ATV Tours at JW Marriott All-Inclusive Resort Costa Rica

The best part of this ATV ride is that it links three very different Costa Rican coastal stops in one short outing. You can race along the route, ask to pause for beach photos, or stand at Playa Coyotera with your feet in the Pacific and look toward the mountains of Nicaragua.

I like the flexible pace and the clear attention from guides such as Fidel and Jorge. I also like that first-time riders are welcome, with instructions before setting off. The main drawback is simple: two hours goes quickly, especially if you want time at every beach and in El Jobo.

Key points

• Three coastal stops: Playa Coyotera, Playa Rajada, and El Jobo each offer a different look at northern Guanacaste.
• Good for first-time riders: Fidel has given clear instructions and checked on nervous beginners during the ride.
• Private outing: Only your own group takes part, which makes beach pauses easier to request.
• Rain is possible: Bring a poncho and wear clothes you do not mind getting wet.
• Hotel-based convenience: The ATVs have been brought directly to Dreams Las Mareas for pickup and return.
• Strong value at $85: Bottled water is included, and the price covers about two hours of riding and guided stops.

An ATV ride is a good way to break up a resort stay. You get off the pool deck, see a stretch of Guanacaste coast, and reach beaches that would be hard to fit into a normal walking outing. This tour costs $85 per person and lasts about two hours, so it is best viewed as a compact coastal adventure rather than a full-day excursion.

The tour is run by ATV Tours with Fidel and is private, meaning only your group takes part. That matters here. You can ask to stop for photos, walk on the beach, wet your feet, or continue riding if the group wants more time on the machines.

What the $85 price gives you

At $85 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see a beach. It can still be good value if you want transport, an ATV, a guide, and several coastal stops without planning the route yourself. Bottled water is included, and the private format gives you more control than a large group outing.

The value comes from the mix. You are not paying only for a short ATV lesson or a single beach visit. In roughly two hours, you ride between Playa Coyotera, Playa Rajada, and El Jobo, with time to stop along the way.

You should keep your expectations in check. The advertised stop times add up to the full tour length: about 30 minutes at Playa Coyotera, 30 minutes at Playa Rajada, and an hour around El Jobo. If you spend longer taking pictures at the first beach, you may have less time later. Ask your guide how to divide the time if every stop matters to you.

Starting out with Fidel or Jorge

You do not need previous ATV experience. Fidel has worked with first-time riders who felt nervous at the start, giving clear instructions and checking that they were comfortable during the ride. That is important because a machine that looks simple can feel lively when you first get on it.

Jorge has also guided this route. The strongest pattern in the feedback is not fancy equipment or a long speech about the area. It is the practical care at the start, the easy-to-follow guidance, and the friendly manner during the ride.

The ATVs have been brought to Dreams Las Mareas for pickup, with the ride starting and ending there. Since the experience is associated with the JW Marriott area but the pickup details supplied here mention Dreams Las Mareas, confirm the exact meeting point when you book. Resort names and transport arrangements can matter more than the price if you are staying elsewhere.

The machines are described as easy to ride. Still, you should listen closely to the instructions, especially if this is your first time. Keep your focus on the route, allow space between vehicles, and tell the guide if you need a slower pace or a short pause.

Playa Coyotera and the Nicaragua view

The first named stop is Acceso a Playa Coyotera. This is the place to ask for a real beach break. You can take pictures, walk toward the water, or wet your feet before continuing.

The striking detail here is the view toward Nicaragua. From this part of the coast, you can look toward the mountains of the neighboring country, with the two countries separated by the sea and border region. It gives the stop a sense of place beyond simply being another tropical beach.

You have about 30 minutes here. That is enough for a short walk, some pictures, and time by the water. It is not enough for a long swim, a slow meal, or an extended beach afternoon. If your group likes photography, tell the guide early that you want to stop rather than assuming the machine will pause automatically.

This is also a good first chance to settle into the ride. You can see how the ATV handles, get used to the coastal route, and decide how much time you want to spend off the machine. The tour allows you to request stops, but the schedule remains short.

Playa Rajada and the open coast

Playa Rajada is the second beach stop, with about 30 minutes available. It is described as a beautiful coastal beach with clear water, and it attracts people who want a quieter look at the northern Guanacaste shore.

The choice here is yours. You can ask to stop and enjoy the beach, or continue at speed toward the next part of the route. That flexibility will suit a group with mixed interests. One person can take pictures while another may prefer to keep riding.

