The main beach at Samara curves for around two kilometres between two rocky headlands, with the offshore reef keeping the waves gentle enough for confident swimming all year round. The sand is off-white and reasonably clean, and the palm trees that line the back of the beach provide genuine shade rather than the planted-postcard variety found at more developed resorts.
At the southern end, a few surf schools rent boards and give lessons — the beginner breaks near the shore are genuinely suitable for first-timers. Kayaking and snorkelling trips to the reef are easily arranged from the beach. The early morning hours, before the day-trippers arrive from Nosara and Nicoya, are the best time to have the water to yourself.