Isla Chora

Tip

Rent a kayak on the beach in the morning (reviewers mention about US$10 an hour), bring your own snorkel gear and go on a weekday to have the little beach to yourself.

Be careful

Swim across only if you are a confident open-water swimmer - a kayak and a float are safer. Watch for boats, and the reef rocks are sharp.

Places nearby

• WingNuts Canopy ToursTours & Adventure · from $40Family-run canopy near Sámara with up to 9 cables and rappels, a 500 m cable and a canopy-surfing option where you ride a suspended surfboard.
• Tico's Surf School (Sámara)Surf, Boats & Diving · from $60Beachfront surf school on Playa Sámara's gentle, sandy break with ISA-certified instructors, lockers and showers.
• Gusto Beach Club (Sámara)Food & CoffeeAn upscale beach club on the sand in the center of Sámara with loungers facing the bay and a big Italian-leaning menu – antipasti, pasta, pizza, focaccia, poke bowls and a kids' menu.
• Natural Center ToursTours & Adventure · from $50Sámara's one-stop tour agency for boat tours, kayaking and snorkeling, plus day trips and shuttles.
• Las Olas Beach Bar (Sámara)Food & CoffeeA locally owned, rustic hangout with tables right on the sand at the northern end of Sámara beach: tacos, burritos, burgers, sushi and pasta, happy hour 4–6 p.m., and live music, open jams and karaoke nights.
• Malibu Restaurante (formerly Soda Colochos)Sodas & Local FoodA simple soda in the center of Sámara, right next to the weekly farmers market and shaded by big Guanacaste trees – some of the best traditional food in town at local prices.