Atlantis Dunes Quad Biking: Guided ATV Tours Near Cape Town
Difficulty
easy
Duration
50–60 minutes (total visit ~75–90 minutes including briefing)
Fitness Level
Basic fitness—able to mount a quad, sit for an hour, and follow instruction; not strenuous.
Overview
Throttle up on the Atlantis Dunes and trade city streets for wind-shaped sand ridges. This guided quad-biking tour out of Cape Town delivers fast-paced dune runs, local knowledge, and practical logistics for first-time ATV riders.
Atlantis Dunes Quad Biking: Guided ATV Tours Near Cape Town
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The engine clicks to life and the dunes answer—soft sand breathing under tires, wind sketching new ridges every hour. On a bright morning at the Witsand/Aquifer edge, a line of orange-jerseyed guides checks helmets and hands out hair nets while Cape air and distant surf mix into a clean, metallic tang. For the next hour you won't be following a map so much as following momentum: a guided ATV loop that threads crest and bowl, carving tracks where wind would otherwise erase them by night.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early and check permits
Arrive 20 minutes before departure to purchase the required entrance permit (cash is slightly cheaper) and complete the safety briefing.
Wear closed-toe shoes and eye protection
Sand throws up grit—sturdy footwear and wraparound sunglasses or goggles protect feet and eyes during fast runs.
Bring cash and prepare for limited signal
Mobile reception around the dunes is unreliable—bring cash for permits and confirm pickup arrangements in advance.
No alcohol and health restrictions enforced
Tours are forfeited for intoxication; not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or serious heart conditions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Dune lizards
- Cape cormorant and other coastal birds visible on nearby shores
History
The dunes are part of a coastal sand system tied to the Witsand Aquifer; the nearby town of Atlantis was developed in the 1970s as an industrial suburb of Cape Town.
Conservation
Entrance fees support reserve management; riders are asked to stay on established tracks to protect fragile dune vegetation and the aquifer below.
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Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed-toe hiking or trail shoes
Protects feet from sand, heat and the quad’s footrests.
Goggles or wraparound sunglasses
Keeps sand and glare out of your eyes during fast sections.
summer specific
Cash for entrance permit
Onsite permit kiosks accept cash and card, with cash often cheaper (R250 vs R260).
Hydration pack or water bottle
Dunes are exposed and hot—drink often to avoid overheating.
summer specific