Playa Camaronal
Beach · Nicoya Peninsula · hidden gem
A long, wild beach south of Sámara inside the Camaronal wildlife refuge, where sea turtles nest in the wetter months. Almost no one is around.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 1.5 h
- Best time
- morning
- Kids
- 3 / 10
- View
- 6 / 10
- Crowds
- 0 / 10
- Swimming
- 2 / 10
- Effort
- 2 / 10
- Location
- 9.86006, -85.43957 — Google Maps
Tip
Visit by day and respect refuge rules; for turtle nesting go only with a local guide or refuge staff.
Be careful
Remote with no facilities and strong surf - do not swim. Keep lights and flash off on the beach at night to protect nesting turtles.
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.
- 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.
- Natural Center ToursTours & Adventure · from $50Sámara's one-stop tour agency for boat tours, kayaking and snorkeling, plus day trips and shuttles.
- 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.
- Teca BeachFood & CoffeeA cozy dinner spot on Sámara's soccer field, opened in 2021 by a French chef: beef tenderloin with sweet-potato gratin, tuna steak, a classic burger with fries.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/469277427 · Wikidata Q23745303 · https://capturetheatlas.com/nicoya-peninsula-costa-rica/