ATV riding in Tamarindo: Through rivers and mountain views

Operate your own ATV through pastures, rivers and up to mountain overlooks of the Pacific

ATV riding near Tamarindo, Costa Rica, where you operate a fully-automatic quad through pastures, rivers and mountain terrain with views of the valley and Pacific Ocean. A safety talk comes first, then you ride past howler monkeys, iguanas and other wildlife of the tropical dry forest. The activity takes two to four hours and includes pickup.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV tour through nature and beaches

• Receive safety talk
• Operate fully-automatic ATV
• Ride through pastures and rivers
• Drive up mountains with valley views
• Explore pristine beaches and Pacific Ocean
• Observe wildlife in tropical dry forest

The experience

The ATV is fully automatic, so no manual transmission to learn. You get a safety briefing and then head out. The route crosses pastures and rivers, climbs into the mountains where the valley and ocean come into view, and passes through habitat where howler monkeys and iguanas live. You operate the machine yourself the whole way, not watching from a passenger seat.

A live guide leads the ride in English or Spanish and handles the logistics: pickup is included, so you don't arrange your own transport to the start. The terrain varies (water crossings, elevation gain, open grassland), so the ride is physical, but the two- to four-hour window gives you time to find your pace. Bring comfortable clothes, sport shoes or strapped sandals, and a camera if you want to capture the wildlife and views.

What’s included

• Use of the ATV.
• safety briefing.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• hotel pickup.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:00

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (19 to 70 years) · Under 19: can't be booked

GroupUp to 12

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Side by Side ATV Tours & WILD LIFE

Is this one for you?The ride involves two to four hours of operating the ATV yourself over varied terrain (water crossings, climbs and open ground), so moderate fitness and comfort with physical activity matter. If you're looking for a guided sightseeing tour where someone else drives, a different activity would suit you better.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

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

Yes. The ATVs are fully automatic and easy to operate, and you receive a safety talk before the ride starts, so no prior experience is required.

What wildlife will I see on the ride?

Howler monkeys and iguanas are common companions on the trails through the tropical dry forest near Tamarindo. You'll also encounter other exotic animals native to the region.

Does the route go to the beach?

The ride passes through pastures, rivers and mountains with views of pristine beaches and the Pacific Ocean, though the exact route depends on conditions and your guide's choice of terrain.

What's the minimum age to ride?

You must be at least 19 years old to operate an ATV on this ride.