Costa Rica Day Trip.
ATV rider navigating a muddy jungle trail through rainforest above Quepos near Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Adventure

Best ATV Tours in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Prices, Ages & Waterfall Rides

Written by: Costa Rica Day Trip Team Content Last Updated May 2026 10 min read
Price
From $85
Per person
Duration
3 hrs
Half day
Season
Year-round
Daily departures
Top Pick
$85
Costa Rica Jade Tours
See Top TourCompare AlternativesView Comparison Table

ATV tours near Manuel Antonio take you through private rainforest trails, river crossings, and a waterfall stop with hotel pickup and lunch included. Here's how the three main operators compare on price, duration, and what's actually included.

What You Should Know

  • ATV tours near Manuel Antonio run on private jungle land above Quepos, not inside the national park; the route covers off-road trails, river crossings, and a waterfall stop over 3–4 hours, with hotel pickup and lunch included across all three featured operators. Waterfall access at the Rainmaker section depends on season and tour timing; dry season tours (December–April) may not include it.
  • Tours run year-round; morning departures are standard, with most returning to your hotel by early afternoon. The trail is unpaved and includes river crossings, so expect to arrive muddy or wet regardless of season.
  • Prices range from $85 to $124 per person; all operators include hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, helmets, and lunch. Fourtrax also adds a fruit snack and water. Costa Rica Jade Tours is the only operator that accepts passengers under 16 (ages 4+ on double ATVs with a 16+ driver).
  • H2O Adventures requires all riders to be 16 or older with no passenger exceptions, so it's not suited to groups with younger children. Costa Rica Jade Tours (ages 4+, driver 16+) or Fourtrax (ages 5+, driver 16+) are the right choices for mixed-age groups.

Manuel Antonio ATV Tours: What to Know Before You Book

ATV tours in Manuel Antonio don't run inside the national park; they operate on private jungle land above Quepos, roughly 10–20 minutes inland from the coast. All three operators cover off-road jungle trails, river crossings, and a waterfall stop, with hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, helmets, and lunch included. Durations run from 3 hours (Costa Rica Jade) to 4 hours (Fourtrax), with prices from $85 to $124 USD per person. The key differences are age policy, trail time, and food inclusions. This guide covers all three.

Best overall: Costa Rica Jade Tours is the best ATV tour in Manuel Antonio for most travelers. It has the lowest starting price ($85/person), the highest review volume (1,285 reviews at 4.8 stars), A/C hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, a waterfall stop, and lunch included. It also has the most flexible age policy, accepting passengers from age 4, making it the right pick for families. Fourtrax is worth considering if you want more trail time (4 hours) and a slightly more comprehensive food package. H2O suits adults-only groups who want a half-day option with flexible ATV sizing. If you're still deciding which activities to combine, our Manuel Antonio day tours guide covers the full range of excursions available from the same base.

Our friends' ATV setup from our ATV tour with Costa Rica Jade Tours in February 2026 near Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Our friends' ATV setup from our ATV tour with Costa Rica Jade Tours in February 2026. Such a fun way to explore Costa Rica's backroads, jungle trails, and scenic viewpoints together. Nothing beats a day of adventure, dust, and good company.
Our Top Pick

Costa Rica Jade Tours (ATV Off-Road Rainforest & Waterfalls)

From $85/person  ·  4.8 ⭐ (1,285 reviews)

3-hour off-road tour through private rainforest with A/C hotel pickup, bilingual guide, ATV with helmet, and lunch included; accepts passengers from age 4 and has the highest review volume of any ATV operator in the Manuel Antonio area.

Book Now

Best ATV Tour Operators in Manuel Antonio: Side-by-Side Comparison

Tour OperatorATV TypePriceRatingAgesDurationTransportFood
Top Rated
Costa Rica Jade Tours (Off-Road Rainforest & Waterfalls)
Book Now		 Single or double ATV From $85/person ⭐ 4.8 (1,285 reviews)
Read Reviews		 4+ (driver 16+) 3 hours Yes, A/C hotel pickup/dropoff Lunch included
Fourtrax Adventure Tours (Double ATV)
Book Now		 Double ATV (shared) From $124 USD ⭐ 4.7 (155 reviews)
Read Reviews		 5+ (Driver 16+) 4 hours Yes, hotel pickup/dropoff Fruit snack + lunch + water
H2O Adventures
Book Now		 Double or single ATV From $93/person ⭐ 4.7 (60 reviews)
Read Reviews		 16+ Half day (3.5–4 hours) Yes, hotel transport Lunch + water

ℹ️ All tour listings, inclusions, reviews, prices, and operator details were reviewed by our team on May 26, 2026. Prices and availability may change; always confirm with the operator before booking.

