Side by Side Tour (Arenal Volcano) 2 – 5 people

Mud, rivers, and volcano views make a lively afternoon. This two-hour Side by Side tour around La Fortuna takes you through private farmland, jungle paths, pasture, back roads, and wet crossings that regular cars cannot reach. I like the small-vehicle feel and the chance to see everyday Costa Rican countryside, not just the postcard volcano. I also like that helmets and goggles are supplied, with guides keeping safety in view.

The main catch is pace. This is a guided group ride, not a speed course. Some groups move slowly, and the opening practice section can feel dull if you already ride UTVs or ATVs. Bring clothes you can get muddy, and expect a river stop that may tempt you into the water.

Key points to know before you book

• Mud is part of the fun: Rain can turn the trails into deep puddles and slippery patches, so wear clothes and shoes you do not mind ruining.
• Arenal views come from a distance: You get a volcano viewpoint and photo break, but the vehicles do not take you right up to Arenal Volcano.
• The ride mixes terrain: Expect off-road practice, pasture, local roads, hills, rivers, and farmland rather than one long jungle track.
• The river stop adds a real break: Rio Arenal may offer a chance to swim, but water conditions can change and one stop may be short.
• Safety shapes the pace: Guides test comfort and control before setting off, which helps beginners but can frustrate experienced riders.
• Families can fit in: Side by Sides carry several people, and families have reported using provided child seating, though you should confirm arrangements when booking.

What this Arenal UTV ride is really about

This is a two-hour guided outing from La Fortuna, built around access. A Side by Side lets you travel over rough ground while sitting beside your companion, rather than balancing alone on an ATV. That makes it a useful choice for couples, families, and small groups who want some off-road action without each person operating an individual machine.

The ride is sold for two to five people, while the stated price is $310 per group of up to two. If your party is larger, check the final rate before paying. The price can look high beside a simple sightseeing activity, but you are paying for the vehicle, guide, safety gear, access across private property, and a route that reaches places you cannot visit by rental car.

I would frame the experience as a scenic off-road outing with muddy moments, not a technical driving lesson. You may crawl through holes, splash through water, climb and descend hills, and follow rough tracks. You will not spend the full two hours racing. The company makes clear that group rides are designed for shared safety, and the route must suit the least confident drivers.

That difference matters. If you want speed, hard obstacles, or a test of driving skill, this may feel tame. If you want to see rural Costa Rica from an open-sided vehicle and laugh when the mud wins, it makes much more sense.

Getting started at the La Fortuna meeting point

The listed starting point is F8CJ+8JP in La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, and the activity ends back there. Pickup is offered, which is useful if you are staying in the area and do not want to arrange transport to the meeting point. The activity is also near public transportation.

At the start, you receive a safety briefing and get comfortable with the Side by Side. Helmets and goggles are provided. Expect a practice period before the group heads out, especially if several drivers have little experience.

This preparation is not filler. It gives the guide a chance to see who can operate the vehicle safely and helps you understand the controls before the route becomes wet or uneven. Some riders have found the practice section too long, particularly when paired with less experienced drivers. For a first-time driver, though, those extra minutes can prevent a great deal of stress later.

The total activity is advertised at about two hours, but several outings have run closer to two and a half hours. That can be a welcome bonus, but I would avoid scheduling another activity immediately afterward. Guides may need time to organize a mixed group, and weather can slow the ride.

The first 15 to 20 minutes: practice, mud, and machine control

The opening section may use an off-road course or rough property with holes and standing water. This is where you learn how the vehicle handles and where the ride begins to feel like an adventure rather than a standard sightseeing drive.

In dry conditions, this part can be fairly gentle. After heavy rain, it can become much more entertaining. One group had to help pull another Side by Side from the mud, while other riders described torrential rain, deep puddles, and wet clothes as highlights of the outing.

You should not count on extreme mud every time. La Fortuna weather changes, and the route feels different after a dry spell than after a downpour. Still, the possibility is central to the experience. Take a waterproof phone pouch or keep your phone protected, and do not wear anything you want to use for a nice dinner later.

