Description:

Samara is a cozy, little beach village, perfect to soak up beach life and sun in an unhurried atmosphere. It is located on the shore of an idyllic pale sand beach, fringed by coconut palms.

The shallow waters of the large half moon bay are protected by a coral reef which makes swimming a delight. Low tide produces a vast swathe of sand, providing playground for all kinds of beach games.

Unlike other travel destinations in Costa Rica most businesses and hotels in Samara are run by Ticos. It's a traditional weekend and holiday retreat for Costa Ricans and seems especially popular with travelers from Europe.

Samara's main drag leads directly down to the beach which is shaded by lines of swaying palm trees. What better way to spend the day than dozing lazily in a hammock whilst being soothed by the ocean breeze.

Bars and restaurants featuring sand floors and fancy beach decorations invite for lounging and dining while watching the beach scenery. At night there is a choice of cocktail bars, or if you are still not tired you can dance the rest of the night in the funky discotheque of Samara, located right on the beach.

A 2 km walk south along the beach brings you to the fishing community of Matapalo. Matapalo means strangler fig in English and indeed there is an immense old strangler fig rooting in the sand. The beach is littered with broken corals as the sea bottom of the southern part of the bay is made up of corals. The shallow waters are ideal for snorkeling.

The submarine adventure is even more thrilling if you go diving or snorkeling at the offshore coral reef. It is one of the few ones found on the Costa Rican Pacific. Schools or yellow jacks, sardines and manta rays abound.

Next to the reef is Chora Island which is home to colonies of maritime birds. With an ocean kayak you can paddle to the island and be alone on a gorgeous pink sand beach.

The chest-deep water and easygoing surf in the bay is perfect for beginners learning to surf. More challenging waves for the pros are found 12 km south of Samara, on Playa Camaronal.

Other water sports offered in Samara include windsurfing, sport fishing, or kayaking along the coast or into the river estuary of the Rio Ora.

For activities on land you can ride on horseback to the Tobacco waterfalls with its three cataracts and natural swimming pools. Or go on a Canopy Tour in Santo Domingo, three km inland.

Getting to Samara:

Samara can be reached quite comfortably on the paved road from Nicoya. Daily direct busses connect to San José and there are flights to San José from the small airstrip of Carrillo, 8 km south of Samara.