Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista)
- Freeride, Bodyboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Flat, Mixed, Ocean, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- 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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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
Praia de Chaves (near Rabil on Boa Vista) is described as a wide, expansive sandy bay with a large, easy-to-access launch area and generally clean water. Most wind-sport descriptions emphasize flat-water sections for freeride and progression, while surf/wave riding can appear when swell conditions build. Wind is primarily driven by Northeasterly trade winds. Multiple sources align on favorable wind directions (NNE, NE, and NW) and a winter-to-spring season, with the most consistent period typically running from December through May (and earlier winter months also highlighted). Typical reported wind strength is around 15–25 knots, and wind reliability is described as high in the winter months. Safety is a key theme for this area: jetskis are repeatedly mentioned as being present, and shore break is noted—especially when coming back in in windier conditions. Several sources also warn that offshore wind can make recovery more difficult, and that strong lateral currents may occur during higher swell periods. Local guidance also stresses using designated sport zones and respecting swimming zones in front of hotels. For equipment planning, some descriptions suggest a 3/2mm full suit or shorty in the colder/windier season, with water temperatures staying above 20°C year-round and air temperatures often around the low-to-mid 20s°C in winter. Kitesurfing is the best-supported discipline; wingfoiling is also described as foil-friendly once past the shorebreak due to sufficient depth.
- Large sandy launch with space for rigging and launching
- Reliable winter-to-spring trade winds
- Flat-water areas for freeride and progression
- Foil-friendly once past shorebreak
- Very large sandy launch area with plenty of space to rig and launch
- Reliable winter trade winds (highest consistency in winter months)
- Flat-water sections support freeride and progression; foil is supported by depth after shorebreak
- Water is generally described as clean and warm year-round
- Jetskis may be present in the water
- Shore break can be punchy on return in windier conditions
- Offshore wind and strong currents during higher swell can increase recovery difficulty
- Surf can become heavy and close out on very large swells
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NNE, NE, NW, E
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeasterly trade winds (Alizés).
- Reliability
- Consistent north-easterly trade winds, high during winter months.
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Some sources describe moderate gusts; another notes lighter gustiness.
- Best Months
- January, February, March, April, May, December
- Shadow Zones
- Minimal due to flat landscape; large hotel buildings can cause slight turbulence very close to shore.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Flat, Mixed, Ocean, Chop, Small waves, Medium waves
- Beach
- Sand — Sandy bay.
- Beach Size
- Big
- Waves
- Medium — Some sources also describe small-to-big wave potential depending on swell.
- Chop Level
- Moderate chop — Chop/small-to-medium wave conditions described in some kitesurfing listings.
- Launch
- Big — Wide, expansive sandy beach with plenty of space for rigging and launching; one description also notes a lagoon/flat-water area.
Through the year
Highest in winter months (Dec–Mar), but the beach is large enough to avoid true overcrowding.
August to October (rainy season), generally low rainfall.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Wide sandy launch with flat-water sections for progression; wave riding can be available when swell builds.
Consistent side-shore or side-offshore winds with a mix of flat water and wave options.
- Sail Sizes
- 4.5–6.5 m²
Foil-friendly once past the shorebreak, with deep water and consistent wind.
- Foil Friendly
- Yes — Foil-friendly due to depth near/after entry described as sufficient.
- Min Depth
- Deep enough for foiling right from the entry in some descriptions; another notes about 2 meters after the shorebreak zone.
- Wing Sizes
- 4–6 m²
Beach-break surfing with multiple peaks along the coast; during larger winter swells waves can become heavier and close out.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NW, N, NE
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid
- Shelter
- Exposed
- Wind Effect
- NE winds are described as cross-offshore, grooming the waves nicely.
- Bigger Swell
- Can become heavy and close out during very large swells.
- Wave Quality
- Average
- Wave Power
- Moderate
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista) in the full forecast view.
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
- Jetskis
- Offshore wind can make recovery difficult
- Strong lateral currents during high swell periods
- Shore break (can be punchy on the return/when windier)
- Turtles may be present in the water
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal — Lifeguards reported as seasonal in some descriptions; other sources mention none.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Limited — Rescue boat service mentioned; regional guidance describes rescue as limited, often provided by private centers.
- Emergency Info
- Medical services are available in Sal Rei (about 15 minutes away). Emergency number noted as 130 for medical and 132 for police (regional guidance).
- Localism / Vibe
- None — No localism issues mentioned.
Rules of the spot
Use designated sport zones and respect swimming zones in front of hotels; launch only in designated areas.
- No kiting in swimming areas
- Launch only in designated sport zones
- Beginners are directed toward the flatter lagoon area when conditions allow.
- Be prepared for a punchy shorebreak when coming back in.
- Wind may be slightly more offshore in front of the Iberostar compared to other parts of the beach.
- Use designated swimming/sport zones near hotels and pay attention to where other watercraft operate.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Sal Rei
- Nearest Town
- Rabil
- Parking
- Parking available, with some descriptions noting limited parking near public access points or hotel lots.
- Access
- Beach access associated with the Iberostar area; described access via Praia de Chaves/roads and resort grounds in different sources.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- Portuguese
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Direct — Hotels described as located directly on/adjacent to the spot.
- Food & Drink
- Beach bars and restaurants connected with nearby hotels and kiosks along the beach.
- Equipment Rental:
- Kite/wing equipment rental available at onsite sports centers associated with the hotels.
- Gear Storage
- Storage lockers available at local sport centers in some descriptions.
- Gear Repair
- Basic kite and board repairs offered by local schools/sports centers.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista)?
The best overall months at Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista) are November, December, January, April, March, February, May. The best wind months are January, February, March, April, May, December.
Which wind directions work at Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista)?
Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista) works with NNE, NE, NW, E winds.
What equipment sizes are recommended at Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista)?
Recommended equipment sizes at Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista): Windsurfing: 4.5–6.5 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 15–25 kts.
What skill level is Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista) suitable for?
Praia de Chaves (Boa Vista) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Beginner to Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate · Surfing: Intermediate.