Ponta Preta (Sal)
- Wave, Shortboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Big waves, Swell, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Quiet
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Ponta Preta (Sal) is an exposed reef/point wave spot with offshore to side-offshore Northeast trade winds and very large, powerful surf that breaks close to rocks. The launch is technical, featuring a stony/rocky entry and a heavy shore break, so the session is generally considered suitable only for experienced riders. For kitesurfing, the spot is described as advanced-only (often expert) due to the combination of big waves near reef/rocks and offshore wind that can make it difficult or impossible to reliably self-rescue. Wind is typically steady in the windiest months, averaging roughly 15–25 knots, with wind often filling in through the day (and reports also describe a strongest period roughly between about 9am and 3pm). Surfing conditions are reported as excellent-to-world-class when the swell and wind line up, especially with East/Northeast winds that provide groomed offshore feel. Different sources describe long runs and hollow/peeling right-hand (and sometimes both-direction) reef-point waves, with best swell direction indicated as Northwest (or West-Northwest) and a strong preference for the low-to-mid tide window to manage reef contact. Safety at Ponta Preta is a central concern: hazards include rocks, submerged rocks, and (reported) sea urchins; currents and rip-tides can be strong on bigger days; and there is no lifeguard patrol. Local guidance emphasizes checking swell and wind before going out, using extra caution during launch, waiting for a lull through the shore break, and having a safety plan because rescue services on-site are described as absent/limited. Nearby Santa Maria provides medical facilities and repair options.
- Exposed reef/point wave spot with long-running, powerful surf
- Steady Northeast trade winds around 15–25 knots during the main season
- Advanced-only approach required due to rocks/reef and offshore wind hazards
- Very consistent trade-wind pattern during the windy season (winter into spring).
- World-class to legendary wave reputation, including long, fast, hollow/peeling waves.
- Rarely crowded on-water given the high difficulty level.
- Expert-level only due to heavy shore break, rocks/reef, and powerful wave conditions.
- Offshore/cross-offshore wind characteristics increase the risk for self-launch and any inability to stay upwind.
- Strong currents and rip-tide conditions are reported, especially on larger swells.
- No on-site lifeguard presence and rescue is described as limited.
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, ENE
- Offshore directions
- NE, ENE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast trade winds (passat) with offshore to side-offshore characteristics for the wave and point/reef sections.
- Reliability
- High in winter and spring; described as very steady.
- Gust Factor
- Steady — Described as steady; typical range reported around 15-25 knots.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, November, December
- Recommended Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Big waves, Swell, Ocean
- Beach
- Rocks — Rocky/reef coast with stony launch and a small sandy section farther left.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Huge — Reported as huge and very large; can reach around 6 meters in some descriptions.
- Chop Level
- Heavy chop — Heavy shore break reported.
- Launch
- Small — Rocky/narrow point launch with stony beach and a small sandy section farther left of the breaking waves.
Through the year
Rarely crowded for surfing; kitesurfing can be busy in peak season; many spectators during big swells.
Rainy season late May to late September is described as much less windy; rain is very rare with only occasional showers around August and September.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Advanced-to-expert wave riding with offshore to side-offshore trade winds and very large waves breaking close to rocks/reef. Launch involves a heavy shore break and technical rocky navigation.
- Kite Sizes
- 7–10 m²
Legendary windsurf destination with high-performance down-the-line wave riding reported; also described as suitable for slalom and speed in windy conditions.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–5.5 m²
Extremely challenging due to offshore wind direction and proximity of reef.
- Foil Friendly
- Limited
- Min Depth
- 2.0m
- Wing Sizes
- 4–5 m²
Exposed reef/point setup with long-running waves; right-hand walls are a highlight, with waves breaking both right and left reported by different sources.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NW, WSW
- Swell Height
- 1.5–6 m
- Optimal Tide
- Low, Mid — One source prefers low tide; another indicates mid-tide is generally safer to avoid hitting the reef.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed reef and point break with no meaningful shelter; heavy shore break reported.
- Wind Effect
- Best with east to northeast wind for groomed offshore conditions; onshore/cross-onshore winds reduce quality.
