Discovering Samara, Costa Rica
Calm waves, barefoot vibes, and real pura vida
Looking for that perfect mix of beach time, mellow vibes, and local color? Welcome to Sámara, one of Costa Rica’s best-kept not-so-secret gems. Tucked along the Nicoya Peninsula in the province of Guanacaste, this small beach town manages to feel laid-back yet lively, authentic but easygoing, and 100% “where was this all my life?”
But don’t think it’s just about the beach. In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through what makes Sámara worth a stop, or even your base for a week or more. You’ll find:
the best beaches to visit (yep, there’s more than one)
fun things to do nearby, from snorkeling to dolphin tours to quiet jungle hikes
how to get to Sámara from Liberia or other regions
where to stay, what to eat, and how to get around
family-friendly tips, real micro-experiences, and a few honest truths about when to go
Oh, and I’ll also explain why trying to drive to Sámara without a rental car in the rainy season was one of my dumber travel moments. (Spoiler: puddles the size of small lakes.)
Quick answers: what you need to know about Sámara
Where is Samara, Costa Rica? Sámara is on the western coast of the Nicoya Peninsula (Costa Rica's pacific coast), in the province of Guanacaste. It’s about 2 hours from Liberia Airport and 45 minutes from Nicoya town by car.
How to get there? The easiest way is to rent a car at Liberia Airport and drive, it’s a scenic route with good paved roads. Public buses and shared shuttles exist, but they’re slower and less flexible. During rainy season, some nearby roads can get muddy or washed out, especially if you're staying outside the main town.
Best time to visit? The dry season (Dec to April) is sunny and ideal for beach time, but more crowded. The green season (May to November) brings some rain (often in late afternoon) but also lush landscapes, lower prices, and fewer tourists. I visited in early July and loved the balance.
Is it expensive? It’s cheaper than places like Tamarindo or Nosara, but not dirt cheap either. Expect to pay:
Budget hotel: $50-80/night
Mid-range hotel or rental: $100-160/night
Restaurant meal: $8-15 at local sodas, more at beachfront spots
Surf lesson: $40-60 per person
Good for families? Yes! The calm bay is safe for kids to swim, many accommodations are family-run, and there are lots of nature-focused, low-key activities.
Can I use cards or do I need cash? Many places take credit cards, but bring some cash (colones or USD) for taxis, tips, and local vendors. There’s an ATM in town, but it sometimes runs dry during high season.
The best beaches around Sámara (and a few hidden gems)
When people talk about the beaches in Sámara, they usually mean Samara Beach and Playa Carrillo, and yes, they’re gorgeous. But if you’re up for a little exploring, you’ll find a handful of lesser-known beaches nearby that are just as beautiful, if not more peaceful.
Here’s a quick guide to the beaches you don’t want to miss (and how to get there):
Playa Sámara: great for beginners and beach days
Let’s start with the main one. Playa Sámara (also called Samara Beach) is a long, crescent-shaped bay with calm waves and a local vibe. It’s perfect for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, or learning to surf (the waves are mellow most of the year).
You’ll find beach bars, surf schools, and shady palm trees right along the shore. It’s not remote or wild, but it’s easy, beautiful, and fun.
Playa Carrillo: the postcard beach
Just a 10-minute drive south of town, Playa Carillo is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica. And it totally lives up to the hype.
It’s framed by palm trees (with no buildings on the beach itself), and while there are no bars or shops directly on the sand, it’s a dream for a quiet day. Great for families or couples looking for space and calm. There’s free parking right next to the beach.
Playa Buena Vista: wild and peaceful
A bit off the radar, Playa Buena Vista is just north of Sámara and ideal if you want something more natural. You might need to cross a small river to get there depending on the season, and there aren’t many signs, but the reward is a wide, quiet beach with almost nobody around.
There are occasional turtle conservation projects nearby, and the sunsets here are next level.
Playa Garza: a fishing village with charm
Further south, Playa Garza is more of a local experience. The beach itself is small and peaceful, and the village feels frozen in time. It’s a great stop if you’re road-tripping down the coast or looking to break up the beach days with something quieter.
Don’t expect tourist infrastructure here, it’s all about simplicity.
Water activities in and around Sámara
Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t come to Sámara for wild party beaches or massive surf competitions. You come here to relax, paddle out on calm water, and maybe spot a dolphin or two between sips of coconut water.
Kayak to Isla Chora and other water sports like paddle
Looking for something a little more adventurous but still chill? Rent a kayak (or book a tour) to paddle over to Isla Chora, a tiny island just offshore. It takes about 30-40 minutes of paddling, and you’ll land on a beach full of pink-hued sand and coral bits.
Bring water shoes (there are sharp rocks around the edge) and snorkeling gear if you have it. I spotted colorful fish and even a small stingray while floating around the reef.
Dolphin tours and snorkeling
Several local operators run dolphin-watching tours from Sámara, often combined with light snorkeling. The best time to go is early morning, and while sightings aren’t guaranteed, the odds are good. (No whales here, though, for those, you’ll need to go south.)
Tours usually cost around $40-60 per person, include gear and fruit snacks, and last about 2-3 hours. It’s touristy, yes, but worth it if you’ve never seen dolphins in the wild.
