My Costa Rica
Visiting Playa Samara
Playa Samara is located on the Nicoya Peninsula in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica. At about 50 minutes from Nosara Domestic Airport and 2 hours from Liberia International Airport (LIR), you can reach this white sanded beauty very easily. The Nicoya Peninsula has been labeled one of the 5 Blue Zone areas of the world. It defines locations where a large number of the population lead long and healthy lives. This has given the Samara community a rather unique atmosphere. Quite contrary to some other beaches in Guanacaste, Samara has a bit of a hippie-commune feel to it. Next to that, Playa Samara maintains its reputation as a great place for snorkeling, scuba diving and hiking. For the times you are not exploring this stunning area, you can enjoy some delicious cuisine with a strong focus on freshness and health. In short, Pura Vida! The Province of Guanacaste also has the added benefit that even during rainy season, you can have full days of sun and less people on the beach.
With a beach flanked by rocky headlands, Samara is a great place for exploring some underwater wildlife. All year round you can swim amongst manta rays, sharks, turtles and dolphins! If these amazing creatures aren’t enough, you can also admire the colorful depths of Costa Rica is so known for. Samara is home to a wonderful coral reef and its vibrant colors are only matched by the many fish that frequent it!
The ocean in this region can be quite calm during certain parts of the year, so it is possible to go kayaking and / or paddling in the ocean. But you can also take an amazing river tour and feel closer to nature. The expert guides will reveal all of the river’s secrets as well as introduce you to Costa Rica’s much beloved wildlife.
With Samara’s having rather calm waters, you may not make the connection to it being a great surfer beach. But this makes Samara a great beach to learn surfing! Pick a surf school and once you feel the lessons are paying off, why not make your way to 
Meet Samara’s quiet neighbor, 
The tropical dry forest is an increasingly rare phenomenon and one well worth exploring. From Samara you can take a tour visiting the forests just outside of the town. You will learn about the unique features and importance of this ecosystem as well as spot some wildlife. Sample fresh mangoes at the mango plantations and discover how you can recognize different pants and herbs. You will also be given the chance to support the reserve’s great efforts and plant a tree. A wonderful chance to leave a positive mark during your travels!
Take your trip off the road and dare to get a little dirty! Book a tour with and ATV, motorcycle or bicycle and customize your package. Explore the beach and the mountains. The jungles and swimming holes. Go on a coffee tour, enjoy the sunset or combine it all with a horse riding tour.
Exploring Costa Rica on horseback is always an amazing experience. And Samara beach is the most idyllic setting you can hope for! Make sure to pick a package with a sunset ride along the beach included for a romantic end of the day. And who knows, you might run into your horse after the tour! The tour horses wander the streets and far end parts of the beaches freely after hours.
Next to paying a visit to Playa Carrillo, we highly recommend you visit 
You probably thought most of Costa Rica’s natural wonders were visible on the surface. But at 
Take a plunge in a still largely undiscovered swimming hole at a 20 minute drive from Samara. For now this waterfall is mainly visited by locals. So you can mix a refreshing swim with some meaningful interactions and perhaps learn about some more hidden gems.
Samara is quite close to Nosara so you can take advantage of the Nosara Domestic airport. Nosara Domestic airport is located at about 30 km from Samara. The airport only receives charter and domestic flights. Sansa offers daily flights from San Jose as well as Liberia. From San Jose the flight will take 35 minutes and from Liberia only 15. Private shuttles from San Jose can be provided but will cost you around $240. Shared shuttles are a more affordable option between $50 and $100. If you want to take advantage from the shuttle service between Liberia and Samara, you will pay about half the price.
Samara’s focus on fresh and delicious food is apparent everywhere and most restaurants will offer you a great meal. For a wonderful meal at a beach front location, pay a visit to Sheriff Rustic. Make sure to try the amazing lemon pie! But if you prefer a vegetarian twist on some local and continental dishes, definitely pass by Paraiso Vegetarian Restaurant. This restaurant fully represents the Blue Zone atmosphere: fresh food, a zest for life and an open heart.
An enchanting beach should be visited in an equally enchanting hotel. 
Follow Us