Sámara travel guide
Sámara, Costa Rica: where to stay, eat and play
Samara took us three visits to fully understand. The first time we were confused. The second time we ran out of things to do. The third time it clicked, this is one of the best family-friendly beach towns in Costa Rica. Long swimmable beach, walkable downtown, great day trips. If you’re flying into Liberia and want something more relaxed than Tamarindo, come here.
By Sarah & Thomas, calling Costa Rica home since 2016
Best Time
Dec to Apr
From Liberia
~2 hours
Best Airport
LIR
Temperature
77 to 86°F
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Our take
Who Sámara is for
Sámara is great for families. It’s really calm and chill, and the main beach is one of the most swimmable in the country. It’s also a good pick if you’re a beginner surfer or want to take Spanish classes, since there are surf and Spanish schools in town. If you’re a more advanced surfer, head to Nosara instead.
Honestly, we wouldn’t spend too long here. There isn’t a whole lot to do in town, and the day trips all take a bit of a drive. It works really well as a stop on the way back up to Liberia from the southern Nicoya Peninsula.
How long to stay: About three nights.
Getting there
How to get to Sámara
Getting There
The easiest way to get to Samara is by flying into Liberia (LIR). It’s about a 2-hour drive from the airport. From San José (SJO), it’s closer to 5 hours. The drive from Liberia is straightforward and mostly on main roads. The only slightly hectic section is driving through downtown Nicoya, but it’s usually fine.
If you don’t want to drive, there are public buses from San José (6 hours, departs 6:30am and 12pm daily) and shared shuttles via Bookaway. Use code SARAHMC5 for 5% off.
For more info:
Shuttles and tours
Most activity tours include transport. For point-to-point shuttles use Bookaway.
Where it is
Samara is a small beach town on the northern Pacific coast of Costa Rica, located south of Nosara on the Nicoya Peninsula. It’s one of the more accessible towns on the peninsula. It is paved roads all the way in and no ferry is required to get here.
Good to know: Although the roads into Samara are paved, many roads in the surrounding area are not and some involve river crossings. We recommend a 4×4 if you plan to explore beyond the town, especially during rainy season.
Weather
Sámara weather and best time to visit
Temperature and rain by month
Swipe to see all months →
Average daytime highs and rainfall in Sámara. Bars show relative rainfall. Sunrise and sunset are for the 15th of each month.
Dry season (Dec: Apr)
This is the peak season. It is usually hot, sunny, and the town fills up. Book hotels and activities well in advance to get the best places.
Rainy season (May: Nov)
May to July brings brief afternoon storms but mostly sunny mornings. August onward gets rainier and some hotels close due to low demand. From mid-August through mid-December, expect heavier rain.
Daytime high
77 to 86°F (25 to 30°C)
Sunrise / Sunset
about 5:15 to 5:45 AM / about 5:30 to 6:00 PM
How long to stay
About 3 nights
Our tip
Pro tip: We love visiting in May through early August. Yes, there are brief afternoon storms but mostly sunny mornings, far fewer tourists, and lower prices. Just plan outdoor activities for the AM and you’ll be fine.
Check out the complete guide to Costa Rica weather by month →
Where to stay
Where to stay in Sámara
Beach Front Bahia
Luxury · Directly on Samara Beach · Restaurant & bar on site
Right on the beach with ocean views from every angle. Guests consistently rave about the food, the staff, and the vibe. One of the most special places to stay in Samara.
Villas Kalimba
Mid-range · 3-minute walk to beach · Full kitchen villas · Pool
One and two-bedroom villas with full kitchens, a shared pool, and a poolside restaurant. A great option for families or couples who want space, privacy, and a home-away-from-home.
The Inner Light yoga Lodge
Boutique · Wellness retreat · Daily yoga included · Infinity pool
Only four apartments, run by owners who live on the property. Daily yoga class and homemade breakfast are available. Walking distance to the beach and restaurants.
Hotel Entre Dos Aguas
Mid-range · Lush tropical garden · Adults-only from October
A charming boutique hotel set in tropical greenery. Large pool, spacious rooms, and a calm atmosphere just steps from the town center.
Also worth considering: Hotel Belvedere, Las Perlitas Rentals Playa Samara, Villas Verdes, Soleil Samara.
For more options, we suggest VRBO. Browse Sámara rentals on VRBO →
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Things to do
Things to do in Sámara
Swim and Explore the beaches
Playa Samara is one of the most swimmable beaches in the country. It has a gentle incline, calm water, and almost no drop-off. Good for families and anyone who just wants to actually enjoy the ocean. Nearby Playa Carrillo (lined with palm trees, usually empty) is our personal favorite. Playa Buena Vista and Playa Barrigona are worth exploring with a 4×4.
Kayak and snorkel to Isla Chora
One of the most popular activities in Samara is to take a combo kayaking and snorkeling adventure out to Isla Chora to explore nearby coral reefs. Alternatively, book the whale watching and snorkeling catamaran tour if you prefer going by boat.
Sea Turtle tour at Ostional
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I highly recommend! You can potentially thousands of sea turtles laying eggs on the beach at Playa Ostional. Best in September and October. You must go with a tour group (beach access for turtle protection).
Go caving at Barra Honda
One of the most unique national parks in Costa Rica, with hiking and caving. You climb down a crazy ladder into the caves. Mildly terrifying, but so cool!
Stop at Belén waterfall
On the main road from Nicoya to Sámara. It’s not Costa Rica’s most impressive waterfall, but it’s a nice stop with a rental car. You can climb the rocks and maybe swim. It gets muddy in rainy season.
Go sport fishing
The Pacific coast here is great for inshore or offshore fishing. We suggest Captain Simon of Gladiator Sportfishing. Half-day or full-day trips, all equipment included, and you keep what you catch.
Mangrove Kayak tour
Take a guided kayak through the mangroves and see wildlife such as birds, reptiles, monkeys, and more. This is one of the most peaceful and rewarding experiences in the Samara area. Transportation from hotels is usually included.
Horseback riding
A guided horseback riding tour along the beaches and through the jungle is a great way to see the more off-the-beaten-path spots around Samara. You can often find guides on the beach, or book ahead through Viator.
Beaches
Beaches, sunsets and town
The sun sets year-round between about 5:15 and 6 PM. Further north, Playa Buena Vista and Playa Barrigona are big and usually empty, but you have to cross a river to get there. That’s no problem in dry season. In rainy season, go at low tide and only with an SUV with decent clearance.
Playa Sámara
The main beach, just a short walk from downtown. It’s one of the most swimmable beaches in the country, with calm water and almost no drop-off.
Playa Carrillo
Just south of Sámara, lined with palm trees and usually pretty empty. It’s our personal favorite.
The secret beach
There’s a remote beach you can hike to from just north of Sámara. It took us two tries to find it! The directions are in our things-to-do guide.
Sunset on Playa Sámara
We like to just walk the beach as the sun goes down. For dinner or cocktails with a view, Gusto Beach is right on the sand.
Downtown Sámara
The little downtown is full of excellent restaurants and cute shops, and it’s a nice place to just wander. Maybe you’ll find some souvenirs.
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Where to eat
Where to eat in Sámara
Gusto beach Club
Beachfront · Italian · Live music · $$
Our top pick for a sunset dinner with a view. Italian-inspired menu with great pasta, risotto, pizza, and cocktails. Beach chairs available during the day if you order food and drinks.
Sweeties by Celia
Food truck · Made with love · Vegan-friendly · $
A food truck run by the amazing Celia. Small rotating menu (usually a curry, always a vegetarian option) plus incredible homemade cakes and pastries. Impossible to leave in a bad mood.
Soda Colochos
Traditional Costa Rican · Fresh seafood · Hidden gem · $
This place serves some of the best ceviche in town. It is a tiny spot with just a few tables and more of a local feel. It’s our go-to place when we want some quality Costa Rican food in Samara.
El Lagarto
BBQ & grilled meats · Seafood · Dinner only · $$
Our go-to place for when we want grilled meats. They do great steak here. We also like the lively open-air setting. A great date night spot at a mid-range price point.
For sunset cocktails with a view, head to Gusto Beach.
Practical stuff
Good to know before you go
Good to know
Town essentials
Grocery stores
Several small grocery stores in the downtown area. Samara Organics is also worth a visit for healthy snacks and fresh smoothies.
Banks and ATMs
Two banks in the downtown area: Banco Nacional and BCR. Both have ATMs. Carry cash as not all places take cards.
