Discover the Best of Huacachina’s Desert with a Professional Sandboard & Sandski Tour
Imagine standing at the edge of towering sand dunes in Huacachina, surrounded by endless gold, with the setting sun casting a warm glow. This tour offers an engaging 3-hour and 15-minute adventure, led by knowledgeable guides, where you’ll learn to sandboard or sandski—whether you’re a seasoned snowboarder or a complete beginner. At just $55.39 per person, it’s a surprisingly good deal considering the mix of adrenaline, stunning scenery, and professional equipment included.
What we really love about this experience is the balance of instruction and fun. The guides are patient and attentive, ensuring everyone feels comfortable—no matter their skill level. Plus, the dune buggy rides are a blast, zipping across the desert to find the biggest dunes for sliding. On the flip side, a consideration might be the physical activity involved, which requires moderate fitness, especially if you’re not used to outdoor sports or bumpy rides.
This tour suits adventure seekers, snowboarding enthusiasts wanting to try something new, or travelers eager to capture awesome GoPro videos and photos. If you’re looking for an authentic, active experience that mixes thrills with scenic beauty, this tour will hit the mark. It’s particularly praised for the small group size, ensuring personalized attention and a less rushed, more intimate atmosphere.
Key Points
- Expert Guidance: Guides ride with you, teaching sandboarding and sandskiing techniques.
- All Equipment Provided: From boards to helmets, gear is included, making it hassle-free.
- Stunning Sunset Views: Experience the desert at golden hour for unforgettable photo opportunities.
- Adrenaline-Fueled Buggies: Enjoy fast, fun rides across high dunes.
- Photo & Video Souvenirs: GoPro footage captures your runs, shared at the end.
- Small Group Experience: Max 16 travelers for more personalized attention.
Planning more time in Huacachina? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
This adventure mixes adrenaline rushes with picturesque scenery, all guided by professional instructors who are clearly passionate about sharing their knowledge. The tour begins with a brief walk to a training area, where even beginners can quickly grasp the basics of sandboarding or sandskiing. For snowboarders, the guides teach wax application and riding techniques adapted to the sand, ensuring you’re prepared for the dunes.
The highlight is the dune buggy ride, which is as much fun for the thrill-seekers as it is for those who enjoy the views. These buggy excursions take you to some of the highest dunes, where you can enjoy about 4 to 5 runs—more if you’re quick! As one review puts it, “The ride up to the top of the dunes was a blast,” and it’s true; the buggies deliver a mix of speed and excitement that gets your heart racing.
Itinerary Breakdown
The tour kicks off at 3:00 pm at the designated meeting point, Dito Sand Xsports in Huacachina. From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to the training area—ideal for honing your skills before tackling the dunes. The first hour is dedicated to lessons and practice, where guides focus on both snowboarding and sandboarding techniques. You’ll learn how to wax your boards and get short runs to adapt to the sand.
Once you’re comfortable, the next two hours are packed with dune buggies taking you across the desert for multiple runs. These buggies are driven by guides who ride along with you, capturing videos and photos on the GoPro—an appreciated touch that gives you lasting memories of your adventure.
Before sunset, there’s time for a spectacular view of the desert at dusk—a moment praised by many travelers for its magical lighting. Afterward, everyone gathers back at the meeting point to share the digital files of their rides, which you must transfer via SD card or pendrive.
Equipment and Instruction
All necessary sandski or sandboard gear, including boots, helmets, goggles, poles, and wax, is provided. The quality of equipment and instruction is consistently noted as professional and patient—not just a quick slide down a dune but a meaningful learning experience. Guides do a great job of making sure everyone, from young children to older adults, feels at ease.
The Experience for Different Skill Levels
Many reviews mention how guides like Dito and Juan are very patient, explaining everything clearly and ensuring safety. Even first-timers or those worried about falling find themselves confidently sliding down dunes after a quick lesson. As one traveler noted, “They made sure we all were at ease,” which is crucial for those new to sandboarding or sandskiing.
