expect 10-20 surfers on good days. The standard is high. The kite and windsurf community also operates in the area.
The trade winds blow relentlessly. The cleanest conditions are at dawn before the wind strengthens, or during brief calm periods. A step-up board handles the powerful take-offs. Reef boots and first aid supplies are essential. The wave is shorter but more intense than it appears. Cape Verde is also world-class for kitesurfing and windsurfing; bring gear for multiple disciplines if possible.
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Based on historical weekly averages
Combining historical conditions with school holiday crowd pressure to find the sweet spot.
How busy each week is based on school holiday overlap from feeder markets.
The timing score combines two signals: historical conditions quality (how good the skiing or surfing typically is in a given week, based on 5 years of weather data) and crowd pressure (how many of this destination's feeder markets have school holidays that week).
Crowd pressure is weighted by each feeder country's share of visitors. If 40% of a resort's visitors come from France and France is on holiday, that contributes 0.40 to the crowd pressure score. Crowds can reduce the timing score by up to 35%, ensuring conditions still matter most.
Scores: 5 = great conditions with low crowds (the sweet spot). 4 = great conditions with moderate crowds, or good conditions with low crowds. 3 = average. 2 = below average conditions or very crowded. 1 = poor conditions or peak holiday chaos.
Last 29 days of logged conditions.
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Create Profile →Current conditions refresh every 3 hours when the cron runs. Hourly data updates every 30 minutes. The 7-day forecast, luck factor, and packing notes are all pre-computed at the same time.
We compare the 7-day forecast to the last 5 years of marine data for the same week at Ponta Preta. The delta tells you whether conditions are shaping up better, worse, or about the same as a typical mid-June.
We score each day of the 7-day forecast using the same algorithm as the leaderboard, and highlight the highest scorer.
Open-Meteo's Marine API (swell height, period, water temperature) and Weather API (wind and conditions).
Honestly, no. Every break has tide windows, swell directions and reef contours that a global model cannot see. Treat the score as a starting point, then check a local cam.
The best week for surf at Ponta Preta is the week of 30 November (score 3/5) with low crowds.
Next to nothing in the water. Check back tomorrow. Strong offshore, clean but tough to paddle into. Best conditions early morning before the sea breeze arrives. Not enough swell to get this spot firing properly.
Heads up: jellyfish: peak season, and rocks exposed at low tide.
Indicators derived from forecast data, not official warnings. Always check local lifeguard or official advice.
Crystal clear water: ~16m visibility
Daily scores over the last 12 months at Ponta Preta