The equipment includes helmets and goggles, but that does not mean you stay clean. Water can splash around the sides, and mud may reach your clothes and shoes. The practical outfit is one that dries easily and can be washed without worry.

Pasture, local roads, and private farmland

After practice, the route broadens. You may pass through pasture, use a local road, climb and descend hills, and cross areas of private farmland. This mix is one of the tour’s better features because you get a glimpse of ordinary rural life around La Fortuna instead of spending the entire ride inside a purpose-built course.

The trade-off is that not every section feels wild. One disappointing outing consisted mostly of pasture and open field, with slow ATVs ahead. That is a fair warning for experienced riders. The route is designed to move a group safely through several kinds of ground, not to provide nonstop obstacles.

For me, the farmland sections are valuable because they add context. The tour is not only about getting dirty. You pass through the kind of countryside that is easy to miss from a tour bus or car, and guides can point out local scenery and wildlife along the way. Sightings have included howler monkeys, sloths, and iguanas, though animals are never guaranteed.

The guides also adjust the group when possible. Some outings have split drivers by experience, and smaller groups have produced a smoother ride. Early departures may be quieter, but the exact group size depends on the day. The maximum listed group size is 30, so ask about expected numbers if a large convoy would bother you.

The Rio Arenal break and the chance to get wet twice

The river stop is often the most memorable pause. Several routes include a break at Rio Arenal, where you can rest, take photographs, and, when conditions allow, get into the water for a short swim.

This is a useful contrast to the driving. After bouncing over rough ground, you get time to slow down and enjoy the setting. Some outings have included about 20 minutes at the river. Others had a shorter swim, and one group found the current too strong for bathing.

Do not assume you will swim. Bring a suit under your riding clothes only if you are comfortable changing or staying damp afterward, and follow the guide’s instructions about water conditions. If you did not prepare for swimming, the stop still works as a scenic break.

The river also gives the tour a more local feel. You are not simply driving from one attraction to another. You pause beside a natural waterway, and the timing may allow you to notice wildlife or cool off. That unplanned quality is part of the charm, though it also means the exact experience depends on rain and river flow.

Arenal Volcano viewpoint: good photos, no close approach

The named viewpoint provides a short break of about 10 minutes for photographs and water. The Side by Sides bring you toward a clear view of Arenal Volcano, but you do not drive close to the volcano itself.

That distinction is important when planning your day. This is not a volcano hike, crater excursion, or geological tour. The volcano is a backdrop to the ride, not the only attraction. Clouds can also affect the view, so treat the photo stop as an opportunity rather than a promise of a perfect volcano portrait.

The short stop suits the pace of the activity. You get out, stretch, take pictures, and drink water before continuing. If you want a long viewpoint visit with time for detailed photography, you will probably want a separate Arenal sightseeing stop.

The guides and the safety-first pace

The guides are repeatedly praised for being friendly, helpful, and safety-conscious. Specific names connected with especially well-regarded outings include Pablo and Aaron. Guides have also been praised for taking photographs, pointing out sloths and iguanas, and serving fruit or a snack during the route.

That personal attention can make a large difference. A good guide helps a nervous driver settle in, keeps the convoy together, and explains why the route is moving slowly. You are not just handed a vehicle and sent into the countryside.

Still, the safety-first approach has a clear consequence. Group tours cannot be tailored entirely to the fastest driver. Practice time, stops, and slower participants shape the outing. The operator does offer private tours for people who want a different pace, but the experience described here is the shared version.

I would book this tour for a mixed group only if everyone agrees that staying together matters. If one person wants a relaxed scenic ride and another wants to attack every muddy hole at speed, you may not all enjoy the same trip.

Family appeal and who should choose the Side by Side

The Side by Side format works well for families because several people can share one vehicle. Families with children, including groups with young children, have reported using child seating supplied by the operator. The tour data also says most people can participate.

