Is Samara Beach the best beach vacation in Costa Rica for me?

Are you planning a trip to Costa Rica and looking for the perfect beach town to either kick off your adventure or unwind at the end of your journey? While most travelers choose to relax at a beach town after an extensive road trip through this stunning country, starting your adventure in the right spot is just as important. But how do you know which beach town is the right fit for you and your family? With so many options, each offering something different, it can be overwhelming.

Here’s an easy solution: Do our Ideal Beach Holiday Test and discover in just 3 minutes whether Samara is the perfect match for you and your travel companions. It’s time well spent—just imagine how much better your vacation will be when you make the right choice!

Take the test and instantly see your results to find out if Samara is your ideal beach vacation

• Holiday Type: Run Baby Run
• Holiday Type: Samara or…?
• Holiday Type: Samara Fan for Ever; Book  Now
• Holiday Type: Samara It Is, forever

If Samara Beach doesn’t meet your needs, it’s better to know now, right? After all, this is a hidden gem for those who truly appreciate it, and we’d like to keep it that way.

But if this is your dream destination, we’d love to help you make the most of it. Let us be your one-stop booking hub, starting with your arrival at Airport Samara.

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Find Your Perfect Beach Vacation on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

Perfect Balance Between Great Food, Services, and Accommodations—Without the Crowds

Samara is a quintessential Costa Rican beach town that’s not overrun by tourists but still offers fantastic food, services, and accommodations. You’ll discover a charming selection of small boutique hotels, Airbnb options, and hostels. There are no high-rise buildings or crowded promenades here. Instead, this hidden beach paradise is embraced by natural beauty.

We can confidently say that Samara is one of the most overlooked hidden gems on the Guanacaste Peninsula, and it’s also a favorite among locals. After all, Costa Ricans know best what “Pura Vida” truly means, and you’ll find it in abundance here in Samara.Keep reading to find out why we’re so excited about this small beach village. Nestled in one of the world’s five Blue Zones, Samara is ready for you to enjoy a tranquil and relaxing beach holiday. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, especially if you have young children.

Read my full article about this beautiful beach vacation spot and discover why it’s the perfect destination for you and your partner, or your family with young kids

Why is Samara Beach Still a Hidden Gem?

We believe it’s because the driving distance from the international airports in San José and Liberia is 4 and 2 hours, respectively. After an extensive and busy tour of Costa Rica, most travelers opt for a different beach destination. However, with the option to fly directly to Samara now available, the drawback of long travel times has been eliminated.

Samara is now ideal for tourists who prefer a direct flight to their beach getaway. It’s also perfect for a fly-drive holiday—whether you’re a family, a romantic couple cruising in a convertible, or enjoying a luxury 4×4 with air conditioning. You can now leave the car in Samara and take a direct flight back to your international airport for the return journey. Or you could kick off your trip with a few relaxing days in Samara before embarking on your fly-drive adventure through Costa Rica.

The locals are very happy with this new travel option.

Tourists Fly Directly to Paradise Beach in Costa Rica

By the way, one of the first groups to discover Samara was a bunch of pilots. Back in the 1950s, they spotted this stunning beach from the sky and decided to land right on the sand. At that time, traveling by road took at least 5 hours from Nicoya. You had to cross 7 rivers, and the dirt roads were rough and unpaved. Today, you can reach Samara in just 45 minutes via paved roads.

Many of those early visitors loved Samara Beach so much that they chose to stay and build their family homes right on the beach. Generations later, they still enjoy the beauty of this tropical paradise. That’s one of the risks of visiting Samara—some people never leave! 😉

Where is Samara Beach Located?

Samara is nestled in the heart of the Guanacaste Peninsula, on the western side of Costa Rica, right along the Pacific Ocean. It’s a scenic drive of about 4 hours from San Jose and 2 hours from Liberia’s international airports. But now, thanks to the opening of Samara Airport, you can easily catch a quick flight from various airports across Costa Rica.

