Praia Varandinha
Praia Varandinha, Boa Vista, Cape Verde
Praia Varandinha stretches along the southwest coast of Boa Vista, an empty desert beach where dunes meet turquoise water. The NE trades blow cross offshore and the open Atlantic delivers consistent swell, lining up powerful walls along a sand bottom. Far from any town, so bring everything you need. Side offshore wind, real ocean, and zero crowds make this one of the rawest, most photogenic wave spots in the archipelago.
Best months: January, February, March, April, May, November, December
Wind directions: NE, E
Level: Advanced
Water: Waves
Bottom: Sand
Sports: Wingfoil, Kitesurf
Local tips
Accessible by 4x4 or quad along the coastal tracks south of Sal Rei, count on 30 to 45 minutes. No services anywhere near, bring water, sun protection and spare gear. Side offshore trades push you out, so plan your tack back to shore. Best between October and May when both swell and trades line up.