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Sámara: A Travel Guide to Costa Rica’s Coolest Beach Town

• February 26, 2021

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

Are you considering visiting the surf town of Sámara in Costa Rica? Need some persuasion? Well you’ve come to the right place! This Sámara travel guide is designed to tell you everything you need to know to plan your escape to this stunning area of Costa Rica.

I spent a few days in Sámara at the end of my G Adventures Costa Rica tour, and I fell for it fast!

Unlike many other places in Costa Rica, this small town on the pacific coast is surprisingly authentic, and you’ll never have to deal with crowds of other tourists. Most tourists skip over Samara entirely, which in my opinion is almost criminal!

Even if you’re not into surfing, there’s a whole load of reasons you’ll love Sámara. First of all, obviously, the lack of crowds is a big selling point. There’s also the laid-back, anything goes vibe that makes you want to quit your life and become a full-time beach bum. But Samara is also a fabulous base for a tonne of awesome activities that’ll keep you entertained for days! 

Heading to Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast instead? Check out my travel guide here.

How Much Time Do You Need in Sámara?

In Sámara, it’s easy to do whatever it is you want. Feel like reading a book on the beach for a couple of days? No problem. Feel like packing a bunch of activities into your stay and keeping busy? That’s also cool!

Aside from surfing and being a beach bum, there isn’t much to do in Sámara itself so it’s a good idea to get a balance of beach time and adventure activities. I think 3 days in Sámara is ideal for most visitors, but if you like surfing you’ll want to stay there longer.

I personally could have stayed there for over a week without getting bored! Sprawled out on the beach, drinking out of a coconut, I almost cancelled my flights home to extend my trip!

Alas… Real life responsibilities won in the end, and I caught the bus back to San Jose promising to return one day…

How to Get to Sámara

There are a few options for getting to Sámara depending on how adventurous you are.

Obviously, if you’ve hired a car, you should drive to Sámara. It takes around 4 hours from the capital city of San Jose, or 2 hours from Tamarindo. I’m a big scaredy-cat when it comes to driving, though, so it was never something I considered!

The option I went for, and the easiest option by far, is by joining a Costa Rica guided tour that goes to Sámara. There are a few different tour providers in Costa Rica, but I opted for G Adventures and I highly recommend their tours.

I went on this one , which hits up all the highlights of Costa Rica (including Sámara) over 14-days, and I had the time of my life! Taking a tour was ideal for me, as it meant I didn’t have to think at all about logistics and how to get from A to B. Y ou can read my full review of the tour I went on here.

Your final option is to catch a bus to get to Sámara. From San Jose, the bus takes around 4 hours and costs around $8 one-way. There are also local buses from Sámara to popular nearby destinations such as Tamarindo.

Things to Do in Sámara, Costa Rica

Going surfing.

Sámara is all about surf, and whether you’ve never set foot on a surfboard in your life or you’re a seasoned pro, you’ll have the time of your life surfing here.

The guys over at C&C Surf School have unbeatable enthusiasm for teaching you how to surf and are full of helpful advice. A few people in my tour group took lessons here and had nothing but good things to say about them. Everybody managed to stand up on their first lesson, which is a huge achievement!

If you already know what you’re doing they have a wide range of surfboards to hire, although they don’t have too many more “advanced” boards. They also hire out rash vests. Be sure to hire a long sleeve one if you can to protect yourself from the sun!

Surfing here was unbelievable. I just couldn’t get enough. The waves were so clean and easy to ride along (especially compared to the windswept slop I surf back at home)! Sámara is the perfect place to learn how to surf.

That said, though, the surf is only pumping at certain times of the day. When I was there, it was first thing in the morning and around sunset. During the middle of the day, it was almost flat! That means you’ll have time to either lounge on the beach in between surf sessions, or fit in an activity.

Snorkelling

How better to explore Sámara’s surrounding area than by boat, stopping off to snorkel at all the best spots? 

I love snorkelling and always try to do it at least once per trip. There are quite a few snorkelling tours available in Sámara, so I recommend using Viator to check out your options.

This tour gets rave reviews! Taking in the gorgeous scenery at Barco Quebrado, Sámara and Carrillo, you’ll be able to snorkel to your heart’s content and get to know the area by its best and most beautiful asset – the ocean!

Stand up Paddleboarding

Even if you haven’t tried stand up paddleboarding before, taking a paddleboarding tour is one of the best things to do in Samara. Sámara beach itself can sometime be too ferocious for stand up paddleboarding, but joining a tour will enable you to visit the tranquil nearby waters of Carillo, which is much better suited to paddleboarding.

During a paddleboarding class, your guide will give you a quick introduction to paddleboarding and teach you how to balance on the board before you set off along the coast.

Horseback Riding

Fun fact: the first time I ever went horseback riding was in Costa Rica.

Ever since, I’ve made it my life mission to convince everybody else to go horseback riding in Costa Rica too. Well, maybe that’s a bit dramatic, but the experience was just magic!

Luckily, you can go horseback riding in Sámara – and you can actually ride on the beach (goals)!

This tour takes you riding up a mountain through the jungle to reach amazing viewpoints, and allows you to see a part of Sámara not many others visit which isn’t accessible by vehicle. The final leg of the tour includes galloping along the beach.

I’m always super cautious before recommending animal activities as animal welfare is something I am passionate about. Fortunately, this tour company is consistently praised for the condition of their horses, and they pride themselves on never taking the horses on more than one tour per day. 

Meeting Turtles

Ever wanted to see turtles nesting and hatching on the beach?

Well, from Sámara, you can take a tour to see the baby turtles . From Sámara beach, a guided turtle tour will take you to either Corozalito, Camaronal or Ostional beach where you commence your turtle hunt.

The tour guides have a huge emphasis on the wellbeing of the turtles and give you a full safety briefing before you spot the turtles and, after that, you’ll be able to watch the turtles making their way into the ocean.

The peak turtle hatching time in the area is September and October, so, although you can still spot turtles outside of these months, there’s always a risk that you could miss them.

Mangrove Kayaking 

Sámara isn’t far away from the Ora River, a popular kayaking spot in Costa Rica. Paddling the quiet waters of the river on a guided kayak tour is the best way to explore the mangroves. As you paddle you’ll be able to spot wildlife such as monkeys and birds, as well as an easy way to explore the tropical rainforest. 

Sunset Booze Cruise

I skipped this tour in favour of extra time spent surfing, but judging by the state of the girls on my tour group who went on it when they returned to the hostel, I definitely missed out!

With alcohol, soft drinks and snacks all included in the price of the cruise, this is without doubt the most epic way to catch the sunset in Sámara. There’s an opportunity to snorkel and dolphin-spot on the journey before you settle in to witness the sunset over drinks. The cruise lasts around 3 hours.

The girls on my tour who went on this came back so drunk (in the best way possible). They all said they’d had an amazing time – and it sure looked like they did! Check out prices here .

Quad Biking

This was another tour that I skipped in order to go surfing in Sámara (I’m sensing a theme here…) but the people in my tour group who went quad biking couldn’t sing its praises loud enough!

The quad biking tour includes a safety briefing followed by pure adventure! You’ll get to take in the hills and jungle as you zoom through the rainforest. The tour finishes off at the beach, where you’ll get the opportunity to snorkel and wash away all the dirt from the journey.

Be sure to bring a bandana if you’re going quad biking! The wheels kick up dust and dirt like there’s no tomorrow, and breathing in a bunch of dust is something nobody wants.

Is Sámara Costa Rica Safe?

Yes, Sámara is safe, and I didn’t feel concerned for my safety at all whilst I was here – unlike in a few towns on the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica where harassment was a problem.

I would have felt fine walking alone in the town centre at night by myself, but fortunately I didn’t have to, and I’d always prefer to go out with others after dark.

Obviously, like everywhere else in Costa Rica, stay sensible, keep an eye on your belongings, and don’t go wandering around dark alleyways by yourself at night, and you’ll find that Sámara is a perfectly safe place to visit in Costa Rica.

Where to Stay in Sámara

There are great accommodation options in Sámara for all budgets, but especially if you’re travelling on a low to mid-range budget. Here are my picks for the best places to stay in Sámara.

Hostels in Sámara

Sámara has quite a few hostels, but there are only a couple that have good ratings:

Matilori hostel – Surrounded by Mango trees and just 50 metres away from the beach, you can’t beat the location of this hugely popular hostel. It’s fairly small so it’s easy to get to know other people in the hostel, which is ideal if you’re a solo traveller looking to socialise. It also has all the facilities you’d need, including a kitchen to prepare your own food (and keep costs down) and reliable wifi if you need to get some work done or call home. 

One night in a 6-bed dorm costs around $15 , with a private double room costing $40 . Check out availability and reviews here .

Las Mariposas – Just like Matilori hostel, Las Mariposas is just 50 metres away from the beach (Sámara really is all about beachside living!). This hostel is well known amongst travellers to Sámara for its social atmosphere, and it has a hammock area outdoors where you can chill in the evening and chat with other guests. It also offers free coffee in the morning.

One night in an 8-bed dorm costs around $14 , with a private double room costing $40 . Check out availability and reviews here .

Hotels in Sámara

If you’re travelling as a couple (or just prefer your own space and a few extra luxuries) staying at a hotel or guesthouse in Sámara is the ideal option for you. 

The Good Life Lodge – This is the perfect compromise between a hostel and a hotel – it has a communal kitchen, so you can cook your own food to save costs, but it has the little luxuries you wouldn’t find at a hostel. We’re talking about a hot tub, flat-screen TVs, welcome beers and the all-important AIR CONDITIONING! This place gets rave reviews, which you can check out here . 

Double rooms cost around $79 per night . Check availability for your dates here . 

Hotel Peace & Lodge – For one of the best places to stay in Sámara, check out Hotel Peace & Lodge. This place is one of Booking.com’s most popular stays in Sámara, and looking over the property’s pictures, I’m not surprised. With a restaurant, a swimming pool, a garden and a bar, it isn’t short of facilities, and all the rooms are spacious. The price also includes breakfast!

Double rooms cost around $102 per night . Check availability for your dates here .

Best Restaurants in Sámara

Sámara is a small town, so you’re not going to be overwhelmed by choice of places to eat here. That said, there are enough great restaurants in town serving up both local and international cuisine, so you won’t be disappointed. Here are my top picks:

• Samara Sushi – this sushi place is wildly popular and gets rave reviews. In fact, my Costa Rican tour guide said it was his favourite sushi ever! The decor is unique and makes the restaurant feel super laid back, and their 2 for 1 sushi special (which runs after 5pm) is always a hit. Unfortunately, though, it’s quite pricey.
• Restaurante Sheriff Rustic – for an authentic Costa Rican soda (a local restaurant) you don’t need to look any further than Restaurante Sheriff Rustic. I ate here twice, and it was perfect! The prices were reasonable, the staff offer killer recommendations from the menu, and their ceviche cannot be beaten.
• El Lagarto – Is this the best restaurant in Samara? I think so! And so do all the online reviewers! The specialty at El Lagarto is anything grilled, and boy, I didn’t think grilling could make anything taste this good! The restaurant is down a back street and a bit hard to find, but that only makes it more of a hidden gem.

Don’t forget to check out my post on traditional food and drinks to try in Costa Rica!

Things You Need to Bring to Sámara, Costa Rica

For Sámara, you’ll definitely need some mosquito repellent spray and bands , and a quick-dry travel towel for all those beach days you’ll have. Other than that, you won’t need anything special beyond what I covered in my Costa Rica packing list .

I do want to emphasise how important it is that you purchase travel insurance before you visit Sámara, though. 

A lot of people don’t think it’s necessary to get travel insurance before travelling to Costa Rica – and it makes me wince whenever I hear about it! Costa Rica is fairly safe, but being careful and visiting safe destinations doesn’t prevent plain old bad luck from happening!

Not only is travel insurance very affordable, but it can save you from all manner of nightmarish situations – whether that’s having your flights cancelled, accidentally damaging your laptop, or even getting injured on an activity! I recommend World Nomads for travel insurance and would NEVER travel uninsured . 

Travel insurance is the kind of thing you often don’t think about until you need it. Don’t get caught short!

I hope this post has helped you to plan your visit to Sámara – you’re going to love it! With so many fun activities right on its doorstep, and that incredible beach, I can’t understand why Sámara isn’t swamped with visitors. I’m definitely happy it isn’t, though!

Don’t forget to head over to my other Costa Rica posts for more trip planning tips!

Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

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I’m so glad I came across your post. I’m somewhat embarrassed to admit I’d never even heard of Samara. Now I can’t wait to go there.

Thanks Jenn! Samara is so lovely!

Thanks for this. How did you feel about the Hotel Villas Playa Samara. We are an active couple in our late 60’s and early 70’s who want to stay in an all inclusive but still take surfing lessons and do some excursions. Did you see this hotel and what did you think of it.

Hi Steve, I’m glad you found the post helpful! I unfortunately didn’t see Hotel Villas Playa Samara during my time in town, but given your interests I think you’ll have a fabulous time in Samara no matter where you stay! I hope you have a great trip 🙂

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Two Weeks in Costa Rica

Travel and Moving Blog

Samara: Guanacaste’s Most Overlooked Beach Town

• Jenn and Matt
• Destinations

171 Comments

Last Updated: April 8, 2022

Many of the beach towns in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste Province have become extremely popular over the years due to their gorgeous sands and turquoise waters. Development has hit the northern Pacific coast, and those interested in luxury condos and world-class cuisine don’t have to look far. But for others seeking a more authentic visit to Costa Rica, there is Samara. While Samara has its share of amenities, it still has a local vibe and small beach-town feel. In this post, we’ll give our tips for getting the most out of your visit to Samara, including recommendations for hotels, activities, and restaurants.

About Samara

Samara is located in Guanacaste Province on the northern Pacific coast. It is about two hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR). The drive from the airport is along all paved roads, making it is an easy destination to reach.

One of the main draws of Samara is its centrally located downtown. The downtown abuts the beach and is full of restaurants, trendy boutique shops, tour operators, and some small hotels.

Another draw is its surrounding forest and wildlife. Unlike areas to the north, thick tropical dry forest borders Samara. Even on hotel grounds, you can find animals like monkeys, iguanas, and many kinds of birds.

Samara’s biggest attraction is its beautiful beach. Playa Samara attracts all types of travelers with its rows of palm trees and light tan sand. You will find 20-somethings grabbing a beer at one of the beachside bars, couples strolling at sunset, and children at play in the calmer ocean waters.

Tip: If you’re looking for a more developed beach town in Guanacaste, consider Tamarindo , Playa Flamingo , Playas del Coco, or Playa Hermosa .

Activities in Samara

While many people visiting Samara do little more than hang out at the beach, there are plenty of things to do. Here are some activities that will show you hidden waterfalls, beaches, and nature-filled forest.    

The main beach, Playa Samara , is the area’s most popular and for good reason.

The wide cove has relatively calm water due to a coral reef just offshore. This makes it a decent place to swim and also enjoy water sports. It’s one of the better beaches in Costa Rica for families.

Playa Carrillo is more of a locals’ beach, just to the south. This beach is also very pretty, with light sand, rows of palms, and calm waves for swimming. It doesn’t have the amenities of Playa Samara like restaurants and tour operators so be sure to bring everything you need for the day.

To learn more about this beach, read our post, Playa Carrillo: A Favorite Locals’ Beach in Guanacaste .

Playa Barrigona is farther from town and accessible if you have a rental car. This beach is the site of Mel Gibson’s seaside estate and considered by many to be the most beautiful in the area.

Although it is a trek to get to along rough, dirt roads, we were impressed once we arrived. The sand is bright white, the water is intensely blue, and it feels far removed from civilization.

If you venture to Playa Barrigona, bring everything you need as there isn’t anything for miles. Don’t leave valuables in your car as there have been problems with theft. A 4×4 vehicle is recommended, especially for the rainy season.

Directions to Playa Barrigona: Playa Barrigona is 1 km off the main road that goes to Nosara. The entrance was unmarked at the time of our visit. During the dry season, you can take the shortcut through the riverbed from Samara and get there in 15-20 minutes.

In the rainy season, it will take a bit longer via the inland route up Route 160 and over the Buena Vista River Bridge.

Hiking at Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve

This is the best option for hiking in the area. The Werner-Sauter Biological Reserve is a 140 hectare (346 acre) private reserve just outside Samara. Here, you can discover the tropical dry forest and learn from an expert guide why it is such an important, though often overlooked, ecosystem.

In between observing the Reserve’s abundant wildlife like monkeys, porcupines, and owls, you will climb to a lookout with an amazing view of the beach and forest.

We loved our trek through the Reserve. We couldn’t believe how much wildlife we saw and how much we learned, even after hiking throughout Costa Rica.

The hike through the Werner-Sauter Reserve is moderately difficult and you need a guide to visit.

For more information, read our post, Samara Trails: Exploring the Tropical Dry Forest .

Water Activities

The gentle waves at Playa Samara are perfect for beginner surfers, including kids.

There are several different surf companies along the main beach in Samara. Lessons are around $60-80 per person, depending on if you want a group or private lesson.

Diving and Snorkeling

If you’re interested in diving, the Samara area has some good spots to check out.

Neighboring beaches host shipwrecks where you can see creatures like white-tip reef sharks, snapper, and maybe even hammerhead sharks and bull sharks. Conditions are better during the rainy season (May to November) when the water is cooler. Two-tank dives (5 hrs.) are around $120.

While diving is typically better in Samara, you  also   can snorkel. Many people combine kayaking with snorkeling on a visit to the white-sand Isla Chora. Kayak-snorkel tours to Isla Chora are around $50. 

Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

A fun way to explore the scenic coastline near Samara is on a boat tour. Not only do these tours get you out on the water, but dolphins can be seen in and around the bay year-round. When we did this tour, bottlenose dolphins were swimming right under the boat, catching the waves. You also can see whales seasonally.

Dolphin watching tours are around $60 per person. If you have a group, you can even rent the whole boat. Learn more with our post, Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling in Samara .

Belen Waterfall

Only 20 minutes from downtown Samara is the Belen Waterfall. This small cascade and series of swimming holes is a popular spot among locals, yet few tourists know about it. The entrance is located in the middle of the countryside and is unmarked. There are no facilities and you will find only a rustic trail that leads to the river.

Tours are available, but it is easy enough to go on your own if you have a rental car . Just be sure to have good directions as we drove right past it our first time.

Important : We recommend visiting this waterfall during the dry season only (approx. late December to early April) for safety reasons.

Read our post, Belen Waterfall: A Hidden Swimming Hole Near Samara , for more information.

Horseback Riding

Another fun way to experience Samara’s beautiful scenery is on a horseback tour. Most operators include a ride through the jungle, where you’re likely to see wildlife, as well as some time to trot on the palm-tree-lined beach. Prices for tours are around $50 per person. 

Visit a Macaw Center

About 50 minutes south of Samara is a macaw parrot breeding center that is doing some amazing work. Scarlet and Great Green Macaw Parrots have become endangered in Costa Rica, and this group is working to increase the population through their breeding program.

This is not a wildlife rehabilitation center. Instead, they breed the parrots and then let them fly free. At the center, you will get to see hundreds of these charismatic birds coming back to the center to feed.

If you have your own car, you can reserve a tour directly through the Macaw Recovery Network’s website ($20 per person). If you don’t have one, tours with transportation are possible.

Restaurants in Samara

Samara has an impressive selection of restaurants for such a small town. Here are some of the best places we’ve tried.

Cantina de Baco

Cantina de Baco is a newer spot with a really fun vibe. Their concept is flavors from around the world and connecting the community with local art.

A tapas menu offers many choices for dishes, organized by country. Some of our favorites were the local enyucados (yucca and cheese croquettes), Gallo Duo with homemade chorizo, and Mediterranean shrimp. Look for this restaurant near the soccer field in town. Their menu is on Facebook .