That does not replace checking the details for your own child. Ask about seating, age requirements, and the specific vehicle before booking, especially with infants or toddlers. The fact that a booster or car seat has been provided on some outings is encouraging, but you should confirm what is available for your date.

This is also a good match for couples who want to ride together. One person can drive while the other enjoys the views, takes pictures when safe, and shares the muddy comedy. If both people want to drive, ask how that is handled before the tour begins.

I would be more cautious about choosing it for someone who dislikes rain, rough tracks, or getting dirty. The guides are there to keep the experience safe, but they cannot make a wet-season ride feel dry.

Is $310 a fair price for up to two people?

The listed rate is $310 per group of up to two people. That is a serious price, so value depends on what you want from the outing.

For two people who enjoy outdoor activities, the rate covers a guided vehicle experience lasting around two hours, safety equipment, access to private farmland, a river stop, a volcano viewpoint, and the convenience of offered pickup. Several outings lasted about two and a half hours, though I would treat that as possible rather than guaranteed.

The price feels less convincing if you expect a high-speed UTV course or a remote jungle expedition. You may spend substantial time in open pasture, practicing, or following slower vehicles. In that case, a private tour may offer better value because the pace can better match your group, though the private rate is not provided here.

For families or groups of up to five, confirm how pricing changes beyond two people. The headline rate is specifically stated for a group of up to two, so do not assume everyone in a larger party is covered.

What to pack for a muddy two-hour ride

Pack with the assumption that water and dirt are likely, not with the hope that you stay spotless.

• Clothes you can get muddy or wet
• Closed shoes that can handle rough ground
• Water for the ride and viewpoint stop
• A protected phone or camera
• A change of clothes if you may swim or face heavy rain
• Swimwear under your riding clothes only if you want to use the river

Helmets and goggles are supplied. Pickup is offered, and the activity returns to its meeting point. Since the route can include water, mud, and rain, avoid carrying loose valuables that you would hate to lose or damage.

The experience requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you can take another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, the payment is not refunded, and changes are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this tour most?

I would choose this ride if you want:

• A playful outdoor activity around La Fortuna
• Shared driving in a Side by Side
• Mud, puddles, and rough tracks without racing
• A view of Arenal Volcano from the countryside
• A river stop with a possible swim
• A family-friendly outing with supplied helmets and goggles
• A chance to see rural areas and wildlife away from main roads

I would look elsewhere if your priority is technical off-roading, speed, long time at the volcano, or a quiet nature walk. The route has variety, but it is still a guided group ride with safety checks and mixed driving ability.

Should you book the Arenal Side by Side tour?

Book it if you see the vehicle as a way to reach rural Costa Rica, not as a race machine. The best parts are the mud, river break, changing scenery, friendly guides, and the chance to spot wildlife while moving through farmland and back roads.

Before booking, confirm the group size, price for more than two people, child seating, pickup details, and whether your date is likely to be shared with ATVs. If you want a faster, more personal outing, ask about the private option.

For most families, couples, and first-time UTV riders, this is a lively way to spend two hours near Arenal. For experienced riders seeking a demanding course, the careful pace may leave you wishing for more challenge.

FAQ

Where does the Side by Side tour start and finish?

It starts at F8CJ+8JP in La Fortuna, Alajuela Province, Costa Rica, and ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The advertised duration is about two hours. Some outings have lasted around two and a half hours.

How many people can ride in the Side by Side tour?

The experience is described for two to five people. The stated price is $310 per group of up to two, so confirm the rate for a larger party.

Is pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the activity also operates near public transportation.

Are helmets and goggles provided?

Yes. Helmets and goggles are provided as part of the experience.

Does the tour go close to Arenal Volcano?

No. The route brings you to a viewpoint with time for photos and water, but the vehicles do not go right up to the volcano.

Can you swim at the river stop?

You may be able to swim at Rio Arenal when conditions permit. Water strength can vary, so follow the guide’s instructions and do not assume swimming will always be possible.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.