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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.

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Samara Tours

Looking out across the sea green lagoon surrounding Samara, you’ll see a reef breaking the outer waves and a deserted Pacific island called Isla Chora, excellent for snorkeling. Soft sand and lots of palm trees make this beach ideal for easy swimming and spectacular sunsets. You might try your hand at offshore sport fishing with an experienced captain and crew. Or take an exciting dolphin watching expedition where, during certain times of year, you may also see a migratory whale sighting. Enjoy ocean kayaking, snorkeling the reef or a trip over to Isla Chora. The small, easily walkable, friendly town offers art galleries, souvenir shops, and cute cafes along a crescent shaped shoreline. Day trips are available from Samara to go on guided boat tours through Palo Verde National Park where you may see visiting Roseate Spoonbills and Herons plus the local resident Macaws, Toucans, and the Great Currasow.

Adventure Fishing - Private

Escape to the vibrant waters of Samara, Costa Rica, with Samara Adventures, where fishing becomes an exhilarating adventure. Our seasoned guides lead you to prime spots along the coast, promising an array of catches including jacks, snapper, grouper, and mackerel. Whether you're a novice or seasoned angler, our team equips you with top-notch gear and invaluable fishing techniques for a f ...

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Suggested age range: 2+

Barra Honda Cave Spelunking

Adventure, Hiking

Climbing down into the depths of the earth on the Barra Honda Cave Spelunking tour is an amazing adventure. Spelunking, or cave exploration, is an enticing activity allowing you to explore ancient caves that were created hundreds of years ago by tectonic activity. There are in fact 42 caves here yet only 19 of them have been known to be traversed. Today there is only 1 cave safe enough for the ...

Suggested age range: 5+

Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour to Chora Island

Adventure, Nature, Beach, Snorkeling

Kayaking and Snorkeling at Chora Island (Isla Chora) is an excellent combination tour to kayak to a beautiful tropical island near Samara, Costa Rica where you can then go snorkeling. Although it is a popular destination for tours, it remains relatively unpopulated with its white sand beach and clear waters for underwater observation. Ocean kayaking provides a good workout and allows you the li ...

Suggested age range: 10+

Palo Verde National Park Tour

Safari Cruise

The Palo Verde National Park is located just north of the Gulf of Nicoya in the northwestern part of Costa Rica. More than 279 species of birds migrate to this area during colder months elsewhere. Herons, Storks, Roseate Spoonbills, Grebes, Ibis and Egrets, to name a few, are seen here in abundance between December and May. There are also many tropical native birds living here year around, like ...

Suggested age range: 1+

River Kayaking on the Rio Ora

Adventure, Nature

River Kayaking on the Rio Ora is a fun outdoor educational way to explore three different ecosystems featured in this area of Costa Rica. On this tour you will kayak through dense rainforest, thick mangroves and eventually reach the mouth of the river that flows into the Pacific Ocean. Along the way your bilingual guide will share interesting facts about these habitats and point out any availab ...

Sea Turtle Observation at Corozalito Beach

Nature, Learning Family

Corozalito Beach holds a special place in Costa Rica's heart as the nesting ground for three of the world's seven sea turtle species: the Olive Ridley, Leatherback, and Hawksbill Black. These majestic creatures, declared endangered, find solace in the untouched shores of Corozalito, where conservation efforts strive to protect their precious natural habitat. In the sanctuary of Corozalit ...

Suggested age range: 2 - 75

Snorkeling and Dolphin Watching Tour

Adventure, Nature, Fishing, Beach, Learning Family

This is an exciting tour combining sea adventures in one day. You will have the opportunity to snorkel at a reef and enjoy watching dolphins play in their natural habitat. A boat will take you just off the western coast of the Nicoya Peninsula from a beach called Playa Samara.Your tour begins with transportation from your hotel to Samara Beach. You will meet your friendly guide who will ...

Stand Up Paddle Boarding Lessons

Adventure, Surfing, Beach

Stand Up Paddle boarding is easy and fun to do even if it is your first time. Typically you’ll go to the calm waters of the bay at Playa Carrillo depending on the weather. SUP, as it is often called, is one of the most popular new water sports since it is so easy to learn. You’ll stand up on a board - similar to a surfboard - and use a long paddle to propel yourself around. You don’t need ...

