ATV riding in Guanacaste: Catarinas Beach & Potrero Beach

Ride the Guanacaste coast on your own machine, not as a passenger in someone else's

ATV riding in Guanacaste takes you from the Nuevo Colón office through two hours to three hours of coastal riding on your own machine. You operate the ATV yourself to Catarinas Beach, known for dramatic ocean views, and Potrero Beach, where dark volcanic sand meets the Pacific. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the route, and pickup from nearby resorts including Four Seasons and Andaz is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV tour through Guanacaste beaches

• Start at ATV office in Nuevo Colón
• Ride ATV to Potrero Beach
• Optional stop for meal at Brisas
• Explore Potrero Beach coastline
• Visit Penca Beach for swim and rest

The experience

The office sits in Nuevo Colón, minutes from major resorts like the Riu Hotels, Planet Hollywood, and the Peninsula Papagayo properties, so pickup is straightforward whether you're staying at Four Seasons, Andaz, Secrets Papagayo or elsewhere in the area. You ride your own ATV to Catarinas Beach first, where the coastal views are steep enough that locals compare them to Santorini: a place to stop and photograph if you want. From there the route continues to Potrero Beach, where the sand is dark volcanic and the water is the Pacific. You control the pace and can spend as much time as you want exploring the shoreline.

Penca Beach in the North Pacific is the third stop, known for soft white sand and clear water deep enough for a swim. The itinerary builds in an extra hour if you want to eat at a local spot like Brisas (meals are not included and you pay separately), or you can use that time to explore more of the coast or simply ride. Organic fruit and bottled water come with the booking. A guide who speaks English or Spanish leads the whole route and knows the hidden spots worth stopping for.

Children from age 4 are welcome to ride. The machines are top-quality and the route is designed so you set the speed. This is not a race or a guided tour where someone else drives and you watch. Riders with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns should not book. Pregnancy is also not recommended for this activity.

What’s included

• Organic fruits and bottled water.
• ATV rental and fuel.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup from your resort.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 15:00

Book up to8h before

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 10 years) · Infant (4 to 6 years): free · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 49 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Outdoor Adventures Discover Costa Rica

Is this one for you?The pickup from Nuevo Colón means you don't need a rental car to reach the trailhead, and the guide leads the route so you can focus on riding the coast instead of navigating. If you're staying at a major resort in the Peninsula Papagayo area and want to operate your own machine rather than sit as a passenger, this is the setup that makes it work.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 17 years); Child (7 to 10 years); Infant (4 to 6 years): free. Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

Can I ride an ATV if I've never done it before?

Yes. The guide will show you how to operate the machine before you leave Nuevo Colón, and the route is designed for riders of all fitness levels. You control the speed and the stops.

What is Catarinas Beach like compared to other spots on the coast?

Catarinas Beach has dramatic ocean views and steep coastal scenery that locals compare to Santorini. It's a prime photo stop during the ride and sits just minutes from the Nuevo Colón office.

Do I have to eat at a restaurant during the ride, or can I skip the meal stop?

The itinerary includes an extra hour at Potrero Beach or nearby, and you can use it to eat at Brisas or another local spot if you want (meals are not included and you pay separately), or you can spend that time riding and exploring instead. It's your choice.

What's included in the booking, and what do I pay for separately?

Organic fruit, bottled water, the ATV, the guide, and pickup from your resort are included. Meals and drinks at restaurants are not included and you pay for those on the spot.

How do I get to the office if I don't have a rental car?

Pickup is included from major resorts in the area, including Four Seasons, Andaz, Secrets Papagayo, Riu Hotels, and Planet Hollywood. If you're staying elsewhere nearby, ask when you book. The office is in Nuevo Colón, just minutes away, and public transportation options are available in the area.