Geekygirlnyc
The little town of Samara, Costa Rica, could be one of the country’s best kept secrets when it comes to vacation and expat destinations. Located on the western shore of the Nicoya Peninsula, Samara Beach is frequented by foreign tourists as well as native Costa Ricans looking for a weekend getaway. In fact, it’s a popular place for many wealthy “Ticos” to own a second home.
Although it has a healthy number of expats and foreign residents, many who own or operate tourism enterprises, Samara maintains a distinctly Costa Rican feel. Its 1500 full-time residents include mainly locals who work as farmers and fishermen.
Due to the quality of its beaches, Samara has long been a priority in the country’s efforts to increase tourism. It also helps that the town is accessible from three of Costa Rica’s four international airports. As a result, it began receiving government funding for infrastructure improvements long before popular favorites like Nosara and Guiones.
So, while, the last leg of the trip into Samara traverses some narrow, winding mountain roads, they are reasonably drivable. And they also offer some amazing views of the lush hillsides that abound in the region.
Samara, Costa Rica, has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Geekygirlnyc
What awaits you when you reach Samara is really only one small road that runs perpendicular to the coast and dead ends at the edge of the pristine white sand beach. Along the road are a few handfuls of hotels, restaurants, and other businesses. Along the beach are a few more hotels and authentic feet-in-the-sand beach lounges and cafes.
There is a variety of lodging options ranging from inexpensive hostels (dorm-style or private rooms) to mid-range hotels, and they’re all small. There are no multi-story hotel complexes or all-inclusive resorts, so if that’s what you’re after you’ll want to go someplace else.
Restaurants serve all manner of cuisines such as Mexican, Spanish, and Thai. There are also plenty of options for special diets, with some restaurants specializing in vegetarian, vegan, and all-organic dishes.
Also present in the small village are banks, car rentals, supermarkets, and plenty of tour companies. And it’s all within walking distance, so you won’t need a car to get around town while you’re there.
Samara’s beach is award-winning.
Geekygirlnyc
Let’s be up front here. Samara is not actually the best beach in Central America. It’s the second best. Or so it was named in TripAdvisor’s most recent Travelers’ Choice poll. And it is breathtaking.
Samara is situated on a wide bay that’s shaped like a horseshoe. Out to sea lies a living coral reef, so the surf in Samara is gentle enough for relaxation but strong enough for some comfortable surfing. The water is also shallow, offering plenty of room for exploring. It’s populated with swimmers and surfers, and it’s great for kids.
The beach is wide, with white sand and an abundance of shady palms, and it stretches for over 3 miles. Because of the town’s size compared with its large expanse of sand, the beach always feels fairly empty.
The coast is dotted with cliffs and covered in tropical plant life. So, not only is the view to sea a spectacular one, but you’ll also love the view looking back towards the shore. The buildings are all small and blend effortlessly into the lush jungle, instead of standing out in stark contrast like a string of high-rise condos.
Samara Beach is also one of the cleanest in Costa Rica. It’s been awarded the ecological Blue Flag, which is bestowed on beaches that have taken measures to improve the safety and sanitary conditions of its water.
Samara offers endless opportunities for adventure.
In terms of land and sea adventure and exploration, Samara, Costa Rica, offers all the usual suspects. The shallow water makes for some great snorkeling, particularly in Cangrejal at the northern end of the bay where the reef comes all the way up to the beach. You can see starfish, manta rays, and a variety of colorful marine life.
At the opposite end of the reef is the island of Isla Chora, with its pink sand beaches, which is home to a wildlife reserve full of an assortment of maritime birds. You can reach the island by sea kayak, another popular activity in Samara. You can also take a kayak tour of the mangrove forests at the river estuaries of the Rio Buenavista or Rio Ora.
You can also try one of Samara’s most popular new sports, SUP. That’s short for Stand Up Paddle, and it’s exactly what it sounds like. You stand up on a large board, like a surfboard, and paddle! The conditions in Samara’s waters are very conducive to this activity.
Samara is also a great place for beginning surfers, and there are a number of professionals who offer lessons. Its waves are still high enough to entertain those with more experience, but if you need more of a challenge there are some bigger waves at Playa Camaronal, which lies a short distance south of town.
Costa Rica has some of the world’s best sport fishing, and the nearby port of Carrillo offers professional tours. In the area you can catch tuna, sailfish, marlin, and mahi mahi to name a few. There are also companies that offer boat tours where you can see dolphins and sea turtles and enjoy some great views of Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.
Samara also offers a number of activities for the land lover. You can ride horseback on the beach or to the Tobacco waterfalls. There are also canopy tours in Santo Domingo, which is just inland from Samara. You can also rent a bike or scooter and venture to some of the nearby beaches, like picturesque Carrillo.
