Sleepy Samara—yet much fun for beginners

Sámara is a sleepy beach town on Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula. The kind of place where time slows down. The surf isn’t legendary—but that’s the point. It’s consistent, calm, and welcoming. Perfect for learning.

Waves
Sámara Bay is naturally protected by a coral reef, which means the waves here are usually small and mellow—perfect for total beginners and nervous first-timers. Think long rides on soft whitewater and lots of room to practice your pop-up without worrying about rogue rippers. When you’re ready for a bit more push, head a bit south toward Playa Carrillo or Playa Buena Vista.

Water quality
Clean and warm almost year-round. During dry season (Dec–April), expect glassy mornings and postcard-clear water. Rainy season (May–Nov) can stir up sediment, but it rarely gets gross.

Wardrobe
Water hovers around 27°C (80°F), so leave the wetsuit at home. Bikini, boardshorts, or rashie if you’re sun-sensitive or doing a lot of lessons.

☀️ Best time to surf
December to April = prime beginner season. Small, manageable swells and offshore winds most mornings. Rainy season brings slightly bigger surf and fewer crowds.

⚠️ Hazards
Coral reef (mostly far out, but worth noting), the occasional stingray (shuffle your feet), and sunburns that sneak up fast. Rip currents are mild but can appear near river mouths during the rainy season.

Surfboard rental
Plentiful. Shops like Choco’s Surf School, C&C Surf School, and Tico Adventure Lodge rent beginner boards, offer lessons, and sometimes throw in a beach chair. Prices are reasonable, and locals are friendly.

What else to do in Sámara
Horseback rides at sunset, kayaking to Isla Chora, beach yoga, ziplining through the jungle. It’s a great place to do stuff, but also a great place to do absolutely nothing.

Solo traveling
Ideal. Safe, small, and super welcoming.Bonus: easy to walk everywhere—no ATV needed unless you want to get fancy.

Author: The Wipeout Weekly team