Monte Leão
Monte Leão is a long right-hander on Sal Island that works on bigger NW swells. The wave breaks near the airport, making it convenient for surfers with limited time. The volcanic coastline provides a dramatic backdrop, and the wave offers consistent walls with the occasional barrel section.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (315°)
- Direction range
- 280° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2.5m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- E (90°)
- Offshore range
- 60° - 130°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
6/10
Crowd level
4/10
Access: Long right-hander near airport. Works on bigger NW swells.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Monte Leão?
Monte Leão works best on a mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. The tide chart above shows today’s strike window.
What wind direction is offshore at Monte Leão?
Offshore wind at Monte Leão blows from the E (90°). Anything in the 60° to 130° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Monte Leão?
Monte Leão wants NW swell (280° to 350°) between 1.2m and 3m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Monte Leão?
The main season at Monte Leão is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, Sep. Winter NW swells. Long right-hander near airport.
How do I get to Monte Leão?
Fly into SID, then allow about 15 minutes by road. Long right-hander near airport. Works on bigger NW swells.
What kind of wave is Monte Leão?
Monte Leão is a reef break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 6/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter NW swells. Long right-hander near airport.
Getting There
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