Samara

ATV Adventures

Tackle the hilly pathways surrounding Samara and Carrillo on an unstoppable four-wheeler. Half or full-day rentals normally include one tank of gas. Be sure to stick to the back roads, as it is illegal to take these machines on the beach.

Bird & Wildlife Watching

Large families of howler monkeys like to socialize in the trees by the beach. Squirrels, kinkajous, coatimundis and iguanas can be spotted in and around downtown Samara, along with a wide variety of hummingbirds. Various species of fish, sharks, manta rays, and marine turtles dwell under the sea at Isla Chora, while dolphins and humpback whales often appear in the colder waters offshore. .

La Selva Wildlife Refuge in Carrillo helps rehabilitate wounded and abandoned creatures to be released into the wild. Animal lovers can visit with margays, jaguarundis, toucans, crocodiles, skunks, armadillos, coatimundis, and even a baby howler monkey at the rescue center. Sanctuaries such as these rarely receive government funding in Costa Rica, and largely depend on the donations and entrance fees paid by visitors.

Canopy Tours

Samara's canopy tour has 12 platforms up to 65 feet high, and 10 cables stretching up to 400 feet long. Truly ecologically friendly, nothing is bolted or nailed to the trees – all platforms are hanging from or strapped to branches. Watermelon, pineapple and organic cookies are served at platform five, which offers a stunning panoramic vista of the beach. Tours usually last from one and a half to three and a half hours, depending on group size.

Dolphin & Whale Watching

Embark on an exciting ocean tour with the chance to spot humpback whales, bottlenose dolphins, Central American spinner dolphins, blue whales, and spotted dolphins in their natural habitat. Depending on the time of year, adventurers may also spot sea turtles – four of the world's seven species live and mate in the region.

Gambling

One of the most beautiful hotels in Carrillo boasts a casino with a wide range of games and slot machines. Step outside every once in a while for a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean.

Horseback Riding

Horseback riding along Playa Samara during sunset is one of the most unique experiences the area has to offer. Local ranchers offer a fantastic journey from the north to south end of the beach at affordable rates. Watch the sky illuminate with shades of pink, purple, and orange with one of these gentle horses as a companion.

Kayaking

Kayak to the tranquil Chora Island, known as Isla Chora, for a magnificent snorkeling opportunity, or simply to enjoy its soft pink sands.  Accessible land disappears at high tide and during thunderstorms, so adventurers should leave early in the morning – and alert someone of when to expect their return. The Buena Vista River and surrounding mangrove forest are also ripe for kayak explorations. Paddle along the gentle river, where roseate spoonbills and blue herons reside, and then head into scenic, canopied mangrove tunnels. Most tours are in one-person kayaks, so moderate physical fitness is required.

Learn Spanish

Spanish courses are offered for those interested in honing their foreign language skills, and also for college or university students seeking credits. Family homestays, where students live with a Costa Rican family for a short time, are available but optional for total immersion. Scholars should be prepared to muster all self control available not to skip class in favor of hanging out at the beach.

Massage

Massages are high quality and reasonably priced at Playa Samara. A massage school right on the beach offers training programs that prepare students for U.S. national board certification. Apprentices learn on the job, providing sore and tired vacationers with plenty of therapists eager to practice their trade.

Mountain Biking

Samara's mountain bike tours combine challenging trails with awesome nature, creating an unforgettable outdoor experience. Pedal along rugged coastline, through terrain that only mountain bikes can tackle, and discover tropical dry forest and rich habitats home to anteaters, howler monkeys, coatimundis, and ctenosaurs – the world's closest living relative to ancient dinosaurs.

Snorkeling & Diving

Isla Chora is undoubtedly the best snorkeling spot in the Samara area. It is about a mile offshore and can be reached by kayak or by boat, although some locals boast to have swum there in the past. Fish, rays, marine turtles, and sharks can be found swimming among the live coral surrounding this tranquil island.

Sport Fishing

Visitors can fish both inshore and offshore with knowledgeable captains familiar with the best spots for big game fish. Common catches include mahi mahi, marlin, sailfish, yellowfin tuna, grouper, snapper, rooster fish, and snook. Both half and full-day excursions are available.

