Praia Negra
Praia Negra (Black Beach) on Santiago Island gets its name from the dark volcanic sand. The beach offers a range of conditions—heavy and hollow in winter when big NW swells arrive, but more forgiving in summer. The main island of Cape Verde offers a more authentic experience than tourist-focused Sal.
Today's Conditions
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 315° - 30°
- Size range
- 1m - 2.5m
- Ideal size
- 2.0m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- 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
24°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
2/10
Access: Wide beach. Heavy in winter, beginner-friendly summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Praia Negra?
Praia Negra 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 Praia Negra?
Offshore wind at Praia Negra 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 Praia Negra?
Praia Negra wants N swell (315° to 30°) between 1m and 2.5m, with a period of 14s or more for quality waves.
When is the best time of year to surf Praia Negra?
The main season at Praia Negra is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Apr, Sep. Winter NW swells. Wide beach. Heavy in winter.
How do I get to Praia Negra?
Fly into RAI, then allow about 45 minutes by road. Wide beach. Heavy in winter, beginner-friendly summer.
What kind of wave is Praia Negra?
Praia Negra is a reef break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Apr, Sep
Winter NW swells. Wide beach. Heavy in winter.
Getting There
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