Santa Maria sits on the southern tip of Sal, a grid of low, painted houses behind a long curve of pale sand. The town was founded to ship salt, and its wooden pier is still where fishermen land their catch each morning. The rest of the island is flat, stony desert, with the small capital, Espargos, beside the airport and the old salt pans of Pedra de Lume filling an extinct crater on the east side.
Kite beaches, dive sites and salt
Kite Beach, a short drive north-east of town, is where most kitesurfing schools teach, with a wide bay and a side-onshore wind that pushes you back towards the sand. Just west of Santa Maria, Ponta Preta has a powerful winter wave for experienced windsurfers and surfers. Dive boats reach reefs and wrecks a few minutes offshore, and the Santo Antão wreck, lying in about 12 metres of water, suits newer divers. On a calm morning you can wade among young lemon sharks at Shark Bay, float in the dense brine at Pedra de Lume, or swim in the lava pools at Buracona, where the midday sun lights a sea cave an electric blue.
Booking on adventuro
Most lessons and dives meet in Santa Maria, so stay in town. Kite and windsurf courses start at beginner level, though you'll need to be a confident swimmer before your first session on the water. Use the Book here tab to see live dates for sessions on Sal.
