While many of the beach communities along the northern stretches of the Guanacaste Province of Costa Rica continue to develop and grow in popularity, Samara, a small town on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, maintains its charm and slow pace of life.
About halfway down the outer edge of the Nicoya Peninsula, Samara is a laid-back village that still feels like a village. While its northern neighbors see luxury condos and all-inclusive resorts, Samara is still a small town, great for families and those looking for a more authentic Costa Rican experience.
Samara has grown in recent years, and popularity among digital nomads is on the rise, yet Samara still feels like the Costa Rica of days past.
6 Best Things to Do in Sámara, Costa Rica
Like most Costa Rican beach towns, the beach is the main attraction. And while Samara features a lovely, long, white sand beach and inviting waters, the fun doesn’t end at the shore. Check out this list of things to do in Samara, and find out which activities are great for the whole family!
1. Playa Samara / Samara Beach – Family Friendly
Samara Beach in Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Playa Samara does not disappoint, and it’s no wonder people who make the journey out to this far-flung destination love it so much. A long, white sand beach curves along the small, secluded Samara Bay, creating the perfect waves for playing in the water or learning to surf.
While many of the Pacific coast beaches in Costa Rica can be intimidating to all but the most skilled surfers, Samara is enticing and safe. The bay is protected, and two small islands just offshore provide the perfect backdrop.
2. Surf Lessons – Family Friendly
Take surf lessons in Samara, Costa Rica
More than a few people dream of learning to surf in Costa Rica, and that dream can easily become a reality in Samara. Thanks to the protected bay waters, the waves are perfect for beginners and those new to the sport, though seasoned surfers can still have a blast catching a wave or two here.
The town of Samara runs right into the beach, and there are plenty of surf schools to choose from, all along the downtown strip. Surfing in Samara is a great way to spend a few hours or even a few days, and kids will love it too!
3. Dolphin Tour – Family Friendly
Once you’ve had your fill of beach time, head out onto the water to see some marine life. The waters off the coast of Samara are home to Bottlenose, Pantropical Spotted, and the Central American Spinner dolphin. These dolphins live in the Bay of Samara year-round, so you will always see them, no matter when you visit.
If you’re lucky, and your visit to Samara falls between August and November, or early January, you might also spot migrating humpback whales on your dolphin tour. Sea turtles and mantarays can also be seen if you’re very, very lucky.
4. Kayak to Isla Chora
The larger of the two islands just offshore from Playa Samara is Isla Chora. You can kayak out to the island or paddle on a SUP. The trip out takes about 30 minutes, and remember, you have to make it back.
You can rent a kayak and take yourself out to the island, or book a tour that combines kayaking with snorkeling to make more of an event out of it. While some older kids would enjoy this, younger kids should probably sit this one out.
5. Macaw Recovery Network – Family Friendly
About 40 minutes outside of Samara, in the town of Punta Islita, you have the chance for a truly unique experience. Here, the Macaw Recovery Network is helping to restore the endangered Great Green and Scarlet Macaws. This program is an incredible part of the effort to protect these animals, and a tour here helps visitors learn about the program while supporting the work.
Tours run daily at 7:30 AM and 4 PM. The cost is $25 per adult and $12.50 for children under 16. Reservations can be made online at https://macawrecoverynetwork.org/visitor-tours/.
6. Samara Farmer’s Market – Family Friendly
Almost every Costa Rican town has a weekly feria or farmer’s market, where local vendors and farmers sell their fares, produce, and products. Samara features a weekly feria every Saturday from 7 AM to 2 PM. It’s a great place to mix and mingle with locals and support smaller businesses. You might even find some fun items to take home to remember your trip or as gifts for family and friends.
Areas & Beaches in Sámara
Downtown Sámara, Costa Rica
Part of what makes Samara so special is that the town sits right on the edge of the beach, allowing you to enjoy everything beachfront. Here you can enjoy the beach, dip in the water, head to a beachfront bar or restaurant for a drink or a bite to eat, all without moving more than a few feet.
It’s a great place to bum around and move at a slower pace of life. The town is small, having escaped the overdevelopment of some of its Guanacaste neighbors, so if you’re looking for small-town beach vibes, Samara is your spot.
Playa Carrillo
Just south of Samara, around Punta Indio, which juts out into the Pacific Ocean, is a favorite local hangout spot, Playa Carrillo. This beach has very little infrastructure, so if you plan to hang out here for the day, pack some supplies. On weekends and during Costa Rican holidays, it can fill up with Ticos enjoying the cove and its calm waters.
