Samara’s top tours cut straight to Costa Rica’s natural treasures. The standout options combine adventure with authentic local experiences. ATV excursions power through jungle paths and mountain trails, while horseback rides offer a gentler pace along pristine beaches. For nature lovers, kayaking through mangrove tunnels delivers close encounters with tropical wildlife. The sea turtle nesting tours – available seasonally – provide unforgettable conservation experiences under moonlit skies. Most tours include transport and equipment, making logistics hassle-free. Let’s explore the finest tours this coastal paradise has to offer.
Key Points
- The ATV Mountain & Beach Tour offers a thrilling half-day guided exploration of hills, jungles, and rivers with breathtaking views and wildlife spotting.
- The Safari & Buenavista Beach Horse Riding Tour provides a 2.5-hour adventure through jungle, river, and beach with well-groomed horses and local guide insights.
- The Jungle/Mountain and Beach Tour Horseback Riding is a 2.5-hour experience exploring lush jungle, mountain terrain, and picturesque beach views, suitable for all riding levels.
- The Turtle Tour Near Samara Beach offers a guided experience focusing on sea turtle nesting and hatching, with positive feedback on guide expertise and conservation contributions.
- The Wildlife and Mangrove Kayaking Tour provides an immersive and educational opportunity to paddle through mangrove tunnels and observe native birds along the Ora River.
ATV Mountain & Beach Tour
One of the most popular activities for adventurous travelers visiting Sámara, Costa Rica is the ATV Mountain & Beach Tour. This half-day guided tour allows you to explore the area’s stunning natural landscapes on a quad bike.
With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, you’ll ride through hills, jungles, and cross rivers, all while taking in breathtaking mountaintop views and spotting local wildlife.
The tour includes a stop at a secluded beach, where you can cool off with a refreshing swim. Your knowledgeable guides provide comprehensive safety briefings and driver training, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience throughout.
They’ll also assist you at every step, from hotel pickup to drop-off at the end of the tour.
With 129 total reviews and a 4.8/5 rating, this ATV adventure is highly recommended for those seeking an exhilarating way to discover Sámara’s natural beauty.
The tour is family-friendly, though not suitable for travelers with back problems or pregnant women.
Read our full review: ATV Mountain & Beach Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
For travelers seeking an immersive and picturesque adventure in Sámara, the Safari & Buenavista Beach Horse Riding Tour offers an unparalleled experience. This 2.5-hour tour takes riders through the jungle, river, and stunning Buenavista Beach, providing a unique opportunity to connect with Costa Rica’s natural beauty.
The tour’s maximum group size of 5 passengers ensures a personalized and intimate experience. Participants will ride well-groomed horses to the meeting point, where they’ll embark on a boat ride before exploring the trails.
Along the way, a local guide shares insights into the area’s flora and fauna. Amenities like helmets, snacks, and bottled water are provided to enhance the experience. The tour is suitable for children 5 and older, though it’s not recommended for travelers with back problems.
With a 94% recommendation rate and an average rating of 4.8/5, this tour is a must-do for those seeking an adventurous and scenic horse-riding excursion in Sámara.
Travelers can expect stunning views, friendly guides, and the opportunity to spot wildlife like Howler Monkeys and crocodiles.
Read our full review: Safari & Buenavista Beach Horse Riding Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
JUNGLE/ MOUTAIN AND BEACH TOUR HORSEBACK RIDING – 2h 1/2
What better way to experience the natural wonders of Sámara than the Jungle/Mountain and Beach Tour Horseback Riding – 2h 1/2? This highly-rated, 2.5-hour adventure lets you explore the region’s diverse landscapes on horseback.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the small-group setting ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides.
During the tour, you’ll ride through lush jungle, over mountain terrain, and along the picturesque beach, taking in stunning ocean viewpoints and keeping an eye out for wildlife like monkeys.
Bottled water, a 20-minute break with fresh fruits, and complimentary photos and videos are all included. Suitable for riders of all levels, the guides will match you with a suitable horse.
With 221 total reviews and a 4.9/5 rating, this tour is highly recommended for those seeking a unique and memorable experience in Costa Rica.
Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a beginner, the Jungle/Mountain and Beach Tour is an excellent way to discover the beauty of Sámara.
Read our full review: JUNGLE/ MOUTAIN AND BEACH TOUR HORSEBACK RIDING – 2h 1/2 Review
Book now: Check availability
Turtle Tour Near Samara Beach
The Turtle Tour near Sámara Beach offers a unique opportunity to witness the captivating process of sea turtle nesting and hatching along the Costa Rican coastline. This guided tour provides insights into the turtles’ life cycle and the ongoing conservation efforts in the region.
With a maximum of 2 travelers per tour, the experience ensures personalized attention from the knowledgeable guides. The tour starts at 7:00 PM and lasts approximately 3 hours, including travel time. Guests are advised to dress casually and avoid bright colors, as well as maintain a moderate level of physical fitness.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, beverages, bottled water, and snacks. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience.