Another great addition to Samara’s restaurant scene i s Teca Beach . The French-inspired dinner spot offers upscale cuisine and unique ambiance. Costa Rican coffee bags adorn the ceiling, and soft lighting creates an intimate feel. Teca Beach has a tapas menu, fish and meat dishes, and delicious burgers.

Samara Pacific Lodge

Another excellent choice for dinner is Samara Pacific Lodge . This French restaurant has a small menu, which rotates daily, but you can’t go wrong with the choices. Typical offerings are fresh fish, pork, beef, and shrimp. They also have an option for kids. Our tuna steak was cooked perfectly, and we also loved our pork with apple and pineapple sauce. Wine pairings are available for all entrees.

This restaurant has only six tables and a small bar so be sure to make reservations. 

Bouticafe Bohemia

For the freshest food around, there’s Bouticafe Bohemia . This chic, yet casual, breakfast and lunch spot offers healthy smoothies and lighter options for food.

Much of what goes into the toastinis, salads, crepes, and bagels is homemade, like the almond butter, jam, and pesto. Our brie and apple crepe and veggie sandwich were just what we needed after a lot of travel. Bouticafe Bohemia also doubles as a yoga and Pilates studio. 

Gusto Beach

While in Samara, you have to take advantage of the beachside dining. Gusto Beach is one of the best spots in town. They have tables set up right on the sand, good cocktails, and delicious food, with many Italian offerings. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

During a road trip through Guanacaste, we had one of our favorite meals at El Lagarto . The concept at El Lagarto is simple. They cook everything—meat, fish, and veggies—on a one-of-a-kind wood-fired grill. Everything gets that smoky char flavor, and the grill masters really know how to cook meat to perfection. Prices are a little high, but they use naturally raised meats and organic produce. 

Boulangerie

For authentic French baguettes and decadent croissants, don’t miss the Boulangerie . This bakery is a little off the main drag but easily found by looking for the big “Boulangerie” sign on the front of the building. We wish we lived closer to Samara so that we could enjoy their breads and treats all the time. 

Samara Organics

Samara Organics is a small organic food market right in the center of town. In addition to produce, they also have coffee, fresh juices, breads, locally made snacks, and natural products like insect repellent and essential oils. 

If you’re interested in checking out the local farmers market , it’s now on Saturdays in the park on the side street near Samara Organics. Here’s a map with the location. Open 9 am – 1 pm.

Microbar is definitely the coolest place in town. The tiny, dimly lit space and eclectic décor will make you feel like you’ve stepped off the beach and into a trendy speakeasy in the city.

Microbar has the largest selection of local craft beers on tap that we’ve ever seen in Costa Rica. When we visited, there were 20 or so brews. We tried a bunch of different sample sizes. Aletails (cocktails made with beer) are also available.

Opens at 5 p.m. Cash only. 

Hotels in Samara

Samara has a range of hotels for all budgets. You won’t find large chain hotels here, but rather quaint villas, lodges, and hostels. Many are located right in town, which is great if you’re traveling without a rental car. If you prefer something more secluded and quiet, there are also places outside the downtown.

Here are our picks for lodging in Samara.

Montelaguna Boutique Hotel

We’ve stayed at Montelaguna Boutique Hotel and really enjoyed it. This hotel is outside town, just a few minutes’ walk to the beautiful Playa Carrillo. Rooms are modern and range from affordable double and triple rooms to spacious suites that are great for families and groups. The pool is also really nice. $90-200, includes breakfast. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Villas Kalimba

Villas Kalimba is right in town, but feels very private. The six individual units are surrounded by lush flowering gardens and a tranquil pool. The property is also directly across from the beach. Each villa is equipped with a kitchen for when you want to eat in, and the owner/chef is sometimes available to cook meals as well. The staff at Villas Kalimba is very friendly and helpful. $115-250 double occupancy. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Hotel Belvedere

Hotel Belvedere is a favorite among visitors. Although the property is located just a short walk to town, it is more secluded and quiet. The small hotel offers spacious, comfortable rooms with balconies overlooking the jungle. Wildlife like monkeys, birds, and iguanas are often seen around the grounds. The hotel is divided into two separate buildings, each with its own pool area. $60-75, double occupancy. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Samara Pacific Lodge is a comfortable budget option in a secluded location surrounded by pasture and forest. The hotel has four types of rooms, including some larger family rooms able to accommodate six people. The large saltwater pool and comfy lounge chairs are very inviting, and of course, staying here means easy access to the lodge’s delicious French restaurant (mentioned above).

It is best to have a rental car as it a few miles from the downtown. $80-185. Check Rates and Availability Here .

Hostel Samara

This hostel is a great option for backpackers looking for an inexpensive place to stay close to town. Hostel Samara has three dorms and also five private rooms with A/C if you’re looking for more comfort. A spacious common area has TV, some space for lounging and checking email, and a well-equipped kitchen. Shared dorm, $16-20 per person; Private room, $45-$60 (double occupancy). Check Rates and Availability Here .

If you’re looking for a laid-back beach escape, you’ll love Samara. Although this modest town doesn’t span more than a few blocks, it offers everything you need for a fun and exciting vacation. 

Have a question about visiting Samara? Ask it below. 

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you book a hotel using one of the links, we receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read our Privacy Policy for more information.

Looking for more info to plan your trip to Costa Rica? Check out these posts:

Llanos de Cortez Waterfall – Tips for visiting one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Guanacaste.

La Fortuna: What to Expect from Costa Rica’s Most Popular Destination   – Samara is a great beach town, but for adventure activities like zip lining, hanging bridges, and whitewater rafting, you can’t beat La Fortuna. Read our guide for visiting here.

Manuel Antonio Trip Planning : Trying to decide if Samara is right for you? Manuel Antonio is another family-friendly destination with a ton of wildlife. Learn more about this popular central Pacific coast town with this post.

What to do in Sámara, Costa Rica: Complete Travel Guide

Wondering what to do in Samara, Costa Rica? I spent a week there checking out its white sand beaches and put together this complete travel guide to help you answer that question.

The small, but quickly growing beach town has lots of fun activities for visitors to enjoy. Not only that, it’s a good option for those who want a coastal destination with no shortage of facilities.

Read on to find out all you need to know about Samara, Costa Rica, along with my top tips to ensure you have the best trip.

Table of contents

Where is samara, san jose to samara, la fortuna to samara, playa samara, take a surf lesson, playa carrillo, playa buena vista, playa barrigona.

• La Roca Waterfall       

Belen waterfall

Kayak to isla chora, ostional wildlife refuge, macaw recovery network.

• Barra Honda National Park    

Samara town

When to go to samara, ultra-budget: la aldea hostel, budget: hostel mariposas, mid-range: tico adventure lodge, where to eat in samara, be prepared for power outages, have a water bottle, use sunscreen, is samara worth visiting in costa rica, how long should i stay in samara, costa rica, is samara, costa rica safe, more costa rica travel advice on a world over.

Samara lies within Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica. It sits on the pacific coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, roughly halfway between 2 other well-known beach towns, Tamarindo and Manzanillo.

San Jose, the capital city of Costa Rica, is a 5 h journey south. La Fortuna, arguably the country’s most popular tourist destination, is 4 h inland to the east.

Getting to Samara, Costa Rica

There are bus services to Samara from a number of major tourist destinations within Costa Rica, most notably, San Jose and La Fortuna.

A direct bus runs between San Jose and Samara. The bus leaves San Jose from Terminal 710 at 9:00 . If you’re doing the journey in the opposite direction, then the bus leaves Samara at 4:00. The journey takes 5-6 h and costs 4,650 CRC ($9.5 US).

There are 2 options to get to Samara from La Fortuna by bus. Both are complicated requiring early starts and several changes. The journey takes roughly 6 h. 

I took this bus route. Although more buses, it’s slightly less complicated than the other option and you don’t have to get up as early.  

• La Fortuna to Tilaran leaving at 8:00 3,300 CRC ($6.5 US)
• Tilaran to Cañas (510 CRC)
• Canas to Liberia (1,800 CRC)
• Liberia to Nicoya (1,900 CRC)
• Nicoya to Samara. In Nicoya you need to leave the small arrival bus terminal and walk 3 minutes to the main bus terminal. From here you take the bus to Samara. The ticket costs 1,550 CRC and buses leave at 6:30, 16:30 and 20:30
• La Fortuna to San Ramon leaving at either 4:30 or 5:30
• San Ramon to Nicoya (the bus leaves from the Autopista General Cañas)
• Nicoya to Samara

Bus schedules in Costa Rica are frequently incorrect. While I always try to share accurate information in my guides, I highly recommend that you contact the bus line, speak with locals or try to buy your ticket in person beforehand at a terminal. This way you’ll find out the latest information.

I do not recommend flying if you can take a bus, but my guide wouldn’t be complete without this information.  

Liberia international airport (Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport) is just a 2 h drive from Samara. From the airport head to Nicoya on Route 21 and then to Samara on Route 150. This is the best option as the roads are completely paved.

If you’re not driving, then you can take a shuttle bus or public buses. A spot in a shared shuttle bus from Liberia airport to Samara will cost at least $50 US. There are several companies offering this service, so check online for the option that works best for you.  

Getting to Samara from Liberia airport with public buses requires a few changes. The journey is Liberia – Nicoya – Samara. I recommend asking someone working at the airport about bus times.

What to do in Samara, Costa Rica

The best way to enjoy Samara is to chill out at its main beach, Playa Samara (Sámara beach).

No matter where you are in the town, you’ll never be more than a couple of minutes walking to its white sands and clear waters.

Playa Samara is a picturesque cove. It stretches from small cliffs on the right-hand side to large hills on the left. Sunrise and sunset are hazy and full of colour.

You’ll find plenty of surf schools at Playa Samara including Pato’s and Choco’s . The waves at Samara’s main beach are good for beginners making it an ideal spot for a lesson. It can get crowded though, so you’ll have to keep an eye for swimmers and other surfers.

Check out nearby beaches

While Playa Samara draws all the crowds, on either side of it you’ll find quieter escapes to enjoy the sea. The only thing to watch out for at these beaches are riptides. They are pretty strong and can make getting out of the water a battle. You’ll see warning signs at the beaches.

Just a 1 h walk from Samara is Playa Carrillo. It’s a small beach lined with palm trees. You simply follow the main road from Samara to get there.                                    

This is a large virgin beach 30 minutes walking from Samara. You have to cross a murky shallow river to reach the sands, but it’s well worth it. Go during a week day and chances are you’ll have the whole beach to yourself.

Another hour walking past Playa Buena Vista and you’ll come to Playa Barrigona. The dense forest and rugged cliffs are a beautiful backdrop.

Explore waterfalls

About a 20- and 30-minute bus ride respectively from Samara are 2 waterfalls: La Roca and Belen. To get to either you’ll need to take the bus towards Nicoya.

La Roca Waterfall

This is the closer of the 2 waterfalls. Get off the bus at La Roca Bar. From here it’s a short walk to La Roca waterfall, roughly 10 minutes.         

Get off the bus near to Las Cascadas restaurant. From here it’s roughly a 30-minute walk along a dirt road. 

Isla Chora is the speck of land topped with palm trees just off Playa Samara. It’s so close that you can rent a kayak and paddle to it either by yourself or with a guided tour. Paddling to Isla Chora takes about 1 h each way and a guided tour costs around $50 US per person. Isla Chora is also a good spot for snorkelling.

Rent a car for more activities and day trips

There are several car rentals in Samara. Having your own car for a day or two opens the door to many more activities in the surrounding area.

If you love sea turtles then you have to check out Ostional Wildlife Refuge. It’s located at Ostional beach, a 1 h drive from Samara.

The refuge was established in 1984 and acts as a year-round nesting haven for olive-ridley turtles. The turtles build their nests on a 1-mile stretch of the beach and the main nesting event (arribada) takes place once a month during the rainy season. During an arribada thousands and thousands of turtles come ashore to lay their eggs over a period of 3 to 4 days.

Large numbers of tourists have been an issue in the past disrupting the turtles. You need to book a tour with a guide in advance to see an arribada. You can find out more information on the Ostional Wildlife Refuge website .

The Macaw Recovery Network is a group of conservation sites in the mid and northern regions of Costa Rica. Their aim is to protect and help species of parrots to flourish within the country.

The Punta Islita Macaw Recovery site is closest to Samara, about 1 h by car. It’s just off Playa Islita nestled in a dry tropical forest. Here’s the link to book a tour at the recovery network . On the tour you’ll be able to spot colourful parrots in their natural setting.

Barra Honda National Park

Barra Honda is a unique opportunity for a caving adventure in Costa Rica. There are dozens of caverns within the national park and you can explore them with a guided tour.

Along with caving, there are hiking trails to the top of Barra Honda Hill. The hill towers 300 m over the surrounding Tempisque valley.

You need to pay a park entrance fee on the SINAC website (currently $12 US for foreigners).

Samara is no longer a sleepy beach town. The main roads are paved and lined with shops and restaurants. Fortunately, there aren’t too many tall buildings, so despite being relatively built-up, you still feel as though you’re in a small town.

You’ll find all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay in Samara. These include:

• Supermarkets (Maxi Pali, Super China and Rindemas)
• Plenty of smaller fruit and veg shops
• Tons of restaurants
• A police station
• Lots of shops selling your typical tourist items

The best time to visit Samara is during the dry season (December – April). This is when the country is hot and, of course, dry! It’s perfect beach weather. Average temperatures in Guanacaste during the dry season are mid 30s°C (highs) and mid 20s°C (lows). It’s slightly cooler during the rainy season.

The rainy season runs from May – November. While the rains bring much needed hydration to the landscapes fuelling the lush green colours, you probably won’t want to be caught on the beach during a downpour.

Where to stay in samara

There are quite a few affordable accommodations in Samara along with more expensive options for higher budgets.

From $10 US/night

This might be the cheapest accommodation in Samara. It’s got shared dorm rooms,  a communal kitchen and free WIFI. Playa Samara is a 2-minute walk away and 2 supermarkets are just a stone’s throw.

La Aldea doesn’t score top marks for cleanliness nor general aesthetics, but for the price you pay, you really can’t complain.

From $18 US/night

You’ll find Hostel Mariposas in a great location on one of the quieter streets leading to Playa Samara. The property boasts strong WIFI and has a shared kitchen. It scores really well on Booking.com with solo travelers.

From $35 US/night

Tico Adventure Lodge has good reviews on Booking.com scoring 8.7 overall. Rooms are private (including bathrooms) and have a balcony. The property has a nice swimming pool, free WIFI and a communal kitchen. For $35 US a night, it seems like a solid, yet affordable option if you don’t fancy staying in a hostel.

There’s no shortage of restaurants in Samara. The town is packed with places to eat, which can make finding a good spot tricky. I ate at a few restaurants and can personally recommend the following.

• Kijongo Pub – tuck into a casado (traditional Costa Rican dish)
• Punto a capo –fresh pizza made by an Italian owner
• Falafel café – for your fix of Mediterranean and Lebanese food
• Casa Maxou –homemade fast food. The burritos are decent
• Soda Chandy – the best casado in Samara (my opinion). Great place to eat of you’re heading to/from Playa Buena Vista

The Samara information centre website has an events calendar highlighting plenty of food and drinks offers.  

Top tips for Samara

Power cuts are frequent in Samara and sometimes last hours. If you work remotely, then this will cause you a problem. I recommend having a decent power bank that will give you enough juice to last a full day if need be. Mobile data could be a work around if the WIFI drops out, but the signal isn’t great in Samara.

It gets hot in Samara (30°C +) during the dry season. Keep yourself hydrated with a reusable water bottle that you can take everywhere with you.

Unfortunately, Samara has been built without keeping nature in mind. The main streets in the town have been cleared of trees so there’s nowhere to shelter from the sun when walking around.

Samara is worth visiting if you want to hang out at a beach town with a bustling atmosphere. The beautiful Playa Samara and range of restaurants, shops and activities means you get the best of both vibes.

While not as busy as more popular Guanacaste coastal towns, such as Tamarindo, Samara is quickly growing in size and popularity. This means it’s no longer the ideal place if you want to disconnect at a virgin beach far from the crowds.

I recommend staying at least 2 days in Samara if your plan is just to just chill on the beach. 2 days will allow you to enjoy Playa Samara and one of the other beaches nearby.

If you want to do more of the activities mentioned in this guide, then I recommend spending at least 4 days in Samara.

Samara is generally a safe area for tourists. That said petty crime does occur including theft. Keep your valuables close by and locked up whenever possible. The police station is at the main entrance to Playa Samara.

So that’s my guide on what to do in Samara, Costa Rica. I hope it helps you to figure out the details of your stay and to have a great time.

When I was in Samara there was lots of construction work going on and it was clear that the town was growing. As a result, Samara is likely to change, and even more so as it becomes more popular with tourists.

If during your visit you notice things not included in this guide, or outdated information, feel free to drop a comment below.

Costa Rica travel guides

• How to get to La Sabana Park
• Parque Eolico Hike Santa Ana (San Jose)
• A Guide to El Castillo, La Fortuna
• Orosi Valley Costa Rica Guide
• A Complete Travel Guide To Drake Bay Costa Rica

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In Search of Perfect Beach Towns: Sámara, Costa Rica

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For the past few years, I’ve always been on the lookout for the perfect beach town.

Perfect for me, that is. You may disagree. What I like most in a beach town is a big, beautiful, airy beach with lots of space, west-facing sunset views, and the perfect level of development. More on the development in a bit.

In Costa Rica, I know I’d be dealing with a heavily Americanized environment with much higher prices than the rest of Central America (excluding Belize). Its most popular beach towns like Tamarindo exist as overdeveloped playlands designed to satisfy every Gringo need, with sky-high resorts and matching sky-high prices, even by Costa Rican standards.

There’s nothing wrong if you want that in a vacation — but it wasn’t my thing.

So I prioritized finding a smaller beach town, something that didn’t feel too much like a resort town, somewhere that felt a bit more local, that wasn’t too busy, that had a lot of space. And in my research I came across a calm, sunny town on the Nicoya peninsula.

I’ve got to give all the credit to Dani from Globetrottergirls — she recommended the Costa Rican beach town of Sámara so enthusiastically  that I knew I would make it my one and only beachy stop in the country.

Love this country?

Check out my solo female travel guide to Costa Rica !

Meet Sámara

Stepping through the trees at the end of my street, I emerged onto a long curve of dark gray sand, rippled in the surf.

The beach was enormous, long and wide with unlimited room to spread out. The palm trees along the edge provided plenty of shade. The sky was reflected in the most brilliant shade of blue. The waves were far too small for surfing, but the perfect size for a SUP adventure.

THIS was pura vida. This was the Costa Rica that I had dreamed of experiencing for myself.

Playa Sámara was so long that I could walk from the more developed end to the most isolated end in about 30 minutes and end up in a place with hardly any buildings or people.

Evaluating Paradise

I’ve traveled quite a bit in Asia; not so much in Latin America. If I were to evaluate the beach towns I’ve seen so far, I’d be best off comparing them to destinations in Thailand.

Koh Lanta  is the closest place I’ve ever found to perfect. I still love that little island as much as I did when I first visited in 2010, and I can’t stop recommending it to everyone. Last winter I set up shop there for nearly a month and easily could have stayed longer.

On a 1-5 scale of tourism development, I’d put Koh Lanta at a 3 — lots of places to stay and eat, some high-end, but almost all locally owned. Boracay , with its high-end resorts and crazy malls, would be a 5, but the Angol/Station 3 neighborhood I favored was more like a 3. Koh Phayam  would rank around a 1 — technically some places for tourists, but not much in terms of electricity or wifi.

So where would I place Samara on the development scale?

I’d give it a 2. And that’s not a bad thing.

The town has its amenities, but almost everything is clustered onto one tiny street leading to the ocean. There are several places along the beach as well. If I were to stay here for a few weeks or longer, I think I’d be going out of my mind with boredom.

