Sandboarding Atlantis Dunes: Cape Town’s Powdery Coastal Slopes
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; expect repeated uphill walks on loose sand and short bursts of exertion.
Overview
Strap in and surf wind-sculpted dunes with Table Mountain on the horizon. This two‑hour sandboarding session at Atlantis Dunes pairs easy-to-learn technique with coastal views and practical local knowledge.
Sandboarding Atlantis Dunes: Cape Town’s Powdery Coastal Slopes
Select participants and date
The first thing you notice at Atlantis Dunes is how the sand moves — not as a static sea but as a living surface that shifts underfoot and reshapes itself with every breath of wind. Guides gather by a white bus in the lot, call out for Gregg, strap boards to eager hands, and lead groups up the nearest slope. From the crest, Table Mountain sits far to the south, a steady, blue-gray presence that makes the dunes feel like an inland surf break cut out of the West Coast.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for calmer sand
Morning sessions have lighter winds and firmer sand, which makes boarding cleaner and walking easier.
Wear closed, grippy shoes
Hot, shifting sand makes flip-flops untenable; low-profile trail shoes protect feet and help you climb dunes.
Hydrate before and after runs
Sprinting up dunes is deceptively taxing — bring at least 1 liter of water per person for a two-hour session.
Follow your guide’s lines
Dune vegetation is fragile and guides pick sustainable routes — stay with the group to minimize impact.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Sun-loving skinks and dune lizards
- Cape sugarbird and other fynbos-adapted birds
History
The dunes are wind-deposited coastal sands shaped over centuries; the nearby town of Atlantis developed as an industrial and residential hub north of Cape Town.
Conservation
Dune vegetation is fragile; tours reduce impact by using guide-selected routes — avoid off-route walking and pack out trash.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Cape Town
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Closed trail shoes
Protects feet from hot sand and provides traction while walking dunes.
Sunglasses and wide-brim hat
Shields eyes and face from glare and blowing sand.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial for repeated hill climbs in dry conditions.
Light wind shell
Blocks cool coastal gusts during early morning or late afternoon sessions.
spring specific