Samara

Things to do in Samara

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Top 10 attractions in Samara

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Playa Carrillo

Playa Carrillo

2.9
Puerto Carrillo · 4.6km from Samara
Samara Beach

Samara Beach

2.9
Samara · 1.7km from downtown
Barrigona Beach

Barrigona Beach

2.6
Barco Quebrado · 4.9km from Samara
Nosara Beach (Playa Guiones)

Nosara Beach (Playa Guiones)

2.7
Playa Guiones · 15.2km from Samara
Arenal Volcano National Park
No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Arenal Volcano National Park

6.7
4.8/5
15 reviews
Arenal Volcano Park is located in Arenal Reserve. There are actually two volcanoes in this national park, Arenal Volcano with a height of 1633 meters and Chato Volcano with a height of 1140 meters. The latter has been active for nearly 3500 years. A collapsed crater and a beautiful lagoon. In contrast, Arenal Volcano is a very active volcano in Costa Rica. It erupted in 1968 and 1973. Until July 2010, the eruptions of large and small volcanoes continued, and the severity was much lower, but almost every day. There was smoke and lava coming out.Costa Rica · La Fortuna
Poás Volcano National Park

Poás Volcano National Park

6.1
3.0/5
1 reviews
Poás Volcano National Parkfeatures the active Poás Volcano as its centerpiece, with an elevation of approx. 2,700m, and the summit houses a massive main crater. Standing at the viewing platform, you can look down at the volcanic lake named 'Laguna Caliente': its surface shimmers with a mix of milky white and blue-green hues, constantly churning with sulfurous smoke, with liquid sulfur settled at the bottom. In stark contrast to the scorching main crater is Botos Lake on the south side: it lies quietly in a crater that has been dormant for thousands of years, with cool, emerald-green water surrounded by cloud forests. Along the forest trail to the lake, hummingbirds and toucans often flit through branches draped in moss and epiphytes, and you may occasionally encounter resplendent quetzals and Poás magnolias.Costa Rica · Poas
Belen Waterfall

Belen Waterfall

2.2
Nicoya · 15.5km from Samara
National Theater of Costa Rica
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

National Theater of Costa Rica

6
4.9/5
8 reviews
National Theater of Costa Rica is a Neoclassical-style theater. Its opening performance was Gounod's opera "Faust". Construction funds mainly came from taxes levied on coffee exports at the time, and this theater, born from the coffee trade, embodies the memories of Costa Rica's golden age of coffee. The theater has an elegant exterior, with statues of playwright Calderón de la Barca and composer Beethoven standing on the main facade, while the three sculptures on the roof symbolize dance, music, and fame, respectively. The interior is even more magnificent than the exterior: marble staircases with gold decorations, crystal chandeliers, exquisite sculptures, and 19th-century-style furniture can be found throughout the halls, and the auditorium can accommodate 1,140 seats. The ceiling mural "Allegory of Coffee and Bananas" was painted by Milanese artist Aleardo Villa and depicts the scene of coffee and banana cultivation and export at that time. This painting was once printed on the Costa Rican 5-colón banknote. The theater remains an active performance venue today, with groups such as the National Symphony Orchestra performing here year-round. The theater is located right next to the Plaza de la Cultura, and downtown attractions such as theGold Museumare within walking distance.Costa Rica · San Jose
Playa Islita

Playa Islita

2.1
Punta Islita · 14.9km from Samara
Manuel Antonio National Park
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Costa Rica

Manuel Antonio National Park

5.8
5.0/5
6 reviews
Manuel Antonio National Park packs tropical rainforests, white-sand beaches, and abundant wildlife into a compact area. Covering approximately 6.82 square kilometers, it is one of the smaller yet most popular national parks in Costa Rica. The park is home to hundreds of mammal and bird species: white-faced capuchins, squirrel monkeys, and howler monkeys leap through the canopy; brown-throated three-toed sloths and Hoffmann's two-toed sloths move slowly while hanging from high branches; and toucans, iguanas, and coatis often appear along the trails. The animals here are accustomed to human presence, so the chance of encountering monkey troops along the trails during the day is quite high. The park is best experienced through a combination of hiking and beach time. The main trail is flat and easy to walk, connecting several beaches surrounded by rainforest. Among them, Manuel Antonio Beach has calm bay waters, making it suitable for swimming. The Cathedral Point loop leads to a highland that was once an island, now connected to the mainland by a natural tombolo. Along the way, multiple observation decks offer views of the Pacific Ocean and nearby small islands. Near the entrance, there is an elevated mangrove boardwalk called El Manglar, which is approx. 784 m long and easy to traverse. Additionally, sloths and squirrel monkeys are well-camouflaged; if you want to spot more animals, it is recommended to slow down and keep an eye on the canopy.Costa Rica · Quepos

