There are plenty of things to do in Samara. If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, you can explore Samara, a beautiful coastal town with a laid-back atmosphere and stunning views.
From beach adventures to wildlife tours, Samara is a perfect destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Whether you want to relax on Playa Samara, kayak to Isla Chora, or discover waterfalls, this city has something for everyone.
Here are a few things I will mention.
- If you are a foodie, you can taste fresh and delicious seafood.
- For a cultural experience, you can join cooking classes.
- If you love exploring the outdoors, you can hike scenic hiking trails.
- Go snorkeling to see marine life.
- Take a boat ride through the rainforest.
- As the sun sets, enjoy live music with delicious cocktails.
Not only what I mentioned above, there are many more things to do in Samara, Costa Rica. Read on patiently.
1. Playa samara beach
This beach is the heart and soul of Samara town. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to relax and escape the hustle of city life in search of some peace and quiet.
The shallow waters make it a great spot for beginner swimmers and children. Parents can relax while their kids enjoy splashing around safely near the shore.
You can rent a beach chair or a hammock from local vendors and create beautiful memories by the seaside.
The friendly vibe of the beach, paired with the warm hospitality of the locals, makes this destination feel like a second home.
2. Kayak to Isla Chora (Island)
If you are planning a trip to Samara, don’t forget to visit Isla Chora. This island is a short distance from Samara Beach.
The best way to get to this island is by kayak or paddleboard. You don’t need to be an expert in paddling. The island is only a kilometer away from Samara Beach, and you can easily reach this island.
Snorkeling is one of the highlights here. The warm water, colorful fish, starfish, and other marine life can be seen. If you are lucky, you may even see sea turtles.
Keep an eye out for hermit crabs and iguanas roaming the beach at Isla Chora. They are common here.
If you have your own kayak or paddleboard, you can use them, or you can join a guided tour.
3. Discover Marine Life Through Snorkelling Adventures
If you’re planning a visit to Samara, snorkelling should be high on your list of things to do.
One of the top places to snorkel in Samara is near Isla Chora, just a kilometre from Samara Beach. In the second title, I would have talked about the island of Isla Chora.
Once you reach the island, put on your snorkelling gear and dive into an underwater paradise. The crystal-clear waters around Isla Chora are home to colourful fish, starfish, and unique marine species.
If you’re lucky, you might see majestic sea turtles gliding by. Furthermore, the vibrant coral reefs here will enhance your snorkelling experience.
If you don’t have your own snorkelling gear or kayak, no worries. There are plenty of guided tours available that include everything you need, from equipment to professional guidance. These tours often come with added perks like snacks or drinks, making your experience hassle-free and enjoyable.
4. Explore Mangrove Forests on a Boat Ride
If you want to enjoy your trip in Samara while connecting with nature, a mangrove wildlife tour is the perfect choice for you.
The tours usually take place along the scenic Ora River, just a short distance from Samara town.
You’ll drift through calm waters surrounded by dense greenery, with local guides explaining the importance of mangroves and the creatures that call this ecosystem home.
During the tour, keep your eyes open for exotic birds like herons, kingfishers, and egrets. You might also spot iguanas basking on branches, crabs skittering across the roots, and monkeys playing high in the trees.
If you’re lucky, you might see crocodiles relaxing by the water’s edge.
- Location: The tour begins near Sámara Beach, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica, and navigates through the Ora River’s mangrove tunnels towards Camaronal Beach.
- Operating Hours: Tour start times vary daily, so it is best to check tour timings in advance.
- Entry Fee: The tour is priced at approximately $66.00 per person. This fee includes
- Professional guide services
- All necessary kayaking equipment
- Snacks (fresh fruit)
- Bottled water
- Beverages, including bear
- Hotel pickup and drop-off within the Sámara–Carrillo Beach area
5. Walk on Beautiful Hiking Trails
For those who love adventure and nature, Samara offers another great opportunity—hiking with stunning natural views.
The trails I mentioned below will take you through lush forests, mountains, and the best natural spots around Samara.
#1: One of the best hiking spots is Cerro Roca Verde. This hike takes you up to a mountain that offers breathtaking views of the coastline, including Playa Samara and the surrounding areas.
The trail is well-marked and takes about an hour or so to reach the top. Once there, you can enjoy panoramic views of the ocean, hills, and even some of the nearby islands.
#2: If you’re up for a more challenging hike, try the trail to Belen Waterfall. This hike is a little steeper and takes you deeper into the jungle, but the reward is worth it.
After about 2-3 hours of hiking, you’ll reach a beautiful waterfall tucked away in the forest. The trail gives you a chance to see local wildlife, like birds and monkeys, along the way.
#3: Another great option for hiking in Samara is the Cangrejal River Trail. This shorter trail takes you along the river, through the jungle, and offers a peaceful and relaxing walk.
While hiking here, you’ll be surrounded by nature and have the chance to spot various wildlife, like toucans, iguanas, and butterflies. The views of the river and the surrounding forests are amazing, making it a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of the area.
6. Join a Traditional Costa Rican Cooking Class
If you like to cook, you can join a traditional cooking class in Samara.
