Samara
The beautiful coastal hamlet of Samara is a paradise on the Nicoya Peninsula's western shore. Known as one of the prettiest and safest beaches in all of Costa Rica, Playa Samara radiates wonderful white sand in contrast to the aquamarine water. Tropical plant life and living coral encompass Samara's 3-mile (5 km) coastline, and the beach is a favorite among locals, foreigners, and wealthier Ticos- forming a quintessential beach community.
Samara Best Things to Do
This dolphin-watching and snorkeling tour takes place offshore from Samara and Carrillo beaches. Samara Beach is on the Pacific coast’s Nicoya Peninsula.
4 hrs
From $57This 3.5-hour moderate level biking tour will take you through the hills of Samara. As you bike you’ll speed past Samara’s dense forests and farmlands.
4 hrs
From $50Area Guide
Samara's laidback vibe allows for rest and relaxation, an almost universal characteristic of the Nicoya Peninsula. Its village offers a number of services: stores, restaurants, hotels, and a small selection of bars. The town's nightlife, however, can be found at one of its discos, which keeps the party trucking through early morning.
Sport fishing is a popular activity off the coast, as is snorkeling and scuba diving around the coral environments. A short one-mile (2 km) walk down the beach brings visitors to the Tico hamlet of Matapalo, a great snorkeling spot. For birdwatchers, Chora Island, which is located just off the coast, is home to swaths of avian fauna that can easily be viewed from a kayak. Finally, swimming conditions in Samara's calm coastal waters are an ideal warm temperature. There are no lack of activities around Samara for families to enjoy and for couples to indulge in.
Transportation to Samara has dramatically improved with construction of the paved Road 150, which runs south from Nicoya. Air travel is available to a small airstrip just outside of town. From San Jose or Liberia, planes will fly to Nosara and then to Samara. Daily buses also run from Nicoya, Liberia, and San Jose.
Feedback From Travelers
I saw very little wildlife in the area. Yet it was a beautiful area and I would return for sure. Good restaurants, friendly people, reasonable prices.
We loved this beach town because it wasn't crowded and touristy. The beachside bars and restaurants were very generous with their space; we didn't feel pressured to buy food and drink while we sought shelter from the intense sun. Lovely food and beautiful people. An excellent introduction to the Pacific coast of this beautiful country.
We loved Samara. We stayed a bit further down the beach so was a bit quieter but felt nice and relaxed. Great for families but as a couple without kids we really enjoyed it too.
- Samara Things To Do
Samara Things To Do
- Places Nearby
- Papagayo Gulf106 km.
- Playa Barrigona10 km.
- Playa Carrillo7 km.
- Playa Manzanillo96 km.
- Liberia115 km.
- Santa Teresa95 km.
- Playa Ostional35 km.
- Hojancha32 km.
- Nicoya36 km.