ATV riding in Tamarindo: Beaches and dry forest

Operate your own machine across river crossings and sand to reach beaches most visitors never see

ATV and UTV riding in Tamarindo takes you on a 2-hour off-road circuit through dry forest and along the coast, stopping at Playa Piratas and Puerto Viejo Beach. You choose between a semi-automatic ATV or a side-by-side UTV (capacity varies by option), ride with a live guide in English or Spanish, and return to your hotel. Helmets and bottled water are included. A valid driver's license is required to operate the machine.

Step-by-step itinerary

ATV and UTV Beach Adventure

• Depart from main meeting point
• Ride ATV or UTV through dry forest and dirt roads
• Pass through river and observe rare trees
• Visit Pirates’ Bay Beach for photos and briefing
• Continue to Puerto Viejo Beach for rest and refreshments
• Return to departure point and end tour

The experience

The ride starts at the main departure point in Huacas or at your hotel, depending on which option you book. You'll operate your own machine (either a semi-automatic ATV or a UTV side-by-side) across open dirt roads that cut through the dry forest. The circuit includes a river crossing, and along the way you'll pass Guanacaste, pochote and teak trees, which provide habitat for monkeys and birds. This is an off-road adventure with inherent risk that increases based on how you ride, so the guide briefs you on what to expect before you start.

The route takes you to three beaches. Playa Piratas (Pirates' Bay) comes first, where you stop for 10–15 minutes to photograph the cove, drink cold water and hear the guide's briefing about the area. Puerto Viejo Beach is next, close to Playa Conchal, where you can use the bathrooms and grab a cold drink before heading back. If time allows, the guide extends the ride to Playa Minas or Pedregoza. The whole outing runs 2 hours from start to finish.

Bring a valid driver's license (or sign a waiver if you don't have one), wear sneakers, and consider bringing a change of clothes to the office before heading back to your hotel. Children from age 4 can ride as passengers with an adult. A minimum of two travelers is required for the tour to operate. The guide can cancel for lightning, wind or heavy rain.

What’s included

• Helmet and ATV tour equipment.
• bottled water.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• round-trip transfer from a central location or your hotel (depending on the option you select).
• access to Playa Piratas and Puerto Viejo Beach.

Options for this experience

12 options

Up to 4 people · Guide in English or Spanish08:00, 11:30 and 14:30

Up to 4 people · Guide in English or Spanish07:30, 11:00 and 14:30

Up to 3 people · Guide in English or Spanish08:00, 11:30 and 14:30

See 9 more options

Up to 15 people · Guide in English or Spanish08:00, 11:30 and 14:30

Up to 3 people · Guide in English or Spanish07:30, 11:00 and 14:30

Up to 5 people · Guide in English or Spanish07:30, 11:30 and 14:30

Up to 15 people · Guide in English or Spanish07:30, 11:00 and 14:30

Up to 15 people · Guide in English or Spanish07:35 and 10:30

Up to 4 people · Guide in English or Spanish08:00 and 10:00

Up to 3 people · Guide in English or Spanish08:00 and 10:00

Up to 15 people · Guide in English or Spanish08:00 and 10:00

Up to 15 people · Guide in English or Spanish07:30 and 09:30

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 day9 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 14:30

AgesAdult (18 to 50 years) · Youth (16 to 17 years) · Child (7 to 15 years) · Infant (4 to 6 years): free · Under 4: 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 43 pickup points.Operator's directions: “We are located Next To CEPIA institute or Next To Huacas Primary School. We start our atv tour at this point and we drive to the off road trail through jungle, passing friendly village and visit the beaches .”

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 3 days ago

Good to know

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

Operated by Pininos Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose the ATV option if you're riding solo or want a lighter, nimbler machine. Pick the UTV if you're traveling with family or friends and prefer to ride together. Either way, you're operating the machine yourself across terrain most beach visitors skip, so you need at least moderate fitness and comfort with off-road riding. This is not a guided sightseeing tour where someone else drives.

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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 (16 to 17 years); Child (7 to 15 years); Infant (4 to 6 years): free. Under 4: 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.

What's the difference between the ATV and the UTV on this ride?

The ATV is a semi-automatic single-rider machine, while the UTV is a side-by-side vehicle that fits 2–5 people depending on the option you choose. Both follow the same route and stop at the same beaches.

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

Yes, a valid driver's license is mandatory to operate either machine. If you don't have one, you can sign a waiver, but the license is the preferred requirement.

What happens at Playa Piratas and Puerto Viejo Beach during the ride?

At Playa Piratas, you stop for 10–15 minutes to take photos, drink water and hear the guide explain the area. At Puerto Viejo Beach, you have time to use bathrooms and order a cold drink or cocktail before returning to the departure point.

Is hotel pickup included, or do I meet somewhere?

Hotel pickup is included in some options. Others require you to meet at the office in Tamarindo Beach Town or at the main departure point in Huacas. Check your option details at checkout. If you're staying at JW Marriott Guanacaste, select the option labeled for that hotel.

What should I bring or wear for the 2-hour ride?

Wear sneakers and comfortable light clothing you don't mind getting dirty. Bring a valid driver's license, a bandana (mandatory), and a change of clothes to the office if you want to freshen up before returning to your hotel. Helmets and bottled water are provided.