Best Things to do in Samara, Costa Rica

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Samara, Costa Rica, this guide covers the top activities, beaches, and experiences in this laid-back coastal town.

Samara is one of the more relaxed beach destinations in Costa Rica - perfect if you want a mix of nature, ocean, and slower-paced travel. If you’re looking for things to do in Samara, Costa Rica, these are the activities I’d personally recommend.

Beach time at Playa Samara

Playa Samara is the main beach in town and one of the calmest swimmable beaches in Costa Rica. It’s great for swimming, relaxing, and sunset walks. I also highly recommend you take a quick drive over the Playa Carrillo, it is an incredible white sand, palm-lined beach with calm, turquoise water.

The water is usually gentle in this particular area, making it a good option for families as well.

Snorkeling at Isla Chora

One of the most popular things to do in Samara is snorkeling at Isla Chora.

You can:

• kayak or take a boat

• see tropical fish

• enjoy clear water conditions

Book Now: Kayak + Snorkel at Isla Chora

Dolphin and wildlife tours

Boat tours from Samara often include dolphin spotting, and sometimes even whales depending on the season.

This is a great way to experience the coastline from the water.

Book Now: Dolphin-watching Cruise

Surfing in Samara

Samara is a beginner-friendly surf destination.

There are:

• surf schools

• board rentals

• consistent, gentle waves

Perfect if you’re looking to try surfing for the first time.

Sunset walks and beach time

One of the best (and simplest) things to do in Samara is just being at the beach.

Sunsets here are beautiful and the town has a relaxed, easygoing vibe that makes it a great place to slow down. There’s also a few restaurants right on the beach, making sunset even better, with a drink or snack!

What to know about visiting Samara

• Samara is quieter than places like Tamarindo

• It’s a great destination for a more relaxed trip

• You don’t need a packed itinerary here

Getting around Costa Rica

Samara is a bit more remote than some other destinations, so getting there takes some planning.

If you’re thinking about renting a car, I put together a simple guide (with a discount and what to expect with pricing and insurance):

See my car rental guide + check prices: Car Rental Discount in Costa Rica

FAQ

Is Samara worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you’re looking for a quieter beach town with a relaxed atmosphere.

How many days should you spend in Samara?
2–4 days is a good amount of time to enjoy the beach and a few activities.

Do you need a car in Samara?
Not necessarily in town, but it can be very helpful if you want to explore nearby beaches or travel between destinations, like Playa Carrillo or Nosara.

Planning your trip?

If you’re visiting other areas in Costa Rica, these guides might help:

• Best Things to do in La Fortuna / Arenal

• Best Things to do in Manuel Antonio

• Best Things to do in San José