If you’re a snowboarding or skiing enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the adaptation of your skills to the sand. The guide will teach you how to wax your board and handle the terrain, which adds an educational element to the fun.
The Dune Buggy Rides
The dune buggy rides are a major part of the tour’s appeal. These buggies are fast and bumpy, providing a thrilling ride that complements the more controlled sliding experience. Many guests say that the bumpy ride adds a sense of adventure and is worth every second.
Reviews frequently mention the professionalism of the guides and how they prioritize safety while keeping the mood light and fun. Expect quick starts, sharp turns, and plenty of laughs. The guides take care to stop at scenic spots, allowing for photos and taking the time to ensure everyone is comfortable before heading back into the desert.
Sunset and Photography
One of the tour’s crowning moments is watching the sunset over the dunes. The golden hour provides not only beautiful light but a peaceful, almost surreal atmosphere. Guests often comment on how spectacular the sunset views are, making it a perfect time for photos.
The inclusion of GoPro footage and photos makes this experience even more memorable. Guests are encouraged to bring a USB drive or SD card to transfer their files, which come with plenty of action shots and scenic views. Several reviews praise guides for their patience and attentiveness in capturing these moments.
Is This Tour Worth It?
Absolutely. For $55.39, you’re getting a comprehensive experience that combines instruction, adventure, and culture. The equipment quality, knowledgeable guides, and stunning scenery deliver excellent value. Many reviews highlight how much more engaging and personalized this tour is compared to larger group or less involved options.
The small group size ensures that you won’t feel rushed or overlooked, making it ideal for travelers who love a balance of thrills and comfort. The professional setup means less worry about equipment or safety, so you can focus on having fun.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This adventure is perfect for adventure lovers—whether you’re into snowboarding, skiing, or just eager to try something new in a dramatic desert setting. It’s suited for beginners and experienced riders alike, thanks to clear instruction and patient guides. If you’re camera-savvy and want to capture epic photos and videos, you’ll appreciate the made-to-order media.
Travelers looking for a unique outdoor experience that’s active, scenic, and sociable will find this tour a highlight of their Huacachina trip. It’s also a good choice if you want a small, personalized group with professional guidance—adding comfort and safety to the thrill.
Final Thoughts
This tour offers a robust mix of fun, learning, and scenery. The guides’ expertise and the quality of equipment make it a standout experience, especially considering the overall affordability. It’s a rare chance to combine sandboarding or sandskiing with a scenic sunset—something you’ll remember long after your trip.
For those who value professional instruction and personalized attention, this tour hits the mark. Adventure travelers, snowboarding fans, or those just eager for a memorable desert outing will find plenty to love here. Plus, the opportunity to capture videos and photos ensures you won’t forget your time in Huacachina.
In short, if you’re after a fun, well-organized, scenic adventure with a friendly guide, this tour is a fantastic pick. Prepare for speed, spectacular views, and good times in the sands.
FAQ
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes, starting at 3:00 pm and including time for instruction, dune rides, and sunset viewing.
What is included in the price?
All sandboarding or sandskiing equipment, dune buggy rides, guidance, and GoPro photos and videos are included. All fees and taxes are covered.
Do I need prior experience?
Not at all. The tour is suitable for beginners and snowboarders alike. Guides teach you how to wax boards and adapt your riding to the sand.
What should I bring?
Bring a USB drive or SD card to transfer your photos and videos. Also consider bringing water (not included), and dress in layers, as the desert can be hot during the day and cooler during sunset.
What is the group size?
The maximum is 16 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.
Is this tour suitable for children?
While most reviews mention all ages enjoying the experience, you should check your child’s physical fitness level since some parts involve bumpy buggy rides and standing on sandboards.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
How do I meet the guides?
Meet at Dito Sand Xsports in Huacachina at 3:00 pm, near public transportation options. The tour ends at the same location.
This carefully curated adventure offers genuine value, blending thrill, scenery, and instruction. Whether you’re a seasoned snowboarder or new to sandskiing, it’s an experience that will leave you with lasting memories and plenty of stories to tell.