Surf Lesson - Chocos Surf School

Surfing, Beach

Costa Rica is definitely the place to go surfing! This surf lesson at Chocos Surf School located at Playa Samara is the perfect beach to learn how to surf. Taught by experienced surfers and surf instructors, these lessons should get you up and practicing riding the waves by the end of the lesson. Plus you will have use of the board for 2 more hours after the end of your lesson. If you ar ...

What are the best tours in Samara, Costa Rica?

Here are some of the best tours in Samara, Costa Rica:

Kayaking and Snorkeling at Isla Chora : Embark on a kayaking adventure to Isla Chora, a small island just off the coast of Samara. Paddle through crystal-clear waters and explore the island's vibrant marine life while snorkeling. Admire colorful fish, coral reefs, and if you're lucky, you might even spot sea turtles or rays. River Kayaking on the Rio Ora : Discover the natural beauty of Samara's surrounding rivers on a river kayaking tour. Navigate through the lush mangroves and enjoy the serene atmosphere as you paddle along the Rio Ora. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as birds, monkeys, and iguanas that inhabit the riverbanks. Sea Turtle Nesting at Playa Camaronal or Playa Ostional : Experience a truly unique and awe-inspiring sight by joining a sea turtle nesting tour. Visit Playa Camaronal or Playa Ostional, both known for their important nesting grounds for olive ridley sea turtles. Witness the magical moment as these incredible creatures come ashore to lay their eggs or witness the hatchlings making their way to the ocean. Stand-Up Paddleboarding : Explore the calm waters of Samara Bay on a stand-up paddleboarding excursion. Glide across the surface of the water, enjoying panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding landscapes. This activity is suitable for all skill levels and provides a fun and peaceful way to connect with the ocean. Surf Lessons : Samara is a fantastic destination for surfing, whether you're a beginner looking to catch your first wave or an experienced surfer seeking new challenges. Take surf lessons with local instructors who will guide you on the fundamentals and techniques needed to ride the waves. Enjoy the thrill and excitement of surfing in the warm waters of the Pacific. These tours offer an array of exciting experiences that allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty and adventure of Samara. Whether you're seeking water-based activities, wildlife encounters, or simply want to enjoy the beach and ocean, there's something for everyone to enjoy in this charming coastal town.

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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.

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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.

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. 

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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.

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

• February 26, 2021

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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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A Complete Guide To The Hip Beach Town of Samara, Costa Rica

If you are looking for an under the radar town to spend your time in Costa Rica in, do yourself a favour and visit Samara, Costa Rica. It is a hip beach town, the perfect size and there are so many things to do in Samara, Costa Rica that you can easily fill up your time.

I would consider Samara the little sister of Nosara. It is a bit smaller and still retains an authentic Costa Rican culture.

Samara is only 30 minutes from Nosara and it is a lot cheaper. It is also located in the Guanacaste province. It should definitely be added to your Costa Rica Travel plans.

Samara, Costa Rica crime rates are low making it super safe for families and solo travellers as well

CHECK OUT OTHER POSTS ON COSTA RICA:

• Nosara Travel Guide:   The Complete Guide to staying in Nosara
• 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

How To Get To Playa Samara Beach Costa Rica from Liberia

Samara Costa Rica is located in the province of Guanacaste in the Nicoya region. This little town can be reached by car in about 2.5 hours from Liberia International Airport. This is the easiest way to get there. The roads on this route are pretty paved and well maintained.

If you are coming from San Jose, Costa Rica the drive is about 4.5 hours.

Group or Private Shuttle

There are lots of shuttles that leave on the daily from Liberia Airport to the town of Samara. If you booked a shuttle with a group, the price per person on average is about $50-$60. If you book a private shuttle to Samara, you are looking at about $150 total. Prices are in USD!

Public Transportation

Travelling to Samara Costa Rica on a budget? Lots of people are and taking public transportation there is a great way to keep your Samara budget on track! There are buses twice daily from the Liberia Airport and you can see that schedule here. Routes from Liberia to Samara show 3 hours but expect some delays

How To Get To Samara Beach from Nosara?

There is a long route from Nosara to Samara that is recommended if you do not have an SUV. This route is through Nicoya on Route 21. From Route 21, you will then take Route 150 right into the town of Samara. It is very straightforward.

