Why go on a cookie-cutter tour that everyone has been on, when you could do something completely unique? Why not go literally off the beaten path and explore hidden gems that most don’t even know about?
If that sounds interesting to you, you’re going to love ATV tours. We’re huge fans of them, and decided to hand-select these amazing “best of” ATV tours so you can enjoy them, too!
Big Island of Hawaii
Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Big Island is a top destination for adventurous spirits from all around the world. From seemingly endless hiking trails and waterfalls to lush rainforests and deep valleys, this place looks like something straight out of a postcard. You’d be remiss, however, to not learn about the rich Hawaiian culture, too.
Combine both outdoor adventure with history and cultural immersion with one of these ATV tours on the Big Island. Exploring Big Island by foot is great, because you have that intimate connection with your environment. However, covering a lot of ground will take a long time and a lot of effort.
Exploring the island by car or van will cover a lot of ground, but you’re then limited to roads and main paths. By ATV, however, you get the best of both worlds. Your guide will teach you all about Polynesian culture and take you through villages and hidden spots you wouldn’t otherwise be able to experience!
Some of the tours even offer you the chance to partake in Tonga drumming, learning how to open coconuts in Samoa, and dive into the history of warriors in Fiji.
Sites to See:
- Various Polynesian villages
- Samoa
- Tonga
- Hamakua Ranch
- Umauma
- Ka’alu’alu Bay
- Paiahaa Bay
- Ka Lae/South Point
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
The Baja California Peninsula is packed full of adrenaline-spiking activities! While sunset cruises and fishing charters are incredibly popular, ATV tours are an experience you can’t skip in Cabo San Lucas.
Cabo itself isn’t the easiest to drive around in, but when you’re on an ATV, there are no limits! Discover the velvety desert, pristine beaches, and mountainous terrain in a way not possible with a larger vehicle. With these ATV tours in Cabo San Lucas, you’ll find options that are ideal for families with younger children, couples, or even solo travelers.
With chest and back protectors, knee and elbow pads, and a full-face helmet, you’ll be riding in style and with safety in mind. We unexpectedly learned a lot about the region’s history, culture, and geography while cruising around the stunning Mexican landscapes that have inspired countless musicians, writers, and painters. Afterward, you can enjoy a traditional Mexican meal to regain your energy!
Sites to See:
- Eco-Farm
- Migriño Beach
- Los Cabos Canyon Bridge
- El Arco de Cabo San Lucas
- El Faro de Cabo Falso (Lighthouse)
Aruba
Days in Aruba are typically laidback, with the sun shining, plenty of perfect ocean views, and picturesque scenery. If it’s your first time on the island, or you’d like to quickly become acquainted with it, one of these ATV tours in Aruba you won’t go wrong.
Take advantage of the phenomenal weather and varied landscape with a tour you’re going to want to take again and again!
Most start off early in the day so the sun isn’t beaming down on you, though all tours are great about offering bottled water, bandanas, and other amenities to make sure you’re comfortable and focused on the fun.
Zoom around the Ayo Rock Formations and learn about how they were used by the earliest island settlers to hear incoming thunderstorms. Check out gold mill ruins, cave pools, the Aruba Natural Bridge, and other wonders.
We love how these tours combine land with water activities, too. Thanks to the help of your ATV, you’ll be able to access areas of the beach much more difficult for those on foot. Race around in the sun, then cool off with some snorkeling at the gorgeous Andicur Beach!
Perhaps get to know local wildlife at Philip’s Animal Garden, which is one of the largest animal sanctuaries in the world. Check out Alto Vista Chapel, or “Pilgrim’s Church” constructed by both natives and the Spanish.
Sites to See:
- Natural Aruba Bridge
- Alto Vista Chapel
- Bushiribana Ruins
- Natural Cave Pool
- Andicuri Beach
- Ayo Rock Formations
- Blackstone Beach
- Wariruri Beach
Puerto Rico
From tropical scenery to Spanish colonial buildings, the best way to explore Puerto Rico’s history is by 4×4. Lasting anywhere from 1 to 7 hours, these Puerto Rico ATV tours will show you some of the biggest tourist sites along with some hidden gems that most don’t get to experience.