This was a dream come true for Pieter, the owner and your host at Airport Samara. His vision was to make it simple to hop between the country’s hotspots, saving you precious time and letting you enjoy the breathtaking views from the sky, just like the adventurous pilots of the past.

Why is Samara in Guanacaste so special?

1. Authentic Good Vibes

The answer to this question is multifaceted. First and foremost, Samara remains a genuinely authentic Costa Rican beach village. The local residents live among the small boutique hotels, hostels, and various restaurants and bars. In many touristy spots, the locals have been pushed out, but not here in Samara!

The same for the animals, dogs and horses are walking free as a bird in this lovely small beachtown.

In the heart of the village, there’s a grassy soccer field where local teams play their matches every Saturday, surrounded by fans and families. The same vibe extends to the beaches—if you enjoy beach soccer or volleyball, Samara Beach is perfect for you. The local Tico players will even let you join in, but be warned: they’re very skilled, so you might find yourself outplayed!

You’re truly welcomed here. In Samara, the locals greet you with big smiles and a warm “Pura Vida” instead of a simple hello. The best part? Their friendliness is genuine, and their smiles are truly sincere.

2. Very Safe Beach and Calm Ocean

Samara Beach and its ocean are exceptionally safe, thanks to the half-moon shaped reef that protects the bay. This natural barrier softens the big waves, making the ocean calm and secure for swimming. This is especially important for families with young children. The sea water is clear and clean, and the sandy bottom extends into the water, making it perfect for swimming, playing, and beginner surfing.

Additionally, the reef ensures that you won’t encounter crocodiles or sharks at Samara Beach—though it might be an adventure for some, it’s not something everyone would enjoy! In contrast, crocodiles can occasionally be found at nearby Carrillo Beach, where you’ll be warned by signs. But here in Samara, you can swim with peace of mind.

3. Samara is ideal for surfing lesson

Samara is a true surf mecca for beginners. The beach is lined with various surf schools where you can learn the basics safely and have a blast. With warm, clear waters, easy access, and plenty of space to practice, Samara Beach is ideal for honing your surfing skills.

What’s great about surfing in Samara is how quickly you’ll improve. After just a few days of lessons and practice, you’ll see noticeable progress, giving a real boost to your beach vacation. Not only children enjoy it, as you can see is Pieter himself also very happy with his surf lessons. Book your Surfing Lesson.

For more advanced surfers, there are excellent spots nearby, such as Playa Barigona and Camaronal. These locations, just a 20-minute drive from Samara, offer fantastic waves for those looking for a bit more challenge.

As said before, Samara is not only very suitable for children to surf. On the contrary, we just bumped into this happy older lady, surfing every day if possible, enjoying the Pura Vida life here in Samara.

4. Bumming and playing at the clear water beach

If you’re looking to relax to the fullest, the sunbeds at the various beach clubs are perfect for bumming around. Of course, you can also bring your own towel and lay out on the sandy beach. Enjoy a good book, a delicious lunch, or simply soak in the views. Even during peak season or busy weekends when all the accommodations are fully booked, the beach remains pleasantly empty due to its vast size.

I love taking my morning walk along the beach, hitting my 10,000 steps simply by strolling from Cangrejal to the far end of Samara Beach, heading towards Torito and Carrillo. Most of the time, I’m joined by just a few others.

I see parents playing with their children in the sand and enjoy watching dogs run and chase coconuts in place of balls. During my walk, I also come across people practicing yoga—some following their instinct or routine, others using their mobile devices for guided sessions. In any case, they’re clearly enjoying their yoga exercises on the expansive, empty beach.

5. Yoga, Massage, Detoxing, and Healing at Samara Beach

Samara is an excellent destination for visitors interested in boosting their health through retreats. Not only are there several highly skilled teachers, shamans, and personal coaches in the area, but you’ll also appreciate the top-notch group accommodations specifically designed for this purpose.

