Praia do Chaves

Praia do Chaves, Cape Verde — surf spot description

Praia do Chaves is a long, exposed Atlantic beach on the northwest coast of Boavista, Cape Verde. It’s known for its wide open sandy shoreline, scenic dunes, and powerful ocean swell, making it a classic beach break with a wild, uncrowded feel.

What the surf is like

• Wave type: Sand-bottom beach break
• Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers, depending on size and conditions
• Wave quality: Can be fun and punchy, with fast sections and occasional hollow peaks
• Swell exposure: Very exposed to North and Northwest Atlantic swell
• Wind: Offshore or light easterly trade winds can clean it up; strong winds can make it messy
• Tide: Usually best on mid to low tide, but this can vary with swell size and sandbanks

Conditions

Praia do Chaves often picks up plenty of swell, so it can have good power and shape when other beaches are flat. Because it’s a sandbank setup, the peaks can shift after storms and conditions may change quickly. On bigger days, it can get heavy and rough, while on smaller days it may be more mellow and playful.

Atmosphere

The beach is long, open, and relatively undeveloped, giving it a remote island feel. You’ll often find fewer crowds than in more famous surf destinations, which adds to the appeal. It’s a good spot for surfers who like natural scenery and a less commercialized environment.

Watch out for

• Strong currents and rips
• Rapid changes in sandbanks
• Bigger surf can become powerful and challenging
• Limited amenities compared to more developed beaches

Best season

Cape Verde generally gets its most consistent surf in the winter months, especially November to March, when North Atlantic swells are strongest.