Option 1 · Compare

Compare the Top ATV Tours in Manuel Antonio

The most-booked Manuel Antonio off-road ATV tours side by side. Browse live options, then book the top-rated tour directly below.

Loading tours…
Option 2 · Book

Book the Most Popular Option Directly

Live pricing and dates for the top-rated Costa Rica Jade Tours off-road ATV tour — pick your date below.

  • Free cancellation
  • Reserve now & pay later
  • A/C hotel pickup + dropoff
  • Bilingual guide + helmet
  • Lunch included
  • Driver must be 16+

We may earn a commission on bookings made through this link — at no extra cost to you.

What to Expect on a Manuel Antonio ATV Tour

Here's how a typical Manuel Antonio ATV tour runs from hotel pickup to drop-off.

  1. 01

    Hotel pickup

    A van picks you up from your hotel in Quepos or Manuel Antonio. Costa Rica Jade Tours uses air-conditioned vehicles. The drive to the departure base takes 10–20 minutes depending on your hotel's location. The operator confirms your exact pickup time the evening before.

  2. 0220–30 min

    Briefing and gear

    At the base your guide covers ATV controls, trail rules, and how to handle river crossings. You're fitted with a helmet and any other protective gear. No prior ATV experience is needed; guides have you practice basic controls on level ground before the group leaves the base.

  3. 03~2 hrs

    ATV trail ride

    Costa Rica Jade's 3-hour tour includes roughly 2 hours of actual ATV trail time; the remainder covers the safety briefing, the Rainmaker hike (when included), and lunch. Fourtrax and H2O run 3.5–4 hours with a similar structure. The route covers off-road jungle tracks, farm roads, and river crossings through private land. Trails are unpaved with hills, mud sections, and stream crossings. A guide leads from the front and a second guide follows at the back.

  4. 0415–20 min

    Waterfall stop

    Most tours include a waterfall stop, but this depends on season. In green season, Costa Rica Jade typically stops at two swim spots; in dry season (December–April), the Rainmaker hike may be skipped entirely and some groups only get river crossings as their water component. Fourtrax's main stop is also the Rainmaker, reached via a short walk from the ATV parking point. Ask the operator when booking whether the Rainmaker is confirmed for your slot.

  5. 05

    Food

    All operators include a full lunch. Fourtrax also adds a fruit snack on the trail before the main meal and provides water throughout. H2O includes water alongside lunch. Costa Rica Jade includes lunch. The post-ride meal tends to be more substantial than most people expect: a full traditional Costa Rican spread, not a snack.

  6. 06

    Return drop-off

    Drop-off at your hotel. Total door-to-door time is approximately 4 hours for the Costa Rica Jade 3-hour tour, and 5–6 hours for the 4-hour Fourtrax and H2O tours.

A typical Costa Rican lunch served during an ATV tour with Costa Rica Jade Tours near Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
A typical Costa Rican lunch you might get on an ATV tour. This is what we had during our tour with Costa Rica Jade Tours, but lunch can vary depending on the operator.

Our experience (the trail itself): The "rainforest and waterfalls" in tour names refers to the landscape and one or two waterfall stops, not a hiking experience. Most of the riding is through muddy jungle tracks and farm roads. Guests expecting a scenic overlook drive are usually surprised by how physical and hands-on the terrain actually is, and most find that's the better version.

Our experience (what to wear): Whatever you wear will get muddy or wet regardless of the season. Leave anything you care about at the hotel. Closed-toe shoes, older clothes, and a change for after are the consistent advice across hundreds of reviews.

No prior ATV experience is needed. Guides adapt the pace to the group's comfort level and supervise all river crossings. Most guests who were nervous about driving find that the river sections are the highlight by the end of the tour. The measured ATV pace is genuinely accessible to older adults; groups in their 60s and 70s complete the ride comfortably. The Rainmaker waterfall hike at the end involves significant stairs and is a separate physical challenge; some older visitors skip the hike and wait at the base.

