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Amazing Service!!!

Amazing Service!!! Many many thanks to Laboni Momin.. She was very helpful and patient with our flight bookings. Would definitely recommend to others. Again thank you very much Momin for all you did for me.

Date of experience : December 14, 2022

My parents just returned today …

My parents just returned today (1-Nov-17) from a trip to the holy land with Riya travels for 10 days. There was a terribly bad experience they had to face with the stay provided by Riya. They had to face severe discrimination coz of being black (Indian's) and there was an instance where they were asked to wait for food till the white people has finished their food. Also there was an instance where their rooms were locked up the hotel authorities when they reached the hotel in the late evening. All these time the Riya escort person was escaping from the scene and not available to support. Guys, this is a very genuine feedback. Please think twice before choosing Riya for the holy land trip (Israel, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt).

Date of experience : November 01, 2017

Canadian Visitors Visa - Highly Recommmend Riya Travels

I had to apply for Canadian visitors visa for my Parents and I was referred to Riya Travels by a Family friend. I was dealing with a lady named Neethu Joseph from Riya Travels from their Thrissur branch in Kerala and I have to say her service was awesome, she was very prompt and had very good knowledge about the requirements needed for visitors visa. She ensured we had all the necessary documents to support our case. My Parents got 10 year multiple entry visa to Canada. I would highly recommend Riya Travels for all visa purposes, they have some highly motivated and knowledgeable team and you won't be disappointed.

Date of experience : July 22, 2017

Excellent Service

I really like their service ... They are responding very fast and giving great deals.... I am writing this review after 2,3 of my flight ticket requests, with which I experienced complete satisfaction with their service. John Francis Kennedy

Date of experience : January 07, 2016

Amazing Service!

I booked my flight with Riya travels from Winnipeg to Delhi. Rajeev and Aman were very helpful, understanding and with an excellent customer service skills. Never did I once felt like they were trying to force or push me to buy certain ticket. They were very patient and took their time to look in to the flights that will suit me the best. They answered all my questions very professionally. Overall I would say the best Travel Agency in Winnipeg. Not to forget people that are working hard there are the ones making it an excellent place. Would recommend i to my fiends and family. Thank you Riya Travels!

Date of experience : August 23, 2016

God Bless You Guys...

I'm very happy with received great service from by RIYA TRAVEL's team. I dealt with regarding my flight booking when Qatar Airline changed the schedule of flight and Riya travel arranged for an alternative very promptly. I highly recommend Riya Travels.

Date of experience : December 31, 2015

BIG NO to riya travels

I have been with Riya travels for last 12 years and have referred more than 10 friends and family members to this company. However i contacted them this time after almost 5 years for bookings and turns out its been 2 weeks i have been chasing them and haven’t got needed help yet. Everytime i call i tell them what i am calling for and they would be like ok will get back to you in not more than 30 mins, unfortunately that never happens. I wait for almost 2 hours and then call them back and turns out the staff member i talked with last time is gone for the day. So I explain my situation to other member, now this person is ok i will escalate your concerns to the management and someone shall call you in next 2 hours. It’s been 2 days now, no one has bothered to get back to even email. Worst customer service. A BIG NO to Riya travels.

Date of experience : September 09, 2023

I would highly recommend Riya agents to…

I would highly recommend Riya agents to anyone planning to go on a trip. My gratitude goes especially to Laboni, she was patient with me and took her time to explain everything and to get me a good flight deal! Thanks sooooo much Laboni and Riya travel agent.

Date of experience : January 30, 2019

I book a flight to Toronto,Canada from …

I book a flight to Toronto,Canada from a travel partner of Riya Travels.Its Geo Tours and travels. They got tickets from riya.I am an international student visa holder in canada and riya gave me a ticket with 2 stops overs in UK which is not acceptable bcaz i need a UK visa for it.I couldnt fly that day and they provided me with another ticket and i have to pay 30000rs extra. They dont behave in a proffesional way. Please double check if anyone else booking tickets through riya or geo tours and travels, kochi. Some of of the staff even doesnt know about visa requirments to stop over other countries even though they had my visa and passport.