Some of its strengths, though, included multiple places to eat healthy (including raw vegan options — let’s just say that I’m taking Ana from Monteverde seriously about changing how I eat!) and get fit, with several regular exercise classes and yoga (albeit not on weekends, and I visited Saturday and Sunday so I didn’t get to check it out).

And very important for that particular Sunday — there were multiple venues playing the Super Bowl, including my own hostel! (Not that I want all sports all the time. Having the big game was nice!)

Even with that, though, Sámara doesn’t stand out as a place that caters solely to Americans and Canadians. There were plenty of Costa Rican tourists as well, and even though the groups didn’t intermingle, you had plenty of businesses that catered primarily to locals.

How to Protect Your Belongings on the Beach

This was the view from my hostel, Hostel Las Mariposas . It was a five-minute walk from the main street and led straight to the ocean.

And Sunsets

The final component to a perfect beach town? West-facing beaches and beautiful sunsets.

This is why I headed to Costa Rica’s Pacific coast instead of the Caribbean coast. I can’t get enough of beach sunsets — and Sámara delivered. Just look at the colors!

The Takeaway

I almost didn’t come to Costa Rica’s coast — with direct buses to Nicaragua from Monteverde, I was tempted to just pack it in and head north to cheaper pastures.

I’m glad I chose to come here anyway (and that so many people told me that I couldn’t skip the beaches). Sámara was just lovely and beautiful and not too crazy or developed, and the Costa Rican coast is absolutely worth seeing!

For that reason, I’m putting Sámara on my “go now” list — it’s pretty fantastic as it is right now, but I don’t think it will stay that way for long. I hope you get to experience it as I did.

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See all posts about Costa Rica  here .

Essential Info

Samara is located on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. You’re best off getting a public bus from Liberia. There are also private shuttles; most cost around $50 whether it’s from Liberia, Montezuma, or Monteverde.

For food, I loved eating healthy at raw vegan restaurant Elemental and organic market/restaurant  Samara Organics .

For activities, I rented a stand-up paddleboard from Pato’s Surf School for $12 per hour.

I stayed at Hostel Las Mariposas , which had fairly good dorms and very good internet in the covered outdoor common area. What I didn’t like was that there was an extremely loud bar that blasted music until 1:30 AM on Saturday (though it was quiet Sunday). Sámara is a sleepy place; there’s not a big incentive to stay up late and most of us went to bed early-ish. Excluding the noise issue, I really liked the hostel. Dorms from $15, doubles from $35, tents and hammocks from $10, bring-your-own tent or hammock from $8. You can find other accommodation in Samara here .

As always, I highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your trip. It will protect you financially in case anything goes wrong. I never travel without it and always use World Nomads .

Where’s your favorite beach in the Americas?

Samara Travel Guide

It’s not just palm trees that line the sun-bleached coastline of Samara beach; this town-on-the-sea is home to beachfront restaurants, a little nightlife, and many other amenities for a quiet beach town. Our Samara travel guide takes you to the family-friendly white sands of this one-stop-shop for all things vacation, and one of the most sought-after destinations in Costa Rica.

• Area: Nicoya
• Average Temperature: 71 to 92° F (22 to 33º C)
• Closest Airport: Daniel Oduber International Airport (LIR), 2 hours; Nosara Regional Airport, 1 hour
• Can’t-Miss Attractions: Beaches, Ostional National Wildlife Refuge (turtle nesting), Guatil Indigenous Community (traditional pottery), Barra Honda National Park (caving/spelunking), and Palo Verde National Park (wetlands & wildlife)
• Hot Activities: Surfing, Snorkeling, Swimming, Sport Fishing, Zip Lining, Sea Kayaking, Horseback Riding, Ultralight Flights, Learning Spanish Great for: Families, Couples & Honeymooners, Budget Travelers, Solo Travelers, and Surfers

The Hidden Gem of Nicoya Peninsula

Samara is a vibrant fishing village offering local unforgettable adventure for backpackers and comfort seeking travelers. Compared to other beach towns like Tamarindo and Jaco, Samara is a place still relatively untouched by mass tourism, which certainly would give additional flavor to your experience.

Our Samara travel guide takes you to the best beaches, most epic surf, and greatest hotels, restaurants, and bars in Samara and Carrillo.

If you need a laid back vacation or some chill out time before or after exploring the other parts of Costa Rica, Samara is the answer.

What to do in Samara

The golden sand beach, which stretches all across the bay, is great for walking or horseback riding . You can arrange a horseback riding tour with Samara locals.

Swimming at Playa Samara is relaxing. The aquamarine ocean surrounded by outer reef provides calmer waters making it one of the few beaches in Costa Rica where you can swim without navigating through waves. As always, use caution when swimming in the ocean.

Snorkeling is possible in the vicinity of the beach, but be aware of the tides. You might carry your own snorkeling gear or rent from some of the local shops.

Surfing is great for beginners. The waves are mellow and fun. There are a few surf schools where you could rent surfboards or take surf-lessons. For more experienced surfers, there are spots nearby that work during high tide.

Samara Travel Guide to Bars and Restaurants

Gusto Beach is a beach bar and restaurant . With white stylish interior, in combination with the blue sky and ocean waters, it offers the ultimate experience. It is a bit pricey but it is definitely worthwhile. They serve various tasty dishes, including Italian style pizza and salads. If you are an espresso lover, it is also a great place to get a caffeine boost, while you contemplate the ocean and the spectacular sunset. This beach bar and restaurant even works at night, with live music, nice cocktails and a wine selection. It has a central beach front location, accessible from the road and the sand.

Samara’s Cultural Center is a place that unites art, culture and food. Here you may find a few alternative and soulful cafés/restaurants serving diverse food (for lunch or brunch) and a selection of coffees.

Falafel Café with fresh Middle East cuisine is my favorite. This quick, budget friendly option has excellent reviews and is the perfect stop after a morning on the beach.

Note: some of the cafés sell arty souvenirs as well. Near the beach there is also a local souvenir market that runs daily and has typical colorful Costa Rican souvenirs.

La Perla offers local food and a selection of Casados, the typical Costa Rican dish. This “soda” (the name for a traditional Costa Rican restaurant) is located on the west end of the bay.

Samara Travel Guide to Hotels

There are various hotels, some more luxurious, and others more basic.

Hotel el Pequeño Gecko Verde is one of the most cozy, and expensive, with superb services. It is located just a few minutes from the beach. Surrounded by amazing tropical flora, it offers a variety of amazing facilities for full enjoyment.

Hotel Belvedere is only a five-minute walk from the beach. It is a nice and pleasant hotel of mid-range price. For the facilities and services offered it is the best value hotel.

For those with a tighter budget, there are several hostels and private rooms.

Las Olas is at the west end of the beach, near the police station. It is popular among backpackers and young travelers. The prices vary from 15 USD to higher, depending of the type of room.

Hostel Mariposa, near “Intercultura” on the east end of Samara, is the most popular place among younger travelers. It is a bit more pricey but very well run, colorful and clean.

Related Posts

San Jose Travel Guide

Montezuma Travel Guide

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Your Guide to Samara Beach, Costa Rica

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Calling all beach bums!

Situated along Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast along the Nicoya Peninsula, Samara is a little-known gem that should definitely be on your radar. This idyllic town is mainly known for its beach, conveniently located right along the downtown area.

I won’t lie to you—there’s not much to do here, but that’s not a bad thing! If a relaxing beach getaway is your vibe, add Samara to your itinerary. There are a few things to do in Samara besides lazing in the sun and sand too, so let’s get to it…

Table of Contents

Beach Bum on Samara Beach

Surfing at samara beach, explore samara town, kayak and snorkel at isla chora, dolphin watching and snorkeling, playa carrillo, visit the macaw recovery network, how to get to samara beach, where to eat in samara, hostel las mariposas, hostel matilori, villas kalimba, hotel belvedere, backpacking costa rica: your complete guide, 13 epic things to do in la fortuna, costa rica—your go-to guide, things to do in monteverde, costa rica: your full guide, 8 best things to do in manuel antonio, costa rica + tips, your guide to things to do in santa teresa, costa rica, your guide to puerto viejo—costa rica's caribbean surf town, cahuita national park: everything you need to know, 11 best things to do in uvita, costa rica, how to visit oropendola waterfall in costa rica, 10 best waterfalls in costa rica (+ costs and tips), your guide to playas del coco, costa rica, el tigre waterfalls in monteverde, costa rica: what to know, hiking to la fortuna waterfall: everything you need to know, how to get from la fortuna to monteverde via shuttle-boat-shuttle, your adventure guide to puerto limon, costa rica, costa rica digital nomad guide, your guide to montezuma, costa rica, a tasty chocolate tour in puerto viejo, costa rica, things to do in samara beach, costa rica.

Bumming on the beach is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Samara—Shocker! The town sits in a protected cove, which means the water is calm and the wind is minimal. These are perfect conditions for swimming, sunbathing, or trying your hand at some water sports.

You can bring your own beach gear or sidle up to one of the beach clubs and rent a sun lounger and umbrella. There are a few beach clubs to choose from, and you’ll find cocktails and food wherever you park your bum.

I preferred to find my own slice of sand as there is plenty. The beach is pretty long, and the further left or right you walk, the fewer people you’ll encounter.

Of course, the main part of the beach that is easily accessible from town will be the most bustling but nothing ever felt crowded. Not to mention it’s surely convenient that you can munch down lunch and rent a surfboard all within seconds of each other.

Samara Beach is long and white, and while the waters are chill, they are surfable! Speaking of…

Even if you’ve never tried surfing, the easy waves at Samara Beach make it the perfect spot for beginners. You’ll find several outfitters right along the beach, many of which offer lessons for riders of all skill levels. Some spots also offer other water equipment like SUPs if surfing isn’t your jam.

I rented a surfboard from Pato’s Surf School, which couldn’t have a better location on Samara Beach. They were super nice and easygoing, with a wide selection of all types of boards.

If you’re learning or are a very beginner, this beach is PERFECT. It’s very calm and safe here to learn with its gentle waves and beach break.

However, if you’ve been surfing and you’re not really a beginner anymore (like me!), you might find the waves a bit too calm. It’s still great for a day of fun surfing, though, and I’m glad I went out. It was almost weird wishing for bigger waves since I was out there solo, and I’m regularly a tiny bit scared of bigger waves!

Do note that you should only head out at high tide if you want to catch some waves, as low tide at Samara Beach is totally flat. Here’s the current tide schedule for Samara Beach.

As I mentioned, the beach is really the main draw here. While you won’t be gaping at grandiose architecture or partying at all-night clubs (I’m not complaining), there are a few things to do in downtown Sarama.

Wander through artisan boutiques, grab some tasty food, or watch a local jam sesh at one of the bars.

This is overall a pretty quiet and chill spot, but there is definitely a small and infectious surf town vibe here. This spot really has the potential to be one of those places you get “lost” for a bit.

If you have time for a quick excursion while in Samara, check out Isla Chora. This half-day tour starts with kayaking along the scenic coastline—a sight many tourists often miss. Once you reach the island, you’ll snorkel in the natural sanctuary that surrounds it. There are tons of tropical fish here; if you’re lucky, you may even see turtles!

You’ll actually see Isla Chora in the distance to your left when looking down the beach. You can walk all the way down the beach to get a closer look, but you’ll need a kayak to get out there!

Check Price :

Dolphins are known to swim off of Samara’s coast year-round. On this boat tour and snorkeling trip , you’ll get the chance to see dolphins and other marine creatures as you journey along the stunning shore. Your snorkeling is right off Isla Chora, too, so if you don’t want to kayak there, this is a great alternative.

You’ll likely see dolphins on this tour, and depending on the season, you may even spot whales, sea turtles, or stingrays! This is one of the most incredible things to do in Samara, and the price point isn’t crazy.

It will probably be one of the cheapest spots in the country, actually, so you might want to take advantage while you’re here instead of waiting for the more expensive national parks that you might be heading to later on!

Playa Carrillo is a picturesque beach situated just south of Samara Beach and is often considered one of the most beautiful and peaceful beaches in the area—probably because it’s pretty secluded!

The beach’s serene atmosphere, clear turquoise waters, and soft white sand make it an ideal spot for swimming, lounging on the beach, and relaxing under a palm tree. There’s no surf here, but you can go paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling.

In addition to its stunning palm tree-lined shores, under the water, you’ll find a variety of marine life, such as colorful tropical fish and even sea turtles. Sport fishing charters are also available for those who want to try their hand at catching their own dinner.

There’s a small town, Puerto Carrillo, that offers a variety of dining options, ranging from local sodas (small restaurants that serve traditional Costa Rican cuisine) to international restaurants. It’s about a 10-15 minute taxi ride out here.

The Macaw Recovery Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation and recovery of endangered macaw species in Costa Rica. The organization works to protect macaw habitats, breed and release endangered macaws, and rescue and rehabilitate injured or orphaned macaws. Their focus is on increasing the populations of the endangered Great Green Macaw and Scarlet Macaw.

They offer 1-2 hour guided tours where your money goes directly to their efforts, and you get to hang out with cool birds for a while! The only unfortunate thing about this spot is that you’ll need your own car or organize a taxi to visit as it’s about 45 minutes outside of Samara.

Remember how we discussed how cute Samara Beach is and it’s a town worth visiting? Well, you’ll need to have that as your mantra while you’re shlepping yourself over here.

Depending on how you get here, it’s going to take a minute. This spot is a bit out there! I wanted to snatch a shuttle to get here, but unfortunately/fortunately, Samara still isn’t HUGELY popular as despite being here during high seasons, there was nobody else to share the shuttle with me, so there wasn’t one!

Keep this in mind—just because you want a shuttle, there might not be one, or you’ll have to book it as a spendy private transfer.

So, I had to catch a series of three local buses to get here, and it ate half my day despite coming from Playa Del Coco, which is only 2 hours away! I even had to get off at a stop that was almost literally in the middle of nowhere to wait for my next bus. It was quite an adventure, and I definitely had to flex my (poor) Spanish skills!

No matter where you’re coming from, if you’re using the public bus, you’ll stop at Nicoya. You’ll likely have to switch buses in this town. Here is the Nicoya bus station for reference.

Luckily public buses are relatively frequent and budget-friendly. Just ask your host at your hotel for the bus info depending on where you’re coming from, and you’ll be sorted. If you’re coming from Santa Teresa , you might be fine finding a shuttle, as I was able to grab a shuttle from Samara Beach to Santa Teresa.

TRANSPORTATION TIP

If you’re looking for bus or boat tickets around Central America and Mexico, you can easily book them online! Check Availability

• Roots Bakery – A very happening breakfast place with excellent baked goods and great coffee to boot. They are right off the “main” road and are open early, so you can fuel up before your surf sesh or day trip!
• Rest. Amor de Mamá – “Costa Rican Food Made by a Loving Mom” is plastered on the sign outside and guess what? You can taste the love in this food! It’s a great local spot to hit up, my casado was great!

• Natural Center in Samara – This spot is a little center chock full of places to eat and shops for cute beachy stuff. Mr. Pelicano had some really good tacos, and there were some other restaurants with healthy bowls and even a pizza joint. I wanted to eat at all of the places here!
• Falafel Cafe – Self-explanatory and delicious. Not to mention, mega-popular!

Where to Stay in Samara

Hostel Las Mariposas is a laid-back and friendly hostel with private rooms and dorms, all of which are clean and comfortable. The hostel has a garden with hammocks, communal areas and is a short walk from the beach—it’s a great choice for budget travelers.

Hostel Matilori is a cozy and welcoming hostel that offers private rooms and dorms, which are clean and comfortable. The hostel features a communal kitchen, a lounge area, and a garden where guests can relax and soak up the sun. It’s less than a 5-minute walk to the beach and is perfect for budget travelers. This is where I ended staying during my time here!

Villas Kalimba is a beautiful, tranquil resort in the hills above Samara Beach. The resort has spacious and luxurious villas, each with a kitchen, balcony, and a beautiful view of the surrounding jungle. The resort has a beautiful infinity pool, a yoga studio, and a restaurant serving delicious meals.

Hotel Belvedere is a charming and intimate hotel with standard rooms and suites. The hotel has a garden area with a swimming pool and a restaurant. The hotel is just a short walk from the beach and is a great choice for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.

Don’t miss my backpacking in Costa Rica article and see what else to do during your visit!

I hope this helped you plan your trip to Samara Beach, Costa Rica!

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Nina Ragusa is an adventurer, messy bun master, breakfast fan, and full-time travel blogger. She's been abroad since 2011 and blogging on Where in the World is Nina? for nearly as long. Nina helps people like you move around the world while making money. She loves talking about how to work abroad and online to travel longer! Read more about Nina

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Please don’t go to Samara Beach…

Categories Central America , Costa Rica , Travel Tips

Last Updated on January 15, 2024

Costa Rica may be a well established destination on the tourist trail, but the Nicoya Peninsula is still very much the country’s own Wild Wild West. Lucky for us, what started off as a transportation nightmare led us to discover our favorite beach on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast: Samara Beach.

Table of Contents

Why Visit Samara Beach?

As soon as we arrived, we were enchanted by the beauty of the beach from the start. We basked in the late afternoon sun, admiring the tropical palm trees which line the miles of wide, white sand beach. The town itself is really only a collection of hotels and restaurants along one road perpendicular to the coast and a smattering of hotels and beach lounges on the beach.

The ocean here is shallow, and the waves are present enough to learn to surf but unforgiving enough to enjoy a day splashing around in them, not the case in many locations up and down the Pacific coast from Mexico through Nicaragua (exception: San Juan del Sur ). After a day in the waves, there are sunset beach lounges with mellow music, creative cocktails and international cuisine. The magical sunsets during our stay turned the sky various shades of purple and pink, causing a wall of bikini-clad amateur paparazzi to form, trying to capture the stunning scenery.

Samara Beach is the Costa Rican vacation we really wanted, fulfilling perfectly the image still being sold in the travel brochures. The level of tourism here makes for the perfect peaceful escape – all of the organization you need and none of the banana-boat and disco clubs you don’t. The problem with Samara Beach is that it is at its tipping point, and while the balance is now is perfect, more tourists arriving each year might convert the place into another overly Americanized beach like Montezuma , Playa del Coco or Jaco Beach (lined with Quiznos and Pizza Huts).

Practical information for visiting Samara Beach

How to get to samara beach.

To Samara Beach by bus: You can take a bus from San Jose or Liberia to Nicoya, and then change onto a bus to Samara. The bus company that runs from Nicoya to Samara is called Empresa Rojas. It takes about 90 minutes to get from Nicoya to Samara.

Alfaro express buses go directly from San José daily at noon from Avenida 5 between calles 14 and 16. The trip takes 5 hours; check here for current timetables and fares (2017 fare: ₡4,395/ US$7.95). 2019 fare: ₡4.470 / US$7.97)

To Samara Beach by car: You can rent a car right at the airport in both San Jose and Liberia. The roads are simple country roads but okay to drive on. If you don’t want to drive all the way to Samara from San Jose but would like to have a car to explore more of the Nicoya Peninsula – you can also rent a car in Samara.

