Tamarindo & Conchal: ATV or Buggy Beach Tour with Local Guide

Summary

ATV & buggy rides from Tamarindo to black sand beaches with a local guide

You’ll ride ATVs or buggies from Tamarindo or Conchal with a local guide, crossing rivers and dirt trails to reach wild beaches—including Blackstone’s black sand. Expect real driving (with a test ride first), fresh fruit breaks, and stories from locals who know these coasts inside out. It’s messy fun—the kind you’ll remember for ages.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d do in Huacas would be a driving test—felt like getting my license all over again, except this time it was for an ATV. The guides were patient (and probably amused by my over-cautious turns), but after a few minutes of rumbling around their lot, I felt that weird mix of nerves and excitement you get before something fun. Helmets on, goggles down. The air smelled like dust and mangos—there’s always someone selling fruit nearby here.

We set off in a line that was more wobbly than impressive at first. Our guide, Diego, kept checking back with a thumbs-up. He spoke both Spanish and English so everyone could follow along—even when he pointed out a howler monkey up in the trees (honestly sounded more like a dinosaur). We crossed a shallow river that splashed cold water onto my ankles—didn’t expect that either—and then the trail opened up to these wild stretches of coast I’d never have found on my own. Playa Minas was pale and quiet, but Blackstone Beach really surprised me: black sand that looked almost metallic under the sun. I tried to scoop some up but it slipped through my fingers like warm coffee grounds.

The group split for a bit—some went faster, some took it easy. Families rode together in buggies (the kids were shrieking every time we hit a bump). At one stop Diego handed out pineapple and watermelon slices that tasted way better than any snack should after bouncing around for an hour. We talked about the beaches—he said Puerto Viejo is his favorite spot when he’s off work because hardly anyone goes there during the week. There was wind coming off the water and everything smelled salty-sweet; I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck somewhere cold.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV or Buggy Guided Beach Tour

• Start at 506 Transfers & Tours HQ
• Complete driving test ride
• Begin off-road tour
• Visit Blackstone Beach
• Visit Playa Minas and Puerto Viejo
• Return to starting point

Top questions

Do I need experience to join the ATV tour?

No experience needed—a test ride is included at the start so you can get comfortable before heading out.

Which beaches are visited on this tour?

You’ll visit two beaches such as Playa Minas, Blackstone Beach, or Puerto Viejo depending on group skills.

Is pickup included from Tamarindo or Conchal?

Yes, round-trip transportation is available if selected during booking.

Are guides bilingual?

Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish.

Can families ride together?

Yes—families can choose 2- or 4-seater buggies or double ATVs to ride together.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes your vehicle (ATV or buggy), helmet, goggles, bottled water, seasonal fruits, and local guide.

Is this suitable for beginners?

Yes—it’s suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transportation if you want it, a fully trained bilingual guide who knows these trails by heart, your choice of semi-automatic Honda ATV or fully automatic buggy (with helmets and goggles), plus bottled water and fresh seasonal fruits during stops before heading back to Huacas HQ at the end.