Nature, hikes and hidden gems around Sámara
You wouldn’t guess it just by hanging out on the beach, but Sámara is also surrounded by pockets of wild nature, dry forest trails, and a surprising amount of wildlife. If you’re up for light hikes and spontaneous monkey sightings, here’s where to go:
Werner Sauter Biological Reserve
Just a short drive (or even a 25-minute walk) from the town center, this private nature reserve is one of the best places around to connect with the dry tropical forest that defines this region. Guided tours are recommended, especially if you want to learn about the flora, spot howler monkeys, or identify birds beyond “cute with a red head.”
I did a sunrise hike with a local naturalist, totally worth the early wake-up. The views over the Sámara valley as the mist lifted? Pure magic.
Duration: around 2-2.5 hours
Cost: approx. $35-45 with guide
Tip: Wear real shoes (not flip flops), especially in rainy season
Monkey spotting at La Selva refuge
If you’re traveling with kids or just short on time, the La Selva Wildlife Refuge offers a nice compromise. It’s home to rescued animals, and though it’s not a big wilderness area, it gives a good intro to local fauna. Expect to see monkeys, sloths, iguanas, and sometimes even anteaters.
Entrance: around $10 USD
Location: just outside town, walkable in 15-20 minutes
Cool off at Belén Waterfall
About 30 to 40 minutes inland by car, Belén Waterfall is a peaceful freshwater escape that locals love. It’s small (don’t expect Niagara), but it’s a fun detour if you're looking for a swim away from the beach crowd.
Bring solid shoes, especially in the rainy season, and don’t count on signs, ask locals for directions or use GPS. Totally worth it for a natural dip.
Go off-road with an ATV tour
If you're craving a bit of adrenaline, several tour companies offer ATV adventures that take you into the hills above Sámara. Expect dirt roads, scenic viewpoints, and a whole lot of dust in your teeth (in a good way).
Most tours last 2-3 hours and start around $65-80 per person. Choose a company with a strong safety record, helmets aren’t optional here.
Turtle nesting at Camaronal
Just south of Sámara, Camaronal Wildlife Refuge is a lesser-known turtle nesting beach. If you're visiting during the right season (typically July-November for olive ridleys), you can join a guided night tour to (hopefully) witness these ancient creatures laying eggs by moonlight.
Check with local operators or hotels to book a tour, the refuge is protected, so you can’t just wander in on your own after dark.
Hit the local farmers market
On Saturday mornings, head to the Sámara farmers market near the Natural Center. It’s a mix of tropical fruits, fresh juices, homemade treats, and handmade crafts, perfect for picking up a snack or souvenir and meeting some of the people who actually live here.
Where to eat, stay and how to get around in Sámara
Good food without the fuss
Sámara may be small, but it punches above its weight when it comes to food. You’ll find everything from street tacos and beachfront ceviche to wood-fired pizza and sushi.
Here are a few of my go-to spots:
Soda El Colibrí: You can’t visit Costa Rica without trying real Costa Rican food, and this little soda (local eatery) is the perfect place for it. Expect hearty casados (rice, beans, plantains, meat or fish), natural juices, and the friendliest service in town.
Locanda: Beachfront Italian restaurant with a chill vibe and great cocktails.
Falafel Café: A tiny spot with big flavor. When you need something fresh, quick, and a little different, this Middle Eastern place hits the spot. Their falafel wrap is crunchy perfection, and they even have vegan options.
Gusto Beach: This spot is practically an institution in Sámara. Right on the sand, Gusto Beach serves up wood-fired pizza, homemade pasta, and fresh seafood with a side of ocean breeze. It’s hands down one of the best Italian restaurants in town... and sunset here? Unreal.
Las Olas Beach Bar: It’s just a few steps from the main beach, and the vibe is super casual, think hammocks, live music, and a happy hour that starts before you even know what time it is.
Most restaurants take credit cards, but I’d still keep some cash on hand, especially for sodas or roadside vendors.
Where to stay: options for every traveler in Samara Costa rica
Whether you’re backpacking solo or vacationing with the whole family, Sámara has something for you.
Budget: Hostel Matilori - Social, central, and clean. Dorms & private rooms available.
Mid-range: Hotel Belvedere - German-run, super clean, with A/C and a short walk from Samara beach.
Family-friendly: Montelaguna Boutique Hotel - Set between Sámara and Carrillo, calm and nature-surrounded.
Upscale: Azura Beach Resort (adults only, all-inclusive) - A short drive away but good if you want a resort bubble.
Tip: If you’re traveling in peak season (Dec to April), book ahead, especially for mid-range and beachfront places.
Getting around: do you need a car?
Sámara itself is walkable, especially if you’re staying near the beach. But if you want to explore more, like Playa Carrillo, waterfalls, or head out early for tours, a rental car is a big plus.
You can easily rent a car at Liberia Airport or San Jose airport, drive down in about two hours, and have total freedom once here. Trust me, waiting for the bus in 90°F heat while holding a surfboard is not the kind of adventure you’re looking for.
Final thoughts: pura vida with a salty breeze
Sámara might not be the flashiest destination in Costa Rica or on the pacific coast, but that’s exactly its charm. Whether you're sipping fresh juice by the beach, paddling to a coral island, or hearing howler monkeys while sipping your morning coffee, this little beach towns knows how to slow things down, in the best possible way.
It’s the kind of place you come for three days… and end up staying a week.
Planning to explore the Guanacaste coast and hidden gems around Sámara? Renting a car at Liberia Airport makes the whole trip smoother, and way more fun.