Playa Samara Guanacaste
A charming horseshoe bay on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, offering calm waters for swimming, beginner surf, and a relaxed local vibe.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant local market
Playa Samara Guanacaste
Best Time
Vibrant local market
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming horseshoe bay on Costa Rica's Pacific coast, offering calm waters for swimming, beginner surf, and a relaxed local vibe.
"Samara Beach, Costa Rica. A haven for the lost, lovers, and everything in between."
Support Local Businesses
Shop at local markets for authentic goods & food; avoid overpaying at foreign-owned businesses. :shopping_bags:
Check the Tides
Walk the full beach length at medium to low tide. High tide means getting wet! :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Samara Beach
Pacific Coast, Guanacaste
A horseshoe-shaped bay with calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and beginner surfing.
Local Markets
Saturday Market
Discover delicious homemade yogurt, jams, empanadas, and unique crafts from local vendors.
Surf Lessons
Various surf schools along the beach
Gentle waves make it ideal for beginners to learn to surf with experienced instructors.
Sunset Views
Beachfront restaurants and bars
Enjoy breathtaking sunsets over the Pacific Ocean with a refreshing drink in hand.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Local Vibe
Tide Awareness is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Support Local Businesses
Shop at local markets for authentic goods & food; avoid overpaying at foreign-owned businesses. :shopping_bags:
Check the Tides
Walk the full beach length at medium to low tide. High tide means getting wet! :ocean:
Beginner Surf Spot
Samara's gentle waves are perfect for learning to surf. Many schools offer lessons. :surfer:
Starry Nights
On clear nights, the stargazing is beautiful, even during the rainy season. :star2:
Tips
from all over the internet
Support Local Businesses
Shop at local markets for authentic goods & food; avoid overpaying at foreign-owned businesses. :shopping_bags:
Check the Tides
Walk the full beach length at medium to low tide. High tide means getting wet! :ocean:
Beginner Surf Spot
Samara's gentle waves are perfect for learning to surf. Many schools offer lessons. :surfer:
Starry Nights
On clear nights, the stargazing is beautiful, even during the rainy season. :star2:
Freshwater Showers
Find freshwater showers near the police station for a quick rinse after the beach. :shower:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Playa Samara is cherished for its beautiful, calm beach and relaxed, local atmosphere, offering a genuine taste of 'Pura Vida'. Visitors appreciate the beginner-friendly surf, delicious food variety, and stunning sunsets. However, some find it can be expensive due to its popularity with international visitors, and the town's small size might lead to repetitive days for some.
"Will always have a love for this town. Lived there for 4 months and it was a beautiful experience. Definitely don’t enjoy how expensive it is because of all the gringos. I encourage you to shop from the local markets please instead of the foreign businesses. Beautiful views of the stars at night (when the clouds aren’t in the way). I love the sunshine that’s still radiant even while it’s raining. Pretty great food with good varieties. If you’re visiting definitely try: mar y fuego, ahora si, burger window (best smash burgers I’ve ever had), carrera 18, roots bakery, vino sin vergüenza, kiwi, tika frutika, and corner shot! My favorite part is the market every Saturday! Ugh the best yogurt I’ve ever had with every flavor fruit! And the home made jams. With the best empanadas in town! Always looked forward to seeing all the jewelry vendors. Also, the homemade gelato van down the block if you ever catch it open. Absolutely love the yellow boutique next to limeys with hand sown clothes. Really really small town, days feel repetitive since there’s not much land to explore here but the environment is calm and lovely with nice locals. Not sure if I’d come back again tho, there’s much more of Costa Rica to explore."
Raquel Santana
"Very nice sand beach, great waves for surfing during right tides. Enough spots for drinks and food."
Mark Langens
"Lovely beach. Lots of families and kids learning to surf. Safe waves. If you want to walk the length of the beach check that the tide is medium to low, otherwise prepare to get wet. I mean, it is the beach though."