The short route or short cut is through Route 160 which requires you to cross a river. The river is called Rio Buena Vista and during dry season, it is very shallow and easy to cross. One week when we crossed, there was almost no water.

During wet season, I would avoid the short cut from Nosara to Samara.

When to Visit Samara Costa Rica?

In my opinion, the best time to visit Playa Samara is between March-April. Crowds from the holiday season have tampered off a bit and you are still not in rainy season.

The town of Samara gets very busy during high season which runs from December to end of April with the absolute peak time being from December- February. I would avoid it at that time.

Rainy season is from May-November. While there is something special about rainy season in Costa Rica, it also can be very frustrating with flooding and difficulty getting around.

Samara, Costa Rica weather or Costa Rica weather in general can be unpredictable though so there are times when you expect rain and it could turn out to be beautiful!

Samara boasts an active expat community, comprised of mostly North Americans and Europeans.  Around 1,500 people make up Samara and its outskirts year round.  

Looking to visit some other tropical destinations? Check out these posts!

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How Many Days Do You Need In Sámara beach?

Some people quickly pass through Samara for a day or two and some people come to Playa Samara and never leave!! haha.

If you are staying in Nosara, you can easily do a day trip to Samara.

If you are doing a whole trip through the Nicoya peninsula, I would recommend 2-3 days to really take it all in!!

The Best Hotels in Samara

Playa Samara features a lot of price friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts and Air Bnb options. Accommodations are much cheaper than in Nosara ( almost half the price) so that is worth considering when planning your Costa Rica Trip.

There are some great Samara, Costa Rica Air Bnb options as well!

If you are looking for hotels though, below are the best hotels in Samara based on each pricing level.

Hotel Azura-Top End Option

Hotel Azura is a luxury all inclusive option that is a new spot in the area. It is on the south end of Samara beach and very secluded. The pool is the real eye show stopper of the resort and although Samara beach is beautiful it is very hard not to set up shop there.

Travelling with kids though? Unfortunately this hotel is Adult only!

Price Range: $400 +

Book a Hostel Stay with Hostel World HERE

Mid-range hotel in samara.

Villas Kalimba is a mid range hotel that has a great location, beautiful pool and bigger rooms. A lot of the rooms have mini kitchenettes which is great if you want to cook or store some items! Definitely recommend this place if you are travelling with kids!

Price Range: $200 +

Samara Palm Lodge-Budget Hotel Option in Samara

Samara Lodge is one of the most reasonable places to stay in Playa Samara and is rated one of the best overall places to stay by Trip Advisor.

Samara Lodge is a 5 minute walk from the beach so it’s quieter than some places directly on the beach. The rooms are simple but a great option for the price.

Price Range: $75 +

The Best Restaurants in Samara Costa Rica

You will not have a problem grabbing a bite to eat in Samara. There are plenty of restaurants along the beach and on the main strip. Another great thing about the Samara food scene is that you can find a mix of just about everything! Local Tico places, Fresh Vegetarian Options, Italian, American and they even have a Super Samara supermarket if you want to cook up something yourself.

Here are some of my favourite Samara restaurants!

Gusto Beach Restaurant- The Best Restaurant in Samara

Gusto Beach is the best beachfront restaurant in Samara. This Italian restaurant makes you feel like you have been transported to Italy! It has a killer Aperol Spritz list and really good pizzas

If Italian food isn’t your thing (Are you Ok?), they do have plenty of other options on the menu.

This place is great for breakfast, lunch OR dinner. The Dinner crowd/scene is a bit more rowdy while during the day it is very chill.

This place is a steakhouse and barbeque restaurant. It features a one of a kind wood burning grill which makes the dishes truly unique. It also has prime real estate on the beach! If you are looking for a nice dinner in Samara Beach, this restaurant is a nice option.

Prices are similar to Gusto Beach.

Bohemia Café

This cute little cafe in Playa Samara, just off the main street, is a great spot to grab breakfast or lunch. It serves up juices, crepes, paninis, pastries and some unique coffees. If you are a digital nomad, you can sit here and work too on their outdoor patio.

Prices are very reasonable.

L’Authentique

L’ Authentique  is home away from home. The ambiance, food, and service team welcome you as if you were long-lost family or friends returning after a long trip. Julien and Eva are the charming, ever jovial couple. They are attentive, efficient, and super friendly. 