What to do in Samara

For all the activities you can do in Samara, check out our comprehensive

Quick Guide to Samara Beach

Where to stay in Samara

• Las Mariposas – hostel right on the beach, private single rooms from US$35 , doubles from US $40 , dorm bed US $15 – review score 8.5
• Woodstock Hostel – close to the beach, but further away from the center. Double room US $31 , dorm bed US $15 . Review Score 8.9
• Oasis – 2-bedroom house right on the beach from US $35 . Review score 8.9
• Hostel El Dorado – double room for US $40 , review score 8.6
• Sunset Chillout Bed & Breakfas t – triple room from US$60 (incl breakfast) – review score 9.6
• Hotel Entre Dos Aguas – hotel with pool. standard double room from US$60 . Review score 8.9
• Hotel Belvedere – hotel with pool. spacious rooms from US$65 . Review score 9.4
• Hotel Paraiso del Cocodrilo – a bit away from the beach in a jungle setting. rooms from US$65 , apartments from US$75 . Review score 9.0
• Villas Tangerine – Bed & Breakfast right on the beach, doubles start at US$70 incl breakfast. Review score 9.0
• Samara Palm Lodge – hotel with pool, 6 min walk to the beach. Doubles from US$75 . Review score 9.6
• Hotel Samara Inn – $76 including breakfast . Review score 8.7
• Good Life Lodge – $85 for a double room. Review score 9.8
• Samara Chillout Lodge – New adults-only boutique hotel in a quiet area away from the beach. Rooms from US$95 . Review score 9.5
• Las Perlitas – Beautifully decorated hotel with pool in the center of Samara, doubles from US$99 incl breakfast. Review score 9.5
• Hotel Leyenda – Small hotel with beautiful swimming pools and gardens. Doubles from US$99 including breakfast. Review score 9.1
• Hotel Samara Paraiso – small hotel with swimming pool near Izquierda Beach. Apartments and bungalows from around US$120 . Review score 9.4
• Colina Del Mar – Intimate hotel away from the beach on a hillside, stunning nature setting. Small swimming pool. Rooms from around US$149 including breakfast. Review score 9.3
• Nammbu Beach Front Bungalows – Playa Carillo. My favorite beach just south of Samara – if you want complete serenity, this small boutique hotel is for you. Rooms from US$150
• la isla que no hay – Two bedroom house in the center of Samara from US$199 per night (sleeps 4 people), swimming pool. Review score 8.9
• The Hideaway Hotel – on the far southern end of the beach, between Samara and Playa Carillo. Swimming pool and on-site restaurant. Double rooms start at US$278 – review score 9.1

Compare all available accommodations in one place

If you’re not sure if you want to stay in a hotel or in a vacation rental, I recommend using Cozycozy to compare all available accommodation options for your dates. Cozycozy searches all the major accommodation booking sites, including Booking.com, Expedia, Airbnb and VRBO, saving you a lot of time when planning a trip to Samara.

Where to eat in Samara Beach

• Samara Organics MercadoCafe ( Natural Center, in front of Gusto Beach Restaurant, Sámara, 50205, Costa Rica )
• Ahora Si! (Samara’s first vegetarian restaurant)
• Bohemia Cafe (great breakfasts, smoothies and light fare in the center of town)
• Lo Que Hay (Mexican restaurant right on the beach)
• Luv Burgers (Vegetarian Burgers)
• Restaurant Giada (Italian restaurant right in the center of town, look for Hotel Giada on Main Street )
• Roots Bakery & Cafe (Fantastic bakery /coffee shop / breakfast place in town. Near Hotel Giada)
• El Lagarto (Best place in Samara for steaks, barbecue and seafood)

Afterword: I first visited Samara Beach in 2011, and I have gotten many emails from readers over the past years asking me if Samara “was over”. i.e. if it had been discovered by mainstream tourism. After a short return in 2012, I finally returned to Samara this past winter and I am happy to report that I found the exact same tranquil beach paradise that I found when I first ended up in Samara a decade ago.

Related posts:

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Lisa Anderson

Tuesday 30th of May 2023

I’ve read some reviews that people complained about horse poop on the beach. Is that a big problem?

Friday 2nd of June 2023

I don't remember seeing any horse poop on the beach! But since they're offering horseback rides on the beach, I can see this being an issue, if people don't clean it up!

COSTA RICA – PLAYA SAMARA – Cafuron sur Boston

Friday 3rd of May 2019

[…] blog disait: PLEASE DON’T GO TO SAMARA BEACH… C’était tentant! Nous y sommes allés. Le […]

Thursday 2nd of May 2019

[…] blog disait: PLEASE DON’T GO TO SAMARA BEACH… C’était tentant! Nous y sommes allés. Le […]

Monday 14th of January 2019

I just found your site after booking Samara for my honeymoon with my hubby. Everything you said is EXACTLY what we wanted! Thank you so much for the tips :) Also, can you please tell me which restaurants belong to the pictures of meals you posted, they looks so yummy! I'm also happy to see Francis's comment above that it's the same as it was in 2011, so great!

Francis Mariani

Monday 19th of February 2018

We didn't go to Sámara in February 2018 and we didn't have a fantastic time! In 2018 everything seemed the same as you described in 2011 - I hope it stays like this forever!

Samara Costa Rica: Family-Friendly Beach Town Guide

Samara Costa Rica is a relaxed beach destination that is great for families or anyone looking for chilled out vibes

The Samara Costa Rica Vibes

Samara Costa Rica is a laid-back town and tranquil coastal paradise on the Pacific coast.

The downtown area has many restaurants and shops, but if you are looking for a more peaceful experience there is plenty of that as well. 

Now on to the rest of the Samara Costa Rica travel guide.

Background Info About Samara Costa Rica

Nearest international airport.

Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport in Liberia

Popular Things to Do

surfing, rent an ATV, snorkel or diving tours

Best Way to Get Around

Rental car , walking in the downtown area

Best Time of Year to Visit

Dry season is from late December until mid-April

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Thomas (the German) and Sarah (the US-er).

We met in Virginia, moved to Germany, and have called sunny Costa Rica home since 2016.

We are on a mission to help you plan the perfect Costa Rican vacation.

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Map Of Samara Costa Rica

Samara is a small beach town located on the Northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica south of Nosara.

Why We Suggest Samara to Families

I’ll be honest, it took me several visits to really understand Samara. Originally, I heard it was popular with surfers and backpackers. So, when I first visited this beach town I went in with that mindset and just couldn’t understand it.

Nosara is just north of here and has much better surfing and more backpacker-ish town.

The second time we visited I felt like we ran out of things to do. But, I think a big part of that was that I am not big on hanging at the beach all day, the shore fishing wasn’t great (this is what Thomas lives for) and a lot of the activities involved tours (which I didn’t feel like taking).

So, we visited for a third time, for a longer stay. My goal was to figure out Samara. And in that third visit, I got it. This place is perfect for families!

The downtown area is condensed so you have a lot of hotels and restaurants in one walkable spot. The beach is long and very swimmable. There isn’t a big drop-off, you can easily walk out into the water and typically not worry about big waves.

Plus, there are some great family-friendly day tour options.

So, if you are flying into the Liberia airport and are looking for a family-friendly beach town that isn’t as hectic as Tamarindo or Playas del Coco, I would say that this is the place to go.

Flights to Costa Rica

The easiest way of getting to Samara is by flying into the Liberia International Airport.

From Liberia, it is about a two-hour drive to Samara. From the San Jose International Airport, it is about a five-hour drive.

That being said, we will go through how to get here from each airport to clear things up a bit.

If you haven’t booked your flight yet, we suggest using Skyscanner . We consistently find the best rates through their website.

Driving to Samara

San jose to samara costa rica.

The drive to Samara is long, but fine. The first two hours of the drive are on a main toll highway (Route 27). 

If you are a somewhat experienced driver you should have no trouble with this.

The tolls do not accept credit cards. They will take US dollars or colones.

You will then drive on a main road that can feel like it take forever (Route 1). A lot of big trucks drive this road and it is often hard to find a place to pass them.

However, construction has been ongoing for a few years now, so maybe you will visit and actually have a very smooth drive.

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Eventually, you will turn off on a smaller main road called Paso de Tampisque.

If you need to stop for a quick meal or bathroom, there is a small plaza with a Subway, Papa Johns, and Taco Bell located just before you make a left-hand turn on to Paso de Tampisque.

Other than that, there are not many quick food options along the way.

However, there are several gas stations if you need a bathroom break. Most of the gas station bathrooms are actually fairly decent.

From the turn on Paso de Tampisque, it is usually smooth sailing until you reach downtown Samara.

Just note that police tend to hang out in the first few miles of your turn onto Paso de Tampisque controlling speeding.

We suggest downloading the free app Waze for directions in Costa Rica. It is the best and often other drivers are really great about inputting where the police are hanging out.

In other words, this drive is doable. We’ve done it many many times. However, after a long flight, driving for five hours might be the last thing you want to do.

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Liberia to Samara Costa Rica

The drive from Liberia Internation Airport to Samara is fairly easy to do. It will take about two hours and consists of mostly main roads the whole way.

The one part that gets a little hectic is driving through downtown Nicoya, but usually, it is not too bad.

Here is a Google Maps link so you can better visualize the route.

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Private Shuttle to Samara

If you are traveling with a group of family or friends, a private shuttle is the way to go.

You can sit back and enjoy the Pacific Coast scenery while a competent driver ensures you get to your destination safely.

We work exclusively with Adobe Transfer for private shuttles.

You can find out more and get a shuttle price quote here . 

Public Bus to Samara Costa Rica

Check out the website The Bus Schedule for updated times.

From San Jose

There is a public bus that will take you to Samara. This trip will take about six hours.

This is by far the most affordable way to get to Samara, but definitely not the most comfortable.

The bus departs from downtown San Jose twice daily at 6:30am and again at 12:00pm.

From Liberia

There is not direct public bus route from Liberia to Samara. You will need to take the bus to the town of Nicoya and then switch to another bus.

This can be a bit stressful because if you miss the connection you might be waiting several hours until the next one arrives.

Domestic Flights to Samara

There is a domestic airport located in Nosara. It is possible to take a domestic flight from San Jose here.

From Nosara, you can get a taxi to Samara. It is about an hour’s drive (so it might be a pricey taxi journey). 

Just keep in mind that this is a more pricey option and if you are scared of small planes this might not be the best for you.

The pro is that this is a super fast transportation option and the views are amazing.

Transportation In Samara

Samara is a very walkable town. If you plan on mostly just spending your time within the town and on the beach, you really don’t need a car.

If you plan on doing more exploring in the area we definitely suggest renting a car. If you don’t have a car you will have to depend on day tours.

Keep in mind that although the roads to Samara are paved, many other roads around are unpaved and involve river crossings.

We definitely suggest getting a car with 4-wheel drive if you plan on checking out activities nearby.

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Samara Costa Rica Weather

The most popular time to visit Samara Costa Rica is between the end of December through early May. 

This is dry season in Samara. You can expect extremely hot weather and no rain.

We like to visit this area between May through mid-August. At that time of year, you will likely have a daily afternoon thunderstorm that lasts for about an hour, but there are fewer tourists. We just make a point of getting up early and really enjoying the day at Playa Samara before the rain rolls in.

From mid-August through mid-December you can expect the temperature to cool off a bit and more rain.

Some hotels close between August and November because there just isn’t enough demand. 

– The temperature usually ranges between 77°F to 86°F

– The sun rises all year round between about 5:15am and 5:45am

– The sun sets between 5:30pm and 6:00pm

Things to Do in Samara Costa Rica

Explore nearby beaches.

There are several white sand beaches nearby to check out. Our personal favorite is Playa Carrillo because we love how it is lined with palm trees and it is almost always empty.

Go Horseback Riding

Enjoy a leisurely ride along the beaches and through the jungle on horseback with an experienced guide.

This is a great way to visit the more off the beaten path spots in the Samara area.

⤷ Book Your Jungle and Beach Horseback Riding Tour  

Check out a Waterfall

Near Samara is a waterfall called Catarata Belen. It is pretty difficult to find and you will need a 4×4 to get there, but it is a fun off the beaten-path adventure.

Every time we have visited there has been nobody else there.

Just be careful swimming, especially during the rainy season because flash floods can happen. 

⤷ Directions to Catarata Belen

 Go Hiking

Want to visit a biological reserve and potentially see tons of wildlife? We suggest a guided hiking tour through the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve. You will be accompanied by an informative guide who will share insights about the region’s wildlife and the rich history of its indigenous inhabitants. 

This tour includes transportation from Samara area hotels. 

⤷ Arrange Your Hiking Tour

Rent a Kayak

Directly on the beach in Samara there are often people renting kayaks. You can just walk up and rent one out for a few hours to enjoy a nice paddle.

Go Snorkeling

From Samara, it is possible to take a kayak and snorkeling tour out to Isla Chora. This is a super fun way to check out some of the nearby coral reefs.

We suggest doing this as a combo kayaking/ snorkeling adventure tour

⤷ Arrange Your Samara Kayaking and Snorkeling

If you prefer taking a boat, we suggest this fun whale watching and snorkeling tour on a catamaran . 

See Wildlife While Mangrove Kayaking

Take a mangrove kayak tour with an experienced guide and you are sure to see tons of wildlife while enjoying a relaxing paddle.

⤷ Arrange Your Mangrove Kayak Trip

See Sea Turtles

Take a sea turtle tour to Playa Ostional to spot potentially thousands of sea turtles laying their eggs on the beach. This is one of those once-in-a-lifetime events that I highly recommend.

The best time to experience this is in the fall (September and October). I don’t suggest booking this tour at other times of the year because you most likely won’t see anything. 

⤷ Arrange Your Sea Turtle Tour

It is also possible to drive to Ostional on your own and get a tour once there (you can only access the beach with a tour for the turtle’s protection). However, this trip involves river crossings, so it is really best to do it as part of a day tour if possible. 

If you want to learn more, check our complete Ostional Turtle Guide . 

Go Sport Fishing

There are plenty of companies that offer half and full-day deep-sea fishing tours from town. We don’t know of any amazing companies in Samara, but you can always ask at your hotel.

However, we really like See Saw Tours out of the nearby town of Nosara. Captain Juri provides in-shore and off-shore trips for half and full day.

Are you stressed about planning the perfect vacation to Costa Rica?

Have no fear! We are here to help. Check out our FREE Ultimate Costa Rica Planning E-Book that is jam-packed with must know travel info

Samara Restaurants

Bouticafe Bohemia – The vibe here is great plus the food is on point. We suggest going here for breakfast or lunch to get a healthy and tasty meal.

Mamaguia – A great spot for dinner. The cook everything perfectly but I highly recommend seafood or meat here.

Sweeties by Celia – The best way to describe this place is that everything is made with such love. This is a food truck and doesn’t look like much, but you will be blown away. I feel like it is impossible to eat here and not leave in the best mood ever.

Samara Organics – Not a restaurant, more of an organic store, but they serve delicious smoothies. They also have great organic products you can take with you as snacks.

L’Authentique – Our go-to dinner date place in Samara. They have great cheese and meat platters.

Budget-Friendly

Falafel Caf e – If you are into Mediterranean food, head here. The prices are extremely fair and the food is absolutely delicious!

Soda la Perla – Great typical Costa Rican food at an affordable price.

Samara Costa Rica Hotels

High-end hotels.

Nambu Beach Front Bungalows – The views from this hotel are amazing! Enjoy the beautiful pool and modern rooms.

Azura Beach Resort (All Inclusive) – Modern adults-only hotel located in front of Samara Beach. There is an outdoor pool, fitness center, evening entertainment, and more!

Mid-Range Hotels

Hotel Giada : For a fair rate per night you can get a double room with Costa Rican breakfast included. There is also a nice pool on site for guests to use.

Yoga Salt Life Lodge – All stays include a free yoga class. This hotel is 300 meters from the beach.

Good Life Lodge – Located in downtown Samara (300 meters from the beach) this hotel offers free bikes for guests to use, air-conditioned rooms, and a small pool.

Hotel Leyenda – Perfect for those who want to relax, this hotel is located 2km from the beach. There is a pool and restaurant on-site.

Budget Hotels

Hostel Samara- Located about 40 meters from the beach, this hostel offers dorms and private rooms. There is a restaurant and shared kitchen on -site.

Sunset Chill Out Bed and Breakfast -Relaxed hotel located on the beach. All rooms are private but have shared bathrooms.

Airbnb and VRBO in Samara

We always love renting a home or villa for our vacation in Costa Rica. This gives you more privacy and allows you the flexibility to cook your own meals.

Note: We try to only ever suggest places with good cancellation policies, but always double-check before booking.

Alta Vista – A two bedroom condo that sleeps 6 guests. What really makes this place stand out is the dedicated service and care that the owner and his employees bring to maintaining the property and ensuring every guest has a great experience. 

Ocean View Condo – A two bedroom condo that can sleep up to 5 guests. We love the floor to ceiling glass windows and the large balcony. 

VILLA LIBÉLULA – A three bedroom villa that sleeps 6 guests. The home has a really nice outdoor area with pool, lawn, and outdoor dining area.

Casa Colibri –  This home has a nice pool and outdoor area with grill. It boasts stunning views of the Pacific ocean and can sleep 7 guests in 4 bedrooms. 

Casa Pacifica – A 6 bedroom home that can sleep up to 14 guests. This listing is actually two homes next to each other. There is a private pool. 

Group Tours to the Samara Area

Take the planning, stress, and guess work out of traveling by booking a multi-day tour with an experienced guide.

For more tour ideas check out Tour Radar . 

Eco Adventure in Costa Rica

Get ready for adventures like zip lining and white water rafting. This tour goes to Monteverde, Samara, La Fortuna, and more fun spots.

Samara Travel Tips

– We have gotten a lot of questions asking if Nosara or Samara is better to visit on the Nicoya Peninsula (since they are close and have a somewhat similar vibe).

If you are looking for a really small town (more like a village), head to Nosara. If you want a bit more going on, but still cute, go to Samara.

– Don’t swim in any of the small rivers in Samara. There are crocodiles in some of them.

Packing for Samara Costa Rica

Samara is a relaxed beach town that has a bit of a surfer/ hippie vibe to it. We usually wear lightweight breathable fabrics that protect us from the sun. 

You can dress very casual here unless you plan on visiting nice restaurants. 

Don’t forget your rain gear if visiting during green season.

Check out our Samara Packing List on Amazon for all the essentials. 

Samara Costa Rica FAQ

Is samara costa rica touristy.

Samara is a popular tourist destination. However, compared to some of the other beach towns in Costa Rica it is much more relaxed.

Can you swim in Samara Costa Rica?

The main beach in Samara has a very gradual incline into the water and usually, the water is calm, making it a good place to enjoy the ocean. However, check for red flags and always ask someone about the current conditions before swimming.

How long to stay in Samara Costa Rica?

To enjoy what Samara has to offer, three nights is enough time. However, you could also spend longer here to just relax.

Is Samara Costa Rica safe?

In general, Samara is safe. Please keep an eye on your belongings though. Petty theft does sometimes happen.

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You Might Also Like Visiting

Montezuma : A small beach town with tons of fun things to do

Paquera : A small but bustling Nicoya beach town where the ferry lands

Nosara : A relaxed yoga and surfing town that is popular with backpackers

….if none of those appeal to you, check out our  Guide to the Nicoya Peninsula  for more ideas of places to visit in this area.

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We are coming to Samara in March with our kids. Do we need to bring rain jackets for everyone even though it is dry season still?

Hi Johanna! Nope! You should have perfect rain-free weather in March! 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions as you plan your trip.

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Costa Rica Travel Information

Samara: The Mellow Family Friendly Beach Town

July 15, 2021 By Sammi 31 Comments

The small village of Samara, Costa Rica in the Guanacaste province has been a long time favorite vacation spot for tourists, attracting visitors looking for a family friendly, fun and mellow beach town.

In this guide, we will help you plan your trip to Samara.

The town of Samara is quite small and you can easily walk to get around. Driving in Samara is not too bad but parking is very limited on the main street.

The roads are paved and you can find hotels, hostels, restaurants, shops, banks and everything in Samara.

How to Get Around Samara

You will find bike and ATV rentals, car rentals and golf cart rentals in Samara and it’s easy to get around the area.

There are many hotels and rentals right in town, a 5-10 minute walk to the beach.

Samara Vibe and Demographic

Samara is a popular expat and immigrant beach town in Guanacaste and you can find people from all over the world. Many people who move to Samara are into yoga, surfing and vegan/vegetarianism. Samara has fun nightlife but it has a very healthy vibe, making it a favorite for families.

The Intercultura Spanish School and Costa Rica TEFL have a branch in Samara. Many tourists go there to get there TEFL.

There are also a few digital nomads and expats in Samara. The digital nomad scene is growing a lot and some hotels are adapting their accommodations to host short term and long term digital nomads.