Explore San Juan in some of the tours, where you’ll learn all about its exciting, if not dramatic, history. You’ll then head out into the depths of Mother Nature, where your guide will lead you and your group up mountains, through valleys, in and around lagoons, mangroves, and much more.
Depending on the selection you make, you may get to see the “Mi Casa” Spanish sugarcane plantation estate home. It’s quite beautiful, and after taking an educational tour around, you’ll have time to explore on your own. Make sure to stop at the horse stables to learn about the unique “Paso Fino” horses!
Sites to See:
- Paso Fino horses
- Mi Casa estate
- Castillo San Felipe del Morro
- Viejo San Juan
Iceland
Where can you discover volcanoes, geysers, glaciers, black sand beaches, waterfalls, and otherworldly lava fields all in one go? On one of these ATV tours in Iceland, of course! With impressive natural beauty around every corner, there truly is nothing like Iceland.
The unspoiled, surreal landscapes are never-ending, and on a 4×4 vehicle you get to experience them like never before. “The Land of Fire and Ice” is paradise for any lover of outdoor pursuits, adrenaline junkie, or artist who needs a bit of inspiration.
Take the opportunity to experience cruising around on beautiful beaches while a fire-y midnight sun sets along the horizon. Cruise to the top of mountain peaks, and follow the winding roads to picturesque Lake Hafravatn.
Race friends or family members up the summit of Reykjavik Peak, or dare to ascend the even more challenging Wolf Peak Mountain! If you don’t feel like driving, most tours offer 2-seater ATVs so you can relax in the passenger’s seat! There’s so much to see, but the highlight is definitely all of the different horses, bird species, and other critters found around here!
Sites to See:
- Hafrafell Mountain
- Lake Hafravatn
- Ulfarsfellpeaks
- Faxafloi Bay
- Diamond Beach
- Wolf Peak Mountain
Denali, Alaska
Denali is one of the best places in the world for some ATV cruising. Untouched landscapes, endless hiking trails, and plenty of wildlife await you here. Seeing as it’s the highest point in North America, the views are some of the most impressive we’ve ever witnessed.
There’s the common misconception that Denali is all cold and snowy, but in the warmer months, it’s green and full of life! With these ATV tours in Denali Park, you’ll be able to cover a ton of ground in an engaging and exciting way that you’re sure to want to repeat.
Seeing as the park clocks in at 92 miles, taking an ATV is definitely the best way to go. You can to be the driver on the adventure, or take a multi-seat vehicle perfect for the entire family!
Follow your guide into the park, keeping an eye out for bears, moose, caribou, wolves, Dall sheep, and other animals! The guides are great about providing interesting facts around the flora and fauna in the park, making it like your own personal episode of NatGeo.
This authentic backcountry experience will take you to hiking trails, campsites, educational programs, and even the fantastic Wonder Lake!
Sites to See:
- Wonder Lake
- Nenana River
- Denali Visitor Center
- Canine Rangers
- Savage River
- Mountain Vista
Las Vegas, NV
Okay, we get it: ATV riding may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Las Vegas. However, when you aren’t at a show, festival, or poker table, you should try exploring the surrounding desert! With one of these Las Vegas ATV tours, you’ll get to try a different kind of excitement (one with fresh air)!
All transportation is taken care of, so you don’t even have to worry about driving yourself away from the Strip. The tours include all helmets, gloves, goggles, and bottled water to keep you safe and hydrated out there. If you have a need for speed, you’ll be able to satisfy it much easier than driving around in the city!
On your way, pass the ethereal Seven Magic Mountains art installation, which is also worth checking out! After receiving a briefing and practicing your driving skills, you’ll follow a guide around different rock formations, and even see extinct lava beds. It really makes you feel like you’re zooming around on Mars or something!
