ATV Riding Tamarindo to Playa Negra: 3 Beaches

You operate the ATV through forest, across rivers, and down to black sand beaches

A 3-hour ATV riding activity from Tamarindo takes you south through Guanacaste's tropical forest and over river crossings to reach three separate beaches. You ride your own machine to Playa Pinilla for a swim, then continue to Playa Avellanas and finish at Playa Negra, a black sand beach where the waves work for surfing and snorkeling. A guide speaks English, Spanish or French, and all safety equipment is provided.

Step-by-step itinerary

Coastal ATV adventure and beach visits

• Depart from Tamarindo
• Visit Playa Pinilla for swim and sunbathe
• Explore Playa Avellanas for surfing and stroll
• Head to Playa Negra for surfing and beach walk

The experience

The ride starts from Tamarindo and heads south on off-road trails that cut through lush forest and climb into the mountains. You'll cross rivers as part of the route, so the machine does real work getting you down the coast. The operator provides the ATV, helmet and reflective sash, and a guide who speaks your language rides alongside. A valid driver's license is required and you need to be at least 16 years old to operate the machine. Passengers must be over 10.

Playa Pinilla comes first: a small white sand beach tucked close to Playa Avellanas, calm enough for swimming and sunbathing if you want to stop. A short ride further south brings you to Playa Avellanas itself, where the sand is smooth and the water is fine for a dip or for surfing and bodyboarding if conditions are right. The final stop is Playa Negra, a black sand beach where the waves suit surfing and snorkeling. The sand is fine enough to walk comfortably, and hermit crabs live in it: worth watching for as you stroll.

Most of the 3 hours goes to riding and travel time between the beaches rather than sitting on the sand. The route works for families and people who want a physical ride alike, and the guide handles the safety briefing and the pace. If you're traveling with more people than one ATV can carry, you book multiple machines or contact the operator directly to arrange it.

What’s included

• English, Spanish or French-speaking guide.
• ATV rental.
• helmet and reflective safety sash.
• access to three beaches on the Guanacaste coast.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

GroupUp to 2

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and French

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

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

Prices and times updated 12 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Mantaraya ATV Adventures

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to operate the machine yourself rather than ride as a passenger, and if you're comfortable on an ATV for a morning of forest and river crossings. The 3-hour ride suits families and thrill-seekers equally, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, pregnancy, or cardiovascular concerns.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and French.

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

Yes. The activity suits all physical fitness levels and the guide provides a safety briefing and equipment. You do need a valid driver's license and must be at least 16 years old to operate the machine.

What are the three beaches like when we get there?

Playa Pinilla is a small white sand beach, calm and good for swimming. Playa Avellanas has smooth sand and works for surfing and bodyboarding. Playa Negra is black sand with waves suited to surfing and snorkeling, and you'll see hermit crabs in the sand.

How much of the 3 hours is actually riding versus time at the beaches?

Most of the time goes to riding and travel between the three beaches. The stops let you swim or walk the sand, but the activity is built around the ride itself.

What if I'm traveling with a group? Do we all ride together?

Each person operates their own ATV. If your group is larger than one machine can carry, you book multiple ATVs or contact the operator to arrange the setup.

What wildlife might we see on the ride?

The route passes through tropical forest where monkeys, iguanas and tropical birds live. Keep your eyes open as you ride through the forest and along the coastal sections.