This experience is not just about the food, but you will also learn more about Costa Rican traditions, flavors, and hospitality.
Cooking classes in Samara usually begin with an introduction to fresh, local ingredients. You will have the opportunity to work with traditional dishes such as rice, beans, plantains, and fresh seafood.
Many classes also include a tour of a local market, where you will learn to select the best fruits and vegetables.
Casado, a unique dish of Costa Rica, is a popular dish that you can learn to cook. It is a delicious combination of rice, black beans, salad, plantains, and proteins such as chicken, beef, or fish.
You can also make gallo pinto, a hearty and delicious breakfast dish made with rice and beans.
7. Try Fresh Seafood at Local Restaurants
Samara has the best and most delicious seafood. From casual beach restaurants to fine dining restaurants, you’ll find plenty of places serving delicious, freshly caught seafood.
Popular dishes include ceviche, grilled mahi-mahi, shrimp in garlic sauce, and fish tacos. Don’t forget to try the local specialty “Casado,” a delicious dish made with fish, rice, beans, and plantains.
If you’re looking for a more upscale atmosphere, there are plenty of restaurants that offer international twists on local seafood. Here, you’ll find creative dishes like seafood pasta or sushi rolls made with local ingredients.
Here are five seafood dishes you should definitely try in Samara
- Ceviche
- Grilled Mahi-Mahi
- Garlic Shrimp
- Fish Tacos
- Costa Rican Seafood Casado
8. Visit the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve
If you love nature and wildlife, you can visit the Werner Sauter Biological Reserve in Samara. It gives you the opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity of Costa Rica and take a peaceful hike through the lush forests.
The reserve is privately owned and well protected. It is a great place for nature lovers.
As you walk through these well-maintained paths, you will find yourself surrounded by towering trees, exotic plants, and the sounds of birds and insects. You can even see howler monkeys, coatis, iguanas, and armadillos roaming freely in this area.
This is always a great place for bird lovers, as it is home to many tropical bird species, including colorful toucans and parrots.
9. Explore Hidden Waterfalls
If you are looking to explore waterfalls, Samara has some to offer. Yes, there are quite a few around Samara.
Surrounded by lush forests, these waterfalls offer a peaceful environment to relax, swim, and connect with nature.
#1: One of the closest waterfalls is Belen Waterfall, which is a short drive from Samara. This small but beautiful waterfall has natural pools where you can cool off by taking a dip.
The water is crystal clear, and the surrounding rocks make for great sunbathing spots.
This is a favorite waterfall for locals, so it’s best to visit on weekdays.
#2: For a more adventurous experience, head to Llanos de Cortes Waterfall, which is about 1.5 to 2 hours from Samara.
At this breathtaking waterfall, the water cascades into a large swimming area. The soft, sandy bottom makes the water ideal for swimming.
10. Enjoy Live Music with Cocktails in the Evening
Many beach bars and restaurants in Samara host live shows featuring talented local artists.
Here you can enjoy a mix of genres, from traditional Costa Rican songs to reggae, Latin, and jazz.
One of the best places for a live music performance is Lo Que Hay, a beach restaurant. It often features live bands playing Latin and reggae music.
For a more lively atmosphere, Microbar Samara is a great option. This cozy bar offers a variety of craft beers, cocktails, and a chance to meet locals and travelers.
I suggest you two beach restaurants that have live music performances.
- Gusto Beach Restaurant
- Las Olas Beach Bar
Best Time to Visit and Things to do in Samara
Samara is a great place to visit year-round, but the weather can vary greatly depending on the season.
If you like sunny days and clear blue waters, the dry season is perfect. But if you prefer greenery, fewer crowds, and don’t mind a little rain, the rainy season is perfect.
Dry Season (December – April)
The most popular time to visit Samara is during the dry season. The days are sunny, the skies are clear, and the sea is perfect for swimming, surfing, and kayaking. The beaches are golden and there is almost no rain, so it is easy to plan outdoor activities.
But since this is the peak tourist season, hotels and tours can be more expensive.
If you are visiting in December or January, it is a good idea to book in advance. Also, the forests and mountains look a bit drier due to the lack of rain.
Rainy Season (May – November)
The rainy season means fewer tourists, lower prices, and a refreshing, green landscape. Mornings are usually sunny, and rain often falls in the afternoon or evening.
This is a great time for nature lovers, as rivers and waterfalls are in full swing.
Surfing is also great during this time, especially for experienced surfers. However, some activities, such as snorkeling and boat tours, can be affected by rough seas.
Roads to some remote areas can be muddy, so it’s a good idea to rent a 4×4 if you plan to explore beyond Samara.
Best Months for Outdoor Activities
December – April → Best for beach activities, snorkeling, kayaking, and boat tours.
May – August → Great for surfing, nature hikes, and wildlife spotting.
September – November → Perfect for budget travelers and those who love green landscapes.
No matter when you go, there’s something special about Samara. If you want sunshine and easy travel, choose the dry season. But if you want fewer crowds and a greener environment, the rainy season is a great choice.