Atlantis Dunes – A Comprehensive Guide

What is Atlantis Dunes?

Atlantis Dunes is a naturally occurring sand dune field that forms part of the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve, located near the town of Atlantis on the West Coast of South Africa. Just 45 minutes from the Cape Town city center, the white sand dunes are a great place to visit for the day.

These spectacular sand dunes cover around 500 hectares of the flora and fauna-rich nature reserve and are open to the public 7 days a week. Underneath the sand dunes is a unique feature – a large underground aquifer or lake, which supplies surrounding communities with drinking water.

Some of the plants in this reserve include the endangered Cape Flats Dune strandveld and the critically endangered Atlantis sand fynbos.

 Animals that live in the nature reserve include steenbok, Cape grysbok, small grey mongoose, Cape dune mole rat and caracal.

5 things to do at Atlantis Dunes

• Quad Biking and Motorcycles

Quad biking is one of the most popular activities at the Atlantis Dunes. That’s because there are hectares of open sand dunes that you can ride on and plenty of power in the bikes to take you all the way to the other side of the dunes. There are a number of guided trips daily that can be booked in advance by going to the quad biking booking page.

You can also take your own quad bikes and motorcycles to test your skills in the dunes. There are plenty of dunes to carve and launch off and lots of space to explore.

• Sandboarding – classic, 4×4 sandboarding

Sandboarding is a great way to explore the sand dunes at Atlantis. Ride down the biggest dunes in the Nature Reserve on custom designed sand boards that resemble snowboards with special foot bindings. Catch some air or take baby steps and start riding sitting down. Once you’ve got the hang of it then you can start carving your way down the dunes and speed to the bottom. Get the leg burn on the way up the steep dunes or take the easy way with 4×4 vehicle assisted trips back to the top on the 4×4 sandboarding adventure.

• 4×4 Sand Driving

Witzands Aquifer is a great place to learn how to drive on sand or extend your skills. There are a number of different routes to take from easy to the extreme. Once you are in the dunes you can explore over 500 hectares of pristine sand dunes. Make sure to let some air out of your tyres for extra traction and go with a secondary vehicle in case you get stuck! If you want to experience driving in the dunes with a pro book a guided 4×4 Jeep trip.

• Hiking and Walking

Hiking and walking in the dunes is free and a great way to experience the dunes on the cheap. Although walking in the sand can be hard work, there is plenty of space to explore and some unique features that make it a great place for a stroll.

• Cycling and biking

Take your fat bike, electric bike or your standard mountain bike and explore the dunes. This carbon neutral activity will let you get to the far end of the reserve and discover the unique beauty of this spectacular area with its views of Table Mountain in the distance.

How much are the permit fees for Atlantis Dunes?

The permit fees for Atlantis Dunes depend on what activity you will be doing on the dunes.

Please note that all visitors to the dunes require a permit from the Cape Nature permit office located at the entrance to the nature reserve.

Entrance fees

Where is Atlantis Dunes?

Atlantis Dunes is located in the Witzands Aquifer Nature Reserve just off the West Coast road (R27).

 Atlantis Dunes, Dassenberg Drive (R307), Atlantis.

How do I get to Atlantis Dunes?

The easiest way to get to the dunes is by using a taxi service like Uber or Bolt. If you want to use public transport then the MyCiti bus route travels between Cape Town and Atlantis as well as the Golden Arrow bus service. If you are driving your own vehicle then follow the R27 towards Atlantis and turn right onto Dassenberg Drive. Follow the signs to the Nature Reserve on the left.

What are the opening hours?

Atlantis Dunes Permit Office Telephone Number: 021 400 6000

If you have any other questions please contact us.