Sámara

A safe, welcoming beach town with a protected reef-fronted bay perfect for gentle swimming and learning to surf. Its palm-lined sands, friendly village feel and easygoing pace appeal to families and first-timers.

Things to do

• Learn to surf on the bay — Sámara's gentle, reef-protected waves make it one of Costa Rica's best spots for first-time surfers, with several beachfront schools offering lessons.
• Swim at Playa Sámara — The calm, shallow water behind the offshore reef is safe for gentle swimming and floating even with young children.
• Kayak or SUP to Isla Chora — Paddle out to the small island in the bay for snorkeling and a quiet stretch of sand at low tide.
• Walk to Playa Carrillo — Just south of town, this postcard palm-lined beach is calmer and less developed, ideal for a scenic day trip.
• Ultralight flight over the coast — Local operators offer open-air ultralight tours giving aerial views of the bay, reef and surrounding hills.
• Sunset drinks on the sand — Beachfront bars set tables in the sand where you can watch the sun drop over the Pacific with a cold drink.
• Wildlife walk in the estuary and mangroves — Explore the nearby river mouth and mangroves to spot herons, iguanas, monkeys and crabs.
• Snorkeling around the reef — The protective reef fronting the bay shelters fish and marine life easily viewed on a guided snorkel trip.

Food to try

• Casado — The classic Costa Rican plate of rice, beans, plantains, salad and your choice of grilled fish, chicken or beef, served at local sodas.
• Fresh grilled fish (pescado) — Locally caught snapper or mahi-mahi grilled with garlic and lime, best enjoyed at a beachfront restaurant.
• Ceviche — Fresh fish cured in lime juice with cilantro, onion and peppers, a refreshing coastal staple.
• Gallo pinto breakfast — The national breakfast of rice and beans with eggs, tortillas and coffee, offered at village sodas each morning.
• Patacones and guacamole — Twice-fried green plantain rounds served as a crunchy snack with dips, common at bars and sodas.
• Batidos and pipa fría — Fresh tropical fruit smoothies and chilled coconut water sold from stands and beach vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Embrace pura vida pace — Sámara runs on a relaxed rhythm, so expect slower service and greet people warmly rather than rushing.
• Bring cash for small businesses — Many sodas, vendors and small shops prefer colones or cash, so carry some even though cards are widely accepted in tourist spots.
• Respect the ocean and reef — Ask lifeguards or locals about currents, and avoid touching or standing on the coral that protects the bay.
• Walk or bike everywhere — The town is small and flat, so most sights are reachable on foot or by rented bicycle rather than by car.

Nearby

• Nosara — 18 km
• Santa Teresa — 48 km
• Palo Verde National Park — 56 km
• Montezuma — 56 km