If you’re looking for animals, there are plenty to see in and around Samara. However it’s difficult to find them in the wild. Nearby Carrillo also has an animal rescue center and gardens called La Selva. There they offer guided tours where you can see sloths, wildcats, cocodrilos, exotic birds, and more. The area also has a number of species of exotic plants, and there are a number of nature trails for hiking. There are also a few ancient Indian sites nearby.
For a little bit of culture, you can visit Samara’s lone art gallery, which has its own resident artist. There are also places where you can take Spanish, guitar, or dancing lessons. If you want to get in some exercise during your stay, you can sign up for aerobics or yoga. Samara can also accommodate you if you’re looking for a gym, spa, or even tennis courts.
You’ll come for the beach, but you’ll fall in love with the vibe.
Aan ‘Allein
Although it offers all the activities and amenities you’d expect to find in a tourist destination, the atmosphere in Samara, Costa Rica, is refreshingly different. There are a lot of laid-back beach towns in Latin America, but something just feels different about this one. Samara has developed a lot in recent years, but not so much that everyone there has forgotten what it was like before paved roads and reliable electricity.
Not to mention, it’s a working fishing village, and it’s bordered by farms. Not many beaches can boast of cowboys and cattle drives, but this one can. Combine that with fishing boats returning each evening with their catches, exotic fruit harvests, reforestation projects, and many other activities vital to Samara’s sustenance. This town has a lot going on! And it isn’t all about the tourism. It’s a much more authentic feel.
Add to that the fact that there are no chain hotels or restaurants. No thumping disco clubs. None of the gimmicks you find in a lot of beach towns.
Even the expats and tourists who come to Samara seem different. It’s not the same ancient hippie, retiree crowd. The folks coming to Samara are generally younger couples who are looking to avoid all of that.
And so far they’ve been successful. As of the moment, Samara, Costa Rica has not been plagued with all of the overcrowding, over-partying, and over-commercializing that many beach towns of its caliber have seen. We’re not sure why, but we hope it’s because the town has done a good job of attracting the right kind of tourists and residents, those who want to enjoy it for what it is.
It’s also possible that not enough word has gotten out about Samara to attract the number of people that some of its neighbors are drawing in. However, if the accolades continue to roll in, that’s sure to change. So, it’s possible that Samara could be looking at an approaching boom.
Either way, we suggest you check out this gem sooner rather than later. Just please don’t tell too many people about it.
Map of Samara Costa Rica
Samara, Costa Rica Fast Facts
- Population: About 3,800
- Typical temperature: An average temperature of 85 degrees
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Liberia International Airport
- Nearest U.S. consulate: San Jose
Costa Rica has long been famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. This gorgeous shoreline with great surfing and incredible wildlife has lured expats for decades. Today many beach towns in Costa Rica are well established for those looking to relocate to towns with some of the same comforts of home in a tight-knit community with plenty of nature.
Playa Samara
Daniel Stenberg
Many cite Playa Samara, on the North Pacific Coast on the Nicoya Peninsula, as their favorite beach town in the entire country. The relaxed fishing village has a strong community feel for locals and tourists alike. The town has many local authentic “sodas (Costa Rican cafes) as well as expat-run sushi bars and Italian restaurants. The horseshoe bay is a great gathering place where fishermen wade into the water then run out with their fresh catch. Groups of people crowd around to admire what they pull out and some purchase it for their lunch or dinner. At more populated spots on the beach locals, expats, and tourists play games of volleyball or take kayaks and stand up paddleboards out into the ocean.
The many nearby beaches are great for hiking and exploration including Playa Carillo known for its crocodile sightings, Playa Buena Vista, and Playa Barrigona where Mel Gibson owns a home. All beaches can be accessed by long walks on the shore around rocky points or on back roads on a bicycle. Slightly further inland are farms with domesticated animals like sheep and cattle which gives the area an authentically Nicoyan cowboy feel.
Playa Guiones
Chris Goldberg
National Geographic named Playa Guiones one of the top surf towns in the entire world and we can see why. Beginners, intermediates, and experts can all enjoy the clean waves here that can be surfed all day long. Nearby beaches also offer a variety of breaks for those looking to really challenge themselves. Surf schools are everywhere as well as surf camps for kids.
In addition to having some of the most versatile and consistent surf in all of Costa Rica, it also has a well established expat scene. One of the first yoga studios in Costa Rica is in Playa Guiones, the Nosara Yoga Institute, which has led to the opening of many yoga studios and retreat centers. There is also pilates, kickboxing, massage, horseback riding, stand up paddleboarding, and many more physical activities. It is a great place for families as there are tons of activities for kids as well. Surf camps, horseback riding clubs, ballet, and gymnastics are just a few. There are also two reputable international schools that ensure quality education for children of all ages.
