Sandboarding at the Mogote Dunes

Our review takes a close look at the popular Sandboarding at the Mogote Dunes tour near La Paz, Mexico—a favorite for those wanting a mix of adventure, scenery, and local flavor. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries paint a clear picture of what travelers can expect. If you’re craving a unique outdoor experience that combines thrill, scenic beauty, and a touch of daring, this tour might just be for you.

What we particularly love about this tour is its approach to accessibility and safety—a thorough instruction session ensures even novices feel confident. Plus, the enthusiastic, knowledgeable guides consistently earn praise, adding value by making the experience both fun and safe. On the downside, some might find the dunes a bit smaller or the activity somewhat brief, but overall, it’s a solid choice for a half-day adventure in La Paz.

This tour suits travelers seeking active outdoor fun, especially those curious about trying sandboarding for the first time or looking for a memorable way to experience La Paz’s striking desert scenery. It’s also an excellent option for families, small groups, or solo travelers eager to add a splash of adrenaline to their Mexico trip.

Key Points

• All skill levels welcome — beginners and seasoned boarders alike will find a suitable dune.
• Guided instruction ensures safety and confidence, even if you’ve never tried sandboarding before.
• Stunning scenery of La Paz’s Mogote Dunes offers a memorable backdrop, perfect for photos.
• Flexible riding options—stand, strap in, or go down on your bottom—making it fun for everyone.
• Transport and convenience—hotel pickup, all equipment provided, and a mobile ticket system for easy access.
• Great value for money—around 3-4 hours of activity at a reasonable price, with positive reviews emphasizing good guides and well-maintained gear.

What to Expect from the Sandboarding Adventure

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup in La Paz, making it straightforward and hassle-free. You’ll be driven to La Paz El Mogote, where your adventure begins with a safety lesson. This part is crucial, especially for beginners—guides go over how to strap into the boards, how to position yourself, and what safety precautions to take. Most reviews highlight how kind and helpful the guides are—many mention guides like Ger or Andrea making sure everyone feels comfortable and confident.

Sandboarding itself lasts about three to four hours, giving plenty of time to practice, have fun, and take breaks. The Mogote Dunes provide a variety of slopes: some gentle enough for newbies, others more challenging for those craving a bigger thrill. You can choose which dune to descend and decide how you want to ride—standing loose like snowboarding, strapped in, or even sliding down on your bottom or belly for the pure joy of it.

The equipment—sandboards and goggles—is included, ensuring you can focus on having a good time without worrying about gear. Guides are attentive to safety, providing goggles to keep sand out of your eyes, which many reviewers say makes a big difference.

Throughout the day, you’ll have access to bottled water, and some tours even include beers—perfect for cooling off after a run or two. The relaxed pace and friendly atmosphere mean you can take your time, try different techniques, and just enjoy the scenery. The dunes themselves are striking, with cacti and desert flora adding to the sense of being in a remote, wild landscape.

The Itinerary in Detail

The tour begins with a hotel pickup—most travelers report being collected without issues, with some reviews mentioning ATV rides as part of the journey, adding a fun prelude to the sandboarding. The drive to the Mogote Dunes takes about 20 minutes, offering a chance to enjoy the desert landscape and chat with guides.

Once at the dunes, the safety briefing sets the tone—guides emphasize fun but also safety. Afterward, you’ll be shown how to use the sandboards and goggles, getting comfortable before heading up the dunes for your first run. The variety of dunes means everyone can find a slope that suits their comfort level, making this a friendly experience for beginners and more adventurous riders alike.

Guides will assist you as you try different techniques—standing, sitting, or belly-sliding—and most guides are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience. For those worried about physical exertion, the activity does require some energy, but many reviews mention that it’s worth the effort for the thrill and views.

You are free to spend as much time as you like riding, taking breaks, or simply soaking in the scenery. After the session, you’ll be driven back to La Paz, often with the option to enjoy a cold drink or share photos of your descent.

