Playa Sámara
Beach · Nicoya Peninsula
A reef-sheltered bay with gentle waves, a relaxed Tico village behind it and little Isla Chora offshore — the most family-friendly swimming beach on the peninsula.
- Cost
- Free
- Time there
- 2.5 h
- Best time
- afternoon
- Kids
- 9 / 10
- View
- 8 / 10
- Crowds
- 6 / 10
- Swimming
- 8 / 10
- Effort
- 0 / 10
- Location
- 9.87359, -85.5205 — Google Maps
Tip
Rent a kayak on a calm morning and paddle out to Isla Chora; the inside of the bay stays mellow even when the open coast is pumping.
Be careful
Usually calm inside the reef, but currents run through the reef gaps — don't swim out toward them.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Sources: OpenStreetMap way/54645026 · https://drinkteatravel.com/samara-beach-town-in-costa-rica-hard-not-to-love/