Samara beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll, relaxing and swimming. There are also surf schools around as waves are good for beginners and lessons.

At the main beach entrance, they made a very nice platform to walk down to the beach. There are some beachfronts bars and souvenir stores around there.

The beach is undeniably beautiful and I witnessed one of the most beautiful sunsets here!

Supermarkets and Services

For supermarkets, there are a few small grocery stores in town like Super Samara, Pali, Super China and Fruteria Pura Vida (fruits and vegetable store).

There are also banks, ATMs, pharmacies, laundromats, tour centers, car rentals, the bus station and clinics right in town.

Samara, Costa Rica Weather

Samara has great weather with nearly year round sun experiencing typical tropical weather with a distinct dry and rainy season. Dry season is from beginning of December – end of April and rainy is beginning of May to end of November approximately. The average temperature in Samara is around low 90s F (32-35 C) during the day and mid to high 70s F (24 C) at night.

The rainiest month are generally September and October and the typical rainy day is that it will be sunny and hot in the mornings, cloudy in the afternoon and then off and on rains in the late afternoon/evenings.

Samara Hotels

There are many hotels and different types of lodging available in Samara. There are also lots of vacation rentals outside of Samara. For long term rentals, Beach House Apartments are highly recommended with AC and a little outside town.

Hideaway Hotel Samara : This is a cute boutique hotel with a pool near Carrillo. It’s in a very quiet area of the beach. They have 12 spacious rooms and a penthouse. Check Hideaway Hotel rates here.

Tico Adventure Lodge : A cute little hotel about a 10-15 minute walk to the beach. Has fiber optic internet, a nice garden and various rooms (single/doubles). Good option for those who need good internet to work. Check Tico Adventure Lodge rates here.

Hotel Samara Beach : Only 50 meters from the beach and right in town with standard hotel rooms. Check Samara Beach Hotels here.

Villas Kalimba : This hotel has 6 independent villas. The property has a garden and large pool with a waterfall and Jacuzzi. Check Kalimba rates here.

Hotel Sol : This hotel is near the east end of the beach and has 11 standard hotel rooms and a family suite. In a quieter area of Samara. Check Hotel Sol rates here.

Hotel Villas Playa Samara : A family friendly beachfront all inclusive resort with a spa, restaurant, pool and bungalows and villas. Check Villas Playa Samara rates here.

Hotel Azura : Adult only, luxury beachfront all inclusive resort. Check rates here.

For a unique experience, check out Kintiri Glamping. It’s 40 minutes outside of Samara up in the mountains (4wd/4×4 car) with a beautiful view, amazing sunsets and glamping dome tents.

Samara Restaurants

Samara is a great place if you’re gluten free, vegan or vegetarian traveling in Costa Rica . Here are our recommended restaurants.

• Falafel Cafe: Decent place for Mediterranean and Lebanese food.
• Roots Bakery:  Great coffee, lots of different pastries like empanadas, scones and croissants. Also has breakfast.
• Ahora Si Restaurant: Good Italian restaurant, also has a cooking school.
• El Lagarto: Beach bar and very good barbecue
• Soda Marisqueria Colochos: Good place for Costa Rican food and seafood.
• Di Mare Di Vino: Typical Italian with pastas, pizza and seafood. Part of the Hotel Giada.
• El Ancla: Very nice beachfront seafood restaurant, great ceviche. Also dog friendly.
• Gusto Beach: Another Italian restaurant and pizzeria. Beachfront.
• La Aldrea: Great spot for smoothies, juices, veg food and drinks. They also have a little store and a hostel.
• La Catrina: Really good barbecue and smoothies
• Restaurant Casa Esmeralda: Good seafood

Things to do in Samara, Costa Rica

There are a lot of fun things to do in Samara. Here are some recommendations.

• Horseback riding : Take a horseback ride around Samara and go up the mountains or ride on the beach.
• ATV Tours : Go on an ATV tour to ride around the mountains of Samara up to beautiful viewpoints.
• Surfing and SUP : Take a surf lesson or rent a SUP board. Samara is a great beach to learn how to surf.
• La Roca Waterfall : Just a 20 minute drive from Samara is the La Roca Waterfall. They are 3 waterfalls total and takes about 15 minutes walking down a trail. Not huge waterfalls but very nice and refreshing.
• Fishing : Go off shore or inshore fishing from Samara. It’s a great place to go fishing in Costa Rica .
• Kayaking Isla Chor a: Snorkeling right off Playa Samara is not great but just off the beach is an island which good snorkeling. You can take a boat ride out there but we recommend kayaking. We kayaked to and snorkeled at Isla Chora which was a fun way to see Samara from the water and snorkel around the island.
• Snorkeling : The best place for snorkeling in Samara is Isla Chorro or the Cangrejal, which is at the western end of Samara. The coral reef there is home to many tropical fish and other creatures.
• Sunset Catamaran: Go on a catamaran cruise in the afternoon to snorkel and sail back under the sunset.
• Ziplining : Go on a beginner zipline with Wingnuts in Samara.
• Camaronal Wildlife Refuge : This wildlife refuge protects Camaronal beach, where many turtles in Costa Rica nest. The best time to visit is rainy season and you can take a night time turtle watching tour.

Day Trips from Samara

You can use Samara as a home base for your Costa Rica beach vacation. However, if you want to see something else besides the beach, we recommend to stay a few nights in Samara and then stay a few nights somewhere else like La Fortuna or Monteverde .

Carrillo Beach : Playa Carrillo is a stunning beach right next to Samara so it’s is easily accessible via car or biking.

Playa Barrigona is another beautiful beach about 30 minutes away. It has been host to surf competitions but it’s very much a local beach. High clearance car recommended.

Ostional Wildlife Refuge : Ostional is one of two places in the world where an arribada (mass gathering of turtles) occur. If you are there the right time of year, you can see tens of thousands of turtles on the beach at one time! It is a 1 hour drive.

Barra Honda National Park : This national park is a 1 hour drive. Go for a hike or take the cave exploring tour. Beautiful views of the landscapes from the viewpoints and in rainy season, there is a waterfall. Hike is moderate to difficult.

Palo Verde National Park : Take a boat ride down the Rio Tempisque to see caimans, monkeys, iguanas and other wildlife in Palo Verde National Park . The river houses the rare dry tropical forest, therefore it is one of the most important reserves in Costa Rica. It is a 2.5 hour drive one way from Samara.

Lo Que Hay is great for happy hour and Bar Arriba turns into a night club at night with music and dancing. Frank’s is another bar for sports games.

From Nosara, you must take the bus from Nosara – Nicoya – Samara.

How to Get to Samara

First, the best airport to fly into for Samara is Liberia International Airport (Guanacaste Airport)

Driving to Samara

Liberia International Airport is a 2 hour drive to Samara.

From Liberia, Tamarindo, Playas del Coco or anywhere from North Guanacaste, the road you should take is to Nicoya on Route 21 and then to Samara on Route 150. This is a completely paved road and very easy to drive.

We do not recommend taking Route 160 from Nosara because you have to cross a very big river (Rio Buena Vista). This route is not fully paved and has lots of pot holes. In rainy season, not even with a 4wd/4×4 we recommend to cross the river because the embankment is very muddy and slippery.

From San Jose International Airport , it is about a 4 hour drive. The route is via Route 27, 1, 18, 21 and 150. Make sure you go through Nicoya and then take Route 150 to Samara.

Get our Costa Rica car rental discount and extra freebies here to save money on your trip!

There are private and shared shuttles to Samara. From Liberia Airport, a private shuttle is around $160 USD total for 1-8 people. From San Jose, a private shuttle is around $295 USD for 1-8 people one way. Please contact us if you’re interested in a private shutle.

A shared with Interbus is around $59 USD per adult.

There is a public bus from San Jose to Samara at 12 PM every day that takes 5 hours. During high season (December – April), there is a second bus at 5 PM.

From Liberia, you will first need to take a bus to Nicoya (3:30 AM – 7 PM every 30 minutes, 8:30 PM and 9 PM) which takes 2 hours. Then take the bus from Nicoya to Samara (5 AM, 5:45, 8, 10, 11, 12, 1 PM, 2 PM, 3 PM, 4:30 PM, 6:30 PM, 8 PM and 9:45 PM). This bus costs 1250 colones one way, is in service Monday to Saturday and takes about 1 hour.

Samara is located in the South Pacific coast of Guanacaste, 105 kilometers (65 miles) from the Liberia International Airport and 225 kilometers (140 miles) from San Jose International Airport .

Plan Your Trip to Samara , Costa Rica

Thanks to its laid back vibe, beautiful beach and healthy atmosphere, Samara is an excellent destination for families. If you want to visit Samara for your vacation, check out our Costa Rica itinerary for families that include Samara.

Read about other beach towns in Costa Rica below!

Uvita : Small coastal village in the South Pacific, ~3 hours from San Jose International Airport

Cahuita : Small beach town on the Caribbean coast, home to a beautiful national park

Flamingo : Luxury beach community in Northern Guanacaste with a fancy marina

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COSTA RICA   Nicoya Peninsula

Peninsula de Nicoya Travel and Vacation Guide

Samara Costa Rica

Samara is the perfect place to soak up sun and enjoy beach life in an unpretentious, laid-back atmosphere. The small village is nestled in a large crescent bay, boasting a broad sandy beach that stretches over than 7 km and is lined with swaying palm trees. An offshore coral reef protects the bay of Samara, creating calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

With its pleasant ‘Tico’ feel, Samara is also a popular vacation spot for Costa Rican tourists. However, in recent years, it has also been gaining popularity among a growing number of expats.

Hotels in Samara offer many good lodging options in the mid- and budget ranges, and the village is easily reached by a paved road from Nicoya. A daily bus connects to San Jose and other major towns in Costa Rica.

As the town center is very compact, there is no need for a private vehicle. Hotels, supermarkets, stores, and the beach are all within easy walking distance. Samara boasts a wide selection of restaurants and bars. You can enjoy the ocean breeze while lounging in a laid-back beach bar with a sandy floor, or explore the village center for even more cool venues and places to dine or party at night.

The village center also hosts a couple of art galleries and cafes where you can find unique piece of artwork to bring home, reminding you of the easygoing Pura Vida in Costa Rica.

If you venture a bit out of town, you will discover beautiful uncrowded beaches to the north and south of Samara. To the north are the neighborhoods of Cangrejal and Cantarana, which are home to many locals and expats. From here, you can continue for another 2 km until you reach a river estuary and the pristine beach of Playa Buenavista . Heading in the opposite direction, 8 km south of Samara , is Playa Carrillo , a picturesque palm-lined beach in a tranquil, scenic horseshoe bay.

Tours and Activities in Samara

For snorkeling , the best spot is in Cangrejal, at the northern end of the Samara bay. Here, the ring of coral reef connects to the shoreline, and during dry season , you enjoy crystal-clear waters with colorful fish, manta rays, and starfish within the submarine fauna.

Another great activity in Samara is a kayak tour , where you paddle to the 5-hectare islet of Isla Chora, at the southern end of the Samara Bay. Isla Chora is a wildlife reserve for maritime birds. The island sports a pink sand beach where you can have a rest before paddling back. Other kayak tours can take you along the coast and into the mangroves of nearby river estuaries.

Surfing and SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboarding) are easily available on the beach of Samara, where you can have surf lessons and rent a board. With chest-deep water and easygoing waves, the bay of Samara is perfect for beginners learning to surf. More challenging waves for experienced surfers can be found 12 km south of Samara, on Playa Camaronal .

Sport fishing on Costa Rica’s Pacific Coast is world-class. Professional fishing tours are offered from the nearby port of Carrillo, and sportfishers can catch mahi-mahi, marlin, giant tuna and sailfish, among others.

A popular tour by boat is dolphin-watching , where you might also see sea turtles or manta rays while enjoying views of the Samara coastline.

For activities on land, you can ride on horseback along the beach or to the Tobacco waterfalls, comprised of three cascades and natural swimming pools. Or, you can go on a Canopy Tour in Santo Domingo, three km inland from Samara.

Orchids and jungle lovers should consider a day tour to Montealto , a nature reserve in the mountains near Hojancha. You can explore the dense tropical forest on various trails, one of them festooned with a multitude of Costa Rican orchids on posts and trees.

Located right on the beach is the Samara Language School, where you can take Spanish classes to improve your language skills. The teachings are complemented with cultural immersion, and if desired, a homestay with a Costa Rican family.

Samara Nightlife:

Getting to samara:.

Samara can be reached quite easily through the 35 km paved road from Nicoya . If coming from the Tempisque bridge, you can alternatively take the road over the mountains via Hojancha and Carrillo. Daily direct buses connect to San José. However, the Samara airport no longer exists. The closest airstrip is in Nosara.

Home » Destinations » Nicoya Peninsula » Samara » 8 BEST Tours in Samara, Costa Rica

8 BEST Tours in Samara, Costa Rica

By Author Costa Rica Travel Life

Posted on Last updated: March 17, 2024

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Samara is the perfect destination to experience the  pura vida  in Costa Rica. This laid-back beach town is ideal for a relaxed getaway with friends or family, and it feels like a super safe place to visit in Costa Rica . 

We’ve found this small town is definitely less touristy than other parts of the Guanacaste province . Luckily, there’s still tons to do here, thanks to all of the amazing nature and wildlife around. You can swim with dolphins, go kayaking through mangroves, or ride horses along the beautiful beach – the choice is yours! 

There are many fun activities in Samara , but we think that some are best done as part of a tour. Sometimes this is for safety and practical reasons, like if you’re heading out on a boat or ATV. Other times, it’s simply because your guide can take you to secret wildlife hotspots you would never find on your own. 

So if you want to see the top highlights along with some hidden gems, we’ve got you covered! During our time in Costa Rica, we’ve tried many tours here and found the 8 best tours in Samara. Read on so you can start planning all of the amazing activities you want to experience here! 

Our Top Picks for Tours in Samara

If you don’t have time to read through all the choices and just want to book now, these are our top choices for tours in Samara!

Best bucket list-worthy tour: When we arrived in Costa Rica, seeing turtles was something we really wanted to do. Luckily, Samara is a great place for this! On this 3.5-hour turtle watching tour , you’ll see turtles nesting or even baby turtles hatching on the beach! It’s an evening tour and the local guides choose which beach to go to depending on where the turtles are. It’s only $57 USD including transportation and can be booked online year-round , although September/October are prime months.

Best combo tour: Don’t just stay on land, get out on the water in Samara! This 3-hour tour takes you to the best places to see dolphins! You’ll watch them play in the waves and also have a chance to spot turtles, stingrays, and whales. Then, it’s off to a prime snorkeling spot at Isla Chora to get up close with some of the amazing marine life. It’s really a 2-in-1 experience and at $58 USD is really affordable to book online too.

Why book a tour in Samara?

One of the best reasons to book a tour in Costa Rica – and more specifically, Samara – is that you get to see so much more wildlife that way. Some creatures are difficult to spot, but guides are so helpful for this. Plus, you find out so much more about what you’re seeing. In a country as biodiverse as Costa Rica, you come away from pretty much every tour having learned something fascinating. 

Another reason to do a tour in Samara is that you can’t access all of the best activities here on foot, so having transportation taken care of is really nice. Some tourists rent scooters to get around, but understandably not everyone is comfortable with that.

We also found that the tours we did in Samara took us to places we wouldn’t have found on our own. For example, we discovered some amazing snorkel spots in Costa Rica that we wouldn’t have been able to get to otherwise.

Samara is pretty safe overall. But if it’s your first time in Costa Rica, you might feel more comfortable taking a tour. You’ll be with a local guide who ensures your safety throughout and makes sure you don’t venture off anywhere you shouldn’t. 

Last but not least, we also found tours in Samara to be really good value for money! Most of the tours on this list cost less than $60 USD, so you really can’t go wrong. 

What are the best tours in Samara, Costa Rica?

1. dolphin and snorkeling trip at isla chora national wildlife refuge.

One of the (many) amazing things about Costa Rica is that you can see dolphins all along its Pacific Coast. Samara is a fantastic place to go dolphin watching and it’s a really affordable activity here! 

To access the best places for dolphin watching, I recommend taking this 3-hour tour . They pick you up around 8 am and head directly on a dolphin cruise. It’s such a beautiful way to start your morning and it’s hard not to smile when you see these playful creatures!

When we went, we loved watching the dolphins play in the waves, and we also saw turtles and stingrays. If you book this cruise between August and October, or December and April, you might spot some whales , too! 

After the dolphin cruise, you’ll sail to Isla Chora , which is famed for its amazing snorkeling. We went snorkeling here and saw lots of marine life, including a turtle, pufferfish, and lots of pretty reef fish. 

At $58 USD, we think that this tour is amazing value. You essentially get two tours in one! It’s also a great tour to do if you don’t have a lot of time in Samara but still want to experience its fantastic marine life. Snacks, snorkel equipment, and all transport are all included. There’s a maximum of 20 travelers, so it’s not too crowded, either!

If dolphin watching is at the top of your agenda, you’ll want to take this tour! You can pick your date and book it right here .

Related Read: If you love surfing, read all about the nearby town of Santa Teresa ! It provides that laid-back surfer lifestyle with cheap rentals and good waves year-round.

2. Horseback Riding on the Beach

Horseback riding is a super popular thing to do in Samara. Riding along the beach is just the perfect setting whether you’re honeymooning in Costa Rica or just looking for a unique activity. 

We recommend  this 2.5-hour horseback tour as the guides are great at encouraging you and showing you what to do if you’re a beginner. Rest assured, you don’t need any horse riding experience to enjoy this tour!

You’ll ride through the jungle in a small group of no more than eight and your guide will point out lots of flora and fauna along the way. You’ll almost certainly see monkeys scampering around! Your trusty steed will take you up a mountain to an amazing viewpoint where you can soak in the beauty of Samara’s wild landscape.

Then, you ride to a gorgeous beach where you can gallop along the shore and end your tour on a high. Riding horses along a stunning, deserted beach is something you only see in movies, and this is a rare opportunity to actually experience it in real life.

This tour is offered Mondays through Saturdays at 8 am and 3 pm. If you do the tour later in the afternoon, you will ride along the beach at sunset, which is such an amazing experience – we recommend doing this if you can!

The experience costs $55 USD per person, and there’s a minimum of two people per booking. The price includes hotel pickup and dropoff, and some photos and videos of the experience. It’s a fantastic price, but we’ve actually seen this tour offered for even cheaper. So, don’t hesitate to check prices for your dates online here !

3. Turtle Nesting Tour

If you’re anything like us, seeing turtles in Costa Rica is high on your list of things to do in the country . But on this 3.5-hour tour , you not only see turtles, you get to watch them nesting and hatching on the beach! 

This really is the kind of experience that’s best done with a guide. They’ll know all of the hotspots for turtle activity and can teach you all about their life cycles. Plus, you may even see baby turtles crawling towards the sea like we did!

This tour will pick you up around 7 pm and take you to Corozalito or Camaronal Beach , depending on the conditions that day. However, if there’s an arribada happening in Ostional Beach (which is 1.5 hours from Samara), your tour will take you there for no extra cost. An arribada is a natural phenomenon when hundreds of turtles come ashore at once to lay their eggs. It’s an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime thing to see and a big pro of this tour as far as we’re concerned!

This turtle tour costs $57 USD per person, including your roundtrip transport and guide, as well as water, juice, and snacks along the way. The very best months to book are September and October, as this is prime turtle time in Samara. However, you can do it year-round, so don’t worry too much if you’re not here during these specific months. 

If you’re an animal lover, you won’t want to miss this awesome opportunity! I recommend booking well in advance to secure your dates .

Related Read: Samara is just one of the many epic places in the area – so check out our complete guide on the Nicoya Peninsula (including the best things to do) .

4. Mangrove Kayaking Tour

Costa Rica isn’t all beaches and rainforests! Mangroves are a super interesting ecosystem, and they just so happen to be really fun to kayak through.

