Alibaba
Alibaba is a world-class A-frame reef break on Sal Island, producing fast, hollow barrels over volcanic rock. The right is longer and more makeable, but the left offers its own rewards. When big NW swells hit, the wave transforms into a serious proposition, demanding respect and experience. One of the Atlantic's best waves.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Tide Times
Strike Score Breakdown
Location & Conditions
Get the full Alibaba trip window
Pro unlocks the 10-day forecast window, unlimited alerts, and custom spot tracking that help turn a good-looking surf report into a better travel decision.
10-day window
See the trip window before flights get expensive.
Unlimited alerts
Let the app watch your score threshold for you.
Custom spots
Track the breaks that actually matter to your travel plans.
Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.8m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 3.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- low
- Optimal range
- 0.5m - 1.8m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: World-class A-frame. Fast shallow barrels over volcanic reef.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter NW swells. World-class A-frame. Fast shallow barrels over volcanic reef.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Monte Leão
🦁 Lion Mountain waves • Near airport • Long rights
Ponta Preta
🇨🇻 Cape Verde's crown jewel • World-class right • Trade wind perfection
Palmeira
🌴 Fishing port power • Handles size • Heavy barrels
Ervatao
🐢 Turtle beach left • Remote windward • Wrapping swells
Praia de Santa Mónica
🏖️ Cape Verde's Santa Monica • Endless beach • Trade wind groomed
Praia Negra
🖤 Black volcanic sand • Heavy winter waves • Santiago Island