They're the tallest, longest, and fastest in the world. Discover the best dunes for sandboarding.
Whether you're standing up or lying down on your stomach, a sandboard can be your ticket to one of the most exciting inland sports experiences you'll ever have.
If you're into surfing or snowboarding, sandboarding could be your next favorite outdoor activity.
So, how do you identify the right spot for sand dune riding?
The first thing you need to make sure of is that you're about to go sandboarding in regulated and non-vegetative areas.
Dunes are essential pieces of local and regional ecosystems.
While you're riding a slope, you may be pushing sand down the dune and inadvertently destroying a sensitive ecosystem.
A good spot for sandboarding should also be tall, relatively steep, and provide a long ride.
And, above all, it has to be safe. You don't want to slide down a dune and finish your ride in front of a pile of rocks.
Explore the world's best sandboarding dunes:
Great Sand Dunes National Park & Preserve (Colorado, USA)
Welcome to the tallest sand dunes in North America.
This is the perfect spot for advanced riders. The "Star Dune" is 750 feet high and will offer one of the wildest rides you could ever imagine.
There are many options for all experience levels, and the dunes' patterns and shapes are constantly changing due to the wind.
Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (Oregon, USA)
Located on the Oregon coast, the area is part of the Siuslaw National Forest. The Oregon Dunes are estimated to be over 100,000 years old.
They're the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America, with some dunes reaching 500 feet (150 meters) above sea level.
From covers forty-two miles from Florence in the north to Coos Bay in the south, you'll find 40 miles of sand to enjoy with your sandboard.
White Sands National Monument (New Mexico, USA)
White Sands National Monument features the largest gypsum dune in the world.
Hit the loop portion of Dunes Drive and enjoy the powder-white dunes of this popular sandboarding spot.
You'll find little or no vegetation and grains of sand that look and feel like snow.
Huacachina (Peru)
Located five hours away from Peru's capital, Lima, Huacachina is a stunning desert oasis surrounded by steep and high sand dunes.
It is widely considered one of the best sandboarding spots on the planet.
Cerro Blanco (Peru)
Located near Nazca, Cerro Blanco features one of the tallest dunes in the world. From the bottom to the top, it is 3,860 feet (1,176 meters) high.
Find and rent a buggy to help you get to the peak.
When you're ready, start descending Duna Grande. It's a 2,600-foot ride that will take you around four minutes at full speed to complete.
Concón (Chile)
Las Dunas de Concón are located in Valparaíso and provide impressive views of the Pacific Ocean.
It takes time to reach the top of the dunes, but it will be worth your time and effort.
The ride down the hill is intense and fast, so make sure to wear goggles and a helmet.
Monte Kaolino (Germany)
Located in Hirschau, Monte Kaolino is one of the oldest sandboarding spots in the world.
Skiers tried it for the first time in 1956. Kaolino is Europe's largest sandhill.
The spot is also home to the Sandboarding World Championships and features a funicular elevator.
Namib Desert (Namibia)
The Namib Desert is a vast arid region, but near Swakopmund, you'll find the ideal spot for sledding down the local dunes.
Start in the "Little Nellie," progress to "Birgit Run," and conclude your experience at "Lizzie," where you can easily reach speeds of 40 miles per hour (65 kilometers per hour).
Always bring a bottle of water with you. The place is dry and hot.
Great Sand Sea (Egypt)
The Great Sand Sea is a sand desert in the Sahara near Siwa, between western Egypt and eastern Libya.
Its steep and smooth dunes reaching heights of 460 feet (140 meters) offer fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.
The spot has multiple peaks of all sizes and shapes that will suit any riding level.
Tottori Sand Dunes (Japan)
The Tottori Sand Dunes are located near the Japanese coastal city of Tottori.
Prepare to surf down the yellow grains toward the sea.
The sandboarding spot features a 30-degree slope and will not let you down.
Kangaroo Island (Australia)
Ride down the sandy slopes of "Little Sahara," a sand dune system located between Seal Bay and Vivonne Bay covering 500 acres (200 ha).
The spot rises to 230 feet (70 meters) and provides stunning views of Kangaroo Island's greenery.
There are multiple peaks for all types of sandboard riding levels.