This guided tour  takes you down the Ora River, where you’ll kayak through the mangroves. To get an idea of what this looks like, just check out my photo above! Believe me, you’ll feel like an intrepid explorer as you spot monkeys, iguanas, and beautiful birds as you go. 

You’ll also learn a lot about mangroves from your guide. Did you know that they’re basically environmental heroes and absorb 5-6 times as much CO2 as rainforests? We definitely didn’t before taking this tour!

Plus, kayaking along the Ora River is easy, thanks to the calm water. You don’t need to be a paddling pro with super strength to enjoy this tour. As such, it makes for a great family-friendly activity as well.

The kayaking tour costs $66 USD per adult and $47 USD per child (ages 4-10). It lasts for around 3 hours, and there’s a refreshment and fruit break midway through at a beach (where you might even spot turtles nesting if you’re lucky!). The tour covers all your kayaking equipment, including lifevests and roundtrip transportation from your Samara accommodation .

This is such a relaxing, gorgeous day outdoors that you can book directly through Viator .

5. Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling to Chora Island

We absolutely loved  this kayaking tour to Chora Island ! We kayaked from Samara to Chora Island , which took about 30 minutes and was actually quite challenging. This was partly because the sea was choppy in sections but also because the sun was so hot. But honestly, it was all part of the adventure – and arriving at this stunning, secluded beach was a reward in itself!

Once we made it to Chora Island, we got to relax on the beach and cool off in the water. Chora Island is a pristine place, and you’ll probably have the whole beach to yourselves! Honestly, we were so happy to go ashore on this tour. 

The snorkeling was the best part for us, though. The water was super clear, and we got to see turtles, puffer fish, and lots of other tropical fish. Plus, our guide was really helpful and knew tons about the marine life around the island. 

This is a fantastic tour for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, and we highly recommend it. It costs $48 USD including all equipment, hotel pickup and drop off, as well as some snacks on the beach. It’s a great way to make the most of your time in Samara, and we would definitely do it again!

To experience this adventure for yourself, book this kayaking and snorkeling tour here !

Related Read: Do you enjoy seeing marine life up close? Then check out the best places to go scuba diving in Costa Rica .

6. Sunset and Wildlife ATV Tour

Samara has gorgeous coastal and mountain scenery, and you can explore it on this Sunset Quad Ride . Not only do you get to enjoy lots of natural beauty, but you also get a thrilling ATV experience! 

You start in the mid-afternoon, and you quite literally get off the beaten track by exploring backroads and dirt trails. When we went, we saw a wild side of Samara that most people don’t experience. As you drive through the trees, keep an eye out for wildlife before reaching a breathtaking mountaintop viewpoint.

You’ll also drive to Barrigona Beach , which is one of the best beaches in Samara. It’s about 10 kilometers (6 miles) out of town, and you need an ATV or a 4WD to get down there. For this reason, it’s always super quiet, and the chances are you’ll be the only people there! This is one of the many reasons we love this tour !

You’ll have time to swim here if you want to, although there is a large swell, so you might just prefer to chill on the white sand instead. The tour ends with a visit to a quiet sunset spot where you’ll have epic views of the vivid sunset over the ocean. Talk about ending on a high!

You’ll need to present your passport and a valid driver’s license to participate in this tour (since you actually drive on the roads). It runs year-round, including during the rainy season. However, we actually love ATV rides at this time of year because, believe it or not, the mud makes it even more fun. Regardless of when you visit Costa Rica , this tour delivers!

Kids as young as 5 can participate, and there are double and single ATVs available. A single ATV costs $124 USD per person, while a double costs $162 USD. Book this ATV adventure to experience it all … jungles, mountains, beaches, and an unforgettable sunset.

7. Safari and Buenavista Beach Horse Riding Tour

This horseback safari is an incredible way to explore the natural beauty of the Guanacaste province . You start with a boat ride, during which your captain will give you an introduction to the area’s unique flora and fauna. 

Once you arrive at the trailhead, you’ll meet your horse and guide and head off to explore the jungle. You’ll see monkeys, birds, reptiles, and maybe even some crocodiles – but don’t worry, it’s from a safe distance on horseback!

There are also several river crossings along the way, which are fun to navigate. Then, you end up on Buenavista Beach . You get to ride along the beach and paddle in the waves, which really is an amazing, bucket list-worthy experience (unless you’re allergic to horses like Bailey!).

You head back to the meeting point via an easy ride through some fields, which are home to wild horses and cows. The whole thing lasts about 2.5 hours which feels like the perfect amount to traverse this terrain on horseback.

Overall, this tour is a lot of fun, and the trails are nice and easy. It really doesn’t matter if you’ve never ridden before! The guides are also really friendly and will even fetch you fresh coconuts from the trees if you get thirsty. 

The experience costs $59 USD, and kids as young as 5 can participate (as long as they’re accompanied by an adult). There’s a maximum of 5 travelers per group, so it’s a really nice, small group. Hotel pickup and drop off aren’t included for this tour, but the meeting point is easy to get to via a scooter or local taxi.

Those who love riding horses (or want an easy introduction!) won’t want to miss this tour. Check availability and reserve your dates online here !

8. Werner Sauter Biological Reserve Hike

The Werner Sauter Biological Reserve is one of the best places to see wildlife in Samara. It’s a private reserve with gorgeous mountain trails that give you epic views over the town’s beautiful beaches. 

This small group tour  will pick you up from town and take you to the park, where you’ll begin a 2.5-hour guided hike through the reserve. The hiking is fairly easy and as you go, your guide will teach you all about the tropical dry forest and why it’s such an important ecosystem for Costa Rica’s wildlife .

On our visit, we discovered why this type of forest is so threatened, and we gained an even deeper appreciation for its beauty. We also saw loads of incredible native animals, including parrots, monkeys, butterflies, deer, and iguanas. 

On this guided tour , you’ll also pass through an organic mango plantation. If you’re hungry, you can help yourself to the fresh mangoes. I mean, talk about a rewarding hike! 

There are two options for the hike – a morning tour at 6:30 am for $47 USD and an afternoon tour at 2:30 pm for $42 USD. For both options, there’s a maximum of 10 people per group. We love that it’s a nice, small tour because you get more personalized attention and can ask questions about what you’re seeing. To secure your preferred time and date, we recommend booking this tour in advance .

Related Read: Do you love to travel but want to limit your environmental impact? Read about the best ecolodges in Costa Rica (with options for all budgets!).

Where to Stay in Sámara, Costa Rica

Sámara is one of those towns with a huge variety of places to stay. From budget backpacker hostels to luxury hotels, there are great accommodations in Sámara for all budgets. To help you narrow it down, we’ve included our favorites below.

Leyenda Boutique Hotel & Spa – $$$

For luxury travelers or families, I love   Leyenda Boutique Hotel & Spa . This place is spectacular and offers a fitness center, swimming pool, spa, and restaurant. On top of that, it’s located right just over a mile from the beach. From standard double rooms, to family suites to suites with a whirlpool there is an option for couples and groups alike.

Guests seem to love the property’s landscapes and service the most! Prices start at $247 USD which is amazing for a high-end option – so check prices and reserve a luxury room or suite here !

Mid-range – $$

Hotel entre dos aguas – $$.

If you consider yourself a mid-range traveler, then I have a great choice for you that caters to couples.  Hotel Entre Dos Aguas  is a rustic hotel with simple amenities on a beautiful property. Perfect for those who want a true Costa Rican stay. 

All of the rooms have private showers, and some of the rooms have a terrace. You can check availability and book online  here on Booking.com .

Las Mariposas – $

If you’re on a budget, there are lots of options, but not many of them are good.  Las Mariposas  is my top choice, with its location close to the beach. The hostel has a great atmosphere for meeting other travelers and is suited to the social backpacker. They offer a shared kitchen and common spaces, hammocks to relax on the patio, billiards, and karaoke.

A bed in a shared dorm runs about $12 USD, while private rooms start at $30 USD. You can  book this place on Hostelworld  or  Booking.com . 

For more info, read our detailed guide about deciding  where to stay in Samara with the best hotels and areas !

Getting Around Costa Rica

How you choose to get around Costa Rica is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your holiday here! How you do it depends on your budget, travel style, and comfort level. 

Renting a Car

Without a doubt, the number one way to explore Costa Rica is in a rental car. We book rental cars on the Discover Cars website as we have had good experiences with them in the past.

One of the things you need to watch for when renting a car in Costa Rica is the mandatory insurance that the government requires you to have. There are a lot of very cheap rentals that don’t include this mandatory insurance (TPL) in the original booking price, but there are also ones that do. To avoid additional surprise charges when you pick up your rental car, be sure to rent a car that includes the mandatory insurance when you book.

Thankfully, on Discover Cars it’s easy to tell apart the companies that include the mandatory insurance and those that don’t. The trick is you can’t pick any car on their website. In the picture below, you can see this rental car, with pick up in Jaco, includes the TPL. That means the mandatory insurance is included in the price. Any cover you get above that is extra.

Of course, I still suggest getting the full coverage offered by Discover Cars, which covers you even more.

You can  browse cars on Discover Cars here .

Book Shuttles

If renting a car isn’t in your budget, you don’t feel comfortable driving in Costa Rica , or you just don’t like driving, shuttles are the next best option. There are hundreds of shuttle routes available all over the country, and they are very affordable.

Shuttles in Costa Rica are specifically for tourists and often include pick up and drop off at your selected hotels and airports. The drivers also speak some English, and the vehicles have air conditioning. You’ll also be guaranteed a seat when you book a shuttle (which isn’t the case with the public bus system.)

To get the best price, use the website  Bookaway . They compare all the offers and prices of shuttle companies in Costa Rica so you get the best price! Honestly, we have saved so much money using Bookaway! 

You can search for shuttles online on Bookaway here.

Lastly, you can use the public bus system. On short journeys, such as from San Jose to La Fortuna or Uvita to Manuel Antonio, this system is great. However, the longer the journey the more hassle and time spent on a bus. It’s undoubtedly best to save the public bus in Costa Rica for short and straightforward trips!  

The public buses are definitely the cheapest way to get around Costa Rica, but they are not always very reliable and schedules often change without notice and delays are to be expected. The buses can also be very crowded and hot – so just be prepared!

It’s also good to speak some Spanish if you plan on riding the public bus since most drivers and ticket booth operators don’t speak English.

Samara is the perfect beach town to relax and bask in gorgeous natural scenery. This place is more off-the-beaten-path than other tourist destinations, which is why we recommend tours here! Whether you choose to ride horses, drive ATVs, or kayak through mangroves, you’ll have an incredible time.

If you found this article helpful, read our other blogs about Costa Rica . We’ve traveled all over this country, and we even lived here for a while. We love sharing what we’ve learned so you can have an amazing trip as well.

Where to stay in Nosara: BEST Nosara Hotels, Holiday Homes & Areas

Things You NEED To Know About Shuttles in Costa Rica

BEST Treehouse Hotels in Costa Rica (for all budgets!)

Playa Sámara

Is Sámara one of the happiest places on earth? That's what more than one expat has said after stopping here on vacation and never leaving. On the surface it's just a laid-back beach town with barefoot, three-star appeal. The crescent-shaped strip of pale-gray sand spans two rocky headlands, where the sea is calm and beautiful. It's not spectacular, just safe, mellow, reasonably developed, easily navigable on foot and accessible by public transportation. Not surprisingly, it’s popular with vacationing Ticos, foreign families and backpackers, a somewhat rare, happy mix of visitors and locals. But be careful, the longer you stay the less you'll want to leave.

Leave the planning to a local expert

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Nosara & Samara Costa Rica Travel Guide

Home Blog Nosara & Samara Costa Rica Travel Guide

Have you ever heard about Guanacaste Costa Rica and its amazing beaches? Let’s talk a little bit about two of the breathtaking places that you can find during your visit to this natural paradise called Costa Rica : Nosara and Samara.

Nosara and Samara are known as some of the best surfing beaches in Costa Rica, however it is not only about surf; these are natural and beautiful areas off the beaten track, where you can discover wildlife , relax, rest, take sun, enjoy the warm water and meet very friendly people, it will be the trip of a lifetime, do you want to know why? Just continue reading this!

Samara Costa Rica is a coastal village located in Guanacaste province, at the West side from the capital city San Jose Costa Rica . Nosara is also located in the North Pacific, North West from Samara Beach.

There are rural and some non-paved paths to get to Nosarathat is one of the reasons why, this second town is less touristy than Samara or another parts of Guanacaste like Tamarindo or Papagayo Gulf. Please do not forget to check our Costa Rica map of beaches so you can have a better idea of where are these two places located.

How to get there

From San José Costa Rica to Samara, there are 239 kilometers approximately, it can take 4.5 hours , and from Samara to Nosara it can take 1 hour approximately. It is close to Liberia International Airport , so you can land into San Jose International Airport or Liberia, depending on your itinerary.

If you are an adventurous traveler, you should consider hiring a car and we at Travel Excellence can help you with the arrangements, renting a car you will avoid schedules and limitations, so you will maximize your time and enjoy on your own pace. Also if you do not want to drive and prefer comfort and relaxation during the way, you can take a transfer with a bilingual guide – driver so you can have more information about Costa Rica, while you admiring the astonishing landscape, just ask us about this service.

Lastly, but not less important, if you want to reduce the time between places, you can take a domestic flight to / from Nosara Airstrip ; this is another good option to see Costa Rica from another perspective, from the air, you cannot imagine how incredible is to see our country from the air, look up for the green mountains or the blue sea , something that you must experience on your family trip to Costa Rica.

Nosara & Samara Costa Rica map

We invite you to take a look to our Costa Rica beaches map, an interactive map where you can find Samara and Nosara, there are also important information about these great spots for surfing.

Additionally, do not forget to check our Costa Rica beaches map, and check the options that are close by, it is important to consider that in Guanacaste there are some of the top beaches in Costa Rica .

Nosara & Samara Costa Rica weather

One of the main reasons why tourists want to visit Samara and Nosara is because the warm weather. Guanacaste is the driest province of Costa Rica, the best time to visit the area is from December to May, during the dry season , but almost during all the year the place is hot and dry.

History and Culture

Nosara is an area where Chorotegas lived, the indigenous objects that were found in the past were sacked too and now there are no too much things to preserve of the antecessors. The history of both places is quite vague, it says that Nosara was the name of a young princess that died in the area, it was due to a fight of two men for the love of Nosara but she died too in that moment.

Since 1988 Nosara is recognized as a “district” of Nicoya from Guanacaste, the development of the area is very recent but as it is a secluded rural area, there are no too much buildings or facilities.

Who were the Chorotegas?

Chorotegas were Pre Columbian indigenous groups that lived in the North West part of Costa Rica, the history said that Chorotegas were the biggest indigenous group in Central America, they worked the ceramic, ate cocoa, corn, fruits and came from Mexico.

About their culture

An important part of their culture is the protection of their natural resources , it has helped in the little development that the area has. They have almost the same cultural activities than in Guanacaste, for example enjoy music, handcrafts, food made of corn, typical dances; they preserve the folklore, traditions, are very welcoming people, humble, healthy and value the small details.

Why is it known?

Nosara Costa Rica beach is well known for the surf that is possible to practice in the surrounding beaches , it is also a small place where people will be in contact to wildlife, an exuberant, rich vegetation, home of many species of beautiful animals .

During your Costa Rica vacation packages, you can experience a relaxing atmosphere and a very good vibe, the people is very friendly, and part of that atmosphere is reflected in the lodging that we can find in Samara Costa Rica beach or Nosara, there are small hotels and hostels, very simple, basic but charming and cozy too. It is almost like an escape from the live full of stress, in the area you will easily breathe fresh air too, this is an important reason why people go to Nosara or Samara.

Additionally, it is a must for those who want to be in somewhere off the beaten track, especially in Nosara Costa Rica beach where there are rural trails, non-paved roads, with a lot of nature too see, so this is an adventure, no doubt about that.

As it is a quieter place, remote and not too touristy, it is an option for artists or famous people, actually recently the actors Norman Reedus, Steven Yeun and Andrew Lincoln from the Walking Dead visited Nosara; the actor that played Batman, Christian Bale; the actress Susan Sarandon, and the singer Lady Gaga have stayed in the area too. So you should consider exploring this area on your family trip to Costa Rica and you won’t regret it.

Tourist Attractions

Samara: Samara has an important and beautiful coral reef, there are an abundant marine life, Isla Chora is located in the area and offers different activities, you can also observe some marine birds if you enjoy bird watching .

During the enjoyment of your Costa Rica vacation packages, you can also find Tobbaco Waterfalls, we do not have to forget the beautiful town and the astonishing beaches in the surroundings.

Nosara: some of the principal attractions in the area are Pelada, Nosara, and Guiones beaches, some of the prettiest beaches in Costa Ric a . Mala Noche Waterfall is a good option to explore in this unique spot, Nosara River is well known for its natural beauty , for the mangrove and the activities that can be done there and you should visit Nosara Biological Reserve or the mangrove at Montaña River.

Things to do near Nosara and Samara Costa Rica

Samara Costa Rica tours

Activities at Isla Chora : Isla Chora is a natural refuge, located around 1 kilometer from the Samara, there you can do birdwatching, stand up paddle , kayaking and snorkeling during the dry season. It is a perfect place to admire some of the treasures that Costa Rica has to offer, also you can enjoy swimming in the warm water and sunbathing.

Surf Classes : Samara Costa Rica surfing schools are very common, as well as the family surf camps Costa Rica, because in the surroundings are amazing beaches to practice this activity, so if you like to ride over the incredible waves, and taste the power of our clear waters, consider this place to your next family trip to Costa Rica.

Mountain Bike : the area offers the option of explore and discover using a bike, you will enjoy an amazing and beautiful landscape , it is a good option for your family holiday, because it is not an extreme activity, so perfect for everyone.

Horseback Riding : it is another option to do on your family adventure, there are unparalleled spots in the area and you can also visit the beautiful Tobbaco Waterfalls, to relax, breathe fresh air and feel the refreshing water .

Nosara Costa Rica tours

Surfing : Guiones Beach is world known as one the best surfing beaches, it is a white sand large beach, where you must go if you like this activity. Nosara surf is perfect for experienced people, the waves and the relaxed ambiance make it a preferred spot for surfers .

Canopy Tour : if you like adrenaline and the speed and want to slide over the trees during your Costa Rica vacation package, this is something that you should consider.

Kayak and stand up paddle : The kayak in the mangrove at Montaña or Nosara Rivers is perfect for eco-tourists, people who love the wildlife, there you can admire the different marine birds while you are paddling slowly, feeling the breeze in your body and listening nature. Is this something that you would like to have on your family trip to Costa Rica?

ATV : if you like adventure and want to experience the adrenaline on your family holiday this is a tour that you can consider, just imagine driving through the mountains, isolated paths and be into the nature , you can also visit Mala Noche Waterfall using your ATV.

Horseback Riding : this is a quieter activity, to admire and know the vegetation, this tour does not require previous experience and you will collect memories while you are enjoying the beautiful area on your family trip.

Fishing : this is something that you could do during your Costa Rica holidays ; it does not matter if you are experienced or not, something relaxing to enjoy with family or friends, discovering the treasures that Nosara has to offer.

Nosara & Samara Hotels

We just have to say that both places are a must for your vacation packages, there will meet local friendly people, will forget the stress and will experience what is to stay on an authentic Costa Rican place , as well as taste the typical flavors, our delicious tropical meals .

Nosara Costa Rica hotels

Harmony Hotel : it is an eco-hotel, boutique very close to Guiones Beach, they offer simple bungalows but very nice and cozy, what is perfect about this place is the closeness to everything as it is in the main town, it is recommended for your Costa Rica honeymoon, small families, travelling with friends or why not if you are a solo traveler ?

Olas Verdes : this is a suite – boutique hotel, close to the main town of Nosara Costa Rica, nice, private and with a relaxed ambiance, perfect for those who want to be surrounded by nature , close to the beach and on an exclusive hotel.