The small town of Puerto Carrillo sits at the far southern end of the beach, in case you want to check out an even smaller town in the area. Puerto Carrillo hasn’t seen as much tourism as Samara over the years, giving a more authentic Costa Rican feel. Some travelers are now choosing to stay in Puerto Carrillo rather than Samara to have a more true Costa Rican vibe.
Playa Camaronal
Camaronal Beach is also known as Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, and one of the main attractions here is sea turtles. Here you can take guided tours to see adult female turtles lay their eggs. The beach here sees all four species–Leatherback, Hawksbill, Green, and Olive Ridley–making it one of the best places to see sea turtles in Costa Rica. The best time to visit to see sea turtles is May to November. Ask in Samara for tour information, or let us at Costa Rica Escapes plan your tour.
Cangregal
On the north side of Samara Beach, across the Samara Estuary, is the smaller section of beach known as Cangrejal. There is less development on this side of town and the beach, though there are a handful of sodas and a few hostels. This is the quieter side of the Samara Bay and a nice place to enjoy some peace and quiet if town starts to feel like too much.
Playa Buena Vista
A 15-minute north of Samara is Playa Buena Vista, another gorgeous beach. This is another fairly undeveloped beach and area, so pack a day pack if you plan to head here. For the real brave, you can hike from Samara along the rocky coastline to reach Playa Buena Vista, but be careful of high and low tide, and wear proper shoes, as it’s not all white sand beaches.
Sámara Weather
Samara features great weather year-round, with a rainy season that still sees sunny mornings.
The daily temperature is usually in the low 90s, with the nighttime temps dropping to a cool 70 F.
Rainy season runs from May to November, with October as the wettest month. The rainy season usually still sees sunny mornings, with rain rolling in during the afternoon and evenings.
The best months to visit are the dry season, December to April, when the skies are blue, and the sun is shining day in and day out.
Best Restaurants in Sámara, Costa Rica
Samara is filled with tons of cute eateries, cafes for working remotely, and beachfront locales, serving up delicious food and drinks. Foodies will be quite pleased with the scene here.
- Gusto Beach Club Samara — International, Italian, $$-$$$
- Great for breakfast, dinner, and sunset cocktails
- Soda La Perla — Local, Costa Rican, $$
- Great for lunch and local flavors
- Roots Bakery & Cafe — Coffee House, Baked Goods $$
- Great for breakfast and lunch
- Sweeties by Celia — Fusion, Caribbean, Pastries $
- Great for lunch
- El Lagarto BBQ & Restaurant — Seafood, Steakhouse $$$
- Great for a night out!
Plan Your Trip to Sámara
Samara is a fun town with a laidback vibe, great for young backpackers, family vacations, and digital nomads looking to soak up some fun in the sun. It’s a bit of a journey to reach Samara from San Jose and Alajuela, but well worth the trek.
Is Sámara, Costa Rica Safe?
In general, Samara is one of the safest towns in Costa Rica. Being a smaller town, it sees less violent crime than larger areas, and the main things to watch out for are petty theft.
Be mindful about leaving belongings unattended on the beach while you cool off in the water.
Because Samara is so walkable, walking back to your hotel or hostel after a night out can be a fun option, but always walk with a friend, and stay mindful of your surroundings.
How to Get to Sámara
Part of why Samara still feels like a small, Costa Rican beach town is that it’s not the most convenient destination. The extra effort to reach Samara is what helps keep it so special.
By Car
From Juan Santamaria Airport, SJO, it’s about a four-and-a-half-hour drive to get to Samara, though the road conditions are good, and the drive is quite lovely.
From Liberia International Airport, it’s only about a two-hour drive, so if you plan on hitting Samara on your Costa Rican itinerary, you’d be smart to fly in and/or out of Liberia.
By Shuttle
Because Samara is still a small town right along the beachfront, it’s super walkable, and you don’t need a car. Renting a bike, a scooter, or an ATV is a great way to get around town and the surrounding area without having to deal with parking.
Shared shuttles run from San Jose, Alajueal, and Liebria, with various operators. Shared shuttles from SJO to Samara run around $65 and take five hours. Or you can book a private car to take up to four people for rates starting around $300 and above.
Closest Airport to Sámara
The closest airport to Samara is the Daniel Oduber Quiros International Airport, LIR, in Liberia. Liberia is the largest city in Guanacaste Province, and is the main travel hub for the province and the Nicoya Peninsula.
If you’re looking for a Costa Rican beach destination that still feels like a small town, with a mix of local and international influence, then Samara is your place. If you prefer larger, more developed areas, Guanacaste has plenty to choose from, but Samara isn’t that.
The walkable town, with a laid-back vibe and vibrant food scene, is a great place for families and young travelers. Book your trip with Costa Rica Escapes today and add Samara to your destination list.