Samara · Guanacaste · Costa Rica
Sheltered bay with an offshore reef that knocks the swell down to gentle beach-break waves; one of the easiest learner spots on the Nicoya coast.
For intermediate surfers the best months are April to September: in June about 25 days have rideable waves and 12 rate good or better. Beginners find the friendliest waves in all year. Experienced surfers looking for size and power: May to July. Local guides: Year-round; biggest swells April-October, steady offshores December-April.
Water 28 °C in November to 31 °C in April: Boardshorts / rash vest in winter, Boardshorts / rash vest at the warmest.
| Month | Rideable days | Good days | Beginner days | Typical size | Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 8 | 2 | 22 | 0.9 m | 29 °C |
| Feb | 11 | 3 | 20 | 0.9 m | 29 °C |
| Mar | 16 | 6 | 24 | 1.1 m | 30 °C |
| Apr | 21 | 5 | 26 | 1.2 m | 31 °C |
| May | 25 | 6 | 23 | 1.2 m | 31 °C |
| Jun | 25 | 12 | 22 | 1.3 m | 30 °C |
| Jul | 26 | 10 | 25 | 1.2 m | 30 °C |
| Aug | 20 | 7 | 21 | 1.2 m | 30 °C |
| Sep | 23 | 9 | 26 | 1.1 m | 30 °C |
| Oct | 19 | 6 | 23 | 1.1 m | 29 °C |
| Nov | 17 | 5 | 26 | 1.1 m | 28 °C |
| Dec | 9 | 1 | 24 | 0.8 m | 29 °C |
Days per month, typical of the last three years of wave and wind model data, rated with the same scale as the forecast. Not a forecast: some years are better than others.
For intermediate surfers April to September; in June about 25 days a month have rideable waves and 12 are good or better. For beginners all year. Local guides say: Year-round; biggest swells April-October, steady offshores December-April.
The sea ranges from about 28 °C in November to 31 °C in April. Wear a Boardshorts / rash vest in the coldest months and a Boardshorts / rash vest in the warmest.
Yes, on small days: it is a beach break that suits beginners. Watch out for: outer reef; rips at the river mouth. Take a lesson or surf near the lifeguards if you are new.
SW, S, W swell, N, NE wind (offshore), at mid to high tide. Typical size 0.5-1.5 m.
Live swell, wind, tide, a 14-day outlook, satellite pictures and webcams for Playa Samara are in the Surf Spoting app.