Authentic Experiences and Reviews

The glowing reviews reveal just how much travelers enjoy this tour. Many comment on how helpful and friendly the guides are, often going beyond expectations to make sure everyone is comfortable. Roksana_N, for example, praised her guide Rodrigo, saying, “Rodrigo was awesome! He was truly the best driver I’ve ever had.”

Several reviewers appreciate the scenic drive out to the dunes, describing it as “wonderful” and “through cactus fields,” adding to the sense of adventure even before stepping on a board. The experience is described as “a lot of fun,” with some noting it’s a bit of a workout, which adds to the value for active travelers.

The equipment also receives high marks for condition and safety, with many mentioning the quality of the boards and goggles. The flexible options for riding—standing, sitting, or belly-sliding—mean everyone can participate, making it a fantastic family or group activity.

One reviewer summed it up perfectly: “Very happy with the whole experience,” emphasizing the value and professionalism of the tour. Others highlight the good value for the money, especially for a half-day activity that combines outdoor fun, scenic views, and guided instruction.

Practical Details and Tips

• Meeting point is at Mariano Abasolo 2480 in La Paz—easy to reach by public transport or taxi.
• Duration is approximately 4 hours, including pickup, drive, instruction, and riding time.
• The activity operates daily from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM, giving flexibility for morning or afternoon rides.
• Cost is around $83.57 per person—consider it a reasonable investment for a half-day of adventure and memorable scenery.
• Physical fitness level is moderate—some exertion is involved, but guides will assist you at every step.
• Availability tends to be good, but booking about 29 days in advance is recommended to secure your preferred date, especially during peak times.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before, offering peace of mind if weather or plans change.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This sandboarding experience is ideal for adventure seekers of all ages who want a fun, active way to explore La Paz’s desert landscape. It’s perfect if you’re curious about trying a new sport—no prior experience needed—and enjoy scenic outdoor settings. Families with kids comfortable with moderate physical activity often find this a great outing, especially since the guides are known for their patience and helpfulness.

Solo travelers and small groups will appreciate the personalized attention and friendly atmosphere. If you’re looking for a unique photo opportunity, the dunes provide plenty of chances to capture stunning shots. Those on a tight schedule will find the 4-hour timeframe fits well into a busy itinerary, especially considering the included hotel pickup.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

For thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts, this sandboarding tour offers a dynamic mix of adventure, scenery, and guided expertise. The inclusiveness of beginner-friendly dunes, the friendly guides, and the well-maintained gear make it a valuable half-day activity in La Paz. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager to try something new and enjoy scenic desert landscapes.

While some may wish for larger dunes or longer riding time, most reviews confirm that the experience is well worth the price. It’s a fun, safe, and authentic way to connect with the natural beauty of the Baja California desert and add a memorable highlight to your trip.

If you love active pursuits, scenic landscapes, and friendly guides, this sandboarding tour is an excellent choice. It’s a fantastic way to inject some adrenaline into your La Paz visit and create stories to tell long after you’ve returned home.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup from La Paz, making it convenient and hassle-free.

What equipment do I need to bring? All necessary equipment—sandboards and goggles—are provided. Just wear comfortable clothes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, and perhaps sneakers or long sleeves for protection.

Can I try sandboarding if I’ve never done it before? Absolutely. The guides give thorough safety instructions and are very supportive, making it accessible for beginners.

How long does the sandboarding last? Expect around 3 to 4 hours of riding time, including breaks and instruction.

Is this activity suitable for kids? It is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness. Kids comfortable with outdoor activity and some exertion will enjoy it, but check with the operator about age restrictions if needed.

What’s the cancellation policy? You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the activity. Weather cancellations are also covered, with options for rescheduling or refunds.

Is this tour good value? Given the duration, guided instruction, gear, and scenic location, most travelers find it very good value for money, especially considering the positive reviews emphasizing guide quality and overall fun.

This sandboarding tour offers a lively, scenic, and approachable way to experience La Paz’s desert landscape. Whether you’re looking for a new thrill or a memorable outdoor adventure, it’s worth considering for a distinctive part of your Mexico journey.