Snorkeling in Tamarindo: ATV and beach combo

ATVs take you through rivers and creeks to reach a snorkel site most visitors never find.

This activity combines ATV riding and snorkeling in Tamarindo, Costa Rica. You ride automatic ATVs through villages, trails, rivers and creeks, then snorkel at a hidden beach near Playa Piratas where volcanic rock formations shelter colorful fish. The route continues to Playa Piratas for photos, Playa Minas to see dramatic cliffs, and finishes at Playa Puerto Viejo for a coastal break. Hotel pickup is included.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV adventure and snorkeling tour

• Drive ATV through villages and rugged trails
• Cross rivers and creeks on ATV
• Snorkel at hidden beach near Playa Piratas
• Enjoy waters and fruit break
• Take photos at Playa Piratas beach
• Visit Playa Minas cliffs for scenic break
• Relax at Playa Puerto Viejo with drink and snack

The experience

You start with an ATV ride through small villages and rugged terrain, splashing through rivers and creeks with mountain views around you. The trail leads to a snorkel stop at a hidden beach near Playa Piratas, where you enter calm clear water to explore vibrant fish and marine life around volcanic rock formations. After snorkeling, the guide provides bottled water and fruit before you ride the ATVs again to Playa Piratas, stopping to photograph the pristine sands.

The route then heads to Playa Minas, where dramatic cliffs frame a scenic break. You finish at Playa Puerto Viejo on the south end of Playa Conchal, where you can sit with the relaxed coastal atmosphere. The whole outing runs about three hours. A certified guide who speaks English and Spanish leads the group, and pickup from your Tamarindo hotel is arranged.

Snorkeling gear, the ATV, and an air-conditioned vehicle for transport between sites are all provided. You'll need a valid driver's license to operate the automatic ATV, and the ride is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or cardiovascular concerns. Drinks and snacks at Playa Puerto Viejo are available for purchase.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear, bottled water, and fruit are provided.
• so are the ATV and an air-conditioned vehicle for transport between sites.
• a certified guide fluent in English and Spanish leads the group.
• hotel pickup from Tamarindo is included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 14:00

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Senior (51 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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 14 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Discover Tamarindo

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to ride automatic ATVs and snorkel in one outing: the guide navigates while you focus on the riding and water exploration.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

4 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4).

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.

What's the snorkeling like at the hidden beach near Playa Piratas?

The hidden beach sits in calm clear water where colorful fish and marine life gather around volcanic rock formations. You use provided snorkeling gear to explore the underwater landscape at your own pace.

Do I need a driver's license to ride the ATV?

Yes, a valid driver's license is required to operate the automatic ATV. The guide will confirm this when you meet.

How long does the whole activity take?

The outing runs about three hours from start to finish, including the ATV ride, snorkel stop, photo breaks at Playa Piratas and Playa Minas, and the coastal break at Playa Puerto Viejo.

What happens at each beach stop?

Playa Piratas is where you stop to photograph the pristine sands after snorkeling. Playa Minas offers a scenic break with dramatic cliffs as a backdrop. Playa Puerto Viejo is the final stop where you can relax and take in the coastal atmosphere.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

Yes, hotel pickup from Tamarindo is included in the activity. The guide will arrange the time when you book.