Best ATV Tours in Manuel Antonio: Family, Adults & Budget Picks

All three operators cover the same general terrain and include hotel pickup and lunch, so the decision comes down to budget, trail time, age of your group, and whether you want the option to ride solo or shared. Here's how we'd break it down.

1
Best Overall

Costa Rica Jade Tours

At $85 per person with 1,285 reviews at 4.8 stars, Costa Rica Jade is the most-reviewed ATV operator in the area and, in our view, the right choice for most travelers. The 3-hour tour covers jungle trails, river crossings, and a waterfall stop with a bilingual guide, A/C hotel pickup, and lunch included. It's the only operator that accepts young children as passengers — ages 4 and up on double ATVs — making it the most family-flexible option. Both single and double ATVs are available, so individual riders and pairs can each choose what works for them.

2
Best for Couples Wanting More Time on the Trail

Fourtrax Adventure Tours

Fourtrax runs the longest tour at 4 hours and the most generous food package: a fruit snack mid-trail plus a full lunch and water throughout. At $124 USD per person, it's the premium option in this comparison. The double ATV format means two people share one vehicle. Accepts passengers from age 5 with drivers 16 and older, so small children can ride along. We'd lean toward Fourtrax if an extra hour on the trail and a more substantial meal experience are worth the higher price to you.

3
Best for Adult Groups Wanting Single or Double ATV Choice

H2O Adventures

H2O Adventures sits in the mid-range at $93 per person and is the only operator alongside Costa Rica Jade to offer both double and single ATV options, so everyone in an adult group can choose whether to drive solo or share. At 3.5–4 hours it's closer to Fourtrax in trail time than Costa Rica Jade. Lunch and water are included. All riders must be 16 or older with no passenger exceptions, so it's suited to adults-only groups. With 60 reviews at 4.7 stars it's the newest listing of the three, but the rating holds up. We'd book H2O if your group is all adults and you want the flexibility of single or double ATVs at a price between the other two operators.

Most Popular Tours

Loading tours…

Best Time for ATV Tours in Manuel Antonio

ATV tours in Manuel Antonio run year-round and the experience differs meaningfully between seasons. Dry season gives you firmer, dustier trails; green season brings mud, deeper river crossings, and a more physical ride.

Dry seasonDec–Apr

Trails are firmer and river water levels are lower, making this the easiest window for first-time riders and families with young children on double ATVs. Peak tourist season: book 24–48 hours ahead as morning slots sell out quickly.

Shoulder seasonMay–Jul

Morning tours typically stay dry while afternoon rains are common but rarely affect early departures. Trails are beginning to muddy up. Fewer crowds and more booking flexibility than dry season.

Green seasonAug–Nov

The jungle is at its most lush and river crossings run deeper. Guides adjust routes based on conditions. We think this is the most rewarding window for experienced riders who want the full off-road experience rather than the cleanest ride.

Most tours depart in the morning, typically around 7–9 AM, and return to the hotel by early to mid afternoon, fitting cleanly into a full day without giving up time at Manuel Antonio National Park or the beach.

How Much Do ATV Tours in Manuel Antonio Cost?

ATV tours in Manuel Antonio range from $85 to $124 USD per person across the three featured operators, with hotel pickup and lunch included in all of them. Here's how pricing breaks down:

Budget$85

Costa Rica Jade Tours

3-hour route with A/C hotel pickup, bilingual guide, single or double ATV, helmet, and lunch. Accepts passengers from age 4 on double ATVs; the most family-flexible option and the lowest price of the three.

Mid-range$93

H2O Adventures

3.5–4 hour route with hotel transport, bilingual guide, choice of single or double ATV, helmet, lunch, and water. All riders must be 16 or older.

Premium$124

Fourtrax Adventure Tours

4-hour route with hotel pickup, bilingual guide, double ATV, helmet, fruit snack on trail, full lunch, and water. Longest trail time and the most food inclusions of the three.

We think Costa Rica Jade is the sweet spot at $85: it's the lowest price, has the highest review volume, accepts young children as passengers, and covers all the essential terrain. We'd give Fourtrax the edge if an extra hour on the trail and a more generous meal package matter more to you than price.

