Costa Rica: ATV Beach Ride & Village Trails with Local Guide

Summary

Ride ATVs along Costa Rican beaches, spot wildlife & visit villages

You’ll ride an ATV along Costa Rica’s beaches and dirt trails with a local guide, passing through colorful villages and spotting monkeys or birds overhead. Expect sandy hands, salty air, and plenty of chances to stop for photos at Playa Flamingo. This tour includes helmets and all safety gear so you can focus on soaking up every bumpy minute.

What’s the experience like?

“Did you see that monkey?” our guide called out over the engine noise, pointing up at a tangle of branches. I squinted — sure enough, there was a little face peeking down at us. We’d just left the edge of Playa Flamingo, helmets still warm from the sun, and already my hands were gritty from the sand kicked up by the ATVs. The air smelled like salt and something green I couldn’t name. I kept thinking how different it felt to see Costa Rica this way — not just from the road or a bus window.

We rumbled through a village where kids waved at us (one tried to race us barefoot for about ten meters — he won). Our guide, Luis, slowed down to point out some birds I’d never seen before — bright flashes in the trees. He told us their names in Spanish; I forgot them instantly but remembered his laugh when I tried to repeat one back. The dirt trails twisted between houses painted every color you can imagine, and sometimes we’d catch a whiff of someone cooking lunch. Honestly, I got hungry just smelling it.

The best part? Hitting the open stretch of beach again, where you could really feel the wind off the Pacific and see shells scattered in the sand like tiny white moons. It wasn’t all smooth — sometimes we bounced over roots or splashed through puddles left by last night’s rain. My arms are still sore (in a good way). We stopped for photos near some driftwood while Luis told us stories about growing up here. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for waves and distant bird calls — I still think about that silence.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV tour through beaches and trails

• Ride along beautiful beaches
• Enjoy sea views and take pictures
• Pass through water and land trails
• Observe local wildlife like squirrels and monkeys
• Experience local vegetation and trees

Top questions

How long is the ATV beach tour in Costa Rica?

The ATV tour lasts approximately 2 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this ATV adventure?

No transport is included; travelers need to arrive at the meeting point themselves.

What wildlife might I see during this ATV tour?

You may spot monkeys, squirrels, and various bird species along the route.

Do I need previous ATV experience?

No previous experience is required; suitable for all fitness levels.

Are helmets provided on the Costa Rica ATV tour?

Yes, helmets and safety equipment are included for all participants.

Does this tour go to Playa Flamingo?

Yes, you will ride along Playa Flamingo during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an ATV plus helmets and all necessary safety equipment so you’re ready for both sandy beaches and village trails with your local guide leading the way.