The dedication to health also makes Playa Guiones a great place for health-conscious individuals and families. The town boasts an organic grocery store, farmers market, and a few organic healthy cafes.
Playa Cocles
Magalie L’Abbé
Playa Cocles on the South Caribbean coast hosts stunning beaches, tons of wilderness, and tons of local and international culture. This neighborhood is most famous for its barreling waves at Beach Break and close proximity to Puerto Viejo just a couple of miles away, but it’s quickly becoming a yoga and health hotspot as well. The neighborhood houses locals and expats from North America, Canada, Europe, Australia, and South America giving it great international appeal in a very undeveloped town. The community here is infectious with a weekly farmer’s market, community garden project, community dinners, and events at Om Yoga.
About a century ago Caribbean islanders came to this part of Costa Rica, which lends a fascinating local culture to the area. Traditional Costa Rican rice and beans are steamed in coconut milk, reggae plays in the streets, and coconut curry with lobster is sold from big pots on the beach. Many families are multicultural with European, Jamaican, and Latin roots and locals often speak English, Jamaican Patois, and Spanish.
Unlike many Pacific Coast beaches, the water in Playa Cocles and nearby beaches, many named some of the most beautiful in the world like Manzanillo and Punta Uva, is turquoise and warm. Beach break can fill up on the weekends and for surf competitions, but a short walk away and you will find yourself in completely undeveloped deserted wilderness beaches.
Montezuma
Drivebysh00ter
Though it has become a popular tourist destination, Montezuma manages to maintain the laid-back hippie roots that made it popular in the first place. Health and environmentally conscious expats comprise most of the transplants in Montezuma and this is clear by the businesses that thrive here. Several yoga studios sit in town and on the beach and it’s even possible to take free community yoga classes several times a week.
The landscape in Montezuma is quite unique to many beach towns in Costa Rica with beautiful rocky cliffs to climb to secluded beaches, natural tide pools, and great surfing for beginners. There are also two waterfalls within walking distance of town.
Manuel Antonio
Zhu
Manuel Antonio is arguably one of the most popular destinations in all of Costa Rica. The beaches and national park are stunning, outdoor activities like snorkeling, parasailing, fishing, and whale watching make it a desirable vacation destination. However, it’s also a great place for expats to live.
The popularity of the area makes it a solid place for investing in tourism. Hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants receive relatively consistent business year-round unlike many other beach towns in the country that tend to clear out in the low season. There are many local hotspots where it’s possible to meet expats like Emilio’s cafe and Agua Azul overlooking the ocean.
Because of the tourism industry nearly everyone in the area speaks English and most restaurants cater to North Americans. This can make for a much easier transition for those with hesitations about moving abroad.
These beach towns offer some of the most accessible expat communities in the country and are a great place to consider if you have dreams of relocating to Costa Rica.
With hundreds of miles of pristine beach, Costa Rica is home to some of the most incredible beaches in the world. Here is our list of the best beaches in Costa Rica, which are not only some of the most beautiful, but also those with adventurous activities, wildlife, and often complete solitude.
Playa Cocles
Sean
The jungle beach town of Playa Cocles in the South Caribbean is easily one of the best places to live or visit in all of Costa Rica. The stunning jungle-backed beaches stretch for miles with barreling waves for surfers, incredible wildlife for nature lovers, and deserted patches for those seeking relaxation.
The neighborhood hosts a world class yoga studio, several spas, a Costa Rican chocolate café, and an incredible variety of international restaurants. The Caribbean flavor from nearby Puerto Viejo, a short two miles away, trickles in and it’s not uncommon to hear Reggae or eat coconut curry stew on the road.
Cocles will definitely rank as one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for those desiring true jungle immersion with a strong expat community focused on healthy living and those brave enough to surf the epic waves.
Manuel Antonio
Xiao Zhuli
Manuel Antonio may be the most popular beach in all of Costa Rica. It certainly has a reputation for being an American tourist destination, and the many expensive Americanized restaurants reflect that.
However the beautiful beaches in the national park are some of the most stunning in the country and teeming with wildlife. Spotting iguanas, coati, sloths, and all four species of monkeys is likely inside the park and often on the beach. During migration season you can see whales and dolphins offshore. Other outdoor adventures like parasailing, ziplining, and horseback riding are also available.
If you can’t stand the crowds, come during the very beginning or end of the dry season to enjoy sunny days and beautiful sunsets on relatively empty beaches.
