12 Best Places for Sandboarding Around the World

With all the sports out there, sandboarding can easily be considered one of the most unique and exciting ones there is to offer. It might be thought that this sport is relatively new, but in reality, it has been around for centuries and is thought to have been started by the Egyptians.

Today, it has risen in popularity and can be found all over the world. If you’re interested in learning where to find the best sandboarding, this guide will help!

1. Kangaroo Island, Australia

Off the coast of Adelaide, Australia, you will find Kangaroo Island, known for its impressive landscapes and dunes. A piece from Kangaroo Island Tours Australia stated the dunes themselves were likely formed in the last 7,000 years by vicious winds.

The island offers multiple places to rent a board, which you can then take to the dunes for incredible fun. The island is also considered a heritage site, meaning it is well preserved, offering stunning views from the top of the dunes.

2. Huacachina, Peru

The small oasis town of Huacachina happens to be situated around the largest dunes on the whole continent of South America. People come from all over the world to experience sand surfing here.

Something else exciting about visiting is that most companies will take you on a dune-buggy ride to reach the drop-off point. If you are looking for two adventures in one, this is the place for you.

3. Cerro Negro, Nicaragua

Who would have thought it was possible to surf down a volcano, but at Cerro Negro it is! The trek up takes about an hour but is well worth it. If you’re seeking an adrenaline rush, surfing down an active volcano will do the trick!

Local guides will ensure you’re well prepared by driving you to the bottom of the volcano, doing the hike up with you, and giving you a jumpsuit for safety. 

4. Monte Kaolino, Germany

This dune was created from a pile of mining waste, and the locals decided to put it to good use. Although it is artificial, that does not take away the fun it has to offer people wanting to sandboard.

Another perk is that there is a lift to the top, so anyone visiting doesn’t have to climb the dune each time. This popular spot has even hosted the Sandboarding World Championship in previous years.

5. Great Sand Sea, Egypt

One fun fact about the Great Sand Sea is that it used to be an actual sea. Today, it is the third largest sand accumulation in the world, meaning there’s no doubt you’ll have a blast visiting the Great Sand Sea in Egypt.

With it being so large, visitors have many different options for which type of dunes they want to experience sandboarding on. You can also find tours that offer sand surfing tours along with sunset desert safaris or a combo trip to the Siwa Oasis.

6. Namib Desert, Namibia

The Namib Desert is considered to be the world's oldest. It also happens to be home to some of the tallest dunes in the world.

When going with a guide, visitors can learn on the smaller dunes before moving on to the more difficult ones. This place is great if you’re looking to try a variety of dunes, all with different levels of intensity. 

7. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Colorado

If you’re taking a trip to this stunning National Park, it is well worth renting a board and experiencing sandboarding. Here, you’re on your own, allowing you more flexibility to try the dunes you want.

After picking up a board from one of the local shops nearby, it is up to you which dunes you decide to try out. Check out this link to find out where to rent a board. 

8. Tottori Sand Dunes, Japan

The next location for some great sand surfing is where you’d least expect it, and that’s the country of Japan. Japan’s National Tourism Organization stated that the massive Tottori Sand Dunes attract more than 1.3 million visitors every year and have existed for over 100,000 years.

You can take to these dunes for an enjoyable day of sandboarding. There’s even a Sand Museum housing large sand structures created by artists from different countries. 

9. Te Paki, New Zealand

Found in the Northern peninsula of New Zealand, this recreation offers a multitude of activities, one of them being sandboarding. Visitors can rent boards at the bottoms of the dunes.

The climb up is well worth it, as you’ll be offered stunning views of the sea. It’s a nice place to stay around afterward to enjoy the walking paths, swimming, and snorkeling in the area! 

10. Atacama Desert, Chile

Known for being the driest desert on Earth, it happens to be used by scientists for simulations to prepare for real expeditions to Mars. This undoubtedly makes for a unique sandboarding experience.

Tours will take you from the town of San Pedro de Atacama to the Valle de la Muerte, which, fittingly enough, translates to Death Valley. 

11. Death Valley National Park, California

Speaking of Death Valley, there’s also the famous Death Valley National Park in California. Visitors can head to Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes inside the park to go sand surfing.

It is important to note that visitors must bring their own board and it is best to go here anytime, other than the summer, as the temperatures are too hot.

12. White Sands National Park, New Mexico

To continue with other locations in the United States, the next great spot for sandboarding is White Sands National Park. Here, you can purchase a sled at the gift shop inside the park or bring your own.

The white sands visitors see are made from the mineral gypsum, making them the largest dunes in the world to be made from this mineral. Come here for an unequaled experience!

James Davis

Written by James Davis

I'm a true California local, and I've spent my life riding the waves along our stunning coastline. Surfing has always been my greatest love, and in my writing, I try to capture its genuine essence. My words aim to transport you into the heart of the surf culture, where the ocean and surfers come together in perfect harmony.

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