Lagarta Lodge : this is the newest hotel in the area, very nice secluded boutique hotel, with a privileged view of the beautiful nature in the surroundings , small private property and a perfect option for families or for your honeymoon.

Nosara Costa Rica real estate: this is a perfect area for surfers, people who want to live and stay on their own, so there are a lot of condo – apartment style properties, for those who want to cook, have their private space, avoid meal schedules and explore more, this is something that you can consider when visiting the area.

Samara Costa Rica hotels

Giada Hote l: it is a good option for budget trips , is a standard hotel, located in the main town, close to Samara Beach, small and nice property, with an easy access to the principal facilities.

Samara Beach Hotel : this is another standard hotel that you can consider on your family trip to Costa Rica, located in Samara Beach, small, cozy and good option, but it is not as close as the beach like Giada Hotel is, but there are some other beautiful beaches to choose in the surroundings.

Villas Playa Samara : this is the only all inclusive family resort located in the area, offers small rooms for couples or bigger family rooms too, so this is the added value that offers, also this is the perfect option for those who do not want to worry about moving to look for meals, everything is in the hotel .

Nosara & Samara Costa Rica food and restaurants

The restaurants that you can find in both places, during your holidays, are very relaxed and casual; a nice place where you can taste Costa Rica food and international cuisine, delicious tropical meals, seafood, perfect to share with locals and other tourists that are visiting these beautiful beaches .

Samara Costa Rica Restaurants

Ma Ma Gui : this is an Italian restaurant located in Samara, apt to vegetarians, vegans and celiac people. It could be an option for families, couples or group of friends. The place opens daily from 18:00 to 23:00.

Samara Pacific Lodge Restaurant : It is an European style restaurant, they offer French, International and Costa Rican food, it is a restaurant for dinner, we recommended it for your Costa Rica Honeymoon as it is a romantic place , but it is perfect for every occasion. Opens from 18:00 to 22:00, from Monday to Saturday.

El Lagarto Restaurant : located in Samara, this is an open air nice restaurant, Central American and Costa Rican food is offered there, specialized in grill and seafood, with options for celiac and perfect for your family trip. It opens daily from 15:00 to 23:00.

Luv Burger : it is a North American restaurant located in Samara Costa Rica beach, healthy restaurant apt to celiac, vegans and vegetarians, perfect for families. An open-air place that opens daily from 08:00 to 22:00

Lo Que Hay Restaurant : Mexican, Latin, European, Central American and Costa Rican food is offered in this nice open-air restaurant located in Samara, is a lively place, an option for your family holiday. Apt to vegan, vegetarian and celiac people and it opens daily from 07:00 to 00:00.

Nosara Costa Rica Restaurants

La Luna Restaurant: this is a very nice lounge bar – restaurant, located in Nosara, in front of the beach so it has a very good view, Mediterranean, Italian food, as well as seafood is offered there. It opens daily from 07:00 to 22:00.

10 Pies Restaurant: this is an open air, familiar restaurant, located in Nosara, they offer Central American, Costa Rican food, as well as pizza, seafood, apt to celiac, vegans and vegetarians. It is open daily from 12:00 to 21:00. It is a good option to consider during your family trip to Costa Rica.

Kaya Sol Restaurant: this is a place located in Guiones, close to Nosara Costa Rica beach, a Costa Rican bar – restaurant, apt to celiac, vegetarian and vegan people. It is another option recommended for your family holiday and it opens daily from 07:00 to 22:00.

Harmony Hotel Restaurant: this is one of the best recommendations for people who want to enjoy a delicious fresh sushi on their Costa Rica vacation package s . Located in Guiones, this restaurant offers Japanese and Costa Rican food, seafood and sushi apt to vegans, celiac and vegetarians and it opens from 07:00 to 22:00.

El Manglar Restaurant: open air nice restaurant located in Nosara Costa Rica beach, they offer seafood, international cuisine, North, Central and South American, Spanish and Costa Rican food, apt to vegans and vegetarians. Opens daily from 07:00 to 21:00.

Nosara & Samara Nightlife

During your Costa Rica holidays, it is very common to find in Samara Costa Rica beac h or in Nosara nice restaurants, where you can eat something delicious and drink a beer, cocktail or wine in a relaxed atmosphere. Also, there are some bars where people can go dancing or to drink with family, friends or alone and share with local people, but you should consider that bars there are very casual, some are open-air places, and nothing like discotheques, clubs or similar, however there is no doubt that the ambience is perfect to enjoy and relaxing, be disconnected from the busy world and create nice memories of your family trip to Costa Rica.

Video of Nosara Beach in Costa Rica

Vacation Packages

Take a look to our sample programs, that are packages created for different tastes and needs but do not forget that we are able to provide you tailor made itineraries accordingly to your desires. We can put a package together for your Costa Rica family holiday including Nosara or Samara Costa Rica.

Our expert travel designers are waiting to hear from you, so please do not hesitate in contact us at any time to ask for itineraries or more information about the unparalleled Costa Rica. Please continue reading our travel guides and leave us a comment about this article!

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Our trip has been amazing. This is our third time in Sri Lanka and possibly my favourite trip. I am already planning my next one.

One of the Nicoya Peninsula’s more peaceful coastal villages, Sámara is a great place to relax, and its distance from the capital makes it much quieter than the more accessible Pacific beaches. Even at the busiest times, there’s little action other than weekenders tottering by on stout criollo horses and the occasional dune buggy racing up the sand. Plan your trip to Sámara with our guide to Sámara — based on the  The Rough Guide to Costa Rica , your travel guide for  Costa Rica .

• The best travel tips for visiting Sámara

Best things to do in Samara, Costa Rica

Best areas to stay in sámara.

• Best restaurants and bars in Sámara

How to get around Sámara

How many days do you need in sámara, what is the best time to visit sámara.

• How to get to Sámara

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Costa Rica, created by local experts

12 days  / from 2980 USD

Costa Rica: Coast to Coast

From paradise beaches, scenic narrow waterways and magical rainforests, Costa Rica has much to offer. Head east and discover the tranquil Caribbean Sea, head west for the tumultuous Pacific Ocean and surfer’s paradise.

10 days  / from 1825 USD

Discover Northern Costa Rica

This self drive itinerary allows you to explore the Central and Northern highlights of Costa Rica: from the active volcano Arenal to the cloud forest of Monteverde and the beaches of Guanacaste with plenty of surf & yoga - discover why they call it the land of Pura Vida - pure life!

10 days  / from 1440 USD

A self drive Caribbean adventure

It's time to discover Costa Rica's Caribbean coast in your own rental car: From Boca Pacuare, where the turtles come to lay their eggs, to the unique culture of Cahuita and the beaches of Puerto Viejo! Your trip will finish in Turrialba, home of the main archaeological monument in our country.

The best travel tips for visiting Sámara

Located in Guanacaste province at the north end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Sámara is home to one of the Pacific coast’s finest beaches. It offers excellent swimming, spectacular sunsets and good waves for beginner surfers.

On Sundays, the town turns out in force to watch the local football teams who play on the village field as if they’re Brazil and Argentina battling it out for the World Cup. Even weekending Ticos shun the beach for the sidelines.

Sámara also boasts some of the area's calmest waters. The long, gorgeous stretch of sand is protected by a reef about a kilometre out. This takes the brunt of the Pacific’s power out of the waves.

The effect also makes the beach one of the best spots on the Pacific coast to learn to surf. The waves are strong enough without being too unforgiving on beginners.

The Friendship Bridge

Opened in 2003, the 780m Puente Tempisque connects the mainland with the Nicoya Peninsula. It spans from near Puerto Moreno on the peninsula to a point 25km west of the Interamericana on the mainland.

The bridge replaced a time-consuming ferry connection, and saves at least two hours on the journey between San José and Sámara. It’s partly held up by suspension cables connected to towers that, at 80m, make it the tallest structure in Costa Rica.

Sámara is located at the north end of the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

Sámara is famous for its beautiful and pristine beaches, where you can engage in a variety of water-based activities, including swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and surfing. Sámara also has a vibrant nightlife scene, with numerous bars, restaurants, and cafes serving delicious local cuisine and refreshing cocktails.

These are the best things to do.

#1 Bliss out on Playa Sámara

Apart from being beautiful and retaining a laidback vibe, one of Playa Sámara’s key characteristics is the variety of visitors you’ll find here. It’s a place where younger indie travellers rub shoulders with families, honeymooning couples, and retirees.  

Thanks to the reef that lies just offshore, Playa Sámara boasts calm waters that make it perfect for families with children, and for beginner surfers. You can also kayak, paddle-board and snorkel here. 

While being well-served by facilities — including having plenty of places to eat and drink — Playa Sámara manages to feel lowkey in a lovely way.

If beaches are your bag, read up on the best beaches in Costa Rica .

#2 Enjoy adventure excursions

Sámara Adventures , located in the middle of the beach, offer all manner of land and water based activities, and know the best places to do them.

As such, their excursions are the perfect way to soak up Sámara while satisfying your impulse for adventure.

Water-sports offerings include bay-to-bay paddle-boarding, snorkelling, sea and river kayaking, and fishing.

Back on land, take your pick from horse-riding (beach and mountains) and trail walking. You can also book full-day trips that combine an "ocean seafari" (dolphin and whale-watching, plus snorkelling) with zip-lining.

#3 Take a kayaking-and-snorkelling tour to scenic Isla Chora

One of the most enjoyable excursions is taking a kayaking-and-snorkelling tour to scenic Isla Chora.

This tiny island south of the village is surrounded by crystal-clear water that affords snorkellers excellent views of marine-life and coral. Expect to see hundreds of tropical fish, plus star fish, octopus, eels and turtles.

There's a lovely little sandy beach to enjoy a picnic on before kayaking back to the mainland.

You can book this through Sámara Adventures, though other operators in town also offer the same.

#4 Relax with yoga classes and massage treatments

Based at Tico Adventure Lodge , this acupuncture and yoga centre offers group classes, as well as more focused one-to-one private classes. And all this on a covered deck offering stunning views.

The on-site spa also offers massages. These include a general relaxation massages, Swedish massage, reflexology, deep tissue, aromatherapy, myofascial release, and Thai massage.

The personable owner is a great source of local information, and staff can arrange surfing lessons

Playa Carrillo, Costa Rico © Shutterstock

#5 See sensational sunsets at Playa Carrillo

Aficionados of Pacific sunsets will want to head 6km east of Sámara Playa Carrillo, a ninety-minute walk along flat sands.

Known for its spectacular evening light and colours, beautiful palm-fringed Carrillo is also safe for swimming, with a reef to snorkel. When the tide is high, pools form at the southern end of the beach.

Though the beach no longer has the sleepy, end-of-the-line feel it once had — more and more people are setting up hotels and restaurants here — it remains an undeniable beauty.    

Swimming, chilling and sunset-watching aside, you can kayak, jet ski and water ski here, with beach yoga and horse-riding also available.

Sámara boasts a somewhat surprising diversity of places to stay, from relaxed hotels with family-friendly facilities, to beachfront bungalows, to hostels and camp sites. 

There are a number of more luxurious options, too, among them the high-end Villas Playa Sámara resort. Popular with wealthy Costa Rican families, this offers all-inclusive and bed and breakfast-only tariffs. The villas (sleeping up to six) come with spacious kitchens and sitting rooms, plus outside terraces and hammocks.  

At the other end of the budget scale, Camp Supertramp, located a fifteen-minute walk from town, offers low-cost, well-kept dorms and camping spots (bring your own tent). It’s decidedly — and delightfully— eccentric, with and bird- and animal-filled gardens strung with hammocks.  

All of which means, travellers on all budgets will somewhere to suit them. 

Browse places to stay in Sámara, Costa Rica .                    

Best restaurants and bars in Sámara

In keeping with the diversity of travellers who visit Sámara, its food offerings are equally as broad.  

In general, there’s a strong focus on fresh organic produce, with plenty of places offering a good range of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Self-catering? The Californian owners of Ámara Organics café in the centre of the village organise regular farmers’ markets — Tues 8–11am; Fri 2–5pm; Mon–Sat 8am–7pm.  

And, if you're after Costa Rican food, you’ll find several options, from fancier restaurants dishing-up well-prepared catches of the day, to basic sodas serving filling fish dishes, casados and arroz cons.

Recommended restaurants in Sámara

• El Ancla Cabinas: a bright waterside restaurant with an extensive fish menu. 
• Luv Burger: this vegetarian, mostly organic joint delivers flavoursome, plant-based (often vegan) burgers.  
• Sheriff Rustic: right on the sand, this no-frills soda delivers generous portions of comida típica.

Find out more about  eating and drinking in Costa Rica .

Sámara, Costa Rica, isn't short of places to enjoy the likes of fresh ceviche © Shutterlstock

Given that the entirety of downtown Sámara can be walked in fifteen minutes, the best way to get around is on foot. 

If you want to take it very, very easy, hourly buses will whisk you to Playa Carrillo. Public buses also run to the southern town of Estrada, and Nicoya. 

You can also rent ATVs by the hour, daily, or weekly. Note that these are not allowed on the beach. A few shops also hike bikes. 

If you need a taxi, head to Sámara’s soccer field to find one, and be sure to agree the price before you depart. 

If you've come to Sámara to relax and recharge — the main reason most folks head here — you'll want to allow yourself time to slow down.

So, we recommend spending at least 4-5 days here to unwind and feel the benefits of Sámara's chilled vibe. For example, you could easily spend a few days just relaxing on pretty Playa Sámara, dipping in and out of those perfectly calm waters.

Talking of which, you'll want to allocate half a day to kayak to Isla Chora. Add to that strolling to Playa Carrillo for lunch (staying to see the legendary sunset), going on a trail-walking trip or ocean safari to see local wildlife, and you'll wonder where all the time went.

In addition, if you want to learn Spanish, Sámara is a great place to do exactly that. The excellent Intercultura Spanish language school (near the beach) offers week-long Spanish classes, and packages that include homestays.

Looking for inspiration for your trip? Check our  Costa Rica itineraries , or talk to our  Costa Rica experts . 

Predictably, Sámara’s tourist high season coincides with the December–April dry season, with January tending to attract the biggest number of visitors.

As such, January is best avoided if you’ve come for Sámara’s getting-away-from-it-all charm. Instead, consider visiting in November, or between February and April.

With September and October tending to be the rainiest months, you’ll avoid the heaviest downpours that might put paid to your dreams of blissing out on Playa Carrillo. And you’ll also avoid the biggest crowds.

For more on the best time to visit different destinations in Costa Rica, read our guide to  when to go to Costa Rica .

Playa Samara, Nicoya, Costa Rica © Shutterstock

How to get to Sámara

There are several ways to get to Sámara, Costa Rica. If you are coming from outside the country, you can fly into the Liberia International Airport, which is the closest major airport to Sámara. From there, you can rent a car, take a taxi, or use a shuttle service to get to Sámara, which is about a two-hour drive away.

Sansa planes from San José arrive at the airstrip 6km east of town at Carrillo, from where 4WD taxis make the trip to Sámara.

Buses stop at the village’s northern edge, where the roads to Nicoya and Nosara meet. You can buy tickets for some bus services from the Transporte Alfaro office (daily 7am–5pm) in the centre of the village.

Destinations: Nicoya (8–12 daily; 45min–1hr); Nosara (3 daily; 40min); San José (1–2 daily; 4hr 45min).

Hwy-150 runs the 35km between Nicoya and the coast at Sámara.

For more transportation tips, read our guide to  getting around Costa Rica .

Looking for more inspiration? Read up on the  best things to do in Costa Rica , and get yourself a copy of  The Rough Guide to Costa Rica .

Our  Costa Rica travel tips  will also help you plan your trip. Not keen on planning? You'll love our  customisable Costa Rica itineraries .

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The Best Nosara Travel Guide: Where to eat in Nosara, Where to Stay & What to do! (2024)

If you were looking for the best Nosara Travel guide, this post is for you!

The minute we discovered that Aaron was eligible for a 6 week paternity leave, we knew that we wanted to travel somewhere for a month to enjoy it. After contemplating a few different destinations, we decided on Nosara, Costa Rica

Best friends of ours spent a few months there last year during COVID and said it was a dream. My brother also travelled there a few times and said that we would absolutely love it. They all were not wrong.

Known as a wellness, surf and yoga mecca in not only Costa Rica but in North America, this little beach town really makes you enjoy each day. Located in the Nicoya Peninsula ( which is also known as the “Blue Zone” where people are known to live up to 100 years old on average), it is home to some awesome beaches, endless yoga, healthy eats and famous surf breaks.

After spending a month here, I am excited to share my favourite things to do, where to eat and everything that is helpful about visiting Nosara! This Nosara Travel guide will have you familiar with the area in no time

Table of Contents

Other Costa Rica Posts You Might Find Helpful:

Samara Travel Guide:   The Complete Guide to staying in Samara Unique Hotel In Nicoya  : Add this jungle luxury hotel to your Costa Rica Itinerary Things To Do In Playa Pelada Beach: The Best Beach in Nosara Costa Rica Travel Agent : We Booked our entire Costa Rica Trip with The Travelogist and it was amazing

GENERAL INFO ABOUT NOSARA, COSTA RICA

LANGUAGE: The prominent language spoken is Spanish but you will find English-speaking people in a lot of the tourist areas. It wouldn’t hurt to have a Google Translator App downloaded for basic conversations.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED : Depends who you ask! Some people stay for months on end! There is a huge expat scene here with some people coming to work remotely or escape winter for a month or two. If it’s strictly a vacation, I would say a week allows you to experience it to it’s fullest!

C OST : A lot of people said Nosara was pricey but we found it pretty similar to costs back home ( Toronto, Canada). Expect to pay $10 for a cocktail at most places and $8-$20 for an entree. Hotels are a bit more pricier for what you get but there are a ton of options that would allow you to stay in your budget! Definitely bring some Costa Rican dollars ( Colanions) for juice stands or the odd restaurant that is cash only but most places accept major credit cards. If any other Nosara Travel Guide tries to tell you it’s beyond expensive, it’s because they likely don’t want you to visit! haha. It’s doable!!

HOW TO GET FROM LIBERIA TO NOSARA BEACH:

CAR – Nosara is roughly 2.5 hours from Liberia Airport and 5 hours from San Jose Airport.

The roads in Costa Rica are extremely rough and sometimes completely unpaved. While the beginning of the drive from Liberia wasn’t bad, the last hour gets bumpy. If you are prone to getting car sick, definitely take some gravol while en route. Renting a car in Costa Rica is a whole other subject but let’s just say it is very pricey and there are a lot of scams out there. The cost of our car was $1800 CAD for the month and we rented through National Car. Make sure that your quote or reservation includes Third Party Insurance or Loss Waiver Damage or they will add it on upon arrival which can quickly escalate the costs.

LOCAL FLIGHT – If you are in a hurry, local airline Sansa offers quick 20 minute direct flights! Though on the pricier side, it can get you there real quick!

PRIVATE SHUTTLE- If you want to leave the driving to someone else, book a quick and direct shuttle! This one here is $129 CAD for up to 4 people which is a huge savings compared to renting a car

TIP: If you are arriving closer to sunset, we recommend grabbing a room at the Hilton Garden Inn Liberia Airport. If you are not familiar with the route or roads leading to Nosara, it is best to avoid driving at nighttime. There are little to no street lamps and it would be very hard to navigate.

Looking for some other sunny destinations? Check these posts below:

• Everything you need to know about visiting Antigua and Barbuda
• 5 of the Best Caribbean Island for First Timers
• Careyes, Mexico: Beach Town in Mexico where all the celebrities flock to!
• Sayulita, Mexico Travel Guide

WHEN TO VISIT NOSARA COSTA RICA

Peak season is December- January where rain is minimal but prices are high and spots are at their highest occupancies! We recommend February- April for a visit which is dry season but a little bit less congested. Rainy season is considered May- November aka “green season” which is likely special in it’s own way too and certainly more reasonable cost wise!  