This tapas restaurant with French inspired cuisine and wine is 10/10. It features imported cheeses, cured meats and unique sharing style dishes. They also have the most amazing French bread. The ambience is also something special.

TIP: Get the Tapas platter. Best bang for your buck!

Marea Surf Shop Cafe

Located on the main strip, this place is all sorts of cool. It is not only a cafe but it is also a surf shop with some nice gear. We both picked up a Marea branded tshirt and felt like we were cool Costa Rican Tico surfers haha.

They serve up coffees, smoothie, pastries and ACAI BOWLS! Yum. Naturally I got one of those and it was very, very yummy.

Malehu Coffee

One of the newer places in town, Malehu Coffee has delicious coffee in a modern and chic setting. This is located just off the main strip. It is open bright and early at 7AM which was nice for us since the kids were up really early!

First class spot all the way! The pastries are fancy and so are the lattes and it was a nice change of pace from some casual breakfasts we were having. Very good! They have Italian and European coffee and also Costa Rican coffee.

Microbar- The Best Place For a Cocktail in Samara

This little bar in Samara was very cute and had craft beers, speciality cocktails and happy hour specials. It is just a tiny little space but has big personality. We loved the decor inside and as the sun went down, the place really got busy. There isn’t a ton of nightlife in Samara so Microbar is a great place to meet friends for drinks

Some other Amazing Restaurants in Samara worth checking out:

• Falafel Cafe – Mediterranean Food
• La Dolce Vita- Another Italian Spot. Kind of similar to Gusto Beach. More lounge-y!
• La Aldrea- Amazing smoothies and juices!
• Casa Esmeralda- The best place for fresh seafood! Loved the Calamari
• Luv Burger- With a spot in Nosara and now Samara, this is a great spot for a Veggie burger…and a vibe!
• Roots Bakery- fresh pastries and great coffee!

The Best Things To Do in Playa Samara

There are lots of things to do in Samara, Costa Rica but you can also just sit at the beach and lounge the entire time. We did a bit of both and loved the balance of it all. Here are some of our favourite things that we got up to in Playa Samara.

Werner Sauter Biological Reserve

Werner Sauter Biological Reserve is a great place to spend a morning or afternoon. You can see a range of animals like birds, monkeys and other types of wildlife!

The Macau reserve is close by so don’t be surprised to find some flying around here too!

There are also hiking trails within and there is a rewarding look out point of the town and beaches!

You can do this with a guide or with a tour or you can do it on your own! Doing it with a guide is about $60 per person.

Visit Nearby Beaches

While Playa Samara is a beautiful and fun beach, if you are staying in town for a few days you should definitely check out some of the neighbouring beaches.

Playa Carillo and Playa Barrigona are about 10-15PM away and are two of the most beautiful beaches in not only the Nicoya but in all of Costa Rica. They are comparable with the beaches on the pacific coast or dare I say Central America in general. Seriously stunning shorelines.

Playa Samara is sandwiched between the two so get in an ATV or car and do a little day trip to either!

You can also go further south down to Santa Teresa!

Visit A Waterfall

 La Roca Waterfall is only about 15-20 minutes away from Samara and is definitely worth checking out if you are in town for a few days. There isn’t a ton of waterfalls in the Nicoya area so it’s a great option to get your Costa Rica waterfall fix. It’s about 20 minutes to get to the waterfall itself and is an easy hike.

Keep in mind this is not like the waterfalls near Manuel Antonio

Take Surf Lessons in Playa Samara

Taking Surfing lessons in the Nicoya area of Costa Rica is a rite of passage and pretty much something that should be mandatory! It really gives you a true feel of what life is like in these areas.

Tico’s Surf School is a great option to book a lesson. Playa Samara is also a great beach to learn to surf as the waves are very small compared to Nosara.

Snorkle at Isla Chorro

Not far from Samara, is the little island called Isla Chorro. There are local boats that can bring you out there to snorkel or you can rent a kayak if you really feel adventurous! You can see some beautiful fish ….and some times there is even dolphin spotting’s!

