Tamarindo & Flamingo: ATV or UTV Beach Tour with Pickup

Summary

ATV rides on wild trails to secret beaches near Tamarindo

You’ll ride ATVs or UTVs from Tamarindo through dry forest trails, cross rivers, spot rare trees, and reach remote beaches like Playa Piratas and Puerto Viejo. A local guide leads the way, sharing stories while you get muddy and laugh more than expected. It’s fast-paced but there are quiet moments too — especially when you finally see those empty beaches stretching out ahead.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the dust — that and how my hands felt gripping the ATV handlebars outside Tamarindo. We’d barely left the meeting point when our guide, Luis, waved us forward with a grin, shouting something about “Playa Piratas” over the engine noise. The road turned gritty fast, all packed dirt and little bumps that rattled my teeth (in a good way). I kept laughing because I couldn’t hear myself think over the engines and the wind, but there’s something about it that makes you feel like a kid again. You know?

We zipped past teak trees and these massive Guanacaste trees — Luis pointed one out by its huge umbrella of branches. He said monkeys sometimes hang out up there, but all I saw were birds darting in and out. Crossing a shallow river was messier than I expected; my sneakers got soaked, but honestly it was kind of refreshing with all that heat. It smelled like wet earth for a second before we hit dry ground again.

When we finally rolled up to Playa Bahía de los Piratas, it was quieter than I thought it’d be. Just waves and a couple of fishing boats bobbing around. We had maybe ten minutes to take photos and drink cold water (which tasted way better than usual after all that dust). Luis gave us this quick rundown about pirate stories from the area — I tried repeating “Bahía de los Piratas” in Spanish and probably butchered it because he just laughed and shook his head.

The last stop was Puerto Viejo Beach, close to Playa Conchal. There’s this little bar where you can grab a beer or just rinse off your hands in the sink — which felt necessary after gripping those handlebars for two hours straight. Heading back along those same dirt roads, I remember thinking how weirdly peaceful it felt out there once you got used to the noise and mud. Still think about that view at Pirates’ Bay sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — ATV and UTV Beach Adventure Tour

• Depart from main meeting point
• Drive ATV or UTV on dirt roads
• Pass through river and dry forest
• Observe rare trees and wildlife
• Stop at Pirates’ Bay Beach for photos
• Briefing about Pirates’ Bay Beach
• Visit Puerto Viejo Beach for rest
• Use bathrooms and enjoy a drink
• Return to departure point

Top questions

How long is the ATV beach tour from Tamarindo?

The tour lasts around 2 hours from departure to return.

Which beaches do we visit on this ATV tour?

You’ll visit Playa Bahía de los Piratas (Pirates’ Bay) and Puerto Viejo Beach; sometimes Playa Minas or Pedregoza if there’s time.

Is hotel pickup included for this tour?

Pickup is included from central locations or hotels; guests at JW Marriott Guanacaste need to select specific options.

What should I wear for the ATV beach tour?

Wear comfortable light clothing you don’t mind getting dirty; sneakers are mandatory. Bring a change of clothes for after.

Do I need a driver’s license for this ATV tour?

A valid driver’s license is required if you want to drive an ATV; otherwise you must sign a waiver.

Are children allowed on the ATV tour?

Children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; minimum driving age is 16 with license.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The guide may cancel for lightning, strong wind, or heavy rain for safety reasons.

Are drinks or food provided on this tour?

Bottled water is included; at Puerto Viejo Beach you can buy drinks like beer or cocktails separately.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip transfer from your hotel or central point near Tamarindo or Flamingo (or JW Marriott with special booking), use of ATV/UTV equipment with helmets provided, bottled water during stops at beaches like Playa Piratas and Puerto Viejo, plus guidance from a local expert who shares stories along the way before dropping you back at your starting point.