Samara is a small beach town located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica, in the province of Guanacaste. It is known for its beautiful white sand beach, calm and warm waters, and laid-back atmosphere. The town itself has a relaxed vibe with a few restaurants, bars, and small shops, making it a popular destination for travelers looking for a low-key beach vacation. For this reason the small town has become more popular for lone travelers and backpackers looking for a beautiful beach town that is significantly less crowded and touristy than other popular destinations in Guanacaste like Flamingo and Tamarindo.
Samara Beach is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and paddle boarding. The waves at Samara are ideal for beginners but can also be enjoyed by more seasoned surfers as well. The beach is also home to a coral reef with abundant marine life, making it a great spot for snorkeling and diving.
Beyond the beach, Samara offers various activities for visitors, including horseback riding, hiking, and zip-lining in the nearby mountains. Wildlife lovers can visit the nearby Ostional Wildlife Reserve, where Olive Ridley sea turtles come to nest between July and December.
Local’s tip:
Samara is very close to Nosara which is another laid back beach town in southern Guanacaste. If you looking for remote beautiful beach towns with less crowds and less touristy vibes I would recommend to plan a trip and visit both Samara and Nosara. Driving between both is only one hour.
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Plan your visit
How to get there:
The most preferable way to get to Samara is to rent a car since the road is unpaved and this gives you the flexibility to move around the region and visit other places like Nosara. If renting a car is not an option you can take a bus from San Jose or Nicoya.
Bus options from San Jose:
The buses from San Jose are managed by Empresa Alfaro. Tel.: 2261-2640. The journey takes about 5 hours.
Departure time options from San Jose: 12pm and 5pm
Return time options from Samara: 4am and 8:30am
From Nicoya:
The buses depart from a stop that is 400mts east of the Nicoya Municipality. The buses are from Empresa Traroc. Tel.: 2685-5352. The journey takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. The departure and return times run almost every hour from 5am to 6pm every day except Sundays.
