Beaches
East Coast: Where many Kite Surfers visit during the winter months. Also known as shark bay. It is not suitable for swimming.
The two beaches on the south east side of Sal are called Salinas and Areal (or Shark Bay to the Kite surfers).
Santa Maria Beach -
Nice sandy beach, best beach area for swimming although waves can be high at times depending on the weather. Some strong southerly swells can make the waves dangerous to swim in.....be cautious during times of high waves.
South West Coast There are areas outside the Rui along the beach where the edge of the sea drops at a steep angle quite quickly. I have seen a lifeboat present a few times and the area is cordoned off for swimming and snorkling etc, but the waves can be quite high and can catch you unaware even during the summer when there are less winds.
Ponta Preta - Just further up from the Riu is Ponta Preta, where one of the legs of the World Windsurfing tour was held during the winter months (Feb 07). It was chosen as a suitable beach area for this competition because of the expected high waves during the winter season.
Please take a look at the article on the home page :- 'Alternative Photo Album' (Picasa) which will provide some movies and photos of the beaches as well as the islands.