Experiences you can't miss in Samara

Featured Day tours in Samara

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Barigona Beach: Horseback Ride, Picnic, and Swim
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Duration: 5 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromS$ 156.80S$ 165.06
Samara: Guided Cooking Class with Local Chef
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Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
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5% off
Limited-time sale
FromS$ 83.84S$ 88.26
Playa Samara Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling
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4.7/5
· 41 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
Free cancellation
90.2% of travelers recommend
FromS$ 85.77
Turtle Tour Near Samara Beach
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4.7/5
· 39 reviews
Duration: 210 mins
Free cancellation
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92.3% of travelers recommend
FromS$ 87.05
Wild Macaws Tours in Punta Islita from Playa Samara
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4.7/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
Free cancellation
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FromS$ 133.13
Conchal Beach Horseback Riding - 1hr 30min Guided Tour
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Duration: 90 mins
English
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FromS$ 64.01
Monteverde Night Tour: Glass Frogs, lateralis, Sloths & Jungle
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4.4/5
· 128 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
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FromS$ 48.65
Palo Verde Boat Tours, Ortega
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4.9/5
· 279 reviews
Duration: 190 mins
English
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98.2% of travelers recommend
FromS$ 115.21

Featured Outdoor experiences in Samara

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Half-Day Dolphin Watching and Snorkeling in Samara
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Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromS$ 93.45
Mangrove Kayak - near Sámara & Carrillo Beach
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5.0/5
· 7 reviews
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromS$ 86.79
Samara Trails in Werner Sauter Biological Reserve
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4.7/5
· 67 reviews
Duration: 150 mins
English
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31 consecutive positive reviews
FromS$ 60.17
ATV Beach and Mountain Tour
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4.9/5
· 155 reviews
Duration: 2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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97.4% of travelers recommend
FromS$ 139.53
Surf With The Only Not For Profit Surf School in Tamarindo Beach!
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Duration: 2 hrs
English
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FromS$ 57.61

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What travellers say about Samara

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YoYo_1I8Q7O5O1 December 2025
5.0
Walking along the volcanic rock trails of Arenal Volcanoes National Park, a slight tremor from the depths of the earth resonated in my shoes. The smell of sulfur mingled with the damp rainforest mist, and suddenly, the cry of a howler monkey pierced the air from the treetops. I held my breath on the viewpoint—and as the clouds parted, the cone-shaped crater slowly emitted smoke rings, the setting sun painting the steam into golden-pink ribbons. The most magical experience was visiting the lava field at night: dark red heat flowed like the earth's veins through the cracks in the rocks, illuminating the phosphorescent spots of arrow frogs on the leaves. The guide whispered, "The volcanic ash teaches the soil to feel pain, which is why the flowers here bloom so wildly." On the way back, I touched the dew on the moss on the rock wall, and it was as warm as tears.

Arenal Volcano National Park

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Gavin-Beijing4 February 2020
5.0
The pure natural landscape is extremely beautiful, pristine and pollution-free. It is the Switzerland of Latin America, with Tabacon Hot Springs, Irazu Volcano, Waterfall Park, Blue River Forest Park, etc. You will never want to leave after visiting here!

National Theater of Costa Rica

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criskotsu13 June 2022
5.0
Manuel Antonio is one of the most amazing locations in Costa Rica. The beach has a gorgeous turquoise color, you get to walk around the hiking trails and observe so many animals in their natural state.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Samara?

Don't miss these attractions in Samara: Playa Carrillo, Samara Beach, and Barrigona Beach. If you like Food & drink, try Samara: Guided Cooking Class with Local Chef. If you enjoy Spa & wellness, try One Day: Ziplining, River Tubing, and Horseback Riding Trip.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Barigona Beach: Horseback Ride, Picnic, and Swim, Samara: Guided Cooking Class with Local Chef, and Playa Samara Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 18 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Samara is around SGD 48.65 – SGD 156.8. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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Change and cancellation policies vary by attractions and tours. Please check the product details page for more information.

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