Costa Rica Adventure Tours

With this adventure package from Costa Rica Outdoor Adventures, you’ll get the chance to see the country’s varied landscapes, from Sámara Beach’s coral reef and soft sands to inland forests. Choose from two room-only options, or a 4-, 6-, and 8-day option; see the What You Get section for the tours included in each option. All options include lodging at Hotel Playa Sámara, located within walking distance of beaches and restaurants.

Hotel at a Glance: Hotel Playa Sámara

• Start the day right with an included breakfast.
• Cool off in the outdoor pool.
• Tropical style: Palm trees line the hotel grounds, and the walls of guest rooms have paintings of wildlife.
• Walk to beaches and restaurants.

Tours at a Glance

• Sunset quad tour: Ride a quad vehicle through lush jungle to reach secluded Barrigona Beach (valid driver license required).
• Horseback riding jungle tour: Setting off from Carrillo Beach, you’ll get a panoramic view of the Pacific coast from a mountain.
• Ocean-view canopy ziplining tour: Keep an eye out for monkeys and iguanas as you soar through Guanacaste’s dry forest.
• Dolphin and whale watching with snorkeling tour: Travel 2–10 miles offshore to spot humpback whales and four kinds of dolphins, then snorkel near Isla Chora or Carrillo Beach.
• Jungle hiking tour with a naturalist: Visit a cattle farm and a mango plantation before learning about native plants and animals in the tropical rainforest.

Playa Sámara, Costa Rica: Coral Reefs and Rainforest Adventure

Because they’re buffered by an island and rocky headlands, the waves at Playa Sámara are calmer than most of the other beaches on Costa Rica’s northern coast. This phenomenon makes the surf ideal for swimming and snorkeling. A coral reef sits just a few feet below the surface of the water, and local tour operators routinely show visitors to some of the area’s best underwater scenery. On a snorkeling trip, you can expect to see a wide range of rainbow-colored fish, including pufferfish and blue tang. Rides to nearby Isla Chora, a deserted island, are also readily available. The crystal-clear waters here provide an up-close look at tropical marine life, and the pink-sand beach is usually full of hermit crabs and iguanas.

Alternatively, hiking, mountain biking, and ziplining tours head for the lush interior jungles backing Playa Sámara. Many of them navigate the area’s back roads—through cattle farms and mango plantations—with chances to glimpse local wildlife. However, the best way to see the animals of Playa Sámara might be when kayaking down one of the rainforest’s rivers. Howler monkeys and great blue herons are known to hang out around the banks; even crocodiles are sometimes spotted during these excursions.

The beach at Playa Sámara is long and broad, so even though it can get busy, the crowds are usually spread out enough that it doesn’t feel congested. On the weekends, the nightclubs here attract droves of partygoers. There’s something for everyone: reggae and hip-hop dance clubs and mellow dives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the best way to travel to the hotel from the airport? Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) is located 67 miles from the hotel. Airport transportation is included for package options. Airport transportation is an additional $80 each way for room only options. To arrange transportation contact the property 48 hours in advance by calling either (800) 511-4908 or (720) 271-3924 or e-mailing either info@hotelplayasamara.net or info@costaricanadventures.com with your name, booking number, airline, flight number, and arrival and departure information. The main office is open from 9 a.m.-10 p.m. EST.

2. Is there an additional occupancy fee, or do I have to purchase another Groupon? The Groupon covers a stay for two people. This deal is priced per person, based on double occupancy. The max occupancy is three people per room. For room-only options, additional 50% of the total room rate when using existing bedding; for adventure-package options, additional 50% of the total package rate when using existing bedding.

3. Will I be approached to attend a timeshare sales presentation? Groupon customers are never obligated to attend a sales presentation. If you are approached and decline a presentation, you will not lose the value of your Groupon or have to pay additional fees.

4. Which activities and amenities are included in the resort credits? Resort credit is not included with the Groupon.

5. Are dinner reservations required for restaurants? Is there a dress code? For information regarding your dining options, please call 800-511-4988.