Sculpted by Mother Nature herself, sand dunes across the world have become a playground for adrenaline-junkies and thrill-seekers.
The terrain is unforgiving, harsh, and often accompanied by extreme heat, but if you can look past these testing elements, you might be surprised to learn of the many types of activities you can find in the desert.
These are eight of the best countries for dune sports.
Peru
- Top spots: Huacachina
This oasis in the middle of Southern Peru is home to some of the best sandboarding and skiing (yes, skiing!) in the world. Dune buggies and 4×4 vehicles carve through the sandy plains and the steep slopes are perfect for sand sports. Strap your boots onto a smooth-surfaced board (similar to a snowboard) and slide down the sand dunes for an unforgettable experience.
With a number of options for all skill levels, you can opt to ride lying down and see how fast you can fly down the sand dune. You can really pick up some speed going face-first down those dunes – just make sure you’re wearing goggles or sunglasses and most importantly – keep your mouth shut! If you’re an experienced sand-boarder, most tour guides or local operators will allow you to upgrade to a more professional sand-board with more sturdy boots and bindings.
Don’t forget to admire the breathtaking sunset over the desert landscape before racing back to your accommodation at night.
Dubai
- Top spots: Bidayer (Big Red), Al Faya Desert
A dune-bashing tour in Dubai is not for the faint-hearted. Dune bashing in a 4×4 will have you racing and zipping across the sand dunes at high speeds in a specially equipped vehicle. You will be strapped into the seats of a Land Cruiser while it takes you on a rollercoaster ride over the sand dunes. While this ride might turn your knuckles white, it’s an experience that you need to try.
Other activities include dune buggy riding, sand-boarding or fat bike tours for you to ride across the desert. Like we said, there’s something for everyone.
Namibia
- Top spots: Dune 7
Claiming the all-important title as home one of the tallest dunes in the world (Dune 7), Namibia is where you need to go for your sand-fuelled adventures. In 2010, the world record was approved for the fastest recorded sand sand-skiing attempt and was captured by Guinness World Records. The desert itself believed to be dry for at least 55 million years and is considered the oldest in the world. If you fancy yourself a bit of a pro sand-boarding or skiing, why not use the golden-hued dunes in Namibia as your playing field?
Chile
- Top spots: Atacama Desert
Barren and beautiful, the Atacama Desert is one of the best places to slide down the dunes. If you’ve ever watched the Dakar Rally, you’re sure to have seen these dunes on your TV. Rising to 1,800 feet, Cerro Medanoso is often acknowledged as the second highest sand dune in the world. Despite its harsh conditions, this doesn’t seem to deter tourists from exploring the dunes. Sandboarding is a popular sport in Chile, and it’s not uncommon to find locals shredding down the steep slopes.
If you want to join in on the fun and shred some sand of your own, you can easily rent a sandboard in town. Keep in mind, however, if you’ve not tried it before, be warned – it’s not as easy as it looks!
USA
- Top spots: Glamis Sand Dunes and Dumont Dunes, California
Glamis and the Dumon Dunes are one of the most popular off-roading and sandboarding destinations in the world. If you’re up for the challenge, you can rent dirt bikes, ATVs and UTVs and tackle the steep dunes yourself. If you fancy a hike, there are plenty of tall dunes to conquer and you’re sure to break a sweat.
Australia
- Top spot: The Simpson Desert
In the centre of Australia, you will find a 65,000-square-mile area of sand dunes for you to drive over and explore this rough terrain. While you’re there, you might as well take time to enjoy the beaches too! Keep in mind when planning your next visit that due to the extreme weather conditions, part of this area is closed in summer.
Morocco
- Top spot: Erg Chebbi
In the Sahara Desert, you can ride dune buggies or dirt bikes across Morocco’s rugged interior. Or, you can sashay across the desert dunes atop a camel. Camel trekking across the dunes might not be classified as an adventure sport, but it certainly is an experience. Then, you can finish off the day with a serving of tajine and local Berber cuisine.
Nicaragua
- Top spot: Cerro Negro
While not technically a sand dune, we wouldn’t be able to complete this list without mentioning Cerro Negro, could we? The last eruption was back in 1999 and boarding takes place on the cinder cone which is covered with ash from previous eruptions. There are plenty of local tour operators that provide boards and safety equipment. Or, you could simply slide down the slopes on a piece of cardboard.
Where are your favourite places in the world for dune sports?
