Tamarindo: ATV Beach Trails to Playa Piratas & Minas

Ride ATVs from Tamarindo through rivers and villages to wild beaches

You’ll ride ATVs from Tamarindo with a local guide, crossing rivers and winding through small villages before reaching quiet beaches like Playa Piratas and Minas. Expect wildlife sightings (maybe monkeys or iguanas), and plenty of time to soak up sun or just listen to waves. Cold water and showers are waiting when you return, but you might still carry that wild feeling home.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV tour to secret beaches near Tamarindo

• Use bathroom and showers on site
• Take ATV test drive
• Follow guide on secondary roads
• Drive through villages, rivers, forest, mountains
• Visit Playa Piratas, Playa Minas, Playa Puerto Viejo
• Observe wildlife like monkeys and iguanas
• Return to office for cold waters
• Use bathroom and showers after tour

The experience

I’ll be honest. I nearly bailed before we even started. My helmet kept slipping sideways and I couldn’t get the chin strap right, which made our guide Diego laugh (he fixed it in two seconds). The test drive was a relief: turns out, ATVs aren’t as intimidating as they look. Once we set off from Tamarindo, I could smell dust and something green, like wet leaves after rain. The engine noise faded behind us as we left the main road and bounced down a rutted track that definitely wasn’t on Google Maps.

Diego led us through these tiny villages where kids waved (one tried to race us on a rusty bike, he almost won). We splashed through a shallow river that soaked my shoes: cold at first, then kind of refreshing with the heat. When we reached Playa Piratas, there was nobody but a couple of fishermen mending nets under a crooked palm. The sand felt gritty and hot under my hand when I picked up a shell. We just stood there for a minute listening to the waves and some bird I couldn’t name. I didn’t expect to feel so far away from everything.

The drive up into the hills was bumpier than I’d guessed (my arms are still sore), but worth it for that view over Playa Minas: pale blue water, darker patches where rocks hid below. Diego pointed out some monkeys in the trees. One tossed something at us (nut? fruit? not sure). On the way back toward Puerto Viejo beach, we spotted an iguana sunning itself right in the middle of the path: nobody hurried us along, which I liked. By the time we got back to base, my face was streaked with dust and sweat but they handed out cold bottled water like it was gold. Showers never felt better.

What’s included

Your day includes your own ATV with safety gear, guidance from a local expert who leads you off paved roads through villages and forests to three distinct beaches near Tamarindo (Playa Piratas, Playa Minas, and Puerto Viejo) with cold bottled water provided at the finish plus access to bathrooms and showers before heading home again.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Spanish6 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 15:30

Guide in English or Spanish6 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day12 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 15:30

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 and older) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 12 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

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 19 pickup points.Operator's directions: “Please reach out so I can send the pin point”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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 18 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Discover Tamarindo

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years); Child (6 to 12 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

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 24h before the start.

How long does the Tamarindo ATV beach tour take?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several hours including stops at multiple beaches near Tamarindo.

Which beaches do you visit on this ATV tour?

You’ll visit Playa Piratas, Playa Minas, and the south end of Playa Puerto Viejo (Conchal).

Is lunch included on this day trip?

No lunch is included. Only bottled water is provided during or after the tour.

Are bathrooms or showers available during the tour?

You can use bathrooms and showers at the starting/ending point before and after your ATV ride.

Can beginners join this ATV tour in Tamarindo?

Yes, a short test drive is given before departure so everyone learns how to operate their ATV safely.

Will we see wildlife on this day trip from Tamarindo?

You may spot monkeys, birds, iguanas, and other local wildlife along the route.

Is pickup included in this ATV beach tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned. You start and end at their office near Tamarindo.

What should I wear for an ATV beach trail tour?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty or wet. Closed shoes are best for river crossings.