Kitesurfing Praia de Chaves

Wind & Conditions

Dramatic 5 km beach on the NW coast of Boa Vista; deserted and spectacular with sand dunes backing the shore. NE trade 16-28 kt side-onshore Nov-May; flat water close in, 1.5-3 m waves 300 m offshore; sandy bottom; plenty of space. Best season Dec-May. Beginner to advanced.

About Praia de Chaves

Praia de Chaves runs for 5 km along the northwest coast of Boa Vista, the easternmost of Cape Verde's main islands. The beach is deserted and spectacular — backed by a wall of rolling sand dunes that separate the shore from the dry interior, with the NE trade wind blowing in off the Atlantic with nothing to interrupt it. It's one of those places that makes you stop and stare before you even rig up. The wind arc here runs from roughly south-southwest to north-northwest — 190° to 350° — keeping the wind side-onshore through most of its range. Trade wind strength typically sits between 16 and 28 knots during peak season, which means the spread is wide enough that a single kite won't cover all conditions comfortably. Light trade days happen; the upper end delivers fast, committed riding. Water character is what makes Chaves work for a range of ability levels. Close to shore, you get relatively flat water — predictable enough for beginners building water starts and upwind technique without being thrown into swell from the off. Further out, around 300 metres offshore, the Atlantic asserts itself with 1.5 to 3 metre waves. Wave riders who know what they're doing will find something worth chasing. The sandy bottom throughout is forgiving underfoot and during any unplanned swims. The beach is wide and largely empty, which makes rigging and launching relaxed. You won't be negotiating a narrow strip of sand or dodging other people's lines. Walk the waterline before you launch — it's good practice anywhere, and here it lets you read the shore break and understand where the flat inside zone transitions to open ocean swell. Best season is December through May, when the NE trade is most consistent. Outside this window, conditions become more variable and sessions less predictable. November sits on the edge of the trade window and can work, but December onwards is the more reliable call. For accommodation, several options sit close to the beach: VOI Praia De Chaves Resort, Occidental Boa Vista Beach, Bungalow-Hotel Parque das Dunas Village, and Villa Christina are all in the area. La Tortuga covers the restaurant side if you'd rather not be entirely dependent on resort dining. Chaves suits beginners through to advanced riders. The flat inside zone gives learners a genuine training ground, while the offshore wave break gives more experienced kiters something to work with. It's a big, honest beach with reliable trade wind and room to share.

Best Season

Check the Breeza app for the current rideable window at Praia de Chaves.

World Ranking

Not globally ranked, but a kitesurf destination — a local favourite worth a check when the wind lines up.

Location

Praia de Chaves, Boa Vista, Cape Verde, Cape Verde

Lat: 16.112, Lon: -22.917