Getting to Samara
Samara is located on the Pacific coast of Guanacaste, about 35 km southwest of Nicoya and 245 km from San Jose. The most common route from San Jose is via the Tempisque Bridge and Nicoya — roughly a 4.5 hour drive.
The nearest airport with scheduled domestic flights is Nosara (NOB), about 30 km north of Samara. Liberia International Airport (LIR) is the main international gateway, approximately 2.5 hours away. San Jose (SJO) is also used, especially for international connections.
Shared shuttles and private transfers are available from both Liberia and San Jose. Local buses run from Nicoya to Samara several times a day and are the most affordable option for budget travelers.
Getting around Samara — transportation options
Samara is a small beach town but distances between key spots — the main beach, Carrillo, the jungle trails, and the town center — add up fast on foot. Having your own wheels makes the difference between a limited stay and a full exploration.
Taxis are available in town but limited in number and not always easy to find after dark or on weekends. Bicycles can be rented and work well for flat stretches near the beach. Scooters and ATVs are popular but require more experience on unpaved roads.
The best option for small groups and families is a golf cart. They are street legal, quiet, and large enough for 4 passengers with luggage. You can reach Carrillo, the mirador, the mangroves, and the town center in minutes without worrying about parking.
Beaches — Samara and beyond
Playa Samara is the main beach — a long, calm crescent protected by a reef that keeps the waves gentle. It is one of the safest swimming beaches in Costa Rica and ideal for families with children.
Playa Carrillo, 6 km south, is consistently rated one of the most beautiful beaches in Central America. Lined with palm trees and much quieter than Samara, it is best reached by road — which makes a golf cart the perfect vehicle.
Other beaches worth exploring: Playa Barrigona (private, north of Samara, access by unpaved road), Playa Buena Vista, and the coves near Punta Indio. The reef at Samara also offers decent snorkeling on calm days.
Things to do — tours and activities
Samara offers a wide range of activities for every type of traveler. The bay is perfect for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Snorkeling around the reef, dolphin and whale watching tours, and sport fishing are all popular from the main beach.
Inland, the Ostional Wildlife Refuge — 30 minutes north — is one of the best places in the world to witness mass sea turtle arrivals (olive ridley nesting). Guided night tours run during the nesting season.
For hiking, the trails around Samara connect to viewpoints with panoramic views of the bay. Birding is excellent year-round, with toucans, scarlet macaws, and howler monkeys common throughout the area.
Where to stay in Samara
Samara has accommodation for every budget — from backpacker hostels near the beach to boutique hotels and private vacation rentals. The town center and the beach road have the highest concentration of options.
For families or groups looking for more space and privacy, vacation rentals with full kitchens and private pools are the most popular choice. Properties with jungle views and outdoor living areas are widely available and often better value than hotels of similar quality.
Booking in advance is essential during the dry season (December to April) and during Costa Rican holidays. Prices can increase significantly in peak periods.
Practical tips for visiting Samara
The dry season runs from December to April — sunny skies, low humidity, and calm seas. The green season (May to November) brings afternoon rains, lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Both seasons are worth visiting.
ATMs are available in Samara town center. US dollars are widely accepted. Colones are useful for small local purchases. Most hotels, restaurants, and rental services accept credit cards.
Cell coverage is good in town but can be patchy on some inland trails. Download offline maps before heading out. WhatsApp is the primary communication channel for most local businesses — save the numbers of your rental and tour provider.