Helpful Hints for your Visit to Samara Costa Rica

• Samara, Costa Rica has a big expat scene so expect to see a lot of international travellers
• There is a supermarket there if you need groceries. The town of Nicoya is about 25 minutes away if you need to hit a bigger box store
• Most places accept Credit Cards
• There are no public bathrooms on the beach

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[…] Samara Travel Guide: The Complete Guide to staying in SamaraUnique Hotel In Nicoya : Add this jungle luxury hotel to your Costa Rica ItineraryThings To Do In Playa Pelada Beach: The Best Beach in NosaraCosta Rica Travel Agent: We Booked our entire Costa Rica Trip with The Travelogist and it was amazing […]

[…] to look into the different areas of Costa Rica, you can explore Puntarenas, Ojochal, Tamarindo, Samara, or the Santa Teresa areas. In this Costa Rica itinerary 5 days we will be exploring the popular […]

The Nosara vibe is totally different to Samara… which is also larger and more diverse in a number of ways… Nosara being more of a “trust-fund hippy set” from its surf destination inception… Sámara is not Nosara’s lil’ sis’.

At the risk of being ‘nit-picky’, Luv Burger was established in Sámara before heading to Nosara.

As with many Guanacaste beach havens, over-development and commercialization is frequently to the detriment of Tico’s and the road/traffic/transport, water supply/waste management, internet and communications infrastructure simply can’t keep up… put simply its all getting to big and too busy too fast… sorry, but the plethora of blogs posted by short-term transient nomads is not help the communities and neighbouring pueblos & barrios.

Sámara does have ‘quiet days’ even through the December to February’peak’ – something to be grateful for as the once ‘dreamy somnambulant paee’ takes us back to times of real ‘pura vida’ – that being, grateful for each naturally abundant day or night.

Bendiciones y Saludos

Agree absolutely.

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Sámara, Costa Rica

Welcome to Natural Center Tours

Natural center tours is a little and human company specialized in outdoor activities and travels all around costa rica. since the beginning  we work with the local population to promote a united and responsible tourism.,   our devise is to give the best customer service while offering them a large choices of activities, travels and transportation services.     “it will be a pleasure for me  and my team  to help you to plan your next vacations to costa rica. i really love this nature paradise since i’ve discovered it in 2015. i’ll share with you my experience and my all favourites. “ pierre lidec – owner and travel agent.

Our ecological commitment goes beyond not promoting highly polluting activities. At Natural Center Tours, we are dedicated to environmental conservation.

We are part of the "Donatapa" project, whose objective is to clean the beach of plastic while creating spaces and equipment for people with disabilities. 

We also have a close relationship with the Blue Flag committee to restore the environmental effort that Playa Samara had in previous years.

Our team has organized and participated in large beach cleanups, as well as reforestation projects near the coastal area.

We know there is still a lot to do, so from Natural Center Tours, we will continue to generate efforts, create awareness and educate the youngest with the example, to have a cleaner and healthier planet! 

At Natural Center Tours, we believe in adding value and contributing to our staff and community. Based on this, various actions have been taken to improve the quality of life in Sámara.

We currently have a certification from INAMU (National Institute for Women) as a "Safe Spaces for Women" initiative. This certification ensures that our office is a responsive and safe place in the event of attacks against women, specifically addressing situations of harassment and more.

We have in mind to get involved in more social initiatives that can benefit the community of Sámara. We are open to more initiatives with open arms!

Being part of a tourism chamber allows us to actively engage with the local community. Chambers often organize events , providing opportunities for us to participate and contribute to the development and well-being of the area. 

Chambers of commerce often provide valuable resources, information, and training opportunities to their members. 

Tourism chambers act as advocates for the industry at the local, regional, and national levels. They represent the interests of their members by voicing concerns, providing input on tourism-related policies, and collaborating with government authorities on issues affecting the sector. Through the chamber, we have a collective voice and influence decision-making processes that have a positive impact on all the members.

Your search for the next perfect wave

We offer adventurers many exciting surfing tour destinations. Taking a group surfing tour is the best way to do what you love, meet new people and experience a new culture.

Offering group and family surfing and kitesurfing trips

We’ve spent years finding perfect waves, developing a seamless travel experience and working with the world’s best surf operators to ensure you surf your perfect wave.

• Accommodation on Surf Highway
• Full time surf guide
• Breakfast and lunch included
• Four wheel drive transport

The best surfing location in the world

Browse the largest selection of surfing tours.

