Sandboarding the Coastal Dunes

If you've ever fancied surfing or snowboarding but found yourself in the middle of a desert, sandboarding is the answer. Strapping a board to your feet (or sitting on one) and sliding down a desert dune is pure, simple fun — a quirky, exhilarating addition to a Red Sea trip that gets you out into the Eastern Desert's golden landscape. Here's what sandboarding here is like and how to enjoy it.

The short answer: sandboarding means riding a board down desert dunes, like snowboarding on sand. It's a fun, accessible desert activity near the Red Sea, often part of desert safaris, suitable for adventurous beginners and up.

What sandboarding involves

Sandboarding is exactly what it sounds like: you take a board (similar to a snowboard or sometimes a sled-style board) to the top of a sand dune and slide or ride down. You can do it standing up (strapped in, like snowboarding) for more of a challenge, or sitting/lying down (like sledding) for an easier, still-fun ride. After each run, you climb back up for another go. It's simple, repeatable, and genuinely fun, set against the beautiful backdrop of the desert dunes.

Where and how to do it

Sandboarding takes place on suitable dunes in the Eastern Desert behind the Red Sea coast, reached on desert trips. It's often offered as part of a desert safari (alongside quad biking, camels, and a camp) or as a dedicated activity, with operators providing the boards and taking you to good dunes. Going with an operator means you get the right equipment, the right dunes, and guidance — easier than trying to find suitable sand yourself.

Who it's for

Sandboarding suits adventurous travellers and those who like trying something different. The sitting/sledding style is accessible to almost anyone, including families and children (with care), while standing sandboarding offers more of a challenge for the active and those with board-sport experience. It's a fun group activity and a great way to add some play to a desert trip. No prior experience is needed for the basic, sit-down version.

What it's like

Expect simple, repeatable fun: the climb up the dune (the workout part), the anticipation at the top, and the slide down, sand spraying, with a laugh at the bottom. Standing up takes a bit of balance and practice — you'll likely fall, which is part of the fun and soft on sand. It's not extreme unless you make it so, and the desert setting makes it memorable. The dunes, the golden light, and the playful challenge combine into a genuinely enjoyable experience.

Safety and comfort tips

• Go with a reputable operator who provides proper boards and chooses safe dunes.
• Start small and sitting if you're unsure, building up to standing.
• Expect to fall (especially standing) — it's soft, but take it easy and protect yourself.
• Protect against sun and dust — sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat or buff, and covering up.
• Wear suitable clothing and closed shoes, and expect to get sandy.
• Stay hydrated — climbing dunes in the heat is tiring.
• Mind the heat — go in cooler parts of the day where possible, and pace yourself.
• Protect your camera/phone from sand.

Practical tips

Do sandboarding as part of a desert safari or a dedicated trip with a good operator. Start with the easy sitting style and build up. Wear closed shoes and clothes you don't mind getting sandy, plus sun and dust protection. Bring water and small cash for tips. Go in the cooler morning or late afternoon for comfort. And just embrace the fun — sandboarding doesn't take itself too seriously, and neither should you.

Sandboarding the coastal dunes is a playful, accessible slice of desert adventure — simple, fun, and a great way to get out into the golden landscape behind the Red Sea. Whether you sled down sitting or carve standing up, it adds a dose of laughter and novelty to any desert day.

Fancy riding the dunes? Find desert safaris and sandboarding adventures on packnplan, and add some sandy fun to your Red Sea trip.