Cabo Verde
The lagoon of Praia das Gatas, located on the northeast coast of Boa Vista in Cape Verde, is a wild and isolated spot that attracts riders in search of authenticity. Far from the resorts of Sal Rei, this place offers a flat water like a mirror framed by a volcanic desert landscape and total solitude. It is a true adventure ground for experienced kitesurfers who prioritize exploration over convenience.
Access is via a 4x4 track from Sal Rei, about 50-55 minutes drive through desert plains and rocky paths. There are no facilities on site – no school, no rentals, no restaurant – making it a spot reserved for independent riders or groups guided by experienced local operators.
The wind data shown here comes from ERA5 (via Open-Meteo) over 4 years, reprocessed to reflect realistic conditions.
👉 Average wind has been calibrated to avoid the usual underestimation of models.
👉 Gusts have been corrected by a median ratio to avoid unrealistic extreme values.
👉 Each day is summarized by the median wind (P50) observed during useful hours (8am–8pm), then classified into wind ranges.
👉 The weighted mode mixes average wind and gusts to best reflect felt wind.
flatflatPraia das Gatas offers very particular conditions depending on the area. Inside the lagoon, the water is flat to slightly choppy, with knee-deep depth and reduced dimensions (about 65 meters long by 10-12 meters wide). The dominant wind direction is northeast, creating a side-shore orientation inside the lagoon. In the outer bay, small sections of waves form when the swell arrives, offering short and smooth rides before reforming in deep water.
The launch is from a wide sandy beach framed by lava rocks. It is imperative to check the tides before launching: the mid-high to high tide is the ideal safety window due to the presence of shallow coral heads that can be dangerous at low tide. The lagoon itself is very narrow and requires good kite control to navigate without risk of drifting into rocky areas.
Ideal conditions occur with stable northeast wind between 18 and 25 knots, creating a perfect side-shore orientation for the lagoon. These conditions allow for smooth and safe navigation inside the lagoon while providing enough power for technical progression. The best sessions usually take place in the late morning or early afternoon when the wind fully establishes.
The water in the lagoon is flat to slightly choppy, offering ideal conditions for freestyle and technical learning. Due to the shallow depth (knee-deep) and the natural protection of the lagoon, waves are practically non-existent inside. In the outer bay, small waves form with the swell, but they remain short and smooth. The bottom is composed of sand and coral, making the area very sensitive to tidal variations.
The currents at Praia das Gatas are generally weak inside the protected lagoon. However, one must remain vigilant near the passage areas between the lagoon and the outer bay, where currents can be more pronounced. Tides play an important role in the navigability and safety of the spot, hence the importance of consulting the tide tables before each session.
For Praia das Gatas, the recommended kite sizes depend on the rider's weight and the wind conditions of the day. With an average wind of 18-25 knots, a standard weight rider should use a kite between 12 and 15 square meters. For lighter riders or on days with lighter wind, a kite of 14-17 square meters may be necessary. Heavier riders or on windy days can manage with a kite of 10-12 square meters.
The wind regime at Praia das Gatas is dominated by the northeast trade winds, which blow regularly and predictably. These trade winds are constant and reliable, creating stable conditions for kitesurfing. The wind strength generally varies between 15 and 30 knots during the main season, with optimal conditions in the late morning and early afternoon.
The climate of Boa Vista is arid tropical with a stable temperature around 25°C year-round. Precipitation is very low and the days are sunny most of the time. The island benefits from a dry and windy climate characteristic of the Cape Verde islands, with little seasonal variation in temperature.
The depth inside the lagoon is very shallow, averaging knee-deep (about 0.5 to 1 meter) over most of the area. The bottom consists of shallow sand and coral. At low tide, the depth can become critical with coral heads surfacing, making navigation dangerous. At high tide, the depth increases slightly but remains shallow. In the outer bay, the water quickly becomes deep beyond the wave area.
The water temperature in Boa Vista remains stable year-round around 24-26°C. Even during the coolest months (December to February), the water remains pleasant and generally does not require a thick wetsuit. A shorty or a thin wetsuit may suffice for extended sessions or for riders sensitive to the cold.
