ATV Tour FAQ: Playas del Coco, Costa Rica

Yes. Costa Rican law requires every ATV driver to carry a valid driver's license from their home country, plus a passport or a copy. Guests without a license are welcome to ride as passengers on a two-seat ATV with a licensed driver from their group.

Drivers must be at least 16 and hold a valid driver's license from their home country. Younger riders are welcome as passengers on a tandem ATV with a licensed driver from their group, which keeps the whole family in on the adventure.

Yes. There's no strict minimum age for passengers, but we recommend children be old enough to hold on securely and follow basic safety instructions, generally around 5 and up. Our guides will check before the tour and recommend the safest setup for your family.

We ride Honda ATVs, maintained regularly for safety, comfort and performance. We offer both single-rider and double-rider ATVs, so solo travelers, couples, families and groups all have an option that fits.

None at all. Every tour starts with a hands-on safety briefing covering throttle, braking and trail basics, and your guide sets the pace to match your comfort level. Most first-time riders feel confident within the first few minutes.

Yes. The ATVs are automatic and easy to operate, guides control the pace throughout, and our routes are chosen for scenery and enjoyment rather than extreme difficulty. If you can drive a car, you can ride with us.

We accept cash in U.S. dollars and Costa Rican colones, Visa, Mastercard, debit cards and secure online payments. A deposit confirms your booking, and the balance is due before your tour.

Cancel at least 48 hours before your tour and we'll refund your deposit in full. Cancellations made less than 48 hours before the tour forfeit the deposit.

It's one of the best. A guided ride through local backroads and coastal trails gives you an immediate feel for the landscape, the wildlife and the pace of life here.

Closed-toe shoes are required; sandals and flip-flops aren't allowed. Lightweight long pants give the best protection from dust, sun and brush, and a breathable shirt, sunglasses and sunscreen are strongly recommended. Leave anything white or expensive at the hotel: dusty trails are part of the fun.

Your driver's license (required for all drivers), sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat for before and after the ride, some cash for tips, and a phone or camera in a secure pocket or waterproof case. Water is provided on tour. Leave valuables and jewelry at your accommodation.

Yes, depending on the route. Several beaches along this coast are only reachable by dirt tracks and dry riverbeds, including spots near Playa Matapalo and Playa Zapotal, plus smaller coves with no crowds, vendors or resort chairs.

Yes, and they're a favorite for most riders. Depending on the season, routes include shallow river and stream crossings through the dry forest. In the green season (May to November) water levels rise and the crossings get more exciting. Guides check conditions daily and choose the safest route.

Howler monkeys are very common on morning rides; you'll usually hear them before you see them. White-faced capuchins, coatis, iguanas and many tropical birds are regular sightings too. The dry season (December to April) offers the best visibility, while the green season brings animals out near water.

Our trails run through Guanacaste's tropical dry forest, a rare ecosystem with a completely different character from the rainforests further south. Rides reach ridge lines overlooking the Gulf of Papagayo and secluded beaches you can't reach by rental car. It's drier, more rugged and far less crowded than most ATV routes in Costa Rica.

All of our guides are bilingual in English and Spanish, so nothing gets lost whether you're asking about wildlife, the trail ahead or the best photo stops.

We're in Nuevo Colón, about 15 minutes from Playas del Coco. When you book, we'll send exact directions and a map pin so getting here is easy.

Yes. Transportation is free for guests staying at RIU Guanacaste and RIU Palace Costa Rica. From other hotels and rentals in Playas del Coco, Playa Hermosa, Ocotal, Playa Panamá and the Papagayo Peninsula, we can provide transportation for an additional charge, depending on distance. Send us your hotel name and group size when you book, and we'll confirm pickup details and the cost.