Samara Beach, Costa Rica: The Nicoya Peninsula's Best-Kept Secret – Why Visit This Pristine Paradise
Costa Rica is a popular tourist destination, but the Nicoya Peninsula remains its untamed frontier. What began as a grueling bus journey led us to Samara Beach, our favorite spot on the Pacific coast.
Why Visit Samara Beach?
We hadn't planned to visit Samara Beach—it was just another mention in guidebooks. Despite warnings that crossing the peninsula by bus was impossible, we aimed to travel from Playa del Coco in the north to Montezuma in the south. After a dusty ride to the inland city of Nicoya, we realized a $120 private taxi was needed for the remaining five-hour trek. Conversations with helpful taxi drivers and American students returning from trekking convinced us to detour to Samara. The bus left 30 minutes later and arrived in just one hour.
Upon arrival, we were immediately captivated by the stunning beach. We lounged in the late afternoon sun amid tropical palms lining miles of wide, white sands. The town is a charming cluster of hotels and restaurants along a coastal road, with beachfront lounges nearby.
Unlike many tourist hubs, Samara lacks all-inclusive resorts. It attracts young couples and savvy travelers seeking authenticity, not the retirees of Playa del Coco or hippies of Montezuma.
The area buzzes with tourists, expats, and tourism workers, yet feels genuine—no chains, fast food, or high-rises. From the water, buildings nestle amid lush jungle and cliffs. Samara's beaches feel spacious and uncrowded, even during peak times.
The shallow ocean offers gentle waves ideal for surfing beginners or playful splashing—rarer on this coast (except San Juan del Sur). Evenings bring sunset lounges with chill music, craft cocktails, and global cuisine. Our stays featured magical purple-pink sunsets, drawing crowds of photographers.
Though popular with Americans, it retains an off-the-grid vibe. Activities include surfing, kayaking, fishing, diving, jungle zip-lining, biking, or horseback riding along deserted shores. It's also a top wedding destination.
Hotels are affordable, though true budget spots are scarce in Costa Rica. We loved Casa Valeria (Frommer's top budget pick then)—9 beach bungalows at $50, rooms at $30. (Update: Still operating; standard rooms with breakfast ~$38 on Booking.com in 2019, but newer options exist.)
Hostel Matilori offers dorms ~$16/person or private rooms ~$40, plus shared kitchens. (2019 update: Strong reviews; book here.)
Samara delivers the classic Costa Rican beach escape: organized yet free of banana boats and discos. It's at a delicate balance—more tourists could tip it toward overdevelopment like Jaco or Montezuma.
Shh... don't tell anyone about this gem. But if you go (and you should), respect its charm.
Practical Guide to Samara Beach
How to Get to Samara Beach
Nearest airport: Liberia (2 hours drive). San Jose is 4 hours by car or 5 by bus. Liberia taxi: $50–$60—negotiate upfront!
By Bus: San Jose/Liberia to Nicoya, then Empresa Rojas to Samara (90 minutes). Alfaro Express direct from San Jose (noon, 5 hours; 2017: ₡4,395/$7.95; 2019: ₡4,470/$7.97).
By Car: Rent at airports; roads are manageable. Local rentals available in Samara for peninsula exploration.
Where to Stay in Samara
Budget:
- Las Mariposas – Beachfront hostel; singles $35, doubles $40, dorms $15 (8.5/10)
- Woodstock Hostel – Near beach; doubles $31, dorms $15 (8.9/10)
- Oasis – Beach house, 2-bed from $35 (8.9/10)
- Hostel El Dorado – Doubles $40 (8.6/10)
Value:
- Sunset Chillout B&B – Triples $60 w/breakfast (9.6/10)
- Hotel Entre Dos Aguas – Pool; doubles $60 (8.9/10)
- Hotel Belvedere – Pool; $65 (9.4/10)
- Hotel Paraiso del Cocodrilo – Jungle; $65–$75 (9.0/10)
- Villas Tangerine – Beach B&B; $70 w/breakfast (9.0/10)
- Samara Palm Lodge – Pool, near beach; $75 (9.6/10)
- Hotel Samara Inn – $76 w/breakfast (8.7/10)
- Good Life Lodge – $85 double (9.8/10)
Splurge:
- Samara Chillout Lodge – Adults-only; $95 (9.5/10)
- Las Perlitas – Central w/pool; $99 w/breakfast (9.5/10)
- Hotel Leyenda – Pools/gardens; $99 w/breakfast (9.1/10)
- Hotel Samara Paraiso – Near Izquierda; $120 (9.4/10)
- Colina Del Mar – Hillside; $149 w/breakfast (9.3/10)
- Nammbu Beach Front Bungalows – Playa Carrillo; $150
- La Isla Que No Hay – 2-bed house; $199 (8.9/10)
- The Hideaway Hotel – South end; $278 (9.1/10)
Airbnb in Samara Beach
Explore Airbnb homes via the map below. Local Experiences available too.
Where to Eat in Samara Beach
Sodas serve casado ($4–$6): meat/fish, rice, beans, salad, plantains (veggie options: cheese/eggs).
Standouts:
- Samara Organics MercadoCafe (Natural Center, Sámara)
- Ahora Si! (Vegetarian)
- Bohemia Cafe (Breakfast/smoothies)
- Lo Que Hay (Beachfront Mexican)
- Luv Burgers (Veggie burgers)
- Restaurant Giada (Italian, Main St.)
- Roots Bakery & Cafe (Near Hotel Giada)
- El Lagarto (Steaks/seafood)
Afterword: First visited in 2011, returned recently—still the serene paradise from nearly a decade ago.