We are a surf and kitesurfing tour company that provides surf experiences for all ages and all levels of learning.

SUP Rentals

Kayak and Snorkeling

Paddle Board and Snorkeling

Surf Lesson

Sea Scooters

Boat rides to the Island

Dolphin Tour

Jet Ski Rentals

These gallery pictures were taken during our different surf and kiteboard trips

Get to know us better by taking a look at some of our pictures.

Samara Tourist & Travel Agency

Samara Tourist & Travel Agency – Established in 1963 this family-owned Tour Operator business has flourished and has become one of the leading businesses in East Jerusalem.

With over 50 years of experience in tending to all travel needs of travellers and pilgrims alike to the Holy Land and the entire region, the business’s strength lies within the personal attention and customized tours and products offered to each visitor whether individually or travelling with an organized group.

Surviving the ups and downs of the political climate which has a great effect on the flux of tourism to the Region, we at Samara Tourist & Travel Agency have developed a survival strategy that has been quite effective over the recent difficult years. Looking to the future and new trends in Global Tourism, the business is adapting new marketing strategies and creating new and diverse selection of Touring Products that encourage an increase in the number of tourists and entice new target markets to come, assuring continuity and exposure to the many different themes which our lovely country has to offer – from the Faith-based tourism to Heritage and Cultural Tours as well as Nature-oriented Green tours, these are just a few of the successful and memorable experiences offered to our clients.

Types of Services

For all your Travel needs to the Holy Land and the Near East Region we offer the following services:

• Classical Pilgrimages to the Holy Land Specialty tours for Groups and Individual.
• Large selection of Hotels of various categories Excursions to Jordan, Egypt and Sina.
• Professional Tour Guides and Tour Leaders.
• Luxury Air-conditioned Buses, Car-Rentals and Limousine Service.
• Cultural Meetings and Folklore Evenings ‘Wedding in Cana’ including the organization of the Church Ceremony and other Honeymoon packages.
• Medicinal-, Health- und Spa Packages at the Dead Sea and to the Hot Springs.
• ‘Fun in the Sun’ Beach Vacations.
• Alternative Tours, Hiking in the Holy Land, ‘Palestinian Culture’ Tours, ‘Learn Arabic’ Vacations, ‘Fair Tours’, historic tours through Palestine and Israel.
• ‘Towards the first Qibla’ – Islamic Pilgrimages

Contact Information

For further information and quotations we will gladly be of service, please contact us at:

CEO and General Manager: Christina Samara

Address: Samara Tourist & Travel Agency Greek Orthodox Pat. Rd. #1 P.O.Box 14058 Jerusalem 91140

Telephone: + 972 2 627 6133 Telefax: + 972 2 627 1956 Email: [email protected] / [email protected] Website: www.samaratours.com

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Understand [ edit ]

Samara was founded in 1586 with the construction of a Russian fortress on the Volga. However, settlement there had been mentioned since at least the 14th century. During World War II, Samara, then named Kuibyshev, was the second capital of USSR. The city's growth was stimulated during the war due to its proximity to Moscow but distance from the war zone; several government offices were evacuated to Kuibyshev when Moscow was under threat. The post-war development of the Volga-Urals oilfield also helped. Kuibyshev reverted to being Samara in 1991.

As a cultural centre, Samara has attracted several famous creative Russians. The likes of writers Tolstoy and Gorky, painters Ilya Repin, Vasily Surikov and Ivan Aivazovsky, and revolutionaries Michael Frunze and Vladimir Lenin have all lived in the city. Even Alexandre Dumas visited in 1858, he describes his whole journey, including his impressions of Samara, in From Paris to Astrakhan .

By train [ edit ]

Almost all trains connecting with Siberia and Russian Far East calls here. There are at least five departures every day from Moscow , including the Zhiguli deluxe train. Journey times varies between 13-20 hours depending on which train. There are daily trains from Saint Petersburg , with the fastest service that runs every second day taking just 18 hours. Overnight trains arrives from Yekaterinburg too.

By car [ edit ]

If traveling by own car, Samara is along the M5 Highway, also known as Ural Highway . Distance from Moscow is just over 1000 km.

Get around [ edit ]

See [ edit ]

• The beach by Volga in the city center.
• Visit the space museum.
• Visit the shopping street Leningradskaya.