Reviews for the Turtle Tour are overwhelmingly positive, with travelers praising the expertise and friendliness of the guides, Ricardo and Alan. The tour provides a memorable opportunity to witness the turtles’ remarkable journey and contributes to the conservation efforts in the area.
Read our full review: Turtle Tour Near Samara Beach Review
Book now: Check availability
Sunset & Wildlife Tour
The Sunset & Wildlife Tour in Sámara, Costa Rica, offers adventurous travelers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s coastal and inland scenery. This 18-review, Badge of Excellence tour takes participants on an ATV adventure, trekking from a mountaintop summit to Guanacaste’s best beaches.
Along the way, you’ll escape the crowds on backroads and dirt trails, taking in the stunning Pacific sunset from a special vantage point.
The tour includes a knowledgeable guide, safety gear, water, fruits, and snacks. While transportation isn’t provided, free pickup is available in Samara or Carrillo Beach. The meeting point is Playa Samara, and the activity ends back at the same location.
The route is considered intermediate to advanced, with some challenging sections, but beginner-friendly options are available. Reviews highlight the tour’s great guides and memorable experiences.
Priced at $124.00 per group (up to 1), this sunset and wildlife adventure offers a Lowest Price Guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Read our full review: Sunset & Wildlife Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Safari Horse Riding Tour
Sámara, Costa Rica, offers adventurous travelers an opportunity to embark on a Safari Horse Riding Tour, a 19-review, Badge of Excellence activity that allows participants to explore the region’s stunning landscapes atop majestic equines.
This private tour, rated 4.8 out of 5 on Viator and Tripadvisor, runs daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM, with pickup and drop-off at the Horsejungle location.
Included in the tour are helmets and bottled water, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience. While not recommended for travelers with back problems, the Safari Horse Riding Tour welcomes children as young as 2 years old, making it an ideal family activity.
Reviewers praise the good guidance and safety, though some note communication issues regarding transportation and refunds.
Priced at $37.95 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the Safari Horse Riding Tour offers a flexible cancellation policy, allowing for free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.
Read our full review: Safari Horse Riding Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Jungle ATV off Road Sunset Tour With a Guide
A thrilling Jungle ATV Off Road Sunset Tour with a Guide offers adventurous travelers in Sámara, Costa Rica, an opportunity to explore the region’s lush landscapes and stunning natural beauty.
Priced from £87.45 per person, this 4:00 PM tour accommodates up to 12 guests and features luxurious side-by-side ATVs, snacks, bottled water, and a brunch spread with refreshments.
During the tour, guests will receive a short instruction session on ATV operation and signals before setting out to discover the unspoiled beaches and potential wildlife sightings, such as howler monkeys.
The tour isn’t recommended for travelers with back problems or pregnant women, and infant seats are available.
With 14 reviews and a 100% recommendation rate, this tour promises an adrenaline-filled adventure and mesmerizing sunset vistas.
Pickup is available upon request, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Jungle ATV off Road Sunset Tour With a Guide Review
Book now: Check availability
Wildlife and Mangrove Kayaking Tour Río Ora
Embarking on the Wildlife and Mangrove Kayaking Tour Río Ora allows travelers to explore the serene waterways and lush mangrove ecosystems surrounding Sámara. Priced from $71 per person, the tour includes all necessary kayak equipment, refreshments, and the services of a professional guide.
Guests can expect to paddle along the Ora River, navigating through mangrove tunnels before reaching Camaronal Beach. During the excursion, they’ll have the opportunity to observe native birds and learn about the local ecosystem.
Tour start times vary based on high tide, and hotel pickup and drop-off are provided for select properties in the Sámara-Playa Carrillo area. Though the tour is suitable for those with a moderate fitness level, it’s not wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
With an overall rating of 4.8 based on 13 reviews, the Wildlife and Mangrove Kayaking Tour Río Ora offers travelers an immersive and educational experience in the natural wonders of Costa Rica’s Samara region.
Read our full review: Wildlife and Mangrove Kayaking Tour Río Ora Review
Book now: Check availability
Secluded Beach Tour 1h 1/2
This 1.5-hour Secluded Beach Tour offers travelers an opportunity to explore Sámara’s pristine coastline by horseback.
Recommended by 100% of previous participants, the tour is ideal for beginners and families looking to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Riders will enjoy crossing a river and trekking through jungle, with the chance to spot local wildlife along the way.
The tour departs from Explore Samara Tours in Playa Sámara, with hotel pickup available for those within 7km of the city center. Bottled water is provided, and photos and videos are shared after the tour.
Priced from $45 per person, the tour has a maximum of 8 travelers and offers flexible booking options, including free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
However, it’s important to note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for those with back problems or pregnant travelers.
Read our full review: Secluded Beach Tour 1h 1/2 Review
Book now: Check availability
Sum Up
Samara offers a variety of exciting tours for visitors. Whether you prefer ATVs, horses, kayaks, or simply exploring on foot, there’s an option to suit your interests. From mountain and beach adventures to wildlife encounters and sunset sails, these tours provide a great way to experience the natural beauty of the region. With so many choices, you’re sure to find the perfect tour to make your Samara trip unforgettable.