Surfing

Waves at Playa Samara are wonderfully suited to beginners, but may not challenge the advanced. The majority of experienced enthusiasts visit nearby Playa Camaronal for more dependable breaks, leaving Samara to those who are just picking up the sport. Three similarly priced surf schools are located at the northern end of Playa Samara. Stand-up paddle surfing (SUP) lessons and board rentals are also available.

Ultra Light Flight

Soar through the air on an impossibly small autogiro, piloted by the most experienced aviators in the country. Flights typically depart from the Carrillo airstrip, and can last up to four hours between fuel-ups. Capable of flying 40-120 miles per hour and up to 5,000 feet in altitude, the aircraft can fly from Nicaragua to Panama in a matter of hours. Flights rise above winding rivers, cow pastures, dramatic bays, and lush countryside. Gain an entirely new understanding of the phrase "bird’s eye view" on one of these spectacular trips.

Turtle Tours

Turtle nesting tours visit both Camaronal Wildlife Refuge, seven miles south of Samara, and Ostional Wildlife Refuge, near Playa Nosara. The beaches of Camaronal host endangered Olive Ridleys, Atlantic leatherbacks, hawksbills, and black sea turtles; peak nesting season is from May-November. Ostional is famous for its mass Olive Ridley turtle nesting that takes place in waves according to the cycle of the moon; peak nesting season is from June-December. Turtle tours for both refuges depart nightly during peak season.

Yoga

Do your sunrise salutations with the best view in town. Yoga is taught on Samara's gleaming white sands and classes will leave partakers relaxed and limber. The cost is $10 per 90-minute class.

ATV:

An ATV is a fun and quick way to get around Samara. They can be rented hourly, daily or weekly, and include one tank of gas. Note that ATV’s are prohibited on the beach.

Bicycle:

Several shops around town rent out bicycles for around $10 per day. The fee includes a lock and key.

On Foot:

Getting around on foot is by far the best method of exploring Samara. The entire downtown area can be walked in about 15 minutes. Inexpensive buses, departing hourly, are available for those wishing to visit nearby Playa Carrillo.

Public Bus:

Carrillo

Buses arriving regularly each hour from Nicoya continue on to the southern town of Estrada, passing through Carrillo en route. The first bus leaves Samara at about 6:00 a.m., and the last at 9:00 p.m. The journey to Carrillo lasts about 15 minutes and costs fifty cents. It takes 30 minutes to travel from Samara to Estrada. Be sure to tell your bus driver where you would like to get off.

Returning buses from Estrada pass through both Carrillo and Samara en route to Nicoya. Buses from Estrada depart hourly beginning at 6:00 a.m., and ending at 5:30 p.m.

Nicoya

Buses depart Nicoya for Samara at 6:00 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:20 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The trip takes roughly one hour and costs about $1.60.

Buses depart Samara for Nicoya 5:30 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:45, 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. The cost is $1.60.

Taxi:

Taxis can be found near the soccer field in Samara. Always negotiate fares before departing, when the driver is not using the meter.

Sample taxi fares:

Samara to Carrillo: $10
Samara to Nicoya: $40
Samara to Nosara: $60
Samara to Liberia: $115

Beaches (north to south):

Playa Barrigona

Famous for its gorgeous shoreline, Playa Barrigona is an indisputable beauty off the beaten track. The bay is named “big belly” because of its rotund shape. While waves are gentle, swimmers should still take care and watch out for strong currents and riptides.

Playa Buena Vista

Playa Buena Vista, or “good view” beach is located down a dirt road about 20 minutes north of Samara. Its crescent-shaped coastline, made up of darker sand, is often deserted and only accessible by car. The beach is also known for its beautiful estuary, where the freshwater Buena Vista River empties into the salty ocean.

Playa Samara

Playa Samara is generally the place to be for visitors who wish to socialize. A number of surf schools, restaurants, bars, and local tour operators dot the northern section of beach at the tree line, drawing crowds of happy and energetic youths. Luckily, the shore is long and spacious, and rarely appears as crowded as it actually is. Those seeking more privacy can walk twenty minutes south to the quiet fishing village of Matapalo.  Paddle out in a kayak to Isla Chora, the uninhabited island about a mile offshore, for spectacular snorkeling and a pink sand beach.