Drink [ edit ]

Drink original Zhigulyovskoye beer in Na dne bar or in posh U Vakano restaurant (both in Volzhskiy prospekt, 4 , near the old brewery).

Sleep [ edit ]

• Renaissance Samara Hotel , Novo-Sadovaya St. 162 , ☏ +7 846 277 8340 . Check-in: 15:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Smart business hotel. Bbroadband internet. 24-hour business center, gym, indoor pool, massage, bowling alley and billiards. Nearby is a beautiful park. 10 km from the hotel to the city center.  
• Ibis Samara Hotel , Novo-Sadovaya St. 160 D , ☏ +7 846 3396850 , fax : +7 (846) 3396851 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . 204 rooms. Air-conditioning. Safe deposit box in room. Parking. Wi-Fi. Restaurant, 24/7 bar. 3 conference rooms for seminars and conferences. Nearby is a beautiful park. 10 km from the hotel to the city center. $70-110 .  
• Holiday Inn Hotel , Alekseya Tolstogo St. 99 , ☏ +7 846 372-70-00 . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Smart business hotel in the historical and cultural center of the city, within 5 minutes walk from the Volga river embankment. Parking. Wi-Fi. Gym, indoor pool, massage & spa. 177 guest rooms, 8 Junior Suites, and a Presidential Suite. 9 technology equipped meeting rooms. Atrium restaurant, lobby cafe, 'Brasserie' restaurant, 'Red room' restaurant. Travel agency. $150-500 .  

Connect [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], visa centers [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

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SAMARA TRAVEL & TOURISM

Is a Jordanian privately owned and independent business travel agency offering a full range of services in both business travel and leisure travel. We understand the value of time, which is why we are proud to say that ‘your free time is our full-time’. We also offer tours and cruises.

Our Strategy

Establish SAMARA TRAVEL & TOURS reputation as a differentiated, specialty provider of excellent and high quality services in ticketing and reservations for middle and upper class clients . This will be accomplished through a diverse marketing communications program at SAMARA TRAVEL & TOURS target market, utilizing various media. • Provide unparalleled service to our clients in order to gain repeat business and build trust. This will include providing superior service in all phases of the transaction, including timely follow-through.

Our Services

Airline ticketing.

Using our expertise and buying power from our strategic agents we can provide the best ticketing solutions and prices with selective airlines to all destinations.

Travel Consultation

Our experience consulters ensure you have everything you need for your trip. Not only they will delivery exceptional levels of customer service and cost saving fares, but they will assist you with all the help needed in between.

Hotels Reservation

Our travelers benefit from the best hotel rates worldwide that suits all budgets through best travel agencies and best partners all over the world

Travel Packages

we guarantee you cannot be disappointed with our dedicated customer service Excellency, professionalism and competitive pricing with amazing solutions.

Our Gallery

Our mission.

Is to become the foremost provider of excellent and high quality services in ticketing and reservations for middle and upper class clients because we believe tourism is an integral part of the global civilization , as we are seeking to offer excellent accommodations and ticket reservations that fit the client's desires, budget, and skill level.

is to be the leading tourism company in Jordan and leading leisure-time and travel provider in Jordan.

remains steadfast in our core values ; TRUST as manifested in our faith in our company, transparency, and teamwork. Also we value INTEGRITY as manifested in our honesty, truthfulness, accountability and discipline. The EXCELLENCE is a main value as manifested in our responsiveness and innovation accompanied with STEWARDSHIP as manifested in our wise use of time, talent and resources. We believe in TIES; they are the core values that guide our thoughts, words and actions; they are the TIES that bind us together.

Our Objectives

Is to provide our clients with efficient, high-quality and centralized services for all the arrangements concerning travelling and travel management. Our highly motivated, committed and professional staff holds a key position in Samara Travel being able to reach its goal. As We serve all our clients individually, according to their specific needs ; The travel agency system we use has enabled us to speed up the handling of routine tasks and left us with more time and opportunities for even better and more individualized customer service.

SAMARA Travel & Tourism

Al-madinah al- monawara st. / al nour complex 4th floor, amman, jordan., tel : + 962 6 55 42 572, fax : + 962 6 55 42 512, e-mail : [email protected].

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