Playa Samara
Daniel Stanberg
Playa Samara is one of the most beloved beaches in all of Costa Rica. Laid-back hotels and restaurants line the horseshoe bay, yet the shore remains empty, offering solitude and relaxation. The relatively flat sea is perfect for kayaking, fishing, paddleboarding, or learning to surf. Nearby wilderness beaches are perfect for exploration.
The town has an expat presence with sushi bars, Italian restaurants, and Canadian-owned hostels, but maintains its small town authenticity. Fishermen are everywhere selling their fresh catch on the shore. Delicious sodas (Costa Rican cafes) pile plates high with rice and beans and seared seasoned carne.
It is a great place for families, expats looking to invest in a business, vacationers, and backpackers.
Playa Guiones
Chris Gold
If you enjoy surfing and yoga, expect to arrive in Playa Guiones and never leave. The town, which is in the Nosara region of the Nicoya Peninsula, sits on a white sand horseshoe bay with excellent waves for beginner, intermediate, and advanced surfers. The many surf schools and board rentals make learning and practicing very accessible.
The Nosara Yoga Institute in Playa Guiones put Costa Rica on the yogi map and now several studios and yoga retreat centers reside in Playa Guiones and nearby beaches.
Beyond yoga and surf, there is plenty to do in Playa Guiones. The town has lovely cafes and restaurants and the expansive beach makes for great walks. Every evening at sunset the town gathers on the shore to watch the epic sunsets.
Nearby Playa Rosada and Punta Pelada are also beautiful and can be walked to from Playa Guiones.
Manzanillo
Diana
The intimate beach coves hidden in the wildlife refuge of Manzanillo are some of the most beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, if not the world. Turquoise water crashes on the golden sand, dramatic cliffs offer stunning views, and the lush jungle filled with animals spans for miles. Take a nature hike, snorkel the reef, or simply relax.
For added adventure, take a tour through the jungle spotting howler monkeys and sloths, hike to the viewpoint for amazing views of the crashing waves and nearby beach coves, then climb into the coral caves where bats seek refuge.
The town is a small distinctly Caribbean fishing village with a few local Caribbean restaurants and cabinas. Popular Puerto Viejo Limon and the many beach towns near it offer options for other restaurants and lodging and are a bike or short bus ride away.
Pavones
Arturo Sotillo
The black sand beaches in Pavones are some of the most dramatic on the Pacific Coast. Glowing frothy green sea kisses the dark shimmering black shore for an incredible contrast. The surrounding wilderness will make you feel like you’ve reached the end of the earth and the sunsets are positively spectacular.
Beyond its beauty, Pavones is famous for its long left point break. Grab a surfboard and ride the wave that put this town on the map. If you’re more of a swimmer, a cool, clear water river runs for miles from the hills down to the beach. Climb to the top and take inner tubes down, jump off the bridge with locals, or simply cool off and explore.
Restaurants and accommodations are inexpensive and locally owned and even with the influx of surfers the town maintains its Costa Rican charm.
Playa Barrigona
Massie
This beach is so beautiful, even Mel Gibson owns property here. Scenic country roads connect Playa Barrigona with nearby Samara making it an undiscovered but accessible place to visit. The sand is white with a pink hue and at low tide you can climb large stretches of sand dollar-covered rocks. Olive ridley turtles come from all over to lay their eggs on the shore during the rainy season, making it a very special place ecologically as well. The riptides are strong so take care with little ones and do not go out swimming.
San Juanillo
Enrique Balsevicius
A short drive from the popular surf beach Playa Guiones in Nosara, is the secret white sand beach of San Juanillo. Fishing boats rock on the turquoise sea and millions of shells wash up on the shore. Explore the massive rocks or float in the clear water. The town itself is quite small and authentically Costa Rican.
Playa Uvita’s “Whale Tale”
CostaRicaProperty
The area of Uvita is famous for its incredible marine life and frequent whale spottings, but few know about the secret “whale tale” beach. During high tide the shore is completely submerged, but as the tide recedes a beautiful sandy peninsula reveals itself for relaxation and exploration.
Playa Carrillo
M.Prinke
The peaceful palm tree-lined horseshoe bay of Playa Carillo on the Nicoya Peninsula might be as close to paradise as it gets. The white sand beaches and calm water makes it a perfect beach for relaxation and sunbathing. Boating and fishing are also quite popular due to the calm sea. It is also possible to spot crocodiles in the nearby river. The town has restaurants and accommodations, but travelers will find a larger community in the nearby town of Samara, which is a pleasant hike or a short bus ride away.
Best Beaches in Costa Rica?
The answer really depends on you. Do you have a favorite beach that we’ve missed?