Imagine zipping along rugged trails, feeling the spray of ocean breezes, and stopping at quiet beaches where you’re almost the only visitor. That’s exactly what you get with the ATV Mountain & Beach Tour in Samara, Costa Rica. For $124 per group, roughly three hours of fun, exploration, and scenic beauty, this guided adventure offers a perfect mix of adrenaline and relaxation. Led by knowledgeable guides like Andre, you’ll learn to operate a quad safely, traverse hills and jungle paths, and visit some of the area’s most stunning, lesser-known beaches.

Two aspects really stand out to us. First is the diversity of scenery—from lush mountains and jungles to pristine beaches—giving you a well-rounded taste of Costa Rica’s natural beauty. Second, the expert guidance ensures you feel confident and informed while discovering hidden gems like Playa Barrigona, which even celebrities have visited but remains accessible to all. The only thing to consider is that the tour is a shared group experience, so if you’re seeking complete privacy or a slow-paced ride, that might influence your choice.

This tour suits adventurous travelers who want to combine off-road fun with scenic sightseeing. It’s especially ideal for families with kids from age five upwards, groups of friends, or anyone eager to explore Costa Rica beyond the typical tourist spots. If you’re craving a mix of thrill, natural beauty, and authentic local spots, this tour delivers.

Key Points

Diverse Scenery: From mountains and jungles to secluded beaches, expect a full sensory experience.
Expert Guides: Guides like Andre are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and patience.
All-Inclusive Feel: Water, seasonal fruits, snacks, and safety gear are provided, making it easy to focus on the adventure.
Flexible Pacing: You can go fast or slow—your choice—making it suitable for different comfort levels.
Family Friendly: Kids from five years old are welcome, with parental supervision.
Limited Group Size: Tours are small, with a maximum of 15 to 30 travelers, ensuring personalized attention.

What You Can Expect From the Tour

The experience begins in Samara, near the beach that’s familiar to most visitors. After a safety briefing and a quick driver training session, you’re handed a helmet, a bandana, and your driver’s license, ready to hit the trail. The tour is designed to be a half-day adventure totaling about three hours, but don’t worry, it’s packed with highlights.

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The Itinerary: Exploring Unique Spots

Stop 1: Barrigona Beach
Your journey kicks off with a visit to Playa Barrigona, a stunning crescent-shaped beach known for its tranquility and natural beauty. This beach is rarely crowded—despite Mel Gibson once building a large resort nearby—and its public access means you can enjoy its pristine sands and surf without restrictions. The fact that admission is included makes it a hassle-free stop. Reviewers describe Barrigona as “so beautiful that even celebrities visit,” emphasizing its untouched charm. Expect about 40 minutes here, perfect for photos, a stroll, and soaking in the peaceful vibe.

Stop 2: Playa Buena Vista
Next, you’ll head to Playa Buena Vista, a larger beach with gentle surf, lush greenery, and a river estuary at its north end. It’s a great spot for sunbathing, walking, or just watching the waves. Some sections have slight drop-offs, so you might want to keep an eye on children. From this spot, ultra-light plane rides are organized, adding a touch of adventure for those interested. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, with admission included.

Riding Through Hills and Jungles

Back on the quad, the fun really begins. Expect to traverse dirt, mud, and hilly terrain, with guides like Andre making sure everyone stays safe and has fun. Several reviews mention how guides point out hidden beaches, wildlife, and impressive views from mountaintops—something you won’t find in most travel guides. The ride offers a good balance of excitement and scenic beauty, with some reviewers noting the ride was “just the right length,” and “not too short or too long.”

Authentic Adventure and Wildlife Spotting

The guides are well-versed in the local area, often pointing out wildlife such as howler monkeys and other jungle critters. This adds an educational element to your ride—making it more than just a thrill. The experience is also flexible: you can go at your own pace, allowing for moments of high-speed fun or a more relaxed exploration.

Post-ride Relaxation

After your off-road adventure, you’ll stop at a beach to enjoy a swim, some snacks, and fresh seasonal fruit. It’s a perfect way to cool off and reflect on the ride. While some reviewers wished for more swimming opportunities, the beach visit remains a highlight, offering a peaceful retreat after the adrenaline rush.

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The Guides and Their Impact

Reviews consistently praise guides like Andre, describing them as knowledgeable, patient, and friendly. They’re fluent in both English and Spanish, which helps ensure everyone feels comfortable. Many travelers mentioned how guides made the experience fun, pointing out hidden beaches and wildlife, which added depth to the ride.

“Andre pointed out some amazing hidden beaches,” says one reviewer, echoing what many others have experienced. Their local knowledge really enhances the value of the tour, turning a simple ATV ride into an educational journey through Costa Rica’s rich landscape.

What’s Included and What Not

The tour price covers guide, safety gear, water, seasonal fruit, snacks, and bottled water. This makes it a good value, especially considering how much ground you cover and the inclusions. The only caveat is that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point in Samara.

The tour is designed for families and groups, with a maximum of 15 people, ensuring everyone gets attention without feeling crowded. Children from age five are welcome, provided they are accompanied by an adult, making it ideal for family outings.

Booking and Practicalities

Most travelers book about 3 weeks in advance, which suggests good availability if planned early. The tour runs rain or shine, but it’s wise to check the weather forecast—wet conditions can make the trails more challenging and muddy, adding to the adventure. The tour’s flexibility allows you to enjoy the ride at your own pace, while the safety gear and guide instructions ensure a secure experience.

If you’re an adventurous spirit craving off-road thrills combined with scenic sightseeing, this tour is perfect. Families with older children will find it especially appealing, as the ride is suitable for ages five and up. Nature lovers will appreciate the chance to see secluded beaches and wildlife, while those seeking authentic local experiences will enjoy the guidance and storytelling from expert guides.

However, if you prefer a very private, slow-paced experience, or are uncomfortable with muddy terrain, this might feel a bit too lively. Still, most reviews highlight the friendly guides and scenic diversity as key strengths, making it a memorable part of any Costa Rican trip.

The ATV Mountain & Beach Tour in Samara offers a captivating combination of adventure, natural beauty, and local charm. It’s a chance to explore Costa Rica’s rugged hills, lush jungles, and tranquil beaches—all in a safe, guided setting. The presence of knowledgeable guides like Andre, who brighten the ride with their insights and friendliness, makes this experience even more rewarding.

Whether you’re looking to get muddy on hillside trails, spot wildlife, or relax at secluded beaches, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s especially valuable for those who appreciate a well-rounded outdoor experience, good value, and authentic scenery. The small group size keeps things personal, and the inclusions of water, fruits, and snacks make it feel like a truly cared-for adventure.

If you want to see the best of Samara’s wild side without sacrificing comfort or safety, this ATV tour is definitely worth considering. It’s a lively, scenic, and genuinely fun way to add a splash of adventure to your Costa Rican holiday.

Do I need a driver’s license to participate?
Yes, you need a valid driver license to operate the ATV, as it’s a driver-led tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, kids from age five and up are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult.

What should I bring?
Bring your driver’s license, passport, and a bandana. The tour provides safety gear, water, fruits, and snacks.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, the tour starts at Samara Beach, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

How long is the tour?
Approximately 3 hours, including stops at beaches and scenic spots.

Can I go at my own pace?
Yes, the ride allows you to go fast or slow, depending on your comfort level.

What’s the group size?
The tour is limited to 15 participants for a personalized experience.

What if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine, but weather conditions might affect trail difficulty and safety; check beforehand.

Whether you’re after a thrilling ride, scenic vistas, or a chance to explore hidden beaches, this ATV tour provides a comprehensive, fun, and authentic Costa Rican experience. It’s a great way to see some of the most beautiful, less-traveled spots around Samara, all while feeling the thrill of the ride.