Samara, Costa Rica, is a charming beach town on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste Province. Known for its stunning natural beauty and laid-back vibe, Samara offers a variety of activities and attractions for visitors.
Whether you want to relax on the beautiful beaches, explore the local wildlife, or embark on an adventure, Samara has something for everyone. Here are the best activities and things to do in and near Samara, Costa Rica.
1. Enjoy Playa Samara (Samara Beach)
Playa Samara is the main beach in town, offering stunning golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Its calm conditions make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, and engaging in water sports such as kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.
The beach is lined with lush vegetation, like palm trees, offering plenty of shade for beachgoers. It is one of Samara’s most popular spots, drawing locals and tourists.
Alongside its natural beauty, Playa Samara provides various services and amenities, including restaurants, bars, surf shops, and accommodation options.
2. Explore Playa Carrillo (Carrillo Beach)
Playa Carrillo, located in the tranquil coastal village of Puerto Carrillo, Costa Rica, is renowned for its pristine beauty and serene atmosphere.
This crescent-shaped bay boasts golden sands and crystal-clear blue waters, providing a perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and watching breathtaking sunsets. The beach's calm waters make it especially suitable for families and those seeking relaxation in a peaceful environment.
In contrast to more developed tourist areas, Playa Carrillo retains a charming and unspoiled allure. Overall, Puerto Carrillo is a hidden gem on the Nicoya Peninsula, offering a serene beach experience and a chance to connect with nature in a beautiful, unspoiled coastal setting.
3. Visit Isla Chora (Chora Island)
Isla Chora is a small island located just off the coast of Samara. Accessible by kayak or boat tour, it is a great spot for snorkeling and exploring the coral reefs. The island is home to various marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles.
4. Visit Belén and its Famous Waterfall
The village of Belén is a charming and serene spot known for its natural beauty and authentic atmosphere. A highlight of Belén is the Belen Waterfall, a hidden gem nestled near Samara. This picturesque waterfall is perfect for a refreshing swim and a relaxing picnic, surrounded by lush vegetation.
The village provides a tranquil escape where visitors can immerse themselves in local life, enjoy hiking, observe wildlife, and explore the scenic surroundings. Belén offers a distinctive combination of natural beauty and local charm, making it a delightful destination on the Nicoya Peninsula.
5. Go on a Boat Tour with Samara Sea Tours
Experience the marine wonders of Samara with Samara Sea Tours, which offers a range of exciting boat tours from Sámara Beach. Their Kayak and Snorkeling Tour provides a chance to explore vibrant coral reefs and the underwater world.
The Dolphin Safari delivers year-round encounters with playful dolphins, and during whale watching season starting in July, you can also spot majestic whales.
Each tour includes beverages, fruits, and all necessary equipment, ensuring a comfortable and enriching adventure. Available in English and Spanish, these tours are an excellent choice for anyone looking to enhance their visit to Samara, Costa Rica.
6. Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding offers a distinctive way to explore Samara and the surrounding area. Guided tours are available, traversing the jungle, forest, river, or coastline.
Suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced riders, this activity provides an exceptional experience. For a memorable adventure, consider exploring the range of guided tours offered by Horse Jungle.
7. Take a Trip to La Roca Waterfall
La Roca Waterfall is another beautiful waterfall located near Samara. It is an excellent location for hiking and exploring the adjacent tropical dry forest. The waterfall is especially striking during the wet season when the water flow is at its peak.
8. Surf Lessons and Surf Schools
With its gentle waves and warm waters, Samara is a perfect place to learn how to surf. Several surf schools in town offer lessons for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
Surfing is one of the most popular activities in Samara and a must-try for any visitor. Some surf schools include Sámara Ticos Surf School, Pato's Surf School, and C & C Surf School.
9. Surfing Spots for an Experienced Surfer
Samara and its surrounding beaches offer a range of surfing experiences for those with advanced skills. Here is a guide to some of the top surf spots near Samara:
- Playa Buena Vista: This tranquil and picturesque beach features inconsistent waves. On certain days, it offers excellent waves suitable for all skill levels, while on others, the waves may be less predictable, with some being more suited to advanced surfers and some days including no waves at all.
Despite its variable conditions, this beach offers more to enjoy, as it is surrounded by tropical dry forest and is an ideal place for bird watching and exploring the natural habitat.
- Playa Izquierda: This secluded, rocky beach lies between Playa Buena Vista and Samara. Requiring a short walk / hike to access, Playa Izquierda is known for its large, fast, and powerful waves. It is recommended exclusively for advanced surfers due to its challenging conditions.
These beaches provide a diverse range of surfing experiences, from serene and scenic spots to more demanding and adventurous locations, ensuring that experienced surfers can find their ideal waves near Samara.
- Playa Barrigona: Known for its white sands and clear waters, Playa Barrigona offers more reliable surf conditions, unlike Playa Buena Vista. The waves here are generally big, fast, and heavy, making it a favored spot for experienced surfers seeking consistent challenges.
- Playa Camaronal: Renowned as one of Costa Rica's premier surf destinations, Playa Camaronal features strong and consistent waves ideal for seasoned surfers.
This beach is also notable for its ecological significance, as it is part of the Camaronal Wildlife Refuge and serves as a nesting site for four turtle species: leatherback, olive ridley, hawksbill, and black.
10. Visit the Ostional
Ostional, a coastal village on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, is famed for its extraordinary wildlife spectacle and pristine beach. The Ostional Wildlife Refuge is a key arribada site where thousands of olive ridley sea turtles gather to nest from July to December.
This awe-inspiring event offers visitors a rare chance to see these turtles lay their eggs and, potentially, witness the hatching of baby turtles. Beyond this remarkable phenomenon, Ostional features a tranquil beach with golden sands and clear blue waters, making it a serene destination for nature enthusiasts.
11. Visit La Fortuna
La Fortuna, a charming town at the base of the Arenal Volcano, offers a blend of relaxation and adventure. Explore quaint shops, enjoy the colorful central park, and relish the stunning volcanic backdrop.
The area provides a variety of activities, from horseback riding and whitewater rafting to cultural tours like coffee and chocolate tastings. For a more relaxed experience, hike to La Fortuna Waterfall, where you can picnic, swim, and appreciate Costa Rica’s natural beauty at your own pace.
12. Spend the Day at Kalambu Hot Springs
Spend the day at Kalambu Hot Springs Water Park, a standout attraction in La Fortuna. This unique destination offers a relaxing environment with its thermal pools, water slides, and diverse play areas, making it ideal for unwinding.
Enjoy the poolside wet bar and restaurant as you take in the natural beauty of the Arenal Volcano region. With its combination of relaxation and fun, Kalambu Hot Springs is a must-visit spot in Costa Rica.
13. Experience the Palo Verde National Park
When visiting La Fortuna, consider a day trip to Palo Verde National Park, one of Costa Rica's most biodiverse regions. This park features over 15 natural communities, including deciduous lowland forests, evergreen forests, flooded forests, and mangroves.
Wildlife enthusiasts can spot scarlet macaws, boa constrictors, iguanas, and numerous other birds, amphibians, and reptiles. The park's network of trails, known as senderos in Spanish, offers an excellent opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse natural beauty.
Located approximately three hours from Samara, Palo Verde National Park is a fantastic destination for those looking to experience Costa Rica's stunning landscapes and vibrant wildlife.
14. Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve
Explore the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Preserve, a remarkable destination near Samara that offers a unique experience for nature enthusiasts. This lush, biodiverse cloud forest spans over 35,000 acres and is home to more than 100 mammal species, 400 bird species, and 1,200 amphibians and reptiles.
The cloud forest gets its name from the low-hanging clouds that hover around the upper canopy, condensing on the leaves and creating a mystical environment where you can walk through the clouds.
With its diverse vegetation and abundant wildlife, the preserve is ideal for hiking and bird watching. Do not miss the chance to take a canopy tour on a suspension bridge for a truly immersive experience of Costa Rica's natural beauty.
15. Visit Islita
Visit Punta Islita, a charming village between lush tropical forests and the sparkling Pacific Ocean. Its pristine beach, Playa Islita, is perfect for soaking up the sun, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and watching stunning sunsets.
Known for its strong artistic and cultural connection, Punta Islita features vibrant murals, sculptures, and local handicrafts through its artist-in-residence program. Enjoy activities, including horseback riding, zip-lining through the canopy, birdwatching, and exploring nearby trails.
Punta Islita is a hidden coastal gem that beautifully blends natural beauty, cultural richness, and sustainability, offering a unique and relaxing experience on the Nicoya Peninsula.
16. Visit Nosara
Nosara is a coastal gem on the Nicoya Peninsula, surrounded by lush jungles and stunning beaches. Playa Guiones - a focal point of the town - attracts surfers worldwide with its consistent waves and white sand beaches.
Nosara is dedicated to sustainable tourism, emphasizing eco-friendly practices and community involvement in conservation efforts.
Beyond surfing and yoga, visitors can explore the vibrant arts scene, savor local cuisine, and enjoy activities like horseback riding, canopy tours, and wildlife observation, making Nosara a unique destination for relaxation, adventure, and wellness.
17. Take a Trip to San José
When visiting Samara, Costa Rica, consider visiting San Jose to explore the country’s vibrant capital. San José offers a rich cultural experience with its museums, historic architecture, and bustling markets.
Stroll through the Central Market for local crafts and cuisine, or visit the National Museum to delve into Costa Rican history. This weekend getaway offers a vibrant contrast to the serene beaches of Samara, showcasing the dynamic essence of Costa Rican urban life.
How to get to Samara, Costa Rica
The easiest way to reach Samara is by flying into Liberia International Airport. From there, you can rent a car and drive to Samara, which takes about two hours on well-paved roads.
Alternatively, you can take a private shuttle, which typically transports groups from the airport to Samara in approximately two and a half hours, with pricing usually charged per person.
For the most budget-friendly option, public buses are available about twice a day from the Liberia Airport but will take about three hours.
Where to Eat?
In Samara, you will find a range of dining options that showcase local and international cuisine.
Sheriff Rustic Restaurant offers a taste of Costa Rica with its beachfront setting and traditional dishes like rice, beans, fried plantains, and fresh seafood.
For a taste of Italy, Gusto Beach Restaurant Pizzeria offers a delightful beachfront experience with its delicious pizzas and pasta, embodying the charm of an Italian restaurant on the coast.
If you are a seafood lover, Mr. Pelícano, located just off the main road, serves seafood dishes, including raw and cooked fish, fish and chips, and hearty seafood platters in a relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Dining in Samara is a delightful way to experience the local culture and taste a variety of flavors.
Enjoy the Pura Vida Lifestyle
In Costa Rica, the phrase "Pura Vida," meaning "pure life," captures the laid-back and positive attitude of the locals.
Experiencing this lifestyle is essential when visiting Samara; embrace the relaxed atmosphere, enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture.
Furthermore, Samara Costa Rica offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from relaxing on beautiful beaches and exploring clear waters to venturing into lush tropical forests and taking day trips to nearby cities.
This blend of natural wonders and local charm makes Samara an ideal destination worth visiting for your next vacation.
Have you been to any of these places in Costa Rica? Let me know in the comments below!
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