Date of experience : December 13, 2017

Excellent Service Always

I have been using Riya travels for quite a few years before then were even called Riya travels and they never fail to provide excellent customer service. They provide you with all the options you need and ability to pay with credit card is an added plus.

Date of experience : June 14, 2016

I went to Kochin,India with my son&fly(7) people;also visited Delhi,Agra&Jaipur. tikets ,hotel accomodatin all arranged by Riya Travels. IN July I am going to Kochi; I got the Best Deal.Thank you Riya

Date of experience : June 21, 2016

Excellent prompt service

Kudos to the Agents at Riya travels, especially Sibin for providing such excellent and prompt service. My itinerary was bit complicated as had different passengers travelling at different dates and needed to make sure the dates and different legs of journey align. Sibin did an excellent job of handling this, putting my mind at ease and that also at a very competitive ticket prices. Thanks again.

Date of experience : September 10, 2016

I have been trying to get my air ticket to back to my home country and searching the good price and good customer service finally I found Riya Travel & Tours they are very nice and friendly. Feven, she has a good experience to handle customer . I recommend for all this travel agent.

Date of experience : August 20, 2015

Reply from Riyatravels.com

Dear Daniel Yonas, Thank you for taking the time to review us. We are glad to hear that you liked our services. We value your positive feedback. Best Regards, Riya Travel & Tours Inc

Always gets a better deal than travel websites...

Suraj at the Riya offices in NY always finds me a better deal than I can find on most of the common travel websites including directly from the airlines for my travel needs to India. Very prompt with his follow up.

Date of experience : February 08, 2016

Good service.

The service received from Riya travels was very professional, courteous and timely. They did their due diligence well to suggest alternatives for both price and schedules. I had a complex schedule and multiple passengers to book for and also multiple destinations. They worked with me to book the tickets very patiently. Would recommend them wholeheartedly.

Understanding Clients need

I would like to thanks Riya Tours and Travels for the excellent service that is rendered to their clients. They truly understand the clients need and provide service to us, which only very few people do that. I would like to personally thank Nisha James for her wonderful service provided to me. You just provide the details to her and she will come back with all the best possible solutions for our needs. Thanks again and I will come back to you guys in the future for my travels needs.

Date of experience : February 09, 2016

Ticket to india

Great experience with Riya while trying to book a tkt for my grandchild to India from Chicago...the tkt was arranged with maximum speed with no hassles......excellent service...Chicago Manager Ms.Jagruti impressed me as most helpful and competent

Date of experience : August 19, 2015

Dear Ms. Vyga Sajith, We thank you for the wonderful feedback. We are glad to know you are happy with our services. We hope to see you again. Best Regards, Riya Travel & Tours Inc

Travel experience with Riya travels

Travelled to Singapore in August 2019.Visa processing service and flight ticketing service was good.Thankful to Mrs.Sarada for her instant response on any additional information and other staff for their friendly approach,overall experience with Riya travels was very good.

Date of experience : October 21, 2019

Great Service!

I always book my tickets to India through Riya. Their service is excellent. I never had any problems so far and the rates were very reasonable. I highly recommend Riya Travels. Sheena Kurian helped me to get a good rate and the booking was done so quickly.

Excellent service and competitive pricing of airline tickets!

The agents at Riya travel and courteous, very professional and eager to help and earn business. Special mention for Binoy M. He has great attitude when it comes to customer service! Keep up the good work Binoy!! -Gopi Bandaru

Date of experience : April 28, 2016

Elevating Travel Experiences Since 1980 One Customer, One Team

One customer, one team.

Riya Group is a leading travel company with an eminent global presence. Our journey started in 1980 at India’s financial capital, Mumbai. We started off processing visas and rapidly diversified our portfolio with over 15 indispensable travel solutions.

