Cape Verde, Boavista to Sal

Trip	Ports of Call	Dates	Days	Trip Type
72	Porto de Sal Rei, Palmeira	Jan 21 - Feb 3, 2011	14	Epic

Big winds, big wave potential. This poor nation off the west coast of Senegal is comprised of 9 main islands. Known for its soulful music, headed by its most famous musician, Cesaria Evora; and its colorful Portuguese culture the Cape Verdes have more recently become popular for kite and surf adventurers seeking a wilder, more remote experience than the nearby Canaries. Not quite African and not quite European, Cape Verde today is almost Brazilian in feel. With the possibility of swimming with Whalesharks, this could be a very action-packed trip.

We begin this Epic on Boa Vista, a flat island covered with sand dunes and date palms, and roaming Whalesharks. It is one of the more touristy islands in the chain, but there are a couple reputed breaks that could be VERY sweet. From Boa Vista we have a short trip north to Sal (Santa Maria), home of the most famous wave in the Cape Verdes, Ponta Preta (see video below). If we find Preta too crowded there are several other breaks around the island and some flat water spots as well. There is a mix of waves from expert to intermediate that will keep everyone on board in smiles. But the waves can get big, the winds usually blow hard- get your practice in beforehand!

For more info on the kitesurfing in Boavista

Winds in Cape Verde blow consistently and strong and swell arrives from the north just as regularly. For those of you looking to perfect your wave riding techniques, with some very interesting culture thrown into the mix, this is the trip.

RESOURCES: For information on flights, please visit here. Domestic flights are often booked up well in advance, so make your bookings early. For information on visas, please visit Visa Help and Lonely Planet

Summary: + Wild + Wind and Waves + Culture + Music/dance + Whalesharks + Cool land excursions - Rolly, tenuous anchorages - Dengue fever outbreaks - Rather touristy on Sal - Crowded Ponta Prieta

Cape Verde Frances Linzee Gordon, Lonely Planet Photo

GUEST RIDER: Unannounced Air: 70.2F Water: 70.5º F Mean Wind Avg.: 13.9 NE Miles: 70

Reservations

Cabin 1 - Scott Wisenbaker - Guests: Guest

Cabin 3 - Scott Wisenbaker - Guests: Guest

Cabin 4 - Scott Wisenbaker - Guests: Guest