HOW TO GET AROUND IN NOSARA

Unsure how to get around? This Nosara Travel Guide is breaking it down for you and you will be relived to know there are plenty of ways to see this magical area!

We choose to rent a car for the duration of our trip. If you have young kids or want to check out neighbouring areas and beaches, I would recommend it! The roads are not really stroller friendly. However, it is definitely not necessary. The main area of Nosara is quite walkable. If you are travelling as a couple or have kids that are older, I would ditch it and explore the area with some other options available!

Some popular ways to get around that don’t involve renting a car:

• RENTING AN ATV! You can rent one for roughly $75 USD A DAY! It can get you up some of the steep hills that you will find yourself at if you head to certain hotels, restaurants etc that are located deeper in the jungle
• TUK TUK RIDES ! Grabbing a local tuk tuk for a quick scoot to a near by beach or restaurant is not only super reasonable but it is also supporting the locals as many of the Tuk Tuk’s are operated by Ticos!
• GOLF CARTS! We reallly dwelled that we didn’t get a golf cart. While it is probably not the safest option for a baby, younger kids can easily hop on and off one. So many people drive these around and it really allows you to get that true Nosara way of life on them! A local company that rents them out is called Limo Dan and they run about $500 for the week

WHERE TO STAY IN NOSARA COSTA RICA?

If you are hoping to find a luxury hotel in Nosara, this is not the place for you! While there are a ton of accommodation options, 5 star or all inclusive style resorts are not here. Instead you can find trendy, creative and small boutique style lodges to hang your hat!

Playa Guiones, the main surf beach in Nosara, has the majority of the B&B’s and hotels but there are also some further up into the jungle/mountain side that offer amazing view points too. This Nosara Travel Guide will share a few different options with you!

WHERE DID WE STAY?

We stayed in a few places during our time in Nosara! Rentals and Air BNB’s in Nosara booked up VERY far in advance- something to keep in mind if you are looking to book. The first place we stayed only had availability for 12 days so that’s where we started our trip. After that it was a mix of a hotel, a luxury villa and then another unique property!

FIRST PLACE- We stayed in an Air Bnb in Playa Pelada to start off our trip! It was amazing and very reasonable. It was a 2 bedroom condo with a massive balcony that had a beautiful hammock, lounger set and table. We were literally 2 minutes walking distance from the famous La Luna restaurant ( more on that later) and across the street from Il Pepperoni restaurant ( another great dining option). Playa Pelada is a quieter beach but in our opinion a lot more beautiful than Guiones!

SECOND PLACE IN NICOYA REGION- We moved down the coast a bit as we had some hotel points and stayed at Hotel Punta Islita! You can read more about that hotel HERE

THIRD PLACE – Ahhh Finca Austria! This place is quite literally one of the most beautiful places we have stayed. It is perfect for retreats, weddings or large family stays. We were lucky enough to get the place to ourselves! The staff ended up feeling like friends as well. The pool at the main house is the real draw and while it is in Nosara, you really could stay put at the resort and not leave the entire time if you wanted! I almost didn’t want to share this spot in our Nosara Travel Guide as it’s pretty special.

HERE ARE SOME OTHER PLACES TO STAY IN NOSARA:

HARMONY HOTEL – The Harmony Hotel was one of the first hotels to set up shop in Nosara making it an OG in the area. Here you can find not only a cool mid century style space but it also offers spa treatments, a hip restaurant serving up locally and sustainably sourced food and yoga classes in their open air shala.

BODHI TREE YOGA RESORT – If you are looking for the “IT” spot to do yoga and detox in a fancy setting, this place is for you. You will likely find this place mentioned in any Nosara Travel Guide.

Their large infinity pool is 10/10 and they have various yoga shalas throughout the property that are each unique. They have an on site juice bar, an incredible boutique and a modern spa. You can also visit this resort just for a yoga class. The cost of that is $20 USD and if I had to pick one Shala to do a class, I would definitely recommend the Ocean Shala which offers up the most incredible views. Check the schedule before doing a class!

THE GILDED IGUANA – One of the most beautiful and luxurious hotels in Nosara smack in the center of town. Rooms here are incredibly spacious, modern and the pool is a dream! They even have a surf club right by the beach with a juice bar!

NORTE NOSARA- The new kid on the block! Opened just over a year ago, this place has become a spot for many yogis looking to take a challenging class. They also offer sound baths, breathing workshops and if you are just looking for a place to lounge and drink, they are home to “The Jungle Bar” which is known to be quite fun post dinner. Rooms are quaint and small but very aesthetically pleasing.

WHERE TO EAT OR DRINK IN NOSARA

This wouldn’t be a very good Nosara Travel Guide without breaking down the best places to eat at!

Nosara is home to a mecca of healthy and delicious eating options! You can get items like acai bowls, or smoothies at virtually any corner but sandwiched in-between all of this are gourmet eateries perfect for a special dinner out. One common theme at all of the establishments: a super relaxed vibe and most often paired with open air seating. Pura Vida all the way!

D ESTINY NOSARA

Destiny was one of our FAVOURITE restaurants! It was so good that we went over 5 times LOL. Oops! They open at 6am and are busy day in and day out….for good reason!

Highlights include: Destiny Egg’s Nest breakfast ( SO GOOD!), Coconut Whip Coffee, Breakfast Burrito and the Destiny Smoothie.

MANGOES JUICERY

A newly opened spot in the Il Pepperoni Restaurant space, this cute juice and smoothie shack is not only SO good, it is way more reasonably priced than places in Guiones. The juices run about $5 CAD and the acai bowls are about $10 CAD! The portions are super big and we decided this was hands down the best place to get an acai or pitaya bowl in Nosara ( and trust me we tried a lot). It is located in Playa Pelada so not on the main strip in town- just FYI! It is open everyday from 7AM-3PM

La Luna is Nosara’s best restaurant. This restaurant is pretty much the most recommended in every guide…but it is worth the hype in my opinion! It is definitely on the pricier side of things but it is one of the only beachfront dining options in the areas. You can come in your bare feet yet still experience a luxurious dining experience where you can watch the sun set. We recommend booking a reservation anytime between 5-6PM for your ultimate viewing pleasure! The pizzas are really yummy and if you are dining on a budget, the best option! RESERVATIONS IN ADVANCE RECOMMENDED!

HOWLER’S

BEST DISH IN ALL OF NOSARA? Hand’s down the Tuna Carpaccio from here!

We were fighting over the last few bites and almost ordered a second one! We came back twice to have this dish. Not only is this place cute and located right in the main hub of Guiones ( great for people watching!), it has delicious handcrafted cocktails.

There is no menu for the drinks as they quite literally can make you whatever you want. I asked for a Paper plane which is not the most common cocktail and they not only said they could make it but they crushed it! It was so 10/10.

Coyol is not just a restaurant, it is an experience. Perched up high in the jungle, you are treated to the ultimate views at sunset in an atmosphere that is super unique. It offers up a top notch cocktail list, and a variety of smoked meat dishes (literally cooked in the smoker outside). The restaurant structure looks like a modern greenhouse and the outdoor seating area features communal farmhouse tables and stringlights. Also don’t miss the famous tree swing! Perfect for getting that IG shot!

OTHER RESTAURANTS TO CHECK OUT IN NOSARA COSTA RICA:

Cafe Social, 10 Pies, Perozah ( in Garza area- this place is 100% overpriced but such a cool vibe and the food IS good), Rosi’s Soda ( local Costa Rican food that is super affordable), Beach Dog Cafe, Naked Foods- all make the Nosara Travel Guide cut!

SHOP THIS POST

What to do in nosara beach.

The best thing about Nosara is that you can fill up your day with activities or you can literally do nothing but hang in a hammock all day and either way you slice it, you will have the best time.

SURFING IN NOSARA

It wouldn’t be a Nosara Travel Guide without mentioning surfing. Nosara was named by National Geographic as one of the top 20 surf towns in the world. Even if you don’t surf, it is such a fun activity to try out when you are quite literally in the hub of it! The best waves can be found in Playa Guiones and there are so many Nosara Surf Camps.

YOGA OR SOUND BATH IN NOSARA

There are a ton of yoga and wellness classes to take part in! Bodhi Tree and Norte are two of the most popular studios where there are a variety of classes but there are a ton of places to practise! Harmony hotel, The Gilded Surf Club etc. You really don’t have to look too far. If you just do yoga at home, I urge you to try a sound bath experience, breathing or meditation class additionally as it’s such a special experience here!

WATCH THE SUNSETS EVERY NIGHT

Nosara Beaches are special. You might be thinking- how basic is this? Should this really be added to the WHAT TO DO section? Yes, yes it should. This is always part of any Nosara Travel Guide and this is why…

Watching the sunsets in Costa Rica is actually an activity. We spent 30 days there and each night the sunset was INSANE! Groups start flocking down to the beach about 20 minutes before with some beers or snacks and everyone just sits there and watches the magical colours. We much preferred Playa Pelada to Guiones .

VISIT GARZA

Located a quick 15 minutes from Nosara, Garza is an up and coming area. The beach and shoreline is much different than Nosara beaches and is definitely more swimable! You will also find the restaurant Peronzah here which is one of the most popular restaurants at the moment! They sometimes do full moon parties right on the beach which is not something that is easy to find in Nosara!

WATCH TURTLES HATCH AT OSTIONAL BEACH

Ostional Beach is roughly 25 minutes from the main area of Nosara and turtles or not, is a stunning beach. Beginning in late April though, baby turtles begin hatching on the beach (!!!). Upon hatching, they make their way to the ocean and it is truly an unforgettable experience.

To see the turtles, you must hire a guide or go through a tour. We did this one HERE!

VISIT THE FARMERS MARKET IN NOSARA

Each Tuesday there is a farmer’s market in Nosara. Here you can find local vendors and organic farmers produce. There are some vendors even selling little snacks and treats! It is a great way to meet people in the community and is almost a weekly ritual if you live in the area.

OTHER THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT NOSARA, COSTA RICA:

• It is sometimes normal for directions to take you on routes that require you to cross a river. Yes a river. It sounds a lot worse than it is as a lot of the rivers are low in dry season and it is pretty standard. It saves you a ton of time as well. This isn’t just for a Nosara Travel Guide, it would be in any Costa Rica Guide
• When renting a car, make sure you rent a car with all wheel drive aka an SUV or truck. As per my point above, crossing a river in a sedan might be a bit more difficult and not advised. Most locals drive little SUV’S and if you aren’t crossing a river, you might be heading down some super bumpy and unpaved roads.
• The bugs are bad. Bring tons of bug spray! Also as soon as the sunsets, sand bugs are known to come out and our little one got bite quite a bit so definitely don’t stick around too long after it gets dark unless you are fully covered and sprayed!
• A lot of people there communicate via Whatsap so make sure you have it downloaded before you go! In terms of directions, Waze is actually a lot better than Google Maps

I hoped this Nosara Travel Guide helped you plan or get excited about visiting this amazing spot! Let me know if you end up going!!

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[…] Contributed by Marisa, from The Daydream Diaries […]

[…] If you want to add some extra days to your Hotel Punta Islita Stay, I recommend checking out Nosara […]

This looks absolutely dreamy. I have not been because I live in Europe but if i ever flew to the Americas I would stop here.

I will definitely check out the turtles when i go there ☺️

I hadn’t heard of Nosara before, but I loved Costa Rica! You’ve convinced me I need to go back. Those sunsets and fresh açaí bowls look amazing! Also riding a tuk tuk around sounds like fun!

Stunning photos- it looks like a magical place…thanks for the inspiration

[…] the world. I am not even kidding you when I say that we watched sunsets here for 30 days straight when we visited Nosara and every single night it blew us […]

[…] nombreux visiteurs au Costa Rica se précipitent vers les points chauds côtiers comme Nosara et Tamarindo, en sautant sur le bel intérieur de ce pays. Mais vous ne voudrez pas sauter La […]

[…] Nosara Travel Guide: The Complete Guide to staying in Nosara […]

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Tom Cahalan in St Barths recently

Today’s top private travel agents spend months on the road, road-testing trips or meeting property-owners and hoteliers at conferences, including the International Luxury Travel Market events. For clients who want to be the first to check-in, they have to keep ahead of new openings - and when to drop a property that has lost its magic. Some charge membership fees, none of them advertise. If they have websites, they contain almost no information on them. But if you can find one that will take you on, they will deploy infinite amounts of personal charm to get you into the world's most desirable hotel suites and villas.

Some work for just one family, others for a handful of clients. London-based Earth states on its website that membership is ‘currently restricted to recommendations from existing clients or by invitation’. I know of one who was fought over in a divorce settlement. (The wife won.)

According to Deloitte last year, the luxury market - already worth $1.3 trillion - is set to grow by 7.6 % until 2030. While the concept of private travel agents started with Bill Fischer in the 1970s, their numbers are expanding fast.

And the career path? Often, it's completely unorthodox. For those on the U.S. West Coast, a stint in the entertainment industry is often a springboard. In some dynasties, it can be a keen grandchild who starts organizing travel for the family. In Europe, particularly Britain, private agents often start in high-end tour operators including Cazenove & Loyd and Black Tomato . However, no private travel agent has made the leap that Tom Cahalan has. After creating a highly successful ecommerce site for clothing retailers in 2013, he started blogging about his holidays. Paying his own way, his pithy critiques became cult reading in the hospitality industry. Interest in the blog posts led Cahalan to set up Dorsia Travel (named after the fictional restaurant in American Psycho where it’s impossible to get a reservation) in 2017 with his wife Lucie.

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Let’s start with the blog. Why did you set it up? The Good, The Bad And The Luxurious was just a hobby at first and nobody knew anything about me so I enjoyed being brutally honest.Then I started to gain a following perhaps because there were so few platforms back then where the reviewer was remaining totally anonymous and paying their own way.

Soneva Jani in the Maldives

You always paid for your stays.

I’m glad I’m not beholden to anyone. I don’t want to write mean things for no good reason, but people pay lots of money to stay in these hotels so sharing honest feedback with readers and Dorsia Travel’s clients are always my priority. It isn’t always the done thing in Britain, where Dorsia Travel is based, to be so upfront with negative feedback. I wrote about a number of my main hotel bugbears recently, and things guaranteed to annoy me include a charge for water or overly fussy staff who check up on you every three to four minutes.

Your reviews became cult reading for their trenchant opinions. How did hotels react?

I’ve only been banned from one hotel - a few years back I stayed at Sirai Beach in Kenya and loved it but I highlighted a few things I felt could be improved. When I wanted to stay in its sister property Sirai House I learned the owners didn’t want me to stay as they didn’t want to see anything critical about that property - one of their homes - on the internet. Given they had decided to commercialize these residences I thought their inability to accept criticism from paying customers was a bit pathetic, but ultimately I don’t mind if people are unhappy with my reviews as they’re always fair and honest. I thought Italy's Il Pellicano was hideous even though lots of people revere it. And I hated every single thing about Nairobi’s Giraffe Manor but it is completely booked out so I can’t imagine they’re concerned about my review .

The Bulgari hotel in Paris

Now you have a wife and young family, how has that affected your travel?

Since Lucie and I had our two daughters, aged one and three, holidays are a lot louder but it has really broadened our focus at Dorsia Travel. We always dealt with families, but now we’re even more attuned to parents’ needs because we know firsthand just how cautious you need to be when you’ve got little accident-magnets roaming around a property. We’re also much more likely to travel to beach resorts and exclusive-use properties - handily, alongside family travel and safaris these are two of our other specialisms at Dorsia Travel. We’re also really appreciative of hotels that show they genuinely care about children and their parents. I love places where under-5s eat free, for example, because it seems so wasteful to pay inflated prices for dishes they’re going to spill on the floor rather than eat - we were so unimpressed at Bulgari Paris when we were charged €102 for a portion of fish for our eldest when she was only a year old.

Velaa private island in the Maldives

And you now have a travel agency, Dorsia Travel? How did that start?

My wife Lucie previously took care of VIP clients at The Connaught hotel in London. As my blog attracted increasing numbers of readers, more and more people asked for advice and then increasingly asked me to book their holidays so we realized we could combine her industry expertise and my hotel knowledge to give hands-on assistance to the community of people that grew around the blog. It’s been an enjoyable process because we traveled at the same level as them before we started working as travel agents, and we still do now. And we’re hands-on for every part of the process - we oversee every aspect of every booking personally. What’s sometimes challenging now is explaining to clients how ridiculously expensive a lot of hotels - particularly in Europe and the US - have become. We don’t charge fees, but our clients spend a minimum of $5,000 a night - you’d think it goes far but then at the highest end of the market you have places like Italy’s Villa Treville Positano charging €9,800 for a 61 sqm suite this summer.

The Zeffirelli Suite at the Villa Treville Positano

How has your travel changed now?

I’m off to One&Only Kea Island in Greece soon and I expect it’ll be nice but I doubt it’ll be exciting. I’m also planning a trip to the new Soneva Secret. I feel it’s unlikely to be too different from the other two Sonevas in the Maldives but I want to have first-hand knowledge of all the major properties in the country so I can advise our clients. These days I prefer to stay at exclusive-use properties that are less known - I’m going to Ol Jogi wildlife conservancy and seeing the work they’re doing to help protect wildlife is much more enjoyable to me than going to another generic luxury resort.

How do you cope with honest feedback from your guests

Regarding feedback, of course we’re fine with it! Usually it’s great, but of course there are times when a hotel doesn’t deliver as expected - and for the amount of money people pay to stay at the world’s top hotels it’s unacceptable if things go seriously wrong. If that happens, we want to know about it as soon as possible so we can immediately intervene to make things right while they just focus on enjoying their holiday.

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My Prediction For The 2024 RSA Conference: Proactive Security Will Dominate Use Cases

Erik Nost , Senior Analyst

The RSA Conference is upon us again, and many are planning their travel to San Francisco next week and determining which talks to attend (including talks from our own Heidi Shey , Jinan Budge , Jeff Pollard , and Joseph Blankenship ). But a trip to the 2024 RSA Conference won’t be complete without a stroll through the Moscone Center to see what security vendors are up to, complete with enthusiastic messaging and wacky antics. And while generative AI is sure to be prevalent throughout vendor demos this year, I am predicting that you will find yourself challenged by many vendors asking “How proactive are you?” as they eagerly scan your badge.

We covered proactive security during our Security & Risk Forum last year , but I’m pleased to announce that we’ve just published two reports that discuss the meaning of proactive security along with the steps required to achieve it. We define proactive security as:

A strategic approach to controlling security posture and reducing breaches through strong visibility, prioritization, and remediation.

The Three Principles of Proactive Security covers how visibility, prioritization, and remediation are the foundational building blocks of your proactive program, and The Four Steps For More Proactive Security breaks down the tactical steps that organizations should take to get there.

At the 2024 RSA Conference next week, I expect to see vendors offering products such as attack surface management, exposure management , and continuous security testing, all touting themselves as proactive security solutions (expect to see vague, ill-defined phrases with words like “continuous,” “threat,” and “exposure” accompanying these products’ marketing). But before assessing whether these products will help your program, you must first understand how well your organization is currently aligned toward the three principles of proactive security:

• Visibility. Security pros must know what they’re dealing with before they can understand their risks. Visibility extends to asset and vulnerability enumeration and context.
• Prioritization. The size and scale of discovered assets and their exposures means teams need to filter down to actionable objectives. Tools that enable assessment and validation of threats, weaknesses, and controls all support prioritization .
• Remediation. Remediations are the most convoluted part of a successful proactive program due to scattered inputs, metrics, and processes (or lack thereof). Inputs toward remediation must shed light on root causes.

While you’re wandering Moscone, remember that vendors claiming to be proactive are not doing enough. Ask vendors how and why they support the above principles. Press vendors on how their solution supports the three principles but also on how they would support and integrate with your current security stack. This will help hone your focus for deploying potential proactive solutions.

Want to hear more? Get in touch with me! Schedule an inquiry or hit me up on LinkedIn .

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