Samara is famous for its safe and shallow waters ideal for swimming. The town was one of the first beach communities of Costa Rica and has remained a very popular destination among locals and tourists. You will see Isla Chora at a distance, a small island with its own coral reef and primary forest. You can take an excursion during the day and find a variety of exotic plants and animals along the beach. 

Things to do in Samara

Ocean Kayak
Paddle to Isla Chora, where you can dive in the water, snorkel, and experience Costa Rica’s rich sea life. 

Ocean Seaside
This tour explores the ocean seaside around Samara. A certified captain and guide will make sure to delight you with many facts about the area. Drift by Samara, Buena Vista, Barrigona, Barco Quebrado, and Pavones beach. Also, visit Isla Rosada and Isla Chora. Snorkeling is included.

Mangroves Kayak Tour
Paddle along the Ora River through mangrove tunnels, heading toward Camaronal Beach. Be on the lookout for native birds along the way. You can get up close to many animals including aquatic birds, crabs, monkeys, iguanas, and more! You will also have a chance to explore some of the remote corners of the mangrove forest not seen by many people.

Samara Trails
L ocated in Playa Samara, the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve trails offer interesting facts about the tropical dry forest which is one of the most vulnerable and rare biomes of Central America.

Samara tours to other destinations nearby

Playa Carillo
Playa Carrillo is located 5 km away from Samara. Still largely undeveloped, Carrillo boasts a wide, crescent shaped beach surrounded by palm trees and with a virgin jungle. During the weekends and holidays it can be very crowded.

Turtle Nesting at Night
September and October are the strongest months for turtle nesting. You will go to Corozalito Beach or Camaronal Beach towards the South from Samara to watch the turtles. “Arribadas” also take place in Ostional where thousands of turtles come to shore to lay eggs. This happens once a month from 3 to 4 days after the last quarter phase of the moon.