Sámara in Costa Rica

Dreaming of ending your adventure in Costa Rica with golden sandy beaches, swaying palm trees, and a laid-back atmosphere?

Then Sámara is the place for you!

Here, beautiful beaches, warm smiles, and unforgettable experiences await, completing your travel adventure.

Sámara – an authentic coastal town with local charm

The quaint coastal town of Sámara is located on the west coast of the Nicoya Peninsula overlooking the Pacific Ocean and is a charming gem in Costa Rica. The town is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly locals, and beautiful palm-fringed sandy beach, Playa Sámara.

In Sámara, you will undoubtedly experience the Costa Ricans’ famous life philosophy, “Pura Vida”, which means pure or simple life.

Here, you won’t find high-rise buildings or large resorts – just small, cozy hotels and a main street that exudes a bohemian atmosphere with its charming shops and local restaurants and bars, giving the town its unique character. Sámara is surrounded by lush nature and the sound of the sea, but it’s the life in the small streets that truly gives the town its charm.

At the same time, Sámara is a favourite destination for a relaxing beach holiday. At the main beach, the water is relatively calm and shallow, making it very child and family friendly.

Sámara thus provides the perfect setting for a beach holiday in true Pura Vida style.

Experiences in Sámara

Sámara offers experiences for every taste, whether you’re into water sports, wildlife and nature, relaxation, or charming town life.

Here, we’ve gathered some of the most popular experiences in the area.

Beaches

Sámara is particularly known for its long, wide main beach – Playa Sámara.

The water here is crystal clear, and the waves aren’t too high, making it an ideal spot for swimming, snorkelling, and water sports such as kayaking.

The beach is surrounded by the lush, green nature that characterizes Costa Rica, creating a truly unique atmosphere.

In addition to the main beach, Playa Sámara, there are also several fantastic beaches nearby.

Playa Carrillo is a short drive away and is known for its peaceful atmosphere, long stretches of sand, and beautiful sunsets. Here, you’ll also find no towering buildings, just palm trees and the tranquillity of nature.

Nature experiences

If you haven’t gotten enough of exploring the unique nature and fascinating wildlife in Costa Rica’s national parks, you can have even more of those experiences in Sámara.

From the coast, you can, for example, go on a kayak trip to the small island of Isla Chora, where you can snorkel in the clear waters and meet colourful fish. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience Costa Rica’s rich marine life up close.

It’s also possible to go on an exciting boat trip. You might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, sea turtles, rays, and even whales if you travel between December and March or August to October.

Further inland, you can visit the Belen waterfalls – a peaceful area with natural pools where you can take a refreshing dip surrounded by green jungle.

Shops, bars, and restaurants

Sámara not only offers beaches and nature – the small coastal town is also bustling with life, albeit at a relaxed pace.

Along the main street, you’ll discover charming shops offering everything from local crafts to colourful souvenirs. You can relax at a café with a cup of Costa Rican coffee or enjoy freshly caught fish at one of the cosy restaurants.

The town typically winds down around 10:00 PM – perfect for those who appreciate peace and relaxation.

Practical information and frequently asked questions about Sámara

As you contemplate ending your adventure in Sámara, you might have a few questions – here, we answer the most common ones.

Where is Sámara located?

Sámara is situated on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast on the Nicoya Peninsula, in the northwestern part of the country, approximately a 4-5 hour drive from the capital, San José.

When is the best time to visit Sámara?

The best time to visit Sámara is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is sunny, warm, and ideal for beach activities and excursions.

Can you visit Sámara during the rainy season?

Yes, even outside the dry season, there are plenty of fantastic experiences to be had in Sámara. The temperatures remain warm, and the landscapes become lusher and greener with the increased rainfall.

During the rainy season, there are also fewer travellers, which can result in lower prices for tours during this time.

Is it safe to travel to Sámara?

Yes. Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in Latin America for travelling and is known for its friendly locals, and Sámara is no exception.

Moreover, you can reach out to our local partner and travel specialists around the clock should you need assistance.

How can you get around in Sámara?

You can easily get around on foot or by bike in Sámara, as it is a small town with short distances. If you want to venture a bit further from Sámara, there are several buses, for example, heading to Playa Carillo. If you’re on one of our self-drive tours in Costa Rica, you’ll have the flexibility to explore the area at your own pace.

Is Sámara family-friendly?

Yes. Sámara is a very family- and child-friendly area. Playa Sámara itself provides an excellent setting for many hours of play in the sand, while the calm, shallow waters also allow children to have a swim.

Can you snorkel in Sámara?

Yes. Sámara is a fantastic place to snorkel and explore the marine life beneath the sea. For example, you could take a kayak trip to Chora Island, where the coral reef is teeming with life. It’s also possible to snorkel off the coast of Sámara, for instance, at Cangrejal on the northern end of the Sámara Bay.

Can you see wildlife in Sámara?

Yes. Sámara is surrounded by tropical forest, so there are several animals in the area, including monkeys, iguanas, and various bird species. Additionally, whales, dolphins, and sea turtles inhabit the waters off Sámara.

Fancy enjoying life under the palms in Sámara?

Are you ready to experience the pure, simple life on Sámara’s golden sandy beach – with your feet in the sand and a view of the stunning waters? At TourCompass, we will ensure you have an unforgettable Costa Rican beach holiday!

Take a look at our tours to Costa Rica and find the one that suits you best.

Do you need some guidance? Our passionate travel specialists are ready to help you find just the tour that matches your dreams and desires.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller