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Santa Maria is an 8km (5mi) sandy beach located on the southern tip of Sal. This spot is known for catching those rare SW swells, along with summer NE swells and big winter NW swells. It features mainly mellow, small beach breaks that can be found around the wooden pier (Ponton). There's also a reef near the big hotel and old harbor that offers some lefts. This beach is pretty beginner-friendly, especially during high tide when the waves over the sand are manageable. The lefts also act as a handy indicator for the swell size coming to the west coast.
The surf at Santa Maria can handle swell sizes from about 1ft (0.3m) and typically breaks over both uneven reef and sandy areas. The wave types include beach breaks and you can catch both lefts and rights depending on where you paddle out. For the best experience, the wind from the north is preferred, and you can surf here at low, mid, and high tides without any issues. It's a good spot for beginners looking to practice their skills and enjoy the consistent, friendly waves.
If you're into wind or kitesurfing, this area is also popular with locals, especially during sunset sessions. If you head out to the eastern tip of the bay, you might find Lembje Point, which can occasionally serve up some seriously nice lefts for surfers of all levels. Santa Maria offers a laid-back vibe perfect for those looking to chill on the beach and catch some waves.