One Of Costa Rica's Most Underrated Beach Towns Is A Haven Of Secluded Sands And Pristine Nature

How do you feel about lush rainforest creeping to the very ocean's edge? Waking up to the unusual "roars" of howler monkeys before dawn? Rolling tropical hills roamed by sloths, tree frogs, crocodiles, and bright butterflies? Endlessly piercing sunshine in dry season and torrential downpours in rainy season, keeping the forest the silkiest green you could imagine? How do you feel about freshly-caught seafood, undisturbed white sand, and secluded beaches you don't have to share? If you feel like this isn't sounding too bad, there is a small surf town tucked away in westward Costa Rica that could be just right for you.

Overlooked by many who opt for the bigger, bustling neighbors of Tamarindo, Santa Teresa, and Jaco, Samara is recently garnering more and more attention for the hidden treasure it is. It's a sensational small-scale destination to experience the best of Costa Rica's famous beauty, with smaller crowds.

Samara is home to turtle nesting sites, exciting outdoor recreation in both the rainforest and on the sea, sand-floored tiki bars, amazing local cuisine, and splendidly comfortable lodging — all located within a few blocks. There is no getting lost in this sleepy beach town. If you are the kind of traveler who seeks untouched nature and appreciates a laid-back vacation experience, then Samara deserves a spot on your wish list.

The best part of Samara? It is your runaway imagination's tropical playground, rife with adventure and opportunity to encounter wildlife. It can feel like you've slipped into a fold of the earth, Costa Rica's back pocket, where it's possible to be fully immersed in nature.  There are several local companies offering a variety of expeditions both on land and sea. Popular excursions include riding horseback on the beach, ocean kayaking and snorkeling at the charming Isla Chora, taking surf lessons and enjoying the beginner-friendly surfing beaches, or exploring the dense rainforest by hiking trail or ATV rental. During rainy season, it is incredibly muddy and green — all the more fun to splash around and watch short-lived, but enormous, rainstorms pour into the palm trees. The air is fresh, the heat is real, and nature is at her most colorful.

Samara is an attractive destination not only among humans — sea turtles of all kinds flock to the area to nest. If you visit May through November, you have the opportunity to witness this incredible natural phenomenon. A local tour guide can take you to nesting beaches, where literally thousands of turtles lay eggs during certain weeks of the year.

Other recommended recreational tours include renting an ATV to roam the hilly countryside, offering magical vistas of the coastline. A boat tour is also encouraged, as humpback whales can sometimes blow fountains of seawater from the surface, while dolphins playfully dart around you in pods. 

Although small, Samara's local infrastructure has recently adapted to be more tourism-inclined and become a sensational alternative to the more-trafficked parts of the country. You will have your pick of great local restaurants, and there are cafes with reliable Wifi if you need to catch up with work. Costs, crowds, and climate vary throughout the year in correlation with Costa Rica's distinct rainy and dry seasons. Samara's off-season runs May through October, where you can see lower prices, fewer tourists, lots of rain, and some restaurant closures, while the peak travel season is December through April. That being said, there really is no wrong time to experience this underrated beach town, and it's popular among solo backpackers, digital nomads, families, travel newbies, and anyone who travels to experience nature.

Getting to Samara is part of the adventure. Most people fly into the San Jose airport and catch a bus or rent a car to make the five-hour drive to Samara. There is also a smoothly-scheduled bus route that connects Costa Rica's western beach towns, so combining multiple destinations is very easy.

The town itself is incredibly walkable. There are a few hostels, grocery stores, tucked-away resorts, a German Language school, surf schools, and a coworking space. On Saturday mornings, there is a can't-miss open-air market, where vendors bring beautiful handmade wares and fresh produce, a few of which will probably be new to you. Have you tried a star-fruit, or carambola, before? Ceviche, tacos, tropical cocktails, and acai bowls are all local favourites. In Samara, the pura vida lifestyle is at its purest.