Water
You can technically drink the tap water in Samara, but we still suggest buying bottled water or using a filter bottle to be safe.
Travel insurance
Always a good idea. It’s not just for injury, but for theft, trip interruptions, and lost luggage. We use Heymondo.
Good to know
Safety
Samara is generally very safe. Your main concern is standard petty theft, the same as anywhere in Costa Rica.
Good to know
What it costs
You can do Sámara on a budget. Mid-range hotels start around $70 a night. They might not be super high quality, but they’re totally decent, and you probably won’t spend much time at your hotel anyway.
Hotels or rentals?
Downtown is mostly hotels. Most vacation rentals are outside town, so you may need a car. You can still find a few right downtown, just not as many.
Eating out
From food trucks like Sweeties by Celia to sodas like Soda Colochos, there are good cheap eats in town.
Good to know
Drinks & nightlife
Sámara isn’t a big party town, but the downtown is cute and condensed, with a bunch of places to grab a drink and enough going on.
Sunset drinks
Gusto Beach is right on the sand, with beach chairs available during the day if you order food and drinks. It’s our top pick for a sunset dinner.
Getting around
Getting around Sámara
The downtown area is very walkable. If you plan to stay in town and spend most of your time on the beach, you may not need a car at all. But if you want to explore the surrounding area, day trips, and remote beaches, a rental car with 4×4 is highly recommended.
Rental car
Best for exploring. Get 4×4 if you plan on day trips beyond Samara. Roads into town are paved, surrounding area often is not.
On foot
The downtown, beach, and most restaurants are walkable. If you’re staying in the center and keeping things simple, you may not need a car.
FAQ
Sámara FAQ: your questions
How do I get to Sámara?
Do I need a car in Sámara?
Not if you plan to stay in town. The downtown, beach, and most restaurants are walkable. If you want to explore the surrounding area, day trips, and remote beaches, a rental car is the way to go. We use Adobe Rent a Car, and our readers get 10% off.
Do I need a 4×4 in Sámara?
The roads into Sámara are paved, so you don’t need one to get here. Many roads in the surrounding area are not paved and some involve river crossings, so we recommend a 4×4 if you plan to explore beyond town, especially in rainy season.
Is Sámara good for swimming?
Yes. Playa Sámara is one of the most swimmable beaches in the country. It has a gentle incline, calm water, and almost no drop-off, which makes it great for families. Just don’t swim in the small rivers around Sámara, as there are crocodiles in some of them.
Is Sámara safe?
Sámara is generally very safe. Your main concern is standard petty theft, the same as anywhere in Costa Rica. Don’t leave anything in your rental car, keep an eye on your things at the beach, and avoid walking alone at night on unlit roads.
When is the best time to visit Sámara?
Dry season (December to April) is peak season, so book hotels and activities well in advance. We love visiting from May through early August: brief afternoon storms but mostly sunny mornings, far fewer tourists, and lower prices. From mid-August through mid-December, expect heavier rain. See our Sámara weather guide for more.
Can you drink the tap water in Sámara?
You can technically drink the tap water in Sámara, but we still suggest buying bottled water or using a filter bottle to be safe.
Is Sámara good for families?
Yes. Sámara is really calm and chill, and Playa Sámara has a gentle incline, calm water and almost no drop-off, so it’s one of the best swimming beaches in the country for kids.
Should I stay in Sámara or Nosara?
If you’re a beginner surfer, traveling with family, or want a calm, walkable beach town, pick Sámara. If you’re a more advanced surfer, head to Nosara.
How many days do you need in Sámara?
About three nights. There isn’t a whole lot to do in town, and the day trips take a bit of a drive. It’s a great stop on the way back up to Liberia from the southern Nicoya Peninsula.
Is Sámara expensive?
You can visit Sámara on a budget. Mid-range hotels start around $70 a night, and there are plenty of cheap eats in town. See our Sámara hotel guide for our favorite places to stay.
Every guide
All our Sámara guides
Keep exploring
More towns in Nicoya Peninsula
Planning more of the region? See our full Nicoya Peninsula guide.
We are coming to Samara in March with our kids. Do we need to bring rain jackets for everyone even though it is dry season still?
Hi Johanna!
Nope! You should have perfect rain-free weather in March! 🙂 Let me know if you have any other questions as you plan your trip.