Samara offers a variety of yoga studios with classes, some of which take place right on the beautiful beach. Whether you’re seeking private healing sessions, massage, meditation, wholesome and nutritious food to elevate your well-being, group events focused on increasing your frequency, plant medicine ceremonies, or personalized wellness options, you’ll find it all here in Samara.

Situated in one of the world’s five Blue Zones, the entire area feels perfectly suited for these kinds of healing retreats. Pieter, one of your hosts from Airport Samara, has experienced one of these special retreats himself and is more than happy to share his insights with you in one of the following blogs.

6. Explore the ocean and experience Whales spotting

If you love the sea, Samara is the perfect beach destination for you. As you stroll along the beach, you’ll likely be approached by local fishermen inviting you friendly to join them on their private boats.

There are several providers where you can rent a kayak or a SUP, especially enjoyable when the sea is calm. For a more adventurous experience, you can join ocean safaris that offer snorkeling, whale watching, or sea fishing. Some tours even take you to the small island opposite Samara Beach – a true hidden paradise that’s hard to reach without a boat.

Another exciting option is the nightly turtle nesting tours. A guided tour greatly increases your chances of witnessing turtles nesting and hatching along the Costa Rican coast. Your guide will not only lead you to the best spots during turtle season but also share fascinating insights into the turtle life cycle that you might otherwise miss.

The marine “jungle” is as impressive as the lush green jungles of Costa Rica. It’s an incredible experience you won’t want to miss while visiting Samara Beach.

I have seen the “arribada” of the thousands of turtles going to the beaches out of the ocean from the sky in a gyrocopter. This is also a very spectacular excursion you can do from Airport Samara. I also saw some whales just below me swimming in the ocean. Such an incredible experience. Go Whale Watching yourself.

7. Open Restaurants and Bars with Your Feet in the Sand

Samara is a fantastic spot for those who want to enjoy a great mix of delicious food and local specialties. If you’re searching for modern, luxury, air-conditioned restaurants or American fast food, you might not find many here. However, if you’re interested in exploring a variety of dining options, you can enjoy a different experience every day.

On the beaches, you can savor amazing lunches, followed by relaxing happy hours with cocktails, and end the day with a delightful dinner while watching the sunset—sometimes even with your feet in the white sands. Samara boasts brilliant Italian restaurants like Gusto Beach, local Tico spots like El Sheriff, and a top-notch steakhouse El Legarto. Next to the sports fields on the beach, you’ll find the local beach club Las Olas, where the menu ranges from sushi and finger foods to delicious fish and meat dishes.

Many of the beach clubs also feature live music at night, with open mic nights and karaoke options. While you can enjoy some lively entertainment, it’s always wrapped up in a timely manner, ensuring that you can still enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep. One of the favorites among Americans is Limey’s, known for its affordable and tasty food and live music almost every night during the high season.

In town, you’ll discover a fantastic falafel place, local sodas in Cangrejal, named La Perla and Yorleny, a food market with various restaurants, and my favorite sushi spot Samara Sushi near the beach. The hotels also serve excellent food, so there’s truly no shortage of dining options.

8. Cozy, Informal, and Bohemian Atmosphere in Town

Samara isn’t the place where people come to “be seen.” Instead, it’s a laid-back, bohemian beach town where many foreigners have chosen to settle down. As a result, it feels more authentic and less touristy. The streets are bustling with locals and, on weekends, Costa Rican tourists enjoying the vibe.

Also, the small boutique shops are not selling the famous designer brands, but charming bohemian jewelry, sun classes and clothes. Sometimes combined with a good cup of coffee, fresh juices or smoothies.

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Talking about fresh juices, on several places on the street you will find local families selling the fresh orange juices on a small table for a small price. This is also part of the special atmosphere in this town which makes Samara very informal and friendly.

