Throttle and Tides: A Three-Hour ATV Escape Along El Jobo’s Beaches
Three hours of beach, wildlife, and local flavor along Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
The first turn off the paved road spits you into wind and salt—the kind that scrubs the air clean and makes the palms clap like hands. Your guide radios ahead, the fleet fan out in a playful stagger, and the sand takes the first of many tire prints you’ll leave behind. Over three hours the world compresses into two things: speed and scenery. You’ll race across black-and-gold beaches, cut under low-canopied dry forest where howler monkeys announce themselves like a distant storm, and stop at a bluff to watch tide and light arrange themselves over Salinas and Santa Elena bays.
Trail Wisdom
Start during cool hours
Begin at morning or late afternoon for cooler sand, softer light, and better wildlife activity.
Secure your gear
Use a snug, waterproof phone case and a small chest pack—salt and sand ruin electronics quickly.
Listen to the guide
Follow instructions on speed and spacing: beach conditions can change rapidly and guides know the safe lines.
Respect wildlife
Keep distance from monkeys and birds; never feed animals or approach nesting areas.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Cliff viewpoint between Salinas and Santa Elena bays for panoramic photos
- •Small local sodas near Rajada Beach serving fresh ceviche and casados
Wildlife
Howler monkeys, White-faced capuchin monkeys
Conservation Note
Dry tropical forest near the coast is fragile—stay on designated tracks, avoid disturbing animals, and carry out all trash to protect habitats.
Guanacaste blends indigenous, Spanish colonial, and ranching traditions; coastal villages grew around fishing and small-scale agriculture before tourism expanded.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Dry sand riding, Wildlife viewing at dawn, Comfortable daytime temps
Challenges: Increasing tourism crowds, Occasional late rains in May
Spring (March–May) offers warm, dry conditions and firm beach trails—expect more crowds as the high season peaks.
summer
Best for: Lush scenery, Fewer tourists, Good photography after rains
Challenges: Short, heavy afternoon storms, Softer sand and muddy tracks
Summer (June–August) brings green-season blooms and dramatic skies; be ready for wet sections and schedule rides earlier in the day.
fall
Best for: Lush forest color, Lower prices, Active birdlife
Challenges: Rainier days and occasional road washouts, More insects
Fall (September–November) is quieter and greener but has more rain—plan for mud and flexible timing.
winter
Best for: Clear skies, Firm trails, Reliable beach conditions
Challenges: Higher prices and busier resorts, Hot midday temperatures
Winter (December–February) is peak dry season—expect sunny days, firm sand, and the most predictable riding conditions.
Photographer's Notes
What to Bring
Helmet (provided or personal)Essential
Protects against falls and is required by operators.
Closed-toe trail shoesEssential
Keeps feet protected from sand, rocks, and hot footwells.
Sun-protective clothing & hatEssential
Lightweight long sleeves and a hat reduce sunburn during exposed beach stretches.
Small dry bag or waterproof phone caseEssential
Protects electronics and valuables from salt spray and sand.
Common Questions
How long is the tour and where does it start?
The experience is a three-hour private ATV tour; pickup is typically at your resort’s main lobby (guide meets by the flagpoles).
Do I need prior ATV experience?
No prior experience is required—guides provide a safety briefing and the ride pace is adjusted to the group.
What wildlife might we see?
Common sightings include white-faced capuchins, howler monkeys, coatis, herons, and various raptors; sightings are never guaranteed.
Is the tour appropriate for children?
Children can ride as passengers depending on age and weight—check with the operator about minimum age and safety rules.
What should I bring on the tour?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, closed-toe shoes, a small amount of cash, and a waterproof case for your phone or camera.
Can we stop for food or drinks?
Yes—guides are flexible and can stop at local restaurants or beach bars if you’d like to eat during or after the tour.
What to Pack
Helmet (operator will provide) for safety; Closed-toe shoes for protection on rough terrain; Sunscreen and sunglasses to handle intense coastal sun; Waterproof phone case to protect electronics from sand and spray
Did You Know
Guanacaste is home to one of the world’s remaining stands of tropical dry forest—an ecosystem that loses leaves in the dry season and supports unique wildlife and plant life.
Quick Travel Tips
Fly into Liberia (LIR) for the shortest drive; Bring small local cash for roadside purchases; Schedule rides in morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat; Confirm pickup details with your resort the day before
Local Flavor
After the ride, head to a nearby soda or beachside casona for a casado (rice, beans, plantain, salad, and protein) and try local ceviche. For beers, small beach bars in Playa Hermosa and Playas del Coco offer cold Imperial or local craft brews—ask your guide for a recommended spot.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia (~30–45 min drive); Pickup: resort main lobby; Driving distance from Playas del Coco: 15–25 minutes; Cell service: Generally available in town, patchy on remote beaches; Permits: None required for recreational ATV tours but follow operator guidelines.
Sustainability Note
This coastline includes sensitive dry-forest and shoreline habitats—stay on established tracks, don’t feed wildlife, and pack out trash to minimize impact.