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.
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Location & Conditions
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Spot Details
Swell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NW (320°)
- Direction range
- 290° - 350°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 4m
- Ideal size
- 3.2m
- 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
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Oct, Apr
Winter best. NE trades blow offshore. World-class right.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Monte Leão
🦁 Lion Mountain waves • Near airport • Long rights
Palmeira
🌴 Fishing port power • Handles size • Heavy barrels
Alibaba
⚡ World-class A-frame • Volcanic reef • Atlantic's best
Ervatao
🐢 Turtle beach left • Remote windward • Wrapping swells
Praia de Santa Mónica
🏖️ Cape Verde's Santa Monica • Endless beach • Trade wind groomed