- Bigger Swell
- Holds very large swells without closing out, becoming heavy and professional-level; can reach very large size.
- Wave Quality
- World class — Described as world-class with long, hollow walls that hold significant size.
- Wave Power
- Very powerful
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Sources describe hollow walls (and also report peeling reef-point conditions).
- Peel Speed
- Fast — Reported fast peeling.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long rides reported; one source mentions right-hand waves can produce long pumping rides.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–300 m
- Ride Length Details
- Can offer rides up to about 300 meters on a good swell; long rides also reported on the right-hand wave.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Ponta Preta (Sal) in the full forecast view.
Ponta Preta (Sal) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 10–20 ktsGusts 25 kts
- Direction
- NNE32°
- Strongest day
- Sat, Oct 2420 kts
- Windy days
- 7/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.8–1.2 m8s period
- Temperature
- 26–29 °C
Over the next 7 days, Ponta Preta (Sal) is forecast for daytime winds of 10–20 kts, peaking around 20 kts on Saturday, October 24 with gusts to 25 kts. The prevailing direction is NNE. Waves run 0.8–1.2 m with a period of about 8s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Rocks
- Submerged rocks
- Reef
- Sharp rocks
- Sea urchins
- Powerful waves
- Offshore wind
- Heavy shore break
- Strong currents and rip tides
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Spot-level sources describe no on-site rescue service; nearby/specific assistance is described as limited. Regional context notes private-school boats may provide rescue services, but there is no official public lifeguard patrol for remote areas.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Santa Maria; local information also mentions a medical center in Santa Maria and kite repair services.
- Localism / Vibe
- Moderate
Rules of the spot
Not recommended for beginners/intermediates; advanced-only. Do not kite alone in offshore conditions. Always have a safety plan as there is no rescue service on-site.
- Advanced riders only.
- Kitesurfing is restricted during international windsurfing competitions.
- Check swell as well as wind before going out.
- Use caution on launch because the shore break can be heavy.
- Wait for a lull to launch through the shore break.
- Mid-tide is generally safer to avoid hitting the reef.
- A local check-in before going on the water is advised.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Santa Maria
- Nearest Town
- Santa Maria
- Nearest Airport
- Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID)
- Parking
- Nearby parking/dirt parking area is reported near the point.
- Public Transport
- Public transport is limited (shared minibuses between Santa Maria and Espargos).
- Access
- Drive westwards from Santa Maria to the coast; a rental car is recommended.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Accommodation options range from backpacker to luxury in Santa Maria.
- Food & Drink
- Restaurants, bars, and nightlife are available in nearby Santa Maria.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available at major centers in Santa Maria.
- Gear Storage
- Gear storage is available at centers in Santa Maria.
- Gear Repair
- Kite repair is mentioned locally; gear repair services are available in Santa Maria.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Santa Maria is known for a laid-back vibe and strong wind-focused water-sports infrastructure, with clear water and desert-like scenery nearby.
An extinct volcano crater where salt is still harvested; visitors can float in highly saline water.
A natural pool formed by volcanic rock where the sun creates a 'Blue Eye' effect in the water at certain times.
The heart of the town where local fishermen bring in their daily catch; a good place to watch local life.
Opportunity to wade into the water and see lemon sharks in their natural nursery habitat.
A popular spot in the main square of Santa Maria known for live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
A desert oasis garden and animal sanctuary north of Santa Maria.
Conservation project where families can learn about sea turtles and occasionally see hatchlings being released during the season.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Ponta Preta (Sal)?
The best overall months at Ponta Preta (Sal) are November, December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, November, December.
Which wind directions work at Ponta Preta (Sal)?
Ponta Preta (Sal) works with NE, ENE winds. Offshore directions are NE, ENE.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Ponta Preta (Sal)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Ponta Preta (Sal): Kitesurfing: 7–10 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–5.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–5 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Ponta Preta (Sal) suitable for?
Ponta Preta (Sal) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Expert · Windsurfing: Expert · Wingfoiling: Expert · Surfing: Advanced.