Snorkeling in Tamarindo with ATV ride through jungle

You drive the ATV yourself through dirt roads and jungle, then switch to snorkeling in the same half-day.

This 2-hour activity combines ATV riding through Playa Minas and Puerto Viejo's jungle and beach terrain with a snorkel session in the same outing. You operate the ATV yourself on dirt roads where monkeys, birds and snakes inhabit the surrounding forest, then gear up and enter the water to see marine life. A bilingual guide leads both segments, and the operator provides new vehicles, safety equipment, water and fresh fruit.

The experience

The ATV portion takes you through the jungle and mountains around Tamarindo on your own machine, not a passenger ride. The operator uses new vehicles with full insurance and safety gear, and a bilingual guide leads the group through dirt roads where you might spot wildlife. Monkeys, birds and snakes live in the surrounding forest, and the terrain itself is the draw: you're operating the machine, not watching from a seat. The minimum age to drive is 14, and you'll need a valid ID.

After the ATV section, the same guide takes you to snorkel. Gear is provided, and you enter the water to see the marine life the operator mentions alongside the jungle animals. Water and fresh fruit come with the experience. The whole outing runs 2 hours, and you can choose between a single ATV (one person per machine) or a double ATV (two people sharing one) at checkout. Air-conditioned transportation is included, so the ride to and from the activity is covered in the base price.

The operator is locally owned and staffed by Costa Ricans born in the region. They emphasize new equipment, insurance and safety as their priority, and they work with local businesses to give you direct interaction with the area's culture. Pickup is included for at least one option. If you're staying in Papagayo Peninsula, Playas Del Coco or Playa Hermosa, those pickups cost $15 per person each way and are paid in cash on the day.

What’s included

• Your ATV and all safety equipment.
• snorkel gear.
• a bilingual guide for both the ride and the water.
• air-conditioned transportation to and from the activity.
• water and fresh fruit during the outing.

Options for this experience

2 options

One ATV per personGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00, 11:00 and 14:30Pickup is included

Two riders per ATVGuide in English or Spanish · 08:00, 11:00 and 14:30Pricing is per vehicle, and pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:00, 11:00 and 14:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 23 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 15

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortInfant seats availablePublic transport nearby

Operated by Playa Grande Shuttle & Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the single ATV option if you want to drive your own machine the whole time. Pick the double ATV if two of you want to share one vehicle and split the cost. Either way, you're operating the ATV yourself on dirt roads, not riding as a passenger: the activity suits anyone 14 or older with a valid ID and no prior riding experience required.

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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.

What animals might I see while driving the ATV?

Monkeys, birds, snakes and other wildlife live in the jungle and mountains around Playa Minas and Puerto Viejo where you'll be riding. The operator lists these as species you might encounter, though sightings are not guaranteed.

Do I need experience to drive the ATV, or is this for beginners?

The activity is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and the operator does not require prior ATV experience. You must be at least 14 years old to drive and carry a valid ID.

What's included in the price, and what costs extra?

The ATV, snorkel gear, bilingual guide, water, fresh fruit and air-conditioned transportation are all included. Pickups from Papagayo Peninsula, Playas Del Coco or Playa Hermosa cost $15 per person each way, paid in cash. Tips are suggested at 10–20% and are not included.

Can two people share one ATV, or does each person need their own?

You choose at checkout: a single ATV option puts one person per machine, or a double ATV option lets two people ride together on one machine.

How long is the whole experience?

The activity runs 2 hours total, combining the ATV ride through jungle and beaches with the snorkel session.