Sal / Albatroz (Ponta Leme Bedje)

KitesurfingWindsurfingWingfoilingSurfing
Freeride, Wave
Best for
Intermediate
Skill Level
Mixed
Spot Type
12–20 kts
Wind Range

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 It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect.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 this spot

About

Ponta Leme Bedje (often referred to as Albatroz) is a wind-focused sand launch at the eastern edge of Santa Maria bay. The water is reported as clean and generally offers mixed conditions, ranging from flat water to small-to-medium waves, with water depth increasing quickly after a shallow entry area. The beach size is medium, and the launch is described as moderately difficult. Wind is dominated by Northeast trade winds, typically steady through the winter trade season. The most consistently reported riding months are January through May, plus November and December. Kitesurfing is described as versatile: freeride-style conditions are available in the bay, while the point can offer more wave-oriented sessions, though it comes with extra technical demands due to rocks and reef sections near the point/high tide areas. Safety at this spot centers on currents and the risk posed by submerged rocks around the point/reef. Swimmers share the area, so maintaining distance from swimmer zones (including areas in front of main hotels) is important. Wind can also become offshore and more gusty if it turns further northerly, so riders should check wind direction carefully before committing to harder wave sections. Facilities are available in Santa Maria, including parking and dining options nearby, with rental and storage support reported through the local sports infrastructure. Overall, it’s a well-known intermediate-friendly option for kitesurfing, with additional opportunities for windsurfing and wingfoiling thanks to deep water and workable chop conditions.

  • Reliable Northeast trade winds in winter months
  • Mixed flat-to-small-wave riding in the bay, with wave potential at the point
  • Sand beach and easy access to the eastern shoreline of Santa Maria bay
  • Intermediate-friendly progression with rental and school infrastructure nearby
Great for
Kitesurfing freerideKitesurfing waveKitesurfing straplessWindsurfing freerideWindsurfing waveWindsurfing slalomWindsurfing foilWingfoil freeride
What's great
  • Reliable Northeast trade winds with a consistent pattern.
  • Sand beach with a moderate launch area and generally clean water.
  • Versatile conditions: freeride/flat water in the bay and wave opportunities at the point.
Heads up
  • Currents are reported.
  • Submerged rocks/reef areas near the point can be hazardous (especially at high tide).
  • Offshore wind components can occur if the wind shifts more northerly.
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Practical spot guide

Wind, water and seasons

Wind

Direction
NE
Wind Range
12–20 kts
Wind Type
Trade — Northeast trade-wind pattern.
Reliability
Very steady/High reliability during the winter trade wind season.
Gust Factor
Light gusts — Light gusts reported.
Best Months
January, February, March, April, May, November, December
Recommended Kite Sizes
9–12 m²

Water & beach

Water Type
Mixed
Beach
Sand — Sand beach.
Beach Size
Medium
Waves
Medium — Medium wave size reported.
Launch
Medium — Sandy beach launch area located to the east of the main Santa Maria bay.
Launch Difficulty
Moderate — Launch difficulty described as moderate.

Through the year

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best seasonOff-season
22–27 °C
Water Temperature
Wetsuit Guide
Jan–Dec: 3/2mm or shorty (winter period)Jun–Nov: Usually no wetsuit needed in summerthin neoprene top or boardshorts in warmer months
Crowds by Season

Peak season is December to April; generally less crowded than the main Santa Maria beach.

Storm/Rain Season

Rainy season is typically August to October, though rainfall is very low on Sal (regional baseline).

By sport

What to expect for each.

KitesurfingBest for this spotSkill Level

A kitesurfing spot at the eastern edge of Santa Maria bay offering reliable NE trade winds with mixed flat-water and small-to-medium wave riding. The point can provide more wave-focused sessions, but navigation near rocks requires extra skill.

FreerideWaveStrapless
Kite Sizes
9–12 m²
WindsurfingSkill Level

Excellent for windsurfing with bump-and-jump/wave riding at the point; side-shore wind makes tacking and jibing easier.

WaveFreerideSlalomFoil
Sail Sizes
4.5–6 m²
WingfoilingSkill Level

Good for wingfoiling due to deep water and manageable chop; launch area can have some shore break.

Foil Friendly
Yes — Foil-friendly conditions reported.
Min Depth
1.5m
Wing Sizes
4–6 m²
Forecast

Check the forecast before you go

See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Sal / Albatroz (Ponta Leme Bedje) in the full forecast view.

Nearby

Other spots in the area

Safety

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

  • Currents
  • Submerged rocks near the point/reef sections at high tide
  • Offshore wind components
  • Other water users including swimmers
Ability Level: Intermediate
Recommended Safety Gear
HarnessWetsuitLeash

Rescue & support

Lifeguard
Seasonal — Seasonal lifeguard presence reported.
Rescue & Self-Rescue
Limited — Rescue availability is described as limited (with dedicated boat rescue services primarily operated by local schools along the beach).
Localism / Vibe
None — No localism issues were specifically indicated, but access/permissions may apply.

Rules of the spot

Respect designated zones for swimmers and maintain distance from hotel beach fronts. Local rules may change and riders may need a special permit or local membership to kite here.

Restrictions
  • Kitesurfing may be restricted depending on local permissions.
  • Keep clear of swimmer zones in front of the main hotels.
Local Tips
  • Check whether kitesurfing is allowed before riding.
  • Expect the wind to be steadier outside the immediate shore area.
  • Watch the wind direction carefully; if it turns more Northerly, it can become offshore and gustier.
  • Keep clear of swimmer zones in front of the main hotels.
  • If you’re targeting waves at the point, be aware the rocks require more skill to navigate.

Getting there & access

Nearest City
Santa Maria
Nearest Town
Santa Maria
Nearest Airport
Amílcar Cabral International Airport (SID)
Parking
Street parking near the Leme Bedje and Albatroz apartments is reported.
Public Transport
Limited public transport; shared minibuses (Aluguer) run between Santa Maria and Espargos.
Access
Bus or taxi from the airport to Santa Maria, then walk to the sandy beach east of the bay (or access by taxi/shuttle).
Cost Level
Moderate
Local Language
Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole
Amenities

What's on the beach

Parking
Restaurant
Bar
Wi-Fi
Accommodation
Near — Accommodation is available near the beach in Santa Maria.
Food & Drink
Restaurants and bars are within walking distance along the Santa Maria shoreline.
Equipment Rental:
Gear rental is reported; rental centers are available in the immediate vicinity.
Gear Storage
Available at nearby sports centers.
Gear Repair
Basic repairs available at local workshops in Santa Maria.
Reviews

From riders who've been here

Community observations

Latest reported conditions

Spot questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best season at Sal / Albatroz (Ponta Leme Bedje)?

The best overall months at Sal / Albatroz (Ponta Leme Bedje) are January, February, March, April, May, November, December.

Which wind directions work at Sal / Albatroz (Ponta Leme Bedje)?

Sal / Albatroz (Ponta Leme Bedje) works with NE winds.

What equipment sizes are recommended at Sal / Albatroz (Ponta Leme Bedje)?

Recommended equipment sizes at Sal / Albatroz (Ponta Leme Bedje): Kitesurfing: 9–12 m² · Windsurfing: 4.5–6 m² · Wingfoiling: 4–6 m². The typical wind range is 12–20 kts.

What skill level is Sal / Albatroz (Ponta Leme Bedje) suitable for?

Sal / Albatroz (Ponta Leme Bedje) suits these riding levels: Kitesurfing: Intermediate · Windsurfing: Intermediate · Wingfoiling: Intermediate.