Sámara

Sámara is relaxed and family-friendly, with gentle waves protected by a reef and an island offshore. Unlike its neighbors, it’s reachable on paved roads the whole way, via Nicoya and Route 150.

About Sámara

Sámara is a relaxed beach town on a wide, reef-protected bay on the Nicoya Peninsula. The calm water makes it one of the best beaches in the country for families, swimmers and beginner surfers. It’s also one of the easiest Nicoya beaches to reach: the road from Nicoya is fully paved, and Liberia airport is about 2–2.5 hours away.

Things to do

• Swim and paddle: kayaks and paddleboards to Isla Chora in the bay.
• Surf lessons on the gentle waves in front of town.
• Playa Carrillo: a postcard palm-lined beach about 10 minutes south.
• Horseback rides and dolphin tours, bookable in town.

Where to stay

The village has small hotels and cabinas within walking distance of the beach (roughly US$50–150), and there are more upscale options on the hills around Carrillo.

Practical tips

• The town center is compact, so park once and walk.
• Sámara has supermarkets, a gas station nearby and ATMs, making it a convenient base for exploring Nosara or Carrillo.
• Even on a calm bay, watch for currents near the reef edges and river mouths.

Top things to do in Sámara

• Swimming and learning to surfGentle waves in the bay.
• Playa CarrilloPalm-lined beach 10 minutes south.
• Kayaking to Isla ChoraPaddle across the bay.

Driving, parking & safety notes

• The coastal road north to Nosara has river crossings — not for sedans in rainy season.