Sámara is one of those rare places that somehow stays off the radar — a small beach town on Costa Rica’s Pacific coast where the waves are calm, the sunsets are ridiculous, and nobody seems to be in a rush. Tucked inside a protected bay in Guanacaste, it draws travelers who want the real Costa Rica experience without the crowds of Tamarindo or the price tag of Manuel Antonio.
But don’t mistake laid-back for boring. There’s a surprising amount to do here — on the water, in the jungle, and everywhere in between. Whether you’re planning a week-long trip or just passing through, this guide covers the best things to do in Sámara, Costa Rica.
1. Sail on a Sunset Catamaran
If you do one thing in Sámara, make it a sunset catamaran tour. Watching the sun drop into the Pacific from a boat, drink in hand, with dolphins occasionally showing up uninvited — it doesn’t get much better than that.
There are two options depending on your group. The Sunset Party Catamaran is adults-only and runs with an open bar — perfect for couples or groups looking for a proper evening out on the water. If you’re traveling with kids, the Sunset Family Private Boat gives you a private experience at your own pace. Both tours depart from Sámara beach and run about 2-3 hours.
2. Snorkel and Spot Dolphins
The bay at Sámara is protected, which means calm water and good visibility for snorkeling. The best spots are around Isla Chora, a small island just offshore that’s home to reef fish, sea turtles, and the occasional ray.
The Dolphin & Snorkeling Catamaran Tour combines both — you cruise out to the snorkeling spots while the crew watches for dolphin pods along the way. For something more active, the Ocean Kayak & Snorkeling to Chora Island paddles you out there directly — great workout, great views.
3. Take a Surf Lesson
Sámara’s bay creates a natural break that’s unusually forgiving for beginners. The waves roll in consistent and slow, which is exactly what you want when you’re learning. Local instructors know the water well and will have you standing up faster than you expect.
Book a Surf Lesson in Sámara and give yourself at least two hours on the water. If the surf bug bites — and it usually does — most instructors offer multi-day packages.
4. Ride ATVs Through the Jungle
The roads around Sámara cut through some serious jungle terrain — hills, rivers, farms, and viewpoints that you’ll never reach on foot. ATVs are one of the best ways to cover ground and see the countryside in a short amount of time.
There’s a 2-hour ATV tour for a quick hit, or a 3-hour ATV tour if you want to push deeper into the hills and hit the better viewpoints. No experience needed — guides lead the whole thing.
5. Go Horseback Riding on the Beach
Riding a horse along a quiet beach at sunrise or sunset is one of those experiences that sounds cliché until you’re actually doing it. Around Sámara, the trails go beyond the beach — through farmland, along rivers, and into the hills depending on the route.
Two options here: Horseback Riding in Sámara stays closer to town and the beach, while Horseback Riding in Puerto Carrillo takes you to a quieter, more remote stretch of coast about 15 minutes south. Both work for all experience levels.
6. Watch Sea Turtles Nest at Night
Between July and December, Olive Ridley sea turtles come ashore at nearby beaches to nest — one of the more extraordinary wildlife experiences you can have in Costa Rica. The arrivals happen at night, guided tours are small, and no photos are allowed near the nests, which keeps it genuinely special.
There are two nearby sites: Ostional Wildlife Refuge is the more famous one and home to massive arrivals called arribadas. Corozalito is smaller and quieter — better if you want a more intimate experience with fewer people.
7. Kayak the Mangroves
A few kilometers from the main beach, a river feeds into a mangrove estuary that’s completely different from the ocean. It’s calm, shaded, and full of birds — herons, kingfishers, roseate spoonbills if you’re lucky. Crocodiles are present but keep their distance.
The Mangrove Kayak tour runs in the early morning when wildlife is most active and the light is best. It’s a good contrast to the more high-energy water activities and works well as a half-day addition to any itinerary.
8. Hike the Sámara Trails
For hikers, the Sámara Trails network covers the hills behind town with views over the bay that are worth every step. The trails are well-maintained and range from easy walks to longer routes that take you through secondary forest with monkeys, iguanas, and plenty of birds. Morning is the best time — cooler, more wildlife, and the light on the bay is something else.
9. Fly Over Sámara in a Gyrocopter
This one is for people who want a story to tell. A Gyrocopter tour over Sámara puts you in an open-air aircraft about 1,000 feet above the coastline — the bay, the jungle, the hills, all of it at once. It’s a short flight but the views are completely different from anything else on this list. Pilot sits behind you, you’re up front. Perfectly safe, genuinely unforgettable.
10. Take a Day Trip to Palo Verde or Monteverde
Sámara is a solid base for day trips into other parts of Costa Rica. Two of the best:
The Palo Verde Boat Tour takes you into one of the best bird-watching wetlands in Central America — dry season turns the floodplains into a massive bird congregation. Hundreds of species, boat tour through the channels, serious wildlife.
The Monteverde Adventure Day is a longer day trip up into the cloud forest — zip lines, hanging bridges, howler monkeys, and the kind of mist-covered forest that doesn’t exist at sea level. About 3 hours each way but absolutely worth it.
11. Go Fishing
The waters off Sámara hold roosterfish, snapper, and mahi-mahi inshore, and bigger game offshore. Inshore fishing works well for half-day trips and is more relaxed — good for people who want to catch something without committing to a full day on the water. Offshore fishing is for the full experience — full day, deeper water, bigger fish. Both trips include gear and a local captain who knows where the fish are.
12. Try Stand Up Paddleboarding
For something lower-key, the bay at Sámara is ideal for SUP — protected water, no heavy current, and a view of the whole coastline from the board. The Stand Up Paddle Board to Chora Island tour combines a paddle out to the island with a snorkel stop — probably the most relaxed way to spend a morning in Sámara.
Getting to Sámara
Most international flights arrive at Liberia Airport (LIR) in Guanacaste — about 2 hours from Sámara. San José (SJO) is also an option but adds driving time. The easiest way to get there without a rental car is a private shuttle. Private shuttles from Liberia to Sámara run door-to-door and take the guesswork out of navigating unfamiliar roads. Shared shuttles are available too if you want the cheaper option.
Plan It All in One Place
Not sure where to start? Book with Maria offers free vacation planning — tell us your dates, your group, and what you’re into, and we’ll put together a full itinerary. No obligation, no upsell. Just local knowledge from someone who’s been here for years.
Sámara is worth taking your time with. There’s more here than most people expect.