Reviewed · ATV TOURS
ATV Tours at Dreams Las Mareas Costa Rica
The best part of this ATV outing is the route. You leave Playa Hermosa and head toward El Jobo, a small fishing village, then continue along a string of beaches that are difficult to appreciate from a resort pool. Coyotera, Ecoplaya, Manzanillo, and Rajada each give the ride a different coastal view.
I like the hotel pickup and the small-group format, since you do not have to arrange a taxi or find an unfamiliar meeting point. I also like that guides such as Larry, Mario, Fidel, Elli, and Kelly take time to explain the area and adjust their pace for the group.
The main thing to consider is dust. A face covering is useful, especially on dry roads behind another ATV. You receive goggles, but you should still expect a rough, open-air ride rather than a polished sightseeing bus excursion.
Key points to know before you book

- El Jobo adds local context: The fishing village gives you more than a beach ride, with a look at a community where commercial fishing supports many residents.
- Four beaches are part of the route: Coyotera, Ecoplaya, Manzanillo, and Rajada provide the main coastal scenery.
- Hotel transfers are included: Pickup and return are offered from your hotel, which simplifies the outing from Playa Hermosa.
- Dust is part of the ride: Goggles are supplied, but bring a face covering if you want to limit dust in your nose and mouth.
- The rules are firm: You may not use your cellphone while driving, and alcohol may not be consumed during the tour.
- The group stays fairly contained: Groups are limited to 14 people, and the activity is described as private for your party.
From Playa Hermosa to El Jobo by ATV

This is a two-and-a-half-hour outing built around movement. After pickup at your hotel, you ride toward El Jobo and the beaches near the northern Guanacaste coast. The route is not just a straight run to one viewpoint. It links several beach areas with a village visit and time for a local stop.
The ATVs let you cover ground that would take much longer on foot. You can also pause to take in the coast, eat at a local restaurant, or do some shopping. The precise length of each beach stop is not set out, so you should think of this as a guided route rather than a schedule packed with long, separate beach visits.
El Jobo is listed as a 30-minute stop. That is enough time for a useful look at the village without turning the outing into a full cultural tour. The area depends heavily on commercial fishing, and that detail gives the stop a practical purpose. You see a working community, not just a resort strip designed for visitors.
I like this balance. An ATV tour can become a simple engine-and-dust activity, but the El Jobo stop adds a human connection to the route. If you want an in-depth visit with extended conversations about fishing, the village stop may feel brief. If you want a clear taste of local life between beach rides, 30 minutes is a sensible amount of time.
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Four beaches, four reasons to keep riding