Most Popular Tours

Loading tours…

ATV Tour Manuel Antonio: Real Footage

ATV Combo Tours in Manuel Antonio

Several operators near Manuel Antonio offer combo packages bundling the ATV ride with zip lining and a butterfly garden visit in a single full-day booking. These typically run 6 or more hours and cost around $165 per person, removing the need to coordinate schedules across two separate activity providers.

If your group wants both an ATV ride and a canopy experience in the same day, a combo package is the most efficient option. For a full breakdown of the zip line operators serving the Manuel Antonio area, including course details, pricing, and who each course suits, see our Manuel Antonio zipline guide. Another popular pairing is an ATV tour in the morning followed by an afternoon on horseback; our Manuel Antonio horseback riding guide covers operators, routes, and what each suits. For a full day focused on waterfalls rather than off-road riding, our waterfall tours near Manuel Antonio guide covers six operators from $85 visiting Nauyaca, Mulguri, Eco-Chontales, and more. For an evening after either activity, our Manuel Antonio night tour guide covers nocturnal wildlife walks and a mangrove boat safari with dinner, both of which pair well with a daytime ATV or horseback outing.

From Our Experience

We've consistently seen that the age policy is the main thing that catches families off guard: Costa Rica Jade Tours accepts passengers from age 4 on double ATVs (driver 16+), Fourtrax from age 5 (driver 16+), and H2O Adventures requires all riders to be 16 or older with no younger passenger option. Choose the operator before you book the date, not after.

Tips for Your Manuel Antonio ATV Tour

  • Book 24–48 hours ahead in dry season: Morning slots fill quickest in peak season (December–April). Most operators run tours daily but popular departure windows book up fast.
  • Wear clothes you don't mind ruining: The trail is muddy year-round. Closed-toe shoes, old shorts or pants, and a shirt you're fine staining are the right call. Bring a change of clothes for after the tour.
  • Clarify single vs. double ATV at booking: A double ATV means two people share one vehicle, one driving and one as passenger. Costa Rica Jade and H2O Adventures offer both options; Fourtrax is double only. If everyone in your group wants their own vehicle, confirm single ATV availability when booking.
  • Apply sunscreen before leaving your hotel: The route is mostly jungle shade, but departure and return are in open terrain. Apply before the pickup van arrives; stopping mid-trail is inconvenient.
  • Bring a waterproof bag or phone case: River crossings splash water into the ATV. Most operators advise keeping phones and cameras sealed during crossings; a zip-lock bag works fine.
  • Mention fitness or mobility concerns when booking: ATV riding involves gripping handlebars and absorbing trail bumps for 3–4 hours. Most operators can accommodate minor limitations but it's worth confirming directly at the time of booking.
  • Confirm pickup time the evening before: Operators contact you the night before to confirm your exact pickup window based on hotel location and group logistics.
  • In dry season, bring sunglasses and consider a buff or face covering: Dust kicked up from the ATV ahead is the most consistent complaint from December through April visitors. No protective eyewear is provided; sunglasses or goggles make a real difference.
  • The booking time shown is your hotel pickup time, not when riding starts: Transit to the base takes 20–30 minutes, and the safety briefing adds another 20 minutes before the group heads out on the trail. Factor this in if you have afternoon plans.
  • The route covers more plantation than jungle canopy. African palm plantations make up a large portion of the trail on every operator's route; the forested sections and waterfall stops come in the second half of the ride. The scenery isn't what most people picture from the name, but from what we've seen in reviews, the variety of terrain (plantation roads, river crossings, and forest) is more interesting than a single-terrain loop.
  • Visiting in November? Our Manuel Antonio in November guide covers the green-to-dry transition, when trails firm up late in the month for better ATV conditions.
  • Wildlife sightings are most likely near the waterfall areas. Monkeys and other animals tend to appear in the forested sections around the waterfall stops rather than on the open plantation roads. If spotting wildlife matters to your group, we'd make sure to mention it at the start; most guides will slow down and point out animals when conditions are right.
  • Visiting in March? Our Manuel Antonio in March guide covers the hottest, driest month, when firm dry trails are great for ATV but an early start beats the midday heat.
  • Riding in La Fortuna too? Our La Fortuna ATV guide compares the off-road jungle tours around Arenal Volcano.
  • Planning your full trip? Our things to do in Manuel Antonio guide covers every activity, beach, and tour in the area, with a comparison table and sample itineraries.