Our core principles revolve around incorporating innovation, building trust, and developing excellent customer satisfaction. Riya Group is focused on being a sustainable global partner of choice by evolving with the customer’s requirements.

‘One Customer, One Team’ - Riya Group thrives on a symbiotic internal dynamic where collaboration and unison amalgamate to contribute to the greater good of our customers.

Our energy and success is derived from our experience and talented staff. The accomplishments, awards and recognitions over the years from the travel industry fuels our vision to be the numero uno travel company globally.

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Decades of experience, locations globally, countries - presence, our businesses, riya travels, riya travel & tours, riya holidays, riya marine travel, riya study abroad, riya institute of hospitality, riya business travel, riya migration consultants, riya visa services, our products.

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• Our rail products - OTP (1& 2 Years), Dongle (1 & 2 Years), OTP & Dongle (Combo 1 & 2 Years)
• Over 1 million visas processed
• Diplomatic partnerships with 7 countries
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• Forex available for travel and education
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• Travellers receive generous coverage amounts
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Riya Travel & Tours

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1350 Street Rd

Bensalem, PA 19020

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The Organization: Riya Travel & Tours Inc is an organization incorporated in Texas, USA. We are certified by ARC, IATA, ASTA and also a member of BBB. Riya USA was established, in September of 2009 in Dallas, TX. Within a span of five years we have expanded to having eight locations across major cities in USA. Why Riya? We are an organization built on sound financial ground, great credibility and international reputation. We understand the wants' and needs of our valued traveller and Travel Agents better than any other organization. Our Mission "Building Memories through Travel"- Travel is not about airplanes, car rentals, hotels etc. Travel is all about the memories you bring back with you. Our Products / Specialities Airline Tickets, Vacation Packages, Cruise Bookings, Hotel Reservations, Car Rentals, Group Bookings, Corporate Travel Solutions …

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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.

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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.

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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

This blog may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more info.

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!)

Contact : +8801828185207

E-mail : [email protected]

Welcome to New York: The City That Never Sleeps!

Experience the vibrancy, energy, and endless possibilities of the iconic New York City. As a premier tour agency, we invite you to embark on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the Big Apple. With its towering skyscrapers, world-famous landmarks, and unparalleled cultural scene, New York offers a captivating experience that will leave you spellbound.

Iconic Landmarks: New York City is home to some of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Take in the breathtaking view from the top of the Empire State Building, where the cityscape stretches as far as the eye can see. Walk across the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, soaking in the stunning skyline and the charm of the surrounding neighborhoods. Visit Times Square, a bustling hub of bright lights, billboards, and the heartbeat of New York’s entertainment scene. The Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and the High Line are just a few more of the must-see landmarks that define the city’s unique character.

World-Class Museums and Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of New York City. Explore the renowned Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and discover masterpieces by artists like Van Gogh, Monet, and Warhol. Journey through time at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (the Met), home to an extensive collection spanning centuries and civilizations. Delve into history and science at the American Museum of Natural History, or experience the vibrant energy of contemporary art at the Whitney Museum of American Art. New York’s museums offer endless opportunities for exploration and inspiration.

Broadway and Performing Arts: Indulge in the magic of Broadway, the world’s most famous theater district. Catch a dazzling musical or a thought-provoking play that will transport you to another world. From timeless classics to cutting-edge productions, Broadway offers a diverse range of performances to suit every taste. Immerse yourself in the arts at Lincoln Center, where you can attend a ballet, opera, or symphony performance. New York City pulsates with a thriving performing arts scene that will leave you awestruck.

Culinary Delights: New York City is a food lover’s paradise, offering an incredible array of flavors from around the world. From street food carts serving delectable hot dogs and pretzels to Michelin-starred restaurants helmed by renowned chefs, the city’s culinary scene is diverse and exciting. Savor authentic New York-style pizza, indulge in gourmet international cuisine, or explore the vibrant food markets like Chelsea Market or Smorgasburg. Whether you’re a foodie or simply appreciate good eats, New York’s gastronomy will tantalize your taste buds.