The Saturday Market in Samara town is very typical for this atmosphere. You will really enjoy it. We visit the market every week to buy our weekly fresh fruits, vegetables and to enjoy the life music and nice Tico meals which can be consumed here as well. The locals and expats bring their small children and have them play on the small playground. It is a very cozy and relaxing atmosphere. Shopping with live music; we can really recommend a visit to this market, especially when you stay in an apartment with your own kitchen to prepare meals.

9. How to Get Around in Samara?

Once you’ve flown in on a small plane to Samara, getting around is a breeze without needing a car. The town is compact and walkable, making it easy to reach the beach, supermarkets, bars, and restaurants on foot. However, if you want to explore beyond Samara, renting a vehicle is a great option. You can easily rent a car at the local office of Alamo Car Rental in Samara Beach. Or you can choose to rent a buggy at Blazzing Buggys, golf cart at Golf carts Samara, 4×4, bike, or even a bike or scooter in town.

Keep in mind that the streets are not paved everywhere. For those using wheelchairs, Samara might not be the most accessible option, especially during the rainy season when streets can turn into small rivers. That said, the locals are incredibly friendly and always willing to help out.

Even though Samara can get busy with cars, motorcycles, and trucks during rush hours, you’ll rarely hear honking. It’s just another example of how the people here are genuinely friendly and laid-back.

10. What is the weather in Costa Rica January until December?

What is the best time to visit Samara thinking of the weather?

Personally, I love spending my beach vacations under plenty of sunshine with minimal rain. If you’re like me, the best time to visit Samara is during Costa Rica’s “dry season,” which runs from late November to April. The period just before Christmas is particularly ideal, as the landscape is still lush and green from the rainy season that ends in November. After Christmas, Samara Beach sees more visitors, making it a bit busier in the following months and also a bit more expensive to stay here in holiday accommodations.

The European summer months of July and August are also a good time to visit. Mornings usually start sunny, though you might experience some afternoon rain showers.

However, if you’re interested in activities like healing, meditation, or retreats, the rainy season might not be a problem for you. September and October bring more rain and occasional full days of showers, but this can actually enhance the serene atmosphere you’re seeking. Pieter, for example, prefers the rainy season because the temperatures are more comfortable—less hot than in the dry season, with refreshing coolness from the brief showers.

11. What Fun Activities Can You Expect at Samara in Guanacaste?

Beyond just relaxing before or after your Costa Rica adventure, Samara offers plenty of exciting activities to keep you entertained. Here are some suggestions to help you decide if Samara is the perfect fit for your vacation.

About 14 miles (22 kilometers) from Samara, you’ll find the Belen Waterfall, which is relatively easy to reach. This is a great family activity that combines a bit of hiking, soaking your feet in the warm spring waters, picnicking, and admiring the stunning natural scenery. It’s also an affordable excursion with just a small entrance fee. Be sure to bring your own drinks and snacks, as there are no restaurants or public facilities available.

Please note that there’s no official safety supervision, so take care if you plan to swim. The waterfall isn’t really meant for swimming, as the currents can be strong, and depending on the water level, it might be risky for young children. However, during the dry season, it’s a perfect spot for a day immersed in nature. If you’re seeking a special meditation spot or a natural massage under the falls as a romantic getaway, this could be the ideal excursion for you.

12. Hire an ATV and Embark on a Guided Mountain and Beach Tour

If you’re up for some adventure, renting an ATV for a guided tour through the mountains and beaches around Samara is a must! One of the breathtaking stops on this tour is Barrigona Beach, which holds a special place in our hearts. This stunning, white sandy beach is famous for its spectacular sunsets. Around 5 PM, people gather from all directions to watch the sun dip into the ocean—a truly magical experience.

We once had the pleasure of joining a group BBQ on Barrigona Beach, and it was an unforgettable experience. You’ll need to carry all your food and drinks to the beach, but trust us, it’s worth it. The ocean here is wilder than at Samara Beach, so be cautious of the currents and waves. Still, if you pack a cooler and a blanket, you’ll have the perfect beach spot for the day. Kids will love playing in the pristine white sand, chasing tiny hermit crabs, and searching for little seashells. Just keep in mind that the ocean here isn’t as safe for small children to swim in as it is at Samara Beach. However, for a romantic couple, Barrigona beach is one of the most enchanting beaches you’ll find.