How We Selected These Tours

The Costa Rica Day Trip team reviewed ATV operators serving the Quepos and Manuel Antonio area on operator reputation, review volume and consistency, age policy transparency, inclusions relative to price, and route coverage. We required hotel pickup, a bilingual guide, and lunch as baseline inclusions since those three factors most directly affect how practical and enjoyable the day is. Every tour here is a verified booking from a highly rated operator. We excluded listings with unclear age or weight restrictions, inconsistent pickup logistics, or review histories too thin to assess reliability with confidence. We selected tours to cover the main situations travelers face: the best value option for families and first-timers, the best choice for couples or adults wanting more time on the trail, and the most flexible option for adult groups who want to choose between single and double ATVs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need experience to do an ATV tour in Manuel Antonio?+

No. All three operators include a safety briefing and basic controls tutorial on level ground before the group leaves the base. Guides lead from the front and a second guide follows at the back. Beginners consistently describe picking up the controls within the first 15–20 minutes on the trail, and river crossings are supervised throughout.

What is the minimum age for ATV tours in Manuel Antonio?+

It depends on the operator. Costa Rica Jade Tours accepts passengers from age 4 on double ATVs with a driver aged 16 or older — the most family-friendly option. Fourtrax Adventure Tours accepts passengers from age 5 with a driver 16 or older, double ATV only. H2O Adventures requires all riders to be 16 or older with no younger passenger option. Choose based on who's in your group before booking.

What should I wear on an ATV tour in Manuel Antonio?+

Closed-toe shoes and clothing you don't mind getting muddy or wet. The trail includes river crossings and unpaved jungle terrain; whatever you wear will pick up mud and water regardless of season. Leave anything you care about at the hotel. Apply sunscreen before departure and bring a waterproof bag or phone case for river crossings.

Where do ATV tours near Manuel Antonio actually go?+

All three operators run on private land above Quepos, not inside Manuel Antonio National Park. The route covers off-road jungle trails, farm tracks, and river crossings with a waterfall stop mid-tour. Departures are about 10–20 minutes inland from Manuel Antonio by hotel pickup van.

Is hotel pickup included with ATV tours in Manuel Antonio?+

Yes. All three featured operators include hotel pickup and drop-off from Quepos and Manuel Antonio hotels. Costa Rica Jade Tours uses air-conditioned vans. The operator confirms your exact pickup window the evening before your tour.

How much do ATV tours in Manuel Antonio cost?+

The three featured operators range from $85 to $124 per person, all with hotel pickup and lunch included. Costa Rica Jade Tours is $85 for a 3-hour tour with single or double ATV. H2O Adventures is $93 for a 3.5–4 hour half-day with single or double ATV (adults 16+ only). Fourtrax Adventure Tours is $124 for a 4-hour double ATV tour with fruit snack, lunch, and water.

Can I do an ATV tour and zip lining on the same day in Manuel Antonio?+

Yes. Combo packages bundling an ATV ride with canopy zip lines and a butterfly garden visit run approximately $165 per person for a full day of 6+ hours. Alternatively, Costa Rica Jade's 3-hour ATV tour in the morning leaves the afternoon free for a standalone zip line session. See our Manuel Antonio zipline guide for a full comparison of canopy courses in the area.

Are ATV tours in Manuel Antonio good during rainy season?+

Yes, all operators run year-round. The rainy season (May–November) makes trails muddier and river crossings deeper, which many guests find makes the ride more exciting. The jungle is at its most lush and green during these months. Wear clothes you're fine ruining and bring a change for afterward.

Affiliate note: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Other Popular Tours

Loading tours…

Related Guides

Naturalist guide spotting a sloth in the rainforest canopy at Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Wildlife

Best Manuel Antonio Day Tours: Wildlife, Beaches, Adventure & Prices (2026)

13 min read
Zipliner flying through rainforest canopy above the Pacific coast near Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Adventure

Ziplining in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Best Tours & What to Expect (2026)

9 min read
Snorkeler exploring the rocky reef at Biesanz Bay near Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Water Activities

Snorkeling in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica: Best Tours, Costs & What to Expect

8 min read
Rider on horseback on a jungle trail through coastal forest near Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Adventure

Horseback Riding Manuel Antonio 2026: Best Tours, Waterfalls & Local Ranches

9 min read
Book Now