I would not treat the beach timing as guaranteed private beach time. The tour passes through the area, and the exact amount of time you spend there depends on the pace you choose with your guide. If swimming is your priority, ask directly how long you can stay and how that affects El Jobo.

Playa Rajada is useful as a contrast to Playa Coyotera. The first stop offers the border-region view and a chance to touch the Pacific. The second gives you another coastal setting and more time to decide whether you want to linger or keep moving.

El Jobo, the most local part of the route

The longest stop is El Jobo, with about one hour in or around the town. This is where the experience shifts from beach scenery to local life. You can stop to eat, shop, or listen as the guide explains the route, the beach names, and the way of life in the nearby communities.

That hour gives the tour more substance than a ride that simply jumps from one postcard beach to another. You get a look at a town rather than only passing through open coastal areas. If you want food or a small purchase, El Jobo is the planned chance to do it.

The information supplied does not name a specific restaurant, menu, or shop, so you should not book this expecting a set meal. Food and shopping are options during the stop, not listed inclusions. Bottled water is the only item specifically included.

El Jobo also gives you a chance to slow down. Two hours on an ATV can feel active and noisy, so an hour in town may be welcome. On the other hand, riders who mainly want beach time may find that the long stop reduces the time available at Playa Coyotera or Playa Rajada. Tell your guide what your group values most.

Rain, clothes, and comfort

Rain can be part of the day. The ride has continued during wet weather, and the machines can still be enjoyable when the first part of the route gets rained on. That does not mean you should dress as if you are guaranteed a dry outing.

Bring a poncho and wear clothes you do not mind getting wet. This is practical advice, not a minor detail. Wet clothes, muddy conditions, and water spray can change your mood quickly if you arrive dressed for a polished resort afternoon.

The supplied information does not list helmets, footwear, or other equipment, so ask what is provided before setting out. You should also ask about the best clothing for the current weather and riding conditions. Keep valuables protected, since beach stops and rain are both part of the possible experience.

Bottled water is included. You may still want to bring any other personal items you need, but do not assume food or drinks beyond the listed water are covered.

Who will enjoy this private ride

This tour suits you if you want an active outing that fits into half a day at the resort. It works especially well for:

• First-time ATV riders who want clear instructions and a guide nearby
• Families or couples who prefer a private group
• People who like a mix of riding, beach stops, and a local town
• Anyone who wants to request photo stops rather than follow a rigid schedule
• Resort visitors who are happy with a short, energetic excursion

It may be less suitable if you want a long swim, a full beach day, or a quiet nature walk. The machines are the main event. You will spend much of the two hours riding, with short stops built into the route.

The private setup is a real advantage for families and small groups. You do not have to match the pace of strangers, and you can tell Fidel or Jorge what matters most. Still, private does not mean unlimited time. The full outing remains about two hours.

Booking details and cancellation

Confirmation is provided when you book. Most people can participate, and this is a private activity for your group only.

The tour is often booked about 22 days ahead. That does not mean you must reserve exactly three weeks in advance, but it is a useful sign that planning ahead makes sense, particularly if your resort dates are fixed.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded, and changes inside that window are not accepted. The cut-off uses local time in Costa Rica, so check the clock carefully if you are changing plans from another time zone.

Is the ATV ride worth adding to your resort stay?

I would book this if you want a manageable two-hour burst of adventure, especially if you have never driven an ATV. The combination of Playa Coyotera, the view toward Nicaragua, Playa Rajada, and the town of El Jobo gives you more variety than a simple ride around resort roads.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the private format, the ability to request beach stops, and the patient instruction offered by Fidel and Jorge. The perfect 5 rating from 97 posted ratings also points to a consistently well-received experience.

I would skip it if your ideal day means staying dry, avoiding motorized activities, or spending hours on one beach. For everyone else, $85 is a fair price for a guided coastal ride with water, hotel-based convenience, and several chances to see northern Guanacaste from a different angle.

FAQ

How much does the ATV tour cost?

The tour costs $85 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The ATV experience lasts approximately two hours.

Which places does the tour visit?

The route includes Acceso a Playa Coyotera, Playa Rajada, and El Jobo.

Can I stop at the beaches?

Yes. You can ask the guide to stop for photos, walk on the beach, or wet your feet. You can also continue riding if you prefer.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your own group takes part in the activity.

Is anything included?

Bottled water is included. Food and shopping in El Jobo are not listed as included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.