Samara, Costa Rica

[Quickbeam]

Has anyone ever been to Samara, Costa Rica? My wife and I plus my wife’s sister and husband are planning a trip to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary’s and my brother-in-law came up with Samara. I’m not a surfer, but was wondering if anyone knew if there was any flat water paddling in the area. It looks like there are some very small surfing waves, but thought it still might be O.K. for flat water?

Any good snorkeling? Any other information?

We are planning on going sometime around January or February next year.

Thanks guys.

[surfercook]

I've only traveled as far south as Guiones/Nosara which is pretty close. I've heard Samara is not too good for surfing. lol, I was just able to fit the entire scope of my travels in Costa Rica over the years in this snippet of the map. From Santa Rosa down to Guiones. We always stay at Playa Azul and head out on strike missions. Please take alot of pictures of Samara and then post em!

[PabstSUP]

There's no surf in Samara (I gather the reef got pushed up in the earthquake several years back that killed the break), but we saw there were plenty of huge boards available for rent on the beach for flat-water paddling.  There's a cool island (Isla Chora) about a mile offshore that makes for a good paddle.  We paddled there with our snorkeling gear and spent some time snorkling around the island (be careful of currents). We stopped there on the way to Camaronal from Guiones over the holidays this year. 

[Quickbeam]

There's no surf in Samara (I gather the reef got pushed up in the earthquake several years back that killed the break), but we saw there were plenty of huge boards available for rent on the beach for flat-water paddling.  There's a cool island (Isla Chora) about a mile offshore that makes for a good paddle.  We paddled there with our snorkeling gear and spent some time snorkling around the island (be careful of currents). We stopped there on the way to Camaronal from Guiones over the holidays this year.

Hey PabstSUP,

Thanks for the info. Just curious about the currents. Are they strong and around the Samara beach area, or were you just referring to currents around Isla Chora? I'm just always a little nervous of currents, especially in waters I'm not familiar with. Anything else you can tell me about the currents?

Was also wondering if you know if there are any kayak rentals in the area. Since you say there is flat water paddling I might just take my inflatable with me. My wife however is not into SUP, but she does like to kayak. Would be nice if we could go out together.

[mdsurf]

It is a paved road all the way to Samara.  Very important to note.  There is a beach area that is line by palm tree and a small town with restaurants.  Very often it is only flat water paddling but it is beautiful and nice for your wife and friends or family.  You can easily go north to Nosara for surf or yoga.  Occassionaly there is small surf in Samara or south.  Never stayed there but passed thru and surfed south and north of there.