Playa Sámara

Playa Samara is another of Costa Rica’s fantastic beaches in the Guanacaste region. While many of the other beaches in the Northern Pacific area of Costa Rica’s coast have been developed, Playa Samara remains a laid back small town which still retains its friendly local vibe.

The beach itself is a stretch of curving, near-white sands set in a wide arcing bay. The ocean waters are clear turquoise and there is a backdrop of palm trees and lush green tropical forest. The rocky headlands at Playa Samara provide some shelter from the ocean swells, as do the offshore coral reefs. This means the waves here are ideal for learning to surf, and it is often calm enough to go swimming and snorkeling.

Situated right behind the beach (although you wouldn’t know it) the village of Samara has a handful of restaurants, shops, and a few small hotels. Surrounded by wildlife and forest, some of this wildlife makes its way to the hotels, including monkeys, many birds, and iguanas.

Beyond the beach, you can go hiking at the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve and discover a tropical dry forest while you learn about this special type of ecosystem. You need a guide to hike through the reserve, but you will see all kinds of wildlife.

In addition, you can enjoy diving, snorkeling, and kayak tours to Isla Chora, a white sand isle just off the coast of Samara. Nearby are a few rivers where you can also go white water rafting. The Belen waterfall is 20 minutes from downtown, and you can swim in the swimming holes below.

Playa Samara beach is still one of the best to visit in Costa Rica.