Azura Beach Resort Samara
All-InclusiveSamara
Costa Rica
From Toronto (YYZ)WestJet Vacations · Direct flightDeparts Thu, Nov 12
- 7 nights
- Junior Suite Gardenview
- Flights incl.
From
$2,290
per person · taxes incl.
or $190/mowith FlexPay
Samara, Costa Rica
Reef-protected Pacific beaches · Flights from Canada
4.6 · 2,100+ Nicoya Peninsula vacations booked by Canadians
Beach · Flights Included
Vacation Packages to Samara
7-night Nicoya Peninsula beach packages with return flights from Canada
View all packagesFlying from
4.3
At a glance
Everything you need to know about Samara
Samara is one of the safest, most laid-back beach towns on Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula — a crescent of grey-gold sand tucked inside a coral reef that tames the Pacific swell, making the bay calm enough for families, kayakers, and first-time surfers alike. Part of the Nicoya Blue Zone, one of the world's longevity hotspots, it pairs easygoing pura vida living with tropical dry forest, howler monkeys, and turtle-nesting beaches just up the coast.
Samara, GuanacasteClimate
Climate
28–33°C · dry-forest tropics
JanDec
PeakShoulderAvoid
Tropical dry-forest climate — a long sunny dry season (Dec–Apr) and a greener wet season (May–Nov).
Currency
Costa Rican Colón
1 CAD ≈ 375 CRC · USD widely accepted
Entry
Visa-free
Valid passport + onward ticket
Top Experiences in Samara
On the bayPlaya Samara's Reef-Protected Beach
Swim and paddle in the calm, shallow bay sheltered by an offshore reef — the safest swimming beach on the peninsula.
By kayakIsla Chora Kayak & Snorkel
Paddle out to the little island in the bay to snorkel the reef and land on its hidden pocket beach.
First wavesBeginner Surf Lessons
Gentle, forgiving breaks make Samara one of Costa Rica's best places to catch your very first wave.
Essential info for Canadian travellers
Passport: Canadians can enter visa-free for up to 90 days with a passport valid for the length of stay, plus proof of onward or return travel.
Getting to Samara: Fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR), then take an internal flight to Nosara/Carrillo or a 2.5–4h road transfer to the coast.
Travel insurance: Provincial health plans do not cover care in Costa Rica. Comprehensive travel insurance is essential, especially for surf and adventure activities.
Power & plugs: Costa Rica uses 120V/60Hz with Type A/B plugs — identical to Canada, so your devices work without an adapter.
Time zone: Costa Rica runs on Central Standard Time year-round (no daylight saving) — 1–2 hours behind Toronto depending on the season.
Best time to visit Samara
Dec – AprPeak season
Dry season — endless sun, calm seas, and the busiest, priciest weeks for Canadians.
May – JulShoulder season
Green season begins — lush landscapes, short afternoon showers, great value and fewer crowds.
AugShoulder season
Warm and green with a brief mid-season dry spell known locally as the veranillo.
Sep – OctWettest months
Heaviest Pacific rains and humidity; lowest prices but some tours pause.
Where to stay
Samara zones & neighbourhoods
From the walkable beach-town centre to quiet palm-lined coves and the yoga-and-surf enclave up the coast, here's how to choose your base around Samara.
Samara Town Centre
Beachfront
The walkable heart of town where sandy lanes of sodas, surf shops, and beach bars meet the calm main bay.
Best for
- First-timers
- Families
- Nightlife
Playa Carrillo
5 km southeast
A postcard crescent of palms and white sand with almost no development — pure peace just minutes from town.
Best for
- Couples
- Relaxation
- Photography
Cangrejal & the North Hills
North of the bay
Hillside villas and boutique stays above the north end of the beach with sweeping Pacific sunset views.
Best for
- Villas
- Views
- Privacy
Nosara
30 km north
A wellness-focused surf town with world-class breaks, yoga studios, and the Ostional turtle refuge nearby.
Best for
- Surfers
- Wellness
- Wildlife
Beyond the resort
Day trips & excursions from Samara
Samara is a relaxed launch point for the Nicoya Peninsula's wildlife, caves, and coastline. Every excursion below can be booked through ShopTravel or your hotel desk.
Marine LifeIsla Chora Kayak & Snorkel Tour
Half day · 3 hrsSamara Bay · Paddle from the beach
Kayak across the calm bay to Isla Chora, snorkel its reef, and relax on the island's tiny hidden beach.
Insider tips
- Go early for calm water
- Reef-safe sunscreen only
Wildlife RefugeOstional Turtle Arribada
Half day · 4 hrs~45 km north · 1.5 hrs by 4x4
Witness thousands of olive ridley sea turtles nesting on Ostional's black-sand beach with a licensed guide.
Insider tips
- Timed to lunar cycles
- Guide required by law
National ParkBarra Honda Caves National Park
Full day · 6 hrs~60 km east · 1.5 hrs by coach
Descend into a limestone cave system of stalactites and underground chambers, then hike the dry-forest trails.
Insider tips
- Closed-toe shoes required
- Not for the claustrophobic
CultureNicoya Blue Zone & Village Tour
Half day · 4 hrs~35 km northeast · 1 hr by coach
Visit the colonial town of Nicoya, taste traditional maize dishes, and learn the pura vida secrets behind Costa Rica's Blue Zone.
Insider tips
- Bring cash for the market
- Try the chorreadas
● Limited availability — book now
Your Samara escape awaits
Nicoya Peninsula beach packages with flights from Canada, starting at
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Good to know
Samara travel FAQ
Everything Canadian travellers ask before booking
Do Canadians need a visa for Costa Rica?
No. Canadians can stay up to 90 days visa-free with a valid passport and proof of onward or return travel.
How do I get to Samara from Canada?
Fly into San José (SJO) or Liberia (LIR) — about 7–8 hours with one connection — then take a short internal flight or a scenic 2.5–4h road transfer to Samara.
When is the best time to visit Samara?
The dry season from December to April brings the most reliable sun and calm seas. May to August is greener, quieter, and better value, with short afternoon showers.
Is Samara good for families and beginner swimmers?
Yes — an offshore reef keeps the main bay calm and shallow, making it one of the safest swimming and learn-to-surf beaches on the Nicoya Peninsula.
Is Samara safe for tourists?
Samara is a small, welcoming beach town known as one of the safest on the peninsula. Use normal precautions and respect strong currents outside the reef.
What currency should I bring?
The Costa Rican colón (CRC) is official, but US dollars are accepted almost everywhere. Carry small colones for local sodas, buses, and markets.
Do I need travel insurance?
It's strongly recommended. Costa Rican healthcare is not covered by Canadian provincial plans, and insurance is especially important for surf and adventure activities.
Can I book excursions through ShopTravel?
Yes — you can add tours like the Isla Chora Kayak & Snorkel or the Ostional Turtle Arribada to your trip at checkout.