Playa Barrigona

Tip

Bring everything — water, food and shade; there are no facilities at all.

Be careful

Powerful waves and rip currents that are stronger than they look — swim only on very calm days and stay shallow.

Getting there

Unmarked dirt road off Route 160 past the Río Buena Vista crossing; a 4×4 or high-clearance car is recommended, essential in the rainy season.

Places nearby

• Soda La PerlaSodas & Local FoodFamily-run soda a few streets from Sámara beach with a loyal local following: big casados, ceviche and fried fish at fair prices in a cozy, no-frills room.
• El Lagarto BBQFood & CoffeeA long-time Sámara classic at the northern end of the beach: open-air tables and steak, chicken and seafood cooked on a big wood-fired grill, served with baked potato and vegetables.
• Mar y Fuego Pizzería & RestauranteFood & CoffeePizza and seafood place near the beach: sourdough pizzas from a wood oven, tuna poke, lobster tacos and fish straight off the grill, with live music some nights.
• 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.
• Samara Adventures (Nosara Adventures)Tours & Adventure · takes 3 h–4 h · from $52Tour and transport company in Sámara and Nosara offering kayaking, snorkeling, surf lessons, zipline and horseback tours on the Nicoya Peninsula.
• Restaurante Agua DulceSodas & Local FoodCosta Rican food done a notch up, in the middle of Sámara across from the Palí supermarket: gallo pinto, casados, ceviche, patacones and rice dishes, fresh fruit smoothies, and olla de carne on Sundays.