Sámara gets called the most laid-back beach town in Guanacaste, and after living here full time since 2024, we'd say that's about right. The bay is calm, the town is walkable, and you can fill a week without ever driving more than 45 minutes. Here's what we send our own guests to, with the same advice we give over WhatsApp.
Start with the water
Learn to surf in one of Costa Rica's friendliest bays
Sámara's protected bay is one of the best beginner waves in the country. Mellow break, white sand, no rocks. A 90-minute group lesson runs about $55 to $80, private around $80. Choco's Surf School has been at it 30+ years with ISA-certified, lifeguard-trained instructors; Tico's and Pato's are also solid. Our tip: book three lessons across the week instead of one. One lesson is fun. Three is a memory, and you'll actually stand up.
Snorkel and kayak to Chora Island
Paddle out to a small white-sand island in a marine reserve, snorkel a shallow reef, and count fish. About three hours, leaving at low tide, $50 to $70 per person depending on operator. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (zinc oxide). Some operators will turn you back without it, and the coral thanks you.
Whale watching
Sámara's Pacific waters host humpback whales on two migrations: August to October and December to March. Trips run 3 to 4 hours, around $60 to 90. Our son saw whales and dolphins on his first trip and still talks about sliding off the top deck into the water. Frame it for kids as "we might see whales, we'll definitely see ocean and probably dolphins." Take Dramamine 30 minutes before. The boat goes further out than you'd think.
Sunset catamaran
Three and a half hours at golden hour with drinks, snacks, and a snorkel stop. Samara Adventures runs the only true catamarans in town, with a family-friendly cruise and an adults-only party version. Pick carefully; they are not the same boat ride.
Mangrove kayak
A quiet paddle through tidal mangrove channels. Birds, fish, sometimes caimans. Calmer than open water and the best pick for toddlers (tandem kayak) or anyone who wants the meditative version of Sámara. Sunrise paddles are the move.
Then the land
Horseback on the beach
Trained horses, mellow pace, beach plus light jungle. Ask for a low-tide ride: hard sand, calm waves, golden light. Sunrise or late afternoon, around $50 to $80.
ATV tours
Guided rides on jungle, beach, and mountain trails, about three hours. The sunset version is the standout: golden light, less heat, dust settled. Helmets are non-negotiable and the good operators enforce it.
Belén Waterfall
A waterfall and natural pool inland from town, self-guided and free. Best flow at the start of dry season (December, January) and after the rains return. Skip it during or right after heavy rain; flash floods are real. Grippy shoes, water, repellent, no facilities.
Slow days
Yoga drop-ins run about $12 to 15 at a couple of excellent studios in town, with beach sessions in season. Sámara is also a known spot for Spanish immersion; an hour a day with a conversational tutor moves the needle more than any group class. And for the laziest perfect day: walk to Gusto Beach on the main bay, grab a table at breakfast, and leave after sunset. No day pass, no cover. Just a good restaurant on the sand. Our four-year-old's top-rated venue.
Worth the drive: Nosara
Forty-five minutes up the coast, Nosara and Playa Guiones are the polished, expat-driven counterpoint to Sámara. Strong dining, big yoga scene, great surf. The first 20 minutes of road are rough, then it's paved. A 4x4 helps but isn't required. Walk north along Guiones to find quieter coves.
Beyond Sámara
Arenal, Monteverde, Río Celeste, and Manuel Antonio are all real trips, not day trips. Most travelers fly into Liberia (about two hours away), so the clean move is to bookend your Sámara stay with one of them on the way in or out.
How to book any of this
Every operator above is bookable directly, and when you stay with us we'll happily make introductions to the people we trust, or place the booking for you. In peak season (December to April) book popular activities 3 to 7 days ahead; off-peak, 24 hours usually does it.
Planning a trip? Our two villas are a 9-minute walk from the beach and sleep up to 12 between them. Check availability, save 10% with code DIRECT10, or write us at stay@villasdualis.com.