Tucked away in the Guanacaste province of Costa Rica, the picturesque village of Samara has long been a beloved destination for travelers seeking a relaxed and welcoming beach town experience. This charming coastal gem is perfect for families and those looking for a laid-back atmosphere.
In this guide, you’ll find all the information you need to plan your trip to Samara, from accommodations to activities and everything in between. Get ready to unwind and enjoy the ultimate family-friendly beach vacation in this tranquil Costa Rican haven.
Samara Town
The town of Samara is a compact and easily navigable destination, allowing you to explore its charming streets on foot. While driving in Samara is relatively straightforward, be aware that parking options are scarce along the main street.
Despite its small size, Samara town offers a wide range of amenities, including hotels, hostels, restaurants, shops, banks, and more. The paved roads make it easy to get around and discover all that this quaint town has to offer.
Navigating Samara with Ease
Samara's Unique Vibe and Demographic
Samara, a bustling beach town in Guanacaste, has become a melting pot of cultures, attracting individuals from around the globe. This diverse community is characterized by a shared passion for wellness, with many residents and visitors embracing yoga, surfing, and plant-based lifestyles.
While Samara offers a lively nightlife, its overall atmosphere remains health-conscious and family-friendly. The town is also home to educational institutions like Intercultura Spanish School and Costa Rica TEFL, drawing tourists seeking to enhance their teaching skills.
Additionally, Samara is witnessing a growing influx of digital nomads and expats, with some hotels now catering specifically to their needs, offering flexible accommodations for both short-term and long-term stays.
The Beach
Samara beach is an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, relaxation, and swimming. The waves are perfect for surfers of all levels, and you can find surf schools in the area offering lessons for beginners.
At the main beach entrance, a beautifully designed platform leads you down to the shore. You’ll also discover a variety of beachfront bars and souvenir stores nearby, adding to the beach’s charm.
The beach’s beauty is undeniable, and you might even witness one of the most breathtaking sunsets you’ve ever seen!
Supermarkets and Services
The town has all the essential amenities, including a selection of small grocery stores like Fruteria Pura Vida, Super Samara, Super China, Pali and which specializes in fresh fruits and vegetables.
You can find a range of convenient services, including banks, ATMs, pharmacies, laundromats, tour centers, car rentals, a bus station, and clinics, all easily accessible and centrally located.
Samara, Costa Rica Weather
Samara boasts an enviable climate, characterized by abundant sunshine and a distinct dry and rainy season. The dry season, spanning from December to April, is followed by the rainy season, which typically lasts from May to November.
The average temperature in Samara remains pleasant, ranging from the low 90s F (32-35 C) during the day to the mid to high 70s F (24 C) at night.
The rainiest months, September and October, typically follow a predictable pattern: sunny mornings, cloudy afternoons, and intermittent rainfall in the late afternoon and evening.
Accommodations in Samara
Samara offers a diverse array of hotels and lodging options, catering to various preferences and needs. In addition to hotels, you’ll find numerous vacation rentals available outside of Samara, which is ideal for those seeking a more homey experience.
For long-term rentals, Beach House Apartments are a highly recommended option. They feature air conditioning and a peaceful location just outside of town.
Some top hotel recommendations include:
- Hideaway Hotel Samara: A charming boutique hotel with a pool nestled in a quiet beach area near Carrillo.
- Villas Kalimba: A picturesque property featuring six independent villas, a lush garden, and a large pool with a waterfall and Jacuzzi.
- Tico Adventure Lodge: A cozy hotel within walking distance of the beach, offering fiber optic internet, a lovely garden, and various room options.
- Hotel Villas Playa Samara: A family-friendly, all-inclusive beachfront resort with a restaurant, a spa, a pool, villas and bungalows.
- Hotel Sol: A quieter hotel located near the east end of the beach, offering standard hotel rooms and a family suite.
- Hotel Samara Beach: A convenient hotel just 50 meters from the beach and right in the heart of town.
- Hotel Azura: An adult-only, luxury beachfront all-inclusive resort.
Samara Restaurants
- Falafel Cafe: Savor Mediterranean and Lebanese cuisine in a cozy setting.
- El Lagarto: Enjoy beachside barbecue and refreshing drinks.
- Restaurant Casa Esmeralda: Treat yourself to fresh seafood and stunning ocean views.
- Di Mare Di Vino: Indulge in classic Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and seafood, at this Hotel Giada establishment.
- Soda Marisqueria Colochos: Discover the flavors of Costa Rican cuisine and seafood.
- Roots Bakery: Start your day with artisanal coffee, pastries, and breakfast options.
- Ahora Si Restaurant: Delight in Italian cuisine and explore their cooking school.
- Gusto Beach: Relish Italian flavors and pizza at this beachfront eatery.
- La Aldrea: Rejuvenate with smoothies, juices, and vegan options, plus explore their store and hostel.
- La Catrina: Savor barbecue and smoothies in a vibrant atmosphere.
- El Ancla: Savor beachfront seafood, including ceviche, and enjoy the dog-friendly ambiance.
Activities and Attractions
You’ll find a plethora of exciting activities to enjoy in Samara.
Here are some top recommendations for you:
- Surfing and SUP: Take a lesson or rent a board to ride the waves at Samara Beach, an ideal spot for learning.
- Horseback Riding: Explore Samara’s mountains and beach on horseback for a unique perspective.
- ATV Tours: Embark on an adventure through Samara’s mountains and enjoy breathtaking viewpoints.
- Kayaking Isla Chora: Paddle to the island for a snorkeling experience and witness Samara from a new angle.
- Fishing: Cast your line inshore or offshore and reel in a catch in Samara’s fishing paradise.
- La Roca Waterfall: Visit the trio of waterfalls just 20 minutes from Samara, perfect for a refreshing hike.
- Snorkeling: Explore Isla Chorro or Cangrejal, home to vibrant coral reefs and tropical marine life.
- Sunset Catamaran: Sail and snorkel in the afternoon, then bask in the sunset’s glow.
- Ziplining: Experience the thrill of ziplining with Wingnuts in Samara.
- Camaronal Wildlife Refuge: Visit this protected beach, a nesting site for turtles, and take a nighttime tour during the rainy season.
Exploring Beyond Samara: Day Trip Ideas
Use Samara as your base for a Costa Rica beach vacation, but don’t miss out on exploring other nearby attractions. Consider staying a few nights in Samara and then moving on to La Fortuna or Monteverde for a change of scenery.
- Carrillo Beach: Head to Playa Carrillo, a stunning beach just a short drive or bike ride from Samara.
- Playa Barrigona: Visit this picturesque beach, a 30-minute drive away, which hosts surf competitions and offers a local vibe. Note: High clearance car recommended.
- Ostional Wildlife Refuge: Witness the incredible arribada phenomenon, where tens of thousands of turtles gather on the beach. Time your visit right and enjoy this natural wonder, just a 1-hour drive away.
- Barra Honda National Park: Explore this national park, a 1-hour drive from Samara, and hike or take a cave tour. Enjoy breathtaking views and a waterfall during rainy season. Moderate to difficult hike.
- Palo Verde National Park: Embark on a 2.5-hour drive and boat ride down the Rio Tempisque to spot caimans, monkeys, iguanas, and more in this vital dry tropical forest reserve.
Nightlife
Lo Que Hay is the perfect spot for happy hour, offering a relaxed atmosphere and refreshing drinks. As the sun sets, Bar Arriba transforms into a vibrant nightclub featuring live music and dancing. If you’re a sports fan, Frank’s is the place to be, broadcasting live games and serving a fun atmosphere.
When traveling from Nosara, simply hop on the bus towards Nicoya and Samara, and you’ll arrive in no time!
Getting to Samara
When planning your trip to Samara, the most convenient airport to fly into is Liberia International Airport (Guanacaste Airport).
If you prefer to drive, Liberia International Airport is approximately a 2-hour drive to Samara. From Tamarindo, Liberia, Playas del Coco, or anywhere in North Guanacaste, take Route 21 to Nicoya, then connect to Route 150, which will take you directly to Samara. This route is fully paved and easy to navigate.
However, if you’re coming from Nosara, we advise against taking Route 160 due to the need to cross the Rio Buena Vista river, which can be challenging, especially during rainy season. This route is not fully paved and has numerous potholes, making it difficult even with a 4WD/4×4 vehicle.
If you’re traveling from San Jose International Airport, the drive takes around 4 hours. Take Route 27, then connect to Routes 1, 18, 21, and finally, 150, which will lead you to Samara through Nicoya.
For your transportation needs, consider renting a car from Vamos Rent-A-Car, an independently owned national car rental company offering affordable alternatives for all travelers. With a fleet of new and meticulously maintained pre-owned vehicles, you’ll find the perfect match between budget and space from well-known brands like Toyota.
We prioritize safety and offer a “Valid Tread Pledge” on all tire treads, ensuring a relaxing and enjoyable trip. With offices near both San Jose (SJO) and Liberia (LIR) International Airports, we provide a meet-and-greet service and a two-way airport shuttle. You can also opt for a to-your-doorstep delivery service to anywhere in the country for a nominal fee.
Transportation Options:
You have several options for traveling to Samara, including private and shared shuttles, as well as public buses.
Private shuttles are available from Liberia Airport and San Jose, with prices starting at $160 and $295, respectively, for up to 8 people. Alternatively, you can opt for a shared shuttle with Interbus, which costs around $59 per adult.
If you prefer to take the bus, there is a daily public bus from San Jose to Samara at 12 PM, which takes approximately 5 hours. During peak season (December to April), an additional bus departs at 5 PM.
From Liberia, you’ll need to take a bus to Nicoya first, which costs 1250 colones one way and operates Monday to Saturday, taking around 1 hour.
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