We felt like the trails were a bit more challenging here – particularly if you’re driving at higher speeds. However, it’s still more than calm enough if you’re bringing kids along for the ride. Others will take you through Lake Mead National Park, all the way to the Colorado River!
Regardless of the tour you take, you’re sure to appreciate getting outside into the beautiful desert terrain!
Sites to See:
- Lake Mead National Park
- Colorado River
- Hidden Valley
- Primm
- Seven Magic Mountains
- El Dorado Canyon
- Old Western Town
Oahu, Hawaii
The island of Oahu is one of the most popular vacation spots, thanks to its world-class surfing, intense history, historic Chinatown, and famously enthralling vistas from just about any point.
While many people go the route of seeing the island from the water, undoubtedly the best way is with one of these ATV tours in Oahu! You’ll get to explore parts of the island that the vast majority of visitors don’t.
One of them goes to Gunstock Ranch (home of Oahu’s first Hawaiian Legacy Forest), just 2 miles from the respected Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s a great way to have fun away from the crowds, and bring the kids out for some horse riding and hiking, too!
The guides point out attractions like where many iconic movies have been filmed, historic places from WWII, the surf paradise of North Shore, hidden caves, and many more.
There are others that specifically focus on the places where Jurassic Park was filmed – over streams, through mud, up and over hills – it really makes you feel like you’ve been transported to another time.
Sites to See:
- Gunstock Ranch
- Kualoa Ranch
- Jurassic Valley
- North Shore
- Hidden Caves
- WWII Sites
Cozumel, Mexico
While Cozumel is known around the world for its impeccable white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and fantastic snorkeling (check out those tours, too!), one of the best ways to see the area is by ATV. It’s a pretty calm place with a quiet atmosphere, making it ideal for cruising around without distraction.
These Cozumel jeep and ATV tours give you the option to choose from different vehicles, depending on where you go and what you want to do. No cookie-cutter bus tour where you’re just another head in the crowd. Get picked up from your accommodations and set off to go horseback riding, shopping, jet skiing, and more.
You get to customize your itinerary to suit your specific interests and leave out all the fluff! We can’t recommend visiting the San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site enough – whether you’re a history buff or not, you’ll obtain a new appreciation for this amazing culture.
Even just driving through the roads surrounded by thick rainforests and animals is a wonder. Others take you to a cenote or two, which is essentially an underground swimming hole connected to a labyrinth of underground tunnels!
After all that adventuring, you and your group will grab some traditional Mexican food and perhaps even visit a tequila distillery where you’ll learn how the popular liquor is made from agave.
Sites to See:
- Cenotes
- Tequila distillery
- Punta Sur Eco Park
- Punta Celerain
- Bee Sanctuary
- Mayan Cacao Company
- Quintana Roo State Park
- San Gervasio Mayan Archaeological Site
Cancun, Mexico
We know Cancun throws a good party, but there’s a lot more to do aside from boogieing the night away (though you should definitely do that, too). White sand beaches, Mayan ruins, water sports, cenotes – the list goes on!
You can see it all with these Cancun ATV tours, without worrying about creating separate bookings or hassling with transportation.
The Ruta de los Cenotes or “Cenote Route” is so fun to explore, and perfect for some seriously impressive photo ops. Most of the ATVs for these tours are Honda cc220s in great condition, making for a fun ride where you get the chance to see these breathtaking places up close.
Other tours will take you out to Maroma Beach, named one of the most beautiful by multiple sources. From here, you can ride around on the sand or grab a jet ski and enjoy the warm, blue waters.
We had a great time at Casa de los Sueños or “House of Dreams”, which was one of the first in all of Playa del Carmen and offers some intriguing insight into Mayan history.
If you are an adrenaline junkie, you have to include a visit to the nearby ziplines where you get to see the jungle from a different perspective! Most tours include some traditional dishes for lunch!
Sites to See:
- Cenote Media Luna
- Casa de Los Sueños
- Cenote Ixchel
- Maroma Beach
- El Rey Polo Club