Marc Wilhelm
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Playa Samara from San Jose by bus or by car. Buses typically take around 4-5 hours. Driving offers more flexibility and takes about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic. Many travelers fly into Liberia International Airport (LIR) which is closer to Guanacaste than San Jose (SJO).
Playa Samara is a small, walkable town. You can easily explore most of it on foot. For excursions to nearby beaches like Playa Barrigona or Carrillo, renting a car or hiring a taxi might be necessary, though some roads can be in poor condition.
The most common way to travel between Samara and Tamarindo is by bus or shuttle. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Taxis are also an option but will be more expensive.
While there are flights to Guanacaste Airport (LIR), direct flights from some locations might not be available, requiring a layover. Some visitors opt to fly into San Jose (SJO) and then arrange transport.
The main roads leading to Playa Samara are generally paved and in good condition. However, roads to more secluded nearby beaches like Playa Barrigona can be rough and may require a 4x4 vehicle.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Playa Samara is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand and surf for free.
Playa Samara is accessible 24/7 as it's a public beach. However, most shops and restaurants operate during daylight hours and into the evening.
For general beach access, no booking is required. If you plan to stay at a hotel like Hotel Villas Playa Samara or dine at specific popular restaurants, advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak season.
Generally, there are no major restrictions. However, it's always good practice to respect the local environment, avoid littering, and be mindful of wildlife.
Keep an eye on local social media pages and community boards in Samara for information on events. The Saturday market is a regular highlight.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, learn to surf, paddleboard, kayak, and take long walks along the shore. Nearby, you can also find opportunities for horseback riding and exploring other beaches.
Yes, Playa Samara is known for its calm, clear waters due to its horseshoe shape, making it excellent for swimming and safe for families.
Absolutely! Several vendors along the beach offer rentals for surfboards, paddleboards, and kayaks. You can also book lessons here.
Mornings offer calmer waters and fewer crowds. Afternoons are great for swimming and water sports. Evenings provide stunning sunset views.
Yes, there are freshwater showers located near the police station, which are very convenient after a day at the beach.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Samara offers a variety of dining options. Highly recommended spots include Mar y Fuego, Ahora Si, Burger Window for smash burgers, and Roots Bakery. Malibu Restaurant is praised for its ceviche, and The Curry Shack offers great vindaloo.
Yes, you can find affordable and delicious food. Look for local sodas (small eateries) and food stalls, especially at the Saturday market. Beachfront spots also offer good value options.
Don't miss trying fresh ceviche, gallo pinto (rice and beans), and local seafood. The Saturday market is a great place to sample empanadas and homemade treats.
Many restaurants are becoming more accommodating. Look for places that offer fresh salads, vegetable stir-fries, or can adapt dishes. Tika Frutika is known for smoothies and healthy options.
Yes, Samara has several cafes offering good coffee. Roots Bakery and other local spots are great places to enjoy a morning cup.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire beach offers beautiful scenery, especially during sunrise and sunset. The calm bay, palm trees lining the shore, and the vibrant local life provide endless photo opportunities.
Drone photography is generally permitted, but always be mindful of local regulations and privacy. Capturing aerial shots of the horseshoe bay and coastline can be stunning.
The 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for beach photography.
Look for opportunities to photograph local surfers, colorful fishing boats, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Saturday market. The unique horseshoe shape of the bay is also a great subject.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is ideal for capturing both landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is great for beach panoramas, and a waterproof camera or phone case is useful for water activities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The town itself is small and walkable, with plenty of casual dining options and ice cream shops to keep everyone happy. Don't miss the Saturday market for a taste of local treats and crafts.🏄♀️ Surfers and Water Sports Enthusiasts
Numerous surf schools are available right on the beach, offering rentals and lessons for all levels.🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Nearby Beaches
The Samara Vibe: Relaxed and Welcoming
Unlike some of the more bustling beach towns further north, Samara retains a strong local feel, making it easy to connect with the community and enjoy a more authentic Costa Rican experience. This relaxed vibe is perfect for those looking to unwind and soak in the natural beauty without the overwhelming tourist crowds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit