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Samara: A Vibrant Beach Town with a Laid-Back Vibe
Samara is a one-of-a-kind coastal town that blends Costa Rican charm with an international, tight-knit community. It’s the perfect mix of pura vida energy, natural beauty, and a friendly social atmosphere that makes both visitors and residents fall in love with it instantly.
The calm, swimmable bay, protected by a coral reef, makes Samara one of the best beaches in Costa Rica for families, kids, and beginner surfers. Unlike many other coastal towns with strong riptides, Samara’s waters are safe and inviting, making it a paradise for swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding, and other ocean activities.
Many people come to visit Samara and quickly start dreaming of living here—whether that means investing in a vacation rental, setting up a local business, or making it their permanent home. If your goal is to feel connected to your community and truly embrace pura vida, Samara is the dream. It has an inspiring mix of locals, expats, and entrepreneurs who all contribute to its warm and welcoming vibe.
Samara is also more affordable than Nosara, making it a fantastic option for buyers looking for value, rental income potential, and a strong sense of community.
Beaches & Lifestyle
🌊 Playa Samara – The town’s main beach is a sheltered bay with soft golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The protective coral reef reduces waves and riptides, making this one of the safest swimming beaches and top beach for families and kids in Costa Rica. You’ll also find beachfront restaurants, surf schools, and a lively atmosphere with a mix of locals and visitors.
🏝️ Playa Buena Vista & Playa Barrigona – Just outside town, these quieter beaches offer a more secluded feel, perfect for nature lovers. Playa Barrigona, in particular, is a stunning white-sand beach known for its remote beauty and dramatic coastal cliffs.
Beyond the beach, Samara is known for:
✔ A vibrant yet relaxed social scene with great cafés, bars, and restaurants
✔ A strong sense of community, making it easy to meet people and feel at home
✔ Plenty of eco-tourism activities like waterfall hikes, horseback riding, and boat tours
✔ A mix of locals and expats who value connection, well-being, and pura vida
Expat Community
Samara has one of the most welcoming and social expat communities in Costa Rica. It’s a place where people really get to know their neighbors, creating an atmosphere that’s perfect for families, retirees, and digital nomads alike.
You’ll find:
✔ Families & retirees drawn to the safe, swimmable beach and friendly environment
✔ Remote workers & entrepreneurs who thrive in the town’s relaxed yet connected vibe
✔ People looking for a balanced lifestyle – from yoga and healthy living to fun social gatherings
Whether you’re looking to slow down and relax or start a new business, Samara is a great place to build a life that feels truly fulfilling.
Types of Property Available
Real estate in Samara offers a variety of options for different lifestyles and investment goals:
Near-the-beach homes – Just a short walk from the sand, perfect for rental income or full-time living.
Hillside properties with ocean views – Stunning sunset panoramas and cool breezes from the jungle hills.
Boutique hotels & commercial spaces – A great choice for those dreaming of opening a business in paradise.
Lush jungle homes – More secluded, surrounded by tropical flora, offering a cooler climate and complete tranquility.
Land for development – Ideal for custom home builds, eco-lodges, or investment opportunities.
Pros & Cons of Buying in Samara
✅ Family-friendly, safe, and welcoming
✅ Great for rental income and tourism
✅ Incredible community of locals & expats
✅ Swimmable beach with fewer rocks & less riptide
✅ La Feria Farmers Market - Fresh local produce and a great community gathering spot
✅ Good internet and coworking spaces available for remote workers
❌ Limited high-end luxury properties
❌ Limited variety of restaurant styles compared to larger tourist towns
❌ Limited commercial supplies and department stores
The Best International Schools in Samara
If you're considering moving to Samara with children, finding the right school is a top priority. The area offers several private school options, each with a unique educational approach, bilingual programs, and a focus on student growth.
As you explore your options, here are a few factors to keep in mind:
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Location: Consider the school’s distance from your home and whether transportation is available.
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Curriculum & Accreditation: Some schools follow the Costa Rican academic calendar (February to November), while others align with the U.S. school year (September to June). If university abroad is in your child’s future, international accreditation is important.
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Language & Bilingual Education: Most private schools in Samara offer bilingual instruction in English and Spanish.
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Extracurricular Activities: Many schools integrate arts, sports, and environmental education into their programs.
Below is an overview of the private schools in Samara:
La Petite Ecole
📍 Location: Samara
🎓 Grades/Levels: Preschool-12th Grade
📅 School Year: Costa Rican (September–June)
📜 Accreditation: Inquire for details
🌍 Bilingual Program: Yes (French, Spanish & English)
💰 Tuition: Contact for rates
La Petite École is a French-inspired bilingual school offering small class sizes and a play-based learning approach. The school focuses on early childhood education, providing a nurturing and creative environment where children learn through play, hands-on activities, and outdoor experiences.
At La Petite École, the goal is to foster curiosity, confidence, and social development in young learners. The curriculum incorporates language immersion in English, Spanish, and French, helping students develop strong multilingual skills. The school also emphasizes nature-based education, encouraging children to explore their surroundings and engage with Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity.
This school is ideal for families seeking a small, nurturing environment where young children can develop foundational skills in multiple languages.
Escuela ad Astra
📍 Location: Playa Buena Vista, minutes from downtown Samara
🎓 Grades/Levels: 1st–6th Grade
📅 School Year: U.S. (September–June)
📜 Accreditation: Inquire for details
🌍 Bilingual Program: Yes (English & Spanish, plus French afterschool program)
💰 Tuition: Contact for rates
Escuela Ad Astra is a small, bilingual private school that integrates language immersion, play-based learning, and nature-focused education. The school follows an alternative, student-centered approach, inspired by Waldorf and European education models.
Key features include:
✔ Multilingual instruction in Spanish, English, and French
✔ Mixed-age classrooms, fostering collaborative and social learning
✔ Hands-on, experiential education, emphasizing creativity and critical thinking
✔ No traditional grading system, instead focusing on individual progress
Students at Escuela Ad Astra learn through real-world experiences, outdoor activities, and interactive projects. The school is designed to support bilingual education, with Spanish immersion being a major focus.
This school is a great fit for families looking for a flexible, alternative education model that promotes language learning and hands-on exploration.
Mareas Academy
📍 Location: Cantarrana, 150 meters north from the first crossing between Buena Vista & Nosara
🎓 Grades/Levels: Preschool–