The route includes Coyotera Beach, Ecoplaya Beach, Manzanillo Beach, and Rajada Beach. The supplied details do not assign a separate activity or fixed stop length to each one, so do not book this expecting four long beach breaks. Their value is in the changing views and the chance to see several coastal areas in one trip.
Coyotera Beach is part of the early promise of the ride: you are not confined to the beach beside your hotel. The ATV gives you access to a wider stretch of the coast and a more active way to see it.
Ecoplaya Beach adds another change of scenery. The name suggests a beach with an environmental angle, but the tour information does not specify facilities, conservation programs, or swimming conditions. Treat it as a scenic part of the route rather than assuming a particular beach service is available.
Manzanillo Beach is another coastal stop on the circuit. The guide may provide commentary as you go, and Mario is specifically praised for explaining the area and including a tour of La Cruz on one outing. That suggests the guide role is not limited to driving ahead of the group. You may get useful local context along the way.
Rajada Beach rounds out the beach sequence. Seeing several beaches is a strong reason to choose this tour over a short ATV loop near the resort. At the same time, the route is best for seeing and riding. If your goal is to spend most of the day swimming or lying on one quiet beach, a dedicated beach trip will suit you better.
What the riding feels like in real conditions
The ride lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, which is long enough to feel like a proper excursion without taking your entire day. You need to be comfortable sitting on an ATV, following instructions, and dealing with road dust.
Safety equipment is provided, including goggles. That matters on dry sections where the ATV ahead can throw dust backward. I would bring a cloth face covering or similar protection, as well as clothing you do not mind getting dirty. The face covering is especially useful if you are sensitive to dust.
The cellphone rule is clear: do not use your phone while driving. This is sensible, but it means you should not plan to film the entire route from the ATV. Stop when instructed, keep the phone secured while moving, and follow the guide’s directions.
Alcohol is also not allowed during the tour. This point deserves attention because the general tour details mention alcoholic beverages, while the safety protocol says drinking alcohol is not permitted. The practical advice is simple: follow the stricter rule and do not drink during the ride. Water and soda are included, so you will have nonalcoholic refreshments.
The available information says most people can participate, but it does not provide a detailed medical or age policy. If you have a specific concern about riding an ATV, ask the operator before booking rather than assuming the general participation statement covers your situation.
Guides who add more than directions
The guiding team is a notable part of the experience. Names connected with the tour include Jairo, Larry, Fidel, Elli, Kelly, and Mario. You should not assume you will receive a particular guide unless the operator confirms it, but the range of names gives you an idea of the hands-on team behind the outing.
Larry is associated with a fun, sightseeing-focused trip with plenty to see. Mario is described as patient and kind, and he gave an explanation of La Cruz during one outing. Jairo, Fidel, Elli, and Kelly are also singled out for taking their time with a group during a celebration outing.
That last point matters. ATV tours can feel rushed when guides focus only on keeping a line of vehicles moving. Here, the guide’s role appears to include stopping, explaining, and helping the group enjoy the route at a reasonable pace. You still need to remember that a two-and-a-half-hour tour has limits. It is an introduction to the area, not a full-day cultural program.
If you are new to ATVs, tell the guide at the start. The information does not promise a separate beginner course, but patient instruction and a measured pace can make a big difference. Keep the group together and do not treat the ride like a race.
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Pickup, group size, and the private-tour wording
Round-trip hotel transfers are included, which is one of the strongest practical benefits. From Playa Hermosa, that saves you the trouble of arranging transport to a remote starting point. Pickup details can vary, so you should still confirm where and when the vehicle will meet you after booking.
The group limit is 14 participants. That is small enough to keep the guide’s explanations within reach, but it is not a one-on-one ride. The activity is also described as private, with only your group participating. Since both descriptions appear in the tour details, ask how the operator defines your group before you pay if a fully private outing is important to you.
A 14-person maximum can work well for families, couples traveling together, or a group of friends. It gives the outing more character than a large convoy while keeping the cost of guiding and transfers spread across several people.
Mobile tickets are offered, and confirmation is received at booking. Those are useful conveniences, especially when you are arranging several excursions during a Costa Rican stay. You should keep your booking confirmation accessible, but once you are riding, store your phone safely.
Is $135 a fair price?
The price is $135 per person. That is not the cheapest way to see a beach, but the comparison is not really between this and a free walk along the sand. Your price covers approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes of ATV touring, safety equipment, bottled water, soda, and round-trip hotel transfers.
The route also reaches several beaches and includes El Jobo, with the option to stop at a local restaurant or shop. Those extras give the price more weight than a short ATV rental with no guide or transport.
I see the strongest value for visitors who want several services in one package. You avoid a separate taxi, equipment rental, route planning, and decisions about where to stop. If you are traveling with a larger group, the shared guiding and transport may feel worthwhile.
The value is weaker if you only want a quick ride or plan to spend the day swimming. You may also find the price less appealing if dust, engine noise, or a strict no-phone rule would reduce your enjoyment. In that case, a quieter beach outing may be a better use of your money.
The tour receives a five-out-of-five rating from 50 ratings, with 100 percent recommending it. That is a strong signal for the operator’s service, though your experience will still depend on weather, road conditions, and the guide assigned to your group.
Who will enjoy this ride most?
I would choose this tour for an active day away from the resort. It fits you if you want to see more of northern Guanacaste, enjoy a little rough road riding, and prefer a guide-led outing to arranging everything yourself.
It is also a good match for visitors who want a small taste of local life. El Jobo is not presented as a staged attraction. The fishing connection gives the village stop a grounded quality, even though the visit is short.
Friends and families with compatible riding interests should find the format easy to enjoy. The 14-person limit keeps the group from becoming unwieldy, and hotel transfers remove one common travel headache.
I would think twice if you dislike dust, have no interest in driving an ATV, or want a long, quiet beach day. The tour is built around riding between places, not staying put. You should also be comfortable following safety rules, keeping your phone away while driving, and avoiding alcohol for the duration.
Booking and cancellation details

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.
This matters because weather, illness, and changing beach plans can affect an ATV outing. Do not wait until the last day if you are unsure. The tour is often booked about 11 days ahead, so reserving early may help if your dates are fixed.
Tips are not included. Bring some extra cash if you want to thank the guide, but tipping is separate from the $135 price.
My call: book it if you want beaches with a bit of grit
Book this ATV tour if you want more than a resort transfer and a single beach stop. The combination of four coastal areas, the El Jobo fishing village, hotel pickup, safety gear, and friendly guides gives you a useful half-day look at the area.
Go in prepared for dust, riding rules, and a route that favors variety over long stays at one beach. Bring a face covering, wear practical clothes, leave the phone put away while driving, and follow the no-alcohol rule. If that sounds like your kind of outing, Jairo Tours in Costa Rica offers a well-rounded way to see the coast around Playa Hermosa.
FAQ
Where does the ATV tour take place?
The tour is based in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica, and travels around El Jobo and nearby beaches.
Which beaches are included?
The route includes Coyotera Beach, Ecoplaya Beach, Manzanillo Beach, and Rajada Beach.
How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Round-trip transfers from your hotel are included.
How many people can join?
Groups are limited to 14 participants. The activity is also described as private for your group.
What is included in the price?
Safety equipment, bottled water, soda, and round-trip hotel transfers are included. A stop for food or shopping may also be available, but the supplied details do not say that food purchases are included.
Can I use my cellphone while driving?
No. The tour protocol does not allow cellphone use while you are driving.
Can I drink alcohol during the tour?
No. The safety protocol says alcohol is not allowed during the tour. Water and soda are provided.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.
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