Shopping Mecca: New York City is a shopper’s haven, boasting world-class department stores, trendy boutiques, and eclectic markets. Explore the iconic Fifth Avenue, where luxury brands and high-end fashion labels beckon. Delight in the vibrant energy of SoHo’s cobblestone streets, lined with designer boutiques and independent shops. Uncover unique treasures in vintage stores and artisanal markets. From fashion and jewelry to antiques and souvenirs, New York offers endless retail therapy.

Diverse Neighborhoods: Discover the unique charm of New York City’s neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and vibe. Stroll through the artistic streets of Greenwich Village, with its bohemian spirit and quaint cafes. Experience the melting pot of cultures in Chinatown, Little Italy, and Harlem, where you can savor authentic cuisines and immerse yourself in vibrant communities. Explore the trendy boutiques and hipster havens of Williamsburg in Brooklyn. New York’s neighborhoods invite you to wander and uncover their hidden gems.

Let Us Create Your New York Adventure: At our tour agency, we specialize in curating personalized itineraries that showcase the best of New York City. Whether you’re seeking a Broadway experience, a cultural immersion, or a culinary journey, we will tailor your trip to fulfill your desires. Let us be your guide to the wonders of the Big Apple, where dreams come true and memories are made.

Book your New York City adventure today and let us unlock the magic of the city that never sleeps. Welcome to New York, where possibilities are endless!

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Zanjoe Marudo, Ria Atayde gikasal sa usa ka pribado nga seremonyas

Ria Atayde ug Zanjoe Marudo. | Image: Nice Print Photography via Instagram/@onlyzanjoemarudo

Sobra sa usa ka buwan human nila gipahibaw ang ilang engagement, gikasal sila si Zanjoe Marudo ug Ria Atayde sa usa ka pribado nga seremonyas nga gitambungan sa ilang mga minahal sa kinabuhi.

Ang ilang kasal gipahigayon niadtong Marso 23, atol usab sa kasaulogan sa adlaw nga natawhan ni Ria.

Gipahibaw ni Zanjoe ang ilang kasal sa iyang Instagram kun diin iya usab nga gitawag si Ria og “wife.”   Apan wala na siya mohisgot kun asa gipahigayon ang ilang intimate wedding.

READ: Zanjoe ug Ria engaged na: ‘Forever sounds good… and tastes even better!’

Sa mga hulagway nga nanggawas sa social media, makita nga masanagon ug malipayon kaayo ang panagway ni Ria atol sa ilang kasal.

READ: LOOK: Ria Atayde hugs, kisses Zanjoe Marudo in birthday photos

Sa laing bahin, gwapo kaayo si Zanjoe nga ga sul-ob og itom nga tuxedo.

“03.23.24. Happy birthday my wife,” sey ni Zanjoe sa iyang caption.

Mipagawas usab sa ilang Instagram ang Nice Print Photography ug nga hulagway gikan sa maong kasal.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Niceprintphoto (@niceprintphoto)

Matud pa sa exclusive report ni Mj Felipe, ang duha gikasal sa usa ka civil ceremony nga gi-officiate ni Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte.

READ: Ria Atayde on her relationship with Zanjoe Marudo: ‘There’s so much mutual respect, mutual admiration’

Daghan ang midangat sa ilang pahalipay para nila ni Ria ug Zanjoe.  Apil na niini sila si Maine Mendoza, Marco Gumabao, SexBomb member Jopay Paguia, Kaye Abad, Jane Oineza, Kyline Alcantara, ug Jake Ejercito.

Image: Screengrab from Instagram/@onlyzanjoemarudo

Observing Visita Iglesia in Lapu-Lapu

Semana santa: tradisyon, uban pang gibuhat sa mga celebrity karong panahona, over 1,000 ‘plogger’ jogs on bellevue bohol’s ‘plogging for earth’ campaign.

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