Samara Beach – Travel Guide
Samara Beach is a hidden gem celebrated for its pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and rich Costa Rican culture. Often seen as the quieter sibling of Nosara, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path beach town with plenty to offer. Whether you want to unwind by the shore, discover vibrant marine life, or simply bask in the area’s natural beauty, Samara Beach offers a welcoming and authentic retreat for all types of travelers.
All about Samara Beach
Getting Around Samara Beach
By Rental Car
This method offers the most freedom and flexibility to create your own schedule. It is highly recommended to rent a 4×4 vehicle. While main highways may be paved, many roads leading to and around the beaches are dirt, poorly maintained, and can be especially difficult during the rainy season (May through November).
By Taxi
You can use officially licensed taxis, which are red or orange and have an inverted yellow triangle on the doors. To ensure a fair price, the text advises you to ask the driver to use the meter by saying, Puede poner la maria, por favor?
By Bicycle
For local exploration and exercise, renting a bicycle is a good option. Daily rentals cost approximately $10 for a beach cruiser or $20 for a mountain bike.
By Walking
Walking is a great way to explore Samara’s exceptionally compact and flat town center, as all restaurants, shops, and the beach are easily accessible on foot. However, walking is not practical for reaching more distant areas like the popular Playa Carrillo. For these destinations, you will need other transportation, such as a local bus, taxi, or bicycle.
Samara Beach FAQ
How do I get from the airport to a hotel?
Fly into Liberia (LIR), the closest airport, for a 2-2.5 hour drive to Samara. Pre-book a shared shuttle (around $50/person) or a private transfer ($125-$180) for the most efficient transport. Avoid flying into San José (SJO) due to the much longer and more expensive 4-5 hour ground journey.
How do I call/hail a taxi?
Look for official red taxis with a yellow triangle emblem, often found near the central soccer field or arranged by your hotel. Since meters (“la maría”) are rarely used for local trips, always negotiate and agree on the fare with the driver before you start your journey.
Should I rent a car in Samara Beach?
A car is not necessary if you’re staying in Samara, as the town is very walkable with limited parking. Only rent one for extensive day trips, and be prepared for high costs from mandatory insurance and the constant risk of vehicle break-ins.
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More About Samara Beach
Is Samara Beach a walking city?
Samara is an exceptionally walkable town, with its layout being compact and pedestrian-friendly. The beach, restaurants, shops, and most hotels are all concentrated within a small, easily navigable area, making a car unnecessary for getting around town.
Is the Samara Beach area dangerous? Are there any areas I should avoid?
Samara is considered a very safe and tranquil destination, with the main concern being petty theft of unattended items on the beach. Its beach is uniquely safe for swimming due to a protective offshore reef that minimizes the risk of dangerous rip currents.
What are the customs for tipping in Costa Rica? Can I pay/tip in US dollars?
The currency of Costa Rica is the Colon. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for colones upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.
I do not speak Spanish. Will many people speak English in Costa Rica?
No, about 90 percent of Costa Ricans speak Spanish as their first language. English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. We suggest that you get a good English-Spanish dictionary and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.
Do I need a visa to visit Costa Rica?
No, U.S. citizens do not need a visa to enter Costa Rica for stays of less than 90 days. However, they must have a current valid passport and a return ticket to exit Costa Rica (either to return to the U.S. or to go to another country).
Are Vaccinations required to visit Costa Rica? Are there any other precautions I should take?
No, there are currently no vaccination requirements to visit Costa Rica. There is no risk of yellow fever in Costa Rica. The government of Costa Rica requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US.
Zika is a risk in Costa Rica. Because Zika infection in a pregnant woman can cause serious birth defects, women who are pregnant should not travel to Costa Rica. All travelers should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and sexual exposure to Zika virus during and after the trip. For the latest updates visit the CDC page https://www.cdc.gov/ on the internet.
What kind of food is available in Samara Beach?
A typical breakfast is hearty and consists of Gallo Pinto (rice and beans – sometimes served with scrambled eggs). Lunch is solid too, the typical dishes are Casado (rice and beans, served with meat or fish, fried plantains, cheese and corn tortilla), Ceviche (fish marinated and cooked in lime juice, coriander and pepper). There is not a dinner culture in Costa Rica. An afternoon snack consists of bread and coffee.
Can I drink the water in Costa Rica?
No, the water is not drinkable in Costa Rica. We suggest that you carry bottled water with you. Most tourist areas will have bottled water available for purchase.
Top Attractions
Guiones Beach
This beautiful stretch of golden sand remained only known to a select few traveling surfers and yogis.
Carrillo Beach
A tranquil, palm-lined crescent of calm turquoise waters, embodying the picture-perfect Costa Rican beach day for families and sun-seekers.
Buenavista Beach
A pristine, protected sanctuary where untouched nature and seasonal sea turtle nesting offer an authentic eco-escape.
Samara Beach
In the center of this unique beach there is a large old strangler fig tree for which Samara is very well recognized.
Unique Experiences
The Sabanero Sunset Ride
Journey on horseback with a local sabanero (Costa Rican cowboy) through jungle trails and along the expansive shoreline of Sámara Beach. This authentic experience connects you with nature and local equestrian culture in the most magical, golden-hour light.
Wild Macaws Tour in Punta Islita from Playa Samara.
Learn all about the Macaws on Punta Islita on this half day tour from Playa Samara. You’ll visit the Macaw Recover Network which is a conservation area. Visit the Macaw Refuge and Breeding Center and hear about the wonderful research.
What to expect while traveling
