Capetown: Atlantis Dunes Quad & Classic Sandboarding

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Introduction

Trying to decide between adventure activities in Cape Town? This tour at Atlantis Dunes offers a solid combo of quad biking and sandboarding, perfect if you’re craving an active, fun-filled day.

What makes this experience stand out? We particularly love the adrenaline rush of riding through rugged dunes, the chance to capture fantastic photos of friends in action, and the friendly, professional guides who keep everyone safe and smiling.

One thing to consider: the permits are an additional cost, and the entrance to Witzands Nature Reserve isn’t included in the ticket price, so budget for that. This tour works best for those who enjoy outdoor thrills and are happy to share the experience with a group.

If you’re after a memorable day of adventure, stunning scenery, and a bit of friendly competition, this activity will suit you well. Now, let’s explore what exactly makes this tour worth your time and money.

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Key Points

Exciting combination of quad biking and sandboarding, offering diverse ways to enjoy the dunes
Guides like William and Oxxy make the experience approachable and safe
Spectacular views of the white sands and natural reserve landscape
Additional permit fees apply, so plan accordingly
Group activity with shared rides, not private, which can be fun and social
Great value for the adrenaline and unique scenery you get in return

Looking for more options in Cape Town? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Overview of the Experience

This tour takes you into the Atlantis Dunes, a highlight of the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve. For just $57, you get a well-rounded adventure that combines the thrill of navigating steep dunes on a quad bike with the joy of sliding down sandy slopes on a sandboard.

The duration of the activity is approximately half a day, including admin, safety briefings, and riding time. The group size varies depending on the slot, but you’ll be sharing the experience with other thrill-seekers.

This is a great choice for those who want an active outdoor activity away from the city, offering a chance to explore South Africa’s iconic sands in a fun, relatively affordable way. It’s particularly appealing for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers looking for an adrenaline fix.

What to Expect During Your Day

Meeting and Preparation

The activity begins with a meeting at the main entrance of Witzands Nature Reserve — expect to arrive about 30 minutes before your scheduled start time. This allows for helmet fitting, permit buying, and an essential safety briefing. Guides like William and Oxxy are known for their friendly, patient approach, making even first-timers feel comfortable.

Important: The tour is part of a group, not private, so you’ll be riding alongside others. Arriving on time is crucial as late arrivals or no-shows forfeit the booking.

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Quad Biking Adventure

Once geared up, you’ll jump onto a quad bike, ready to explore the rugged terrain. Guides will give a quick overview of how to handle the bikes before you set off. Expect to traverse a variety of challenging tracks, over dunes, and through dips that test your riding skills.

Authentic feedback from past participants highlights guides like William, who provided thorough instructions and made sure everyone was comfortable. Many mention how exhilarating it is to drive over the dunes, with some noting the guides’ patience and friendly attitude as a standout feature.

One reviewer shared, “William gave us a great overview of the bikes to make sure we got the most out of it,” which means you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the ride rather than worry about controls.

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Sandboarding Experience

After the quad ride, it’s time for sandboarding. You can opt for standing or bumboarding — the latter being more suitable if you’re nervous about standing or want a more relaxed ride. Guides like Oxxy make sure you’re well-equipped with tips and tricks to glide smoothly down the slopes.

The fine sand allows for fast, fun descents, and many guests find it addictive. One reviewer remarked, “Oxxy made sure we had all the tips and tricks covered to all speed down the slopes with success,” emphasizing the importance of good guidance for a safe experience.

Photo Opportunities and Free Time

Throughout the day, you’ll be encouraged to capture photos of friends and family amid the stunning dunes. The vast white sands and natural beauty provide a perfect backdrop. Some guests have shared how much fun it was to laugh and cheer each other on from the sidelines.

Wrap-up and Return

The activity concludes back at the starting point, leaving enough time to enjoy the scenery or grab some snacks nearby. Remember, additional fees apply for permits (R250 for quad biking and R80 for sandboarding), which are payable on arrival. This is a key point to consider when budgeting.

Guides and Customer Service

Guides like Michael, William, and Oxxy receive high praise for their friendly, approachable demeanor and professional expertise. Their attentiveness ensures everyone stays safe and maximizes enjoyment. From detailed instructions to real-time tips, they turn what could be intimidating into pure fun.

One guest pointed out, “Oxxy was amazing! So great at what he does and so fun,” showing how a good guide can make or break your experience.

Pricing and Value

For $57, this activity offers a lot of value—a half-day of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and photo-worthy moments. However, it’s important to factor in the permit fees (R250 for quad biking, R80 for sandboarding) on top of the ticket price. While these are additional costs, they help preserve the natural environment and ensure safety.

Guests have expressed satisfaction with the cost, especially considering the quality equipment, knowledgeable guides, and beautiful location. Many reviews highlight how the experience exceeds expectations, making it a worthwhile addition to any Cape Town itinerary.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

Arrive early and be punctual—late arrivals result in forfeiting your spot.
Dress comfortably and consider bringing sunglasses and sunscreen for protection.
No alcohol or drugs are allowed on site, maintaining a safe environment.
The activity is not suitable for people with back problems due to the physical nature of riding.
Permits are payable on arrival, so bring cash or card.
The location is inside the Witzands Nature Reserve, outside Cape Town’s city center, so plan your transportation accordingly.

Authentic Guest Insights

Based on reviews, guides like Michael and William are especially praised for their patience and friendliness. Guests appreciated how guides provided thorough instructions, making sure everyone could enjoy the rides regardless of experience level.

One family shared, “William was our guide for the quads and gave us a great overview of the bikes,” emphasizing the importance of a knowledgeable guide for a smooth experience.

Guests also loved the visual spectacle of the dunes, with some noting they could spend hours just soaking in the incredible landscape and snapping photos.

The Sum Up

This tour at Atlantis Dunes offers an action-packed half-day adventure that balances pure fun with safety and professionalism. It’s ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a taste of South Africa’s stunning natural sands in an active setting.

The combination of quad biking and sandboarding provides variety and keeps the adrenaline flowing. The guides are friendly and attentive, making even beginners feel comfortable and confident. The scenery is breathtaking, and the photo opportunities are plentiful.

While additional permit fees are a consideration, the overall value remains high given the equipment, instruction, and experience you receive. It’s a fantastic way to add a memorable, energetic dimension to your Cape Town trip.

FAQs

Do I need prior experience to do this activity?
No, guides like William and Oxxy provide thorough instructions, making it suitable for beginners and experienced riders alike.

How long does the activity last?
The activity’s total duration is around half a day, including admin, safety briefings, and riding time.

Are the guides friendly and helpful?
Yes, guests consistently praise guides for their patience, friendliness, and expertise.

What is the cost, and what’s included?
The base price is $57 per person, which includes a guide, quad bike, sandboard, bumboard, and safety equipment. Permits are extra.

Are there any restrictions?
It’s not suitable for people with back problems, and alcohol or drugs are not permitted on site.

Is transportation provided?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so plan your own transport.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Can I bring my camera or phone?
Yes, just be mindful of safety, especially during riding activities.

What if I arrive late or miss my slot?
Late arrivals or no-shows result in forfeit of the booking; punctuality is essential.

Are there options for private rides?
No, this is a group activity with shared rides, which adds a social element.

Overall, if you’re after a fun, scenic, and adrenaline-fueled day in Cape Town, the Atlantis Dunes Quad & Sandboarding tour from WildX Adventures offers excellent value and plenty of memorable moments.