Things to do in Playa Samara

THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Playa Samara

Things to Do in Playa Samara


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Playa Samara.

Top Attractions in Playa Samara

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.



What travellers are saying

  • Azor Rocks
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Brenda and Bee were the most helpful people while planning our family vacation. We were a party of 11 with multiple families involved and I could not have coordinated everything without them. I usually plan the entire family vacation by myself but I am so happy to have found Brenda and Bee. They made everything so effortless. They helped arrange our transportation along with several activities. This was a very important trip as our daughter was also getting engaged and we wanted the surprise to go perfectly. The trip was amazing. The engagement was beautiful. And I did not have to stress about anything because Brenda and Bee kept everything on point. They would even send confirmation emails to me before each event so that I did not have to worry about "confirming" activities the day before. They coordinated pick ups of our large group and were even available for general questions such as sight-seeing questions and restaurant recommendations. My father left a hat on a fishing boat and they had the hat brought to us to a restaurant we had reservations at where the proposal took place so that we did not have to alter plans to pick it up. Using them to help with our family vacation was the best decision we made and I cannot recommend them enough. Truly amazing people who want you to have the best time possible in a beautiful country. Best decision ever!
    Written March 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Angie S
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had an incredible time on the Rincon de la Vieja tour! Excellent experience with lots of great activities and a wonderful guide. I got to go horseback riding, ziplining, river tubing, and to the hot springs all in one day with a delicious lunch included. So great, one of my best memories of my entire trip!
    Written January 28, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Dee
    Dushore, PA43 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful and quiet beach.

    A lot of nice restaurants along the beach.
    Only one restaurant had a wooden/ rope “walkway” that they put out every day - I wish more restaurants did this because it is hard to walk in the hot sand.
    You need to be careful not to get the sand in your sandals- your feet will get blisters from the coarse sand.
    Written March 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Miriam D
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Maria is like having your own personal concierge - she is the go-to if you're traveling to Costa Rica, particularly Guanacaste! She is bilingual, she knows everyone, and is very helpful. I initially used her services to arrange transportation, but quickly realized she handles so much more. She is a great person to know!
    Written December 14, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Meg260
    Beresford, SD3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fishing with Kingfisher was AMAZING! Captain Rick and Orlando were excellent hosts. We caught mahi and sailfish and our 7 yr old even reeled in tuna and some smaller fish that he could manage. I HIGHLY recommend Kingfisher!
    Written February 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Colinda
    Lillooet, Canada35 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This beach is very nice ! It has the clearest and cleanest water of all the beaches I swam at on this part of the coast. It has some huge waves which are great fun to play in = if you are a confident strong swimmer. But please note I was warned by several locals that this beach has had several drownings over the years due to a strong rip-tide. It is easy 15 minute drive to from Playa Samara in the dry season with one small shallow river crossing. Or about an hour by bicycle along the dusty dirt road or better yet go via Playa Buena Vista beach.
    Written February 11, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sue M-D
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Our guide was Alex and he was terrific! He led us on a beautiful walk through the Reserve, and pointed out many different plants and trees and told us about their history. The hike up was a bit strenuous, but we got to sit and rest at the top. The view up there was spectacular! We could see Playa Samara and Playa Carrillo. We didn't see many birds or animals during the hike, but as were taking pictures, a male Howler monkey came through the trees about 20 feet from our heads!
    As we loaded into our transport to head back to Samara, the skies opened up and it rained quite hard. That is very atypical for dry season, but we did get a bit wet. It was a warm tropical rain, so we didn't mind.
    Written February 12, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Peter W
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Had a great morning. Easy kayak out to the reef where we snorkeled. Saw plenty of fish, an eel and an octopus. Ravi gave us a very good account of the ecology of the area - both the bay and the forest overlooking it.
    Written January 19, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sarah M
    Oviedo, FL18 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Every time I come back to visit Playa Samara, I love to visit Koss Art Gallery. I have now collected 4 original paintings that adorn my walls back in Florida. It is located right on the beach with it's very own tropical oasis. A Must Sees!
    Written May 30, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Layne G
    20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Semi easy to find. A lovely natural setting that offers all sorts of ways to play in the water. Right off the parking lot for those looking for relatively easy access.
    Written January 21, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Weerobbie
    Kingston, Canada996 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    If you are looking for that long walk on a pristine beach, where you may encounter only a few people, this is the place!. At low tide, walk across the small river onto the beach and from there you have a few kilometres of beautiful beach and pounding surf. You are occasionally treated to Macaws or shore birds. Warning: surfing only at this beach, swimming is dangerous due to the rips. The beach is about a 30 minute walk from downtown.
    Written February 8, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • amelierondeau22
    Playa Samara, Costa Rica3 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The markets is good, fruits, veggies, bulk food, and other products. There is more choices of fruits and veggies on tuesday.
    Written April 1, 2018
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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