Playa Carrillo

Carrillo is a textbook example of a Costa Rican beach - spotless, easily accessible, and free of construction within 655 feet of the water. Palm trees separate the bright white sand from the paved street, and sand dollars hide just beneath the sparkling, clear sea. Carrillo is quite popular with locals on weekends, but often empty and private during the week. Away from the bright lights of Samara, this is a wonderful place to stargaze after the sun goes down.

Nature Reserves and Wildlife Refuges:

Camaronal Wildlife Refuge

Just three miles south of Playa Carrillo and seven and a half miles from Playa Samara, Camaronal is famous for three things: fishing, surfing, and turtle watching. Anglers can expect to hook delicacies like snapper, sea bass, and yellowtail. Surfers can hope for consistent - and sometimes tubular - waves, known to reach up to 20 feet high. For wildlife watchers, an average of five sea turtles visit these shores nearly every night of the year to lay eggs in the dark sands. Entrance to the refuge is free, but a small parking fee of $1 is required upon exit.

La Selva Wildlife Refuge

La Selva Wildlife Refuge in Carrillo helps rehabilitate wounded and abandoned creatures for eventual release into the wild. Animal lovers can visit with margays, jaguarundis, toucans, crocodiles, skunks, armadillos, coatimundis, and even a baby howler monkey at the rescue center. Sanctuaries such as these rarely receive government funding in Costa Rica, and largely depend on the donations and entrance fees paid by visitors. The best time for animal viewing is around sundown, when the heat of the day begins to dissipate. Hours of operation are 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Adult admission costs $14, and children $8.

Ostional Wildlife Refuge

Located just under an hour away, in the neighboring town of Nosra, Ostional Wildlife Refuge stretches down the picturesque coastline for nine miles, extending three miles into the Pacific Ocean. The refuge protects tens of thousands of endangered Olive Ridley sea turtles, which arrive on the shores in "arribadas" – mass turtle nestings that follow the lunar cycle. Nesting season hits its peak from June-December, especially during September, October, and November. During this time, the arribadas usually double to twice monthly. The best way to spot these gentle giants is on a guided night tour; flash photography is prohibited and only red-light flashlights are permitted so as not to disturb the nesting females. 2682-0937 or 2682-0400.

Playa Samara is well suited for visitors who love to socialize and go out, and/or travelers without a car. The neighboring town of Playa Carrillo, four miles to the south, is a bit off the beaten path – and ideal for those seeking peace and tranquility.

Samara

Visitors staying in Samara don’t need any mode of transportation other than their own two feet. Everything is within walking distance: the ATM, convenience store, grocery store, doctor’s office, pharmacy, and most importantly – the beach. Lodging ranges from budget to upscale. Inexpensive hostels and hotels rarely have air conditioning, and normally offer cold-water showers. Mid-range and upscale choices feature air conditioning, hot water, and wireless Internet access.

Carrillo

Perfect for those with a car, the town of Carrillo is a laid-back paradise only 15 minutes away from Playa Samara. Accommodations in Carrillo are almost entirely upscale; most hotels have pools, room service, and luxurious amenities. Many offer stunning views of the beach, and one even hosts a small casino.

Air:

Liberia’s Daniel Oduber International Airport serves international carriers from large cities like Atlanta, Miami and Newark. From the Liberia airport, Samara is a two-hour drive. Travelers who are already in the country may opt to fly into Nosara and taxi into Samara; average fares range $70 for this trip.

Bus:

From San Jose: $8.00; 12:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. (Saturdays only); 5 hours. Departs from the intersection of Avenida 5 and Calles 14/16 (Alfaro Terminal). Buses also depart from and return to Samara daily en route to Nicoya. 2222-2666.

Buses depart Nicoya for Samara at 6:00 a.m., 7:45 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:20 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The trip takes roughly one hour and costs $1.60.

Leaving Samara: From the bus station paralleling the mall along the road to Nicoya, buses depart daily for San Jose at 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Buses depart Samara for Nicoya at 5:30 a.m., 6:00 a.m., 7:00 a.m., 8:45 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 1:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Car:

The drive from San Jose to Samara takes around four hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Take the Caldera highway, Route 27, following signs to Puntarenas and Liberia until the turnoff for the Tempisque Bridge, known as the Puente de la Amistad. After crossing the Gulf of Nicoya, continue to Nicoya and turn south, following signs that will lead you directly to Samara beach.

Public Phones

Beachside pay phones are located across the street from the police station near the cluster of street vendors. Most are operated by phone card, not coins; purchase a phone card in any pharmacy or grocery store in Costa Rica.

Cell Phones

Cell phone reception is good nearly everywhere in Playa Samara. There are a few dead zones directly on the beach, but other than that visitors can expect a dependable signal.

Internet

WiFi is available in several Internet cafes, hotels and restaurants in town; prices run $1-$2 per hour. International calls to the United States cost 20 cents per minute.

Post Office

A small post office is conveniently situated near the main entrance to the beach and directly next to the police station, and across the street from the soccer field. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. (Tel. 2656-0368)

Banks

There is a 24-hour Banco National ATM  near the church on the road north of the main drag. The Banco de Costa Rica near the soccer field has a 24-hour ATM and is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

Medical Facilities

The Centro Medico has an onsite medical doctor, dental clinic and pharmacy all rolled into one. Hours of operation are Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Tel. 2656-0992). The nearby town of Nicoya has a modern hospital for more serious medical concerns.

Be it typical Costa Rican, Italian, Spanish or Argentinean cuisine, there are some truly wonderful culinary treats in Samara.

Ahora Si Veggie Restaurant

Samara's first vegetarian restaurant, Ahora Si welcomes diners with a rainbow of colors:  billowing white curtains, tangerine accents, and blue rafters complement the kaleidoscopic menu. Choose from fresh veggie pastas, gourmet pizzas and a dessert menu featuring selections of homemade ice cream and dressed-up fruit treats.

Ancla

Ancla serves the best Italian food outside of Italy. No exaggeration. Four-cheese gnocchi is their specialty, to be washed down with a glass of imported wine.

Casa Esmeralda

The catch of the day takes center stage at Casa Esmeralda. Enjoy fresh fish, shrimp, lobster and other seafood specialties, as well as international dishes offering pasta, beef, chicken, and pork. Takeout is also available, and is a great way to cater your own beachfront picnic.

Cafe Hola Bakery

This is the most popular breakfast place in town, serving truly wonderful coffee and bread. Don’t come here if short on time, as the service is on beach-time.

Coco’s Restaurant

Run by locals, Coco's is the number one place to enjoy authentic Costa Rican food. Their chicken and steak casados (typical plates of meat, salad, rice, beans, and fried plantains) are highly recommended.

Gusto Creativo Italiano

This bar-restaurant promises a unique twist to favorite standbys. From ginger-spiked beer and black margaritas to wasabi cream tuna and lobster spaghetti, the restaurant's cuisine is as good as its beachfront location.

Las Olas

Las Olas translates to “the waves,” which patrons can hear simply by stepping outside this ever-popular bar. With pool tables, foosball, beachside seating and great bartenders, this establishment fills up nearly every night of the week.

Lo Que Hay

Lo Que Hay puts a gourmet twist on everyone's favorite comfort foods. Enjoy nachos fresh from the fryer, and taco variations like blackened fish in a cilantro-lime cream sauce. The pizzas are delicious, and toppings range from the standard pepperoni and mushrooms to olive oil and grated coconut. 

Samara Organics

Refresh, replenish, and recharge at Samara Organic Cafe, where local, organic fare is the star. Quench your thirst with electrolyte-rich coconut water or smoothies to reduce blood pressure, and fuel your body with a tasty veggie-hummus sandwich or spiced taco salad.

Shake Joes

Shake Joe’s is the best place to pre-game before a long night out at Las Olas. Large and comfortable beds situated right on the beach replace normal chairs, encouraging people to lie down, relax, and unwind. They open at 5:00 p.m. and close right before Las Olas gets busy, around 10:00 p.m.