As you take a ATV tour, you’ll not only enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery but also get a chance to experience the vibrant jungle life, teeming with wildlife. These adventurous quads are easy to drive after a brief lesson. The mountains are steep, and the roads are rugged, making this tour perfect for young adults looking for a bit of excitement. Your guide will help you navigate the best routes and is an expert at spotting wildlife in the jungle.

When you take a tour by ATV you will enjoy the nature of the mountains, the jungle lives with plenty of animals to admire. These adventurous quads are easy to drive once you have had a small lesson on forehand.

The mountains are quite stiff, and the roads are very bad, so this makes it very suitable for young adults who like to have a little of excitement on the way. The guide will help you find the best ways and is also specialized to spot the wildlife in the jungle.

11. Horseback Riding: A Perfect Blend of Beach and Wildlife

Another fantastic way to explore Samara’s beaches and lush greenery is by horseback riding. Even if you’ve never ridden a horse before, this adventure is sure to be exciting. I went on a beautiful ride with Pieter, starting right from the stunning Airport Samara. We crossed the river and rode through the picturesque landscape, eventually heading toward Barrigona Beach. I loved the first few hours—the peace of the green jungle, sitting high and “safe” on the horse, no need for rubber boots to trek through the underbrush. 😊

Pieter, like the rest of our group, is an experienced rider, so I was just unlucky to fall off my horse right at the crowded entrance to the beach. But I got right back on and finished the ride safely, adding a new story to my Costa Rican adventure. There’s never a dull moment here!

Keep in mind, falling off a horse is rare—it was just a bit of bad luck. Horseback riding tours are very popular and suitable for the whole family, unless you’re pregnant. This is a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Samara, combining the thrill of riding with the serenity of the surroundings. Experience Samara on Horseback yourself.

12. Where to stay in Samara Beach

That is the last important question to answer before booking your beach holiday in Samara. If you feel like going to stay in this small, best kept secret beach town, you will need to know what kind of accommodation you can choose off. Actually, all types of accommodation can be booked here. You will find several stylish boutique hotels in Samara itself, some small and some bigger.

We have sorted out the possible nicest places to stay in Samara in 12 categories. Whether you are looking for a Beachfront hotel, a Oceanview hotel, Adults-only or rather a nice family villa, it’s all sorted out for you already. Make it  easy for you and find all your options here.

CLICK HERE FOR THE 12 CATEGORIES OF NICEST PLACES TO STAY AT SAMARA BEACH

If you cannot find it here? How about an overnight in a lovely Italian hotel on the beach, La Dolce Vita.

We ourselves have spent the new year’s eve at this perfect beach hotel.

Two other beautiful options to overnight at the beach are at the nice places we already mentioned at the restaurants and bars on the beach:  Las Olas and Locanda. Check for Locanda the prices on Booking.com or on Tripadvisor 

Hotel Belvedere, we have stayed her one night and it was lovely. Check prices on Booking.com or on Tripadvisor. We also stayed one night in this perfectly located Hotel Giada in the middle of the beach village. Check prices on Booking.com or on Tripadvisor.

At the beachfront hotel Bahia hotel Bar & restaurant we usually like to go for the happy hour on the beach. Check prices on Booking.com or on Tripadvisor.

As Airbnb we can recommend Las Casitas Tropicales and the lovely Airbnb of Mike & Christa’s more outside the village. We have both stayed there personally.

All accommodations are low buildings and built in the typical Costa Rica Style. If you prefer the big buildings with modern looks, then you won’t find it in Samara.

Hopefully you have now a very good impression of this lovely beach destination? As you can read, Pieter and I are very enthusiastic about it. If you feel the same, please let us know and book your best deal via our site.