Ponta Preta
Ponta Preta is Cape Verde's world-class wave—a powerful right-hand point break on Sal Island that produces some of the best barrels in the Atlantic Ocean. The wave breaks over sharp volcanic reef, requiring serious commitment and skill. The NE trade winds blow offshore, keeping conditions clean and groomed. When big NW swells wrap around the point during winter, Ponta Preta delivers heavy, makeable tubes that have drawn top pros and wave-hunters from around the world.
Ponta Preta surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
Today's Conditions
Find FlightsLocation & Conditions
Hourly Forecast, Tide & Strike Windows
Tide times today
Strike Score Breakdown
Plan Your Strike
Return flights to SID, departing today with a 5-day trip window.
Search Flights on SkyscannerLocation & Conditions
Know when Africa is about to fire
Get the best strike windows in Africa — and worldwide — in your inbox every Monday & Thursday. Live Strike Scores, the swell behind them, zero fluff.
Get the full Ponta Preta 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
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (320°)
- Direction range
- 290° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 2.5m - 3.3m
- Height multiplier
- 0.97×
- Ideal period
- 16s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- ENE (60°)
- Offshore range
- 30° - 100°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
- Optimal range
- 0.3m - 1.5m
Water temp
23°C
Wetsuit
Springsuit / 2mm
Difficulty
8/10
Crowd level
6/10
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Ponta Preta?
The Ponta Preta profile favors mid tide, ideally between 0.3m and 1.5m on the local tide chart. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Ponta Preta?
The Ponta Preta profile uses wind from ENE (60°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 30° to 100°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Ponta Preta?
The Ponta Preta scoring profile favors swell from NW (290° to 350°), a swell-height range of 1.2m to 4m, and a reference period of 16s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Ponta Preta?
The main season at Ponta Preta is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Oct, Apr. Winter best. NE trades blow offshore. World-class right.
How do I get to Ponta Preta?
The spot profile lists SID as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 15 minutes.
What kind of wave is Ponta Preta?
Ponta Preta is a point break, a right-hander. Difficulty is rated 8/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Oct, Apr
Winter best. NE trades blow offshore. World-class right.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Alibaba
⚡ World-class A-frame • Volcanic reef • Atlantic's best
Monte Leão
🦁 Lion Mountain waves • Near airport • Long rights
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
Plan a trip around Ponta Preta
Compare this break with other destinations in these surf guides.