Tamarindo & Playa Negra: UTV Buggy Beach Tour with Guide

Summary

Driving buggies through Guanacaste’s wild trails to quiet sands

You’ll hop into a UTV buggy in Tamarindo with a local guide and drive wild trails through Guanacaste’s forests toward Playa Negra’s black sands and hidden beaches like Pirate’s Bay. Expect monkeys overhead, fresh fruit breaks by the sea, hotel pickup included — plus those small moments of silence or laughter you’ll remember long after the trip.

What’s the experience like?

First thing — I didn’t expect Carlos to hand me a helmet with a grin and say, “Don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it fast.” He was right, though. After a quick run-through in the dusty lot behind their Tamarindo office (I stalled once, nobody cared), we set off in these noisy little UTVs that made my teeth rattle but honestly felt kind of freeing. The morning air smelled like sun-warmed earth and salt, and I kept catching glimpses of iguanas darting under the brush while Carlos waved us on.

We bumped along back roads where the forest thinned out into open stretches — dry leaves crunching under the tires, monkeys somewhere overhead making that weird barking sound. At one point we stopped because someone spotted a troop of howlers crossing above us; our guide just leaned back against his buggy and waited, like this was totally normal. It was hot but not unbearable, just enough to make the cold water at our next stop taste amazing.

Playa Negra was quieter than I expected — black sand warm underfoot, only two fishermen in sight. I tried to say “Playa Negra” properly (Li laughed at my accent), then we just stood there for a bit watching waves roll in. There wasn’t much talking; sometimes that’s better. Later at Pirate’s Bay, Carlos sliced up pineapple for us while we sat on driftwood and let our shoes fill with sand. The fruit tasted sharper somehow after all that dust and wind.

The ride back took a different route — more hills this time, views opening up suddenly over the coast before ducking back into trees. My arms were tired but I didn’t really want it to end yet. Even now I can still hear those buggy engines echoing in my head when things get too quiet at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — UTV Tour and Beach Visits

• UTV operation instruction
• Drive through tropical forest to Playa Negra
• Visit beaches around Playa Conchal including Puerto Viejo
• Pick up & Drop off included
• Pick up & Drop off included
• Pick up & Drop off included
• Pick up & Drop off included

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Tamarindo UTV beach tour?

Yes, free hotel pickup and drop-off are included from selected locations around Tamarindo.

Do I need experience driving a UTV for this tour?

No experience is needed; guides give you an instruction lesson before heading out.

Which beaches do we visit on this day trip from Tamarindo?

You’ll visit Playa Negra, Puerto Viejo, Playa Minas, Pirate’s Bay, and sometimes Playa Conchal area beaches.

Are snacks or drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, you get fresh fruit snacks and cold water during stops at the beaches.

How long does it take to reach Playa Negra from Tamarindo by UTV?

The drive takes about 45 minutes each way depending on trail conditions and stops for wildlife sightings.

Is snorkeling possible during this tour?

You can snorkel at some beach stops if you bring your own gear; check with your guide on arrival.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel pickup and drop-off from selected locations in Tamarindo, all local taxes covered, use of helmet and goggles for safety, guidance from a bilingual local expert throughout the drive, plus fresh fruit snacks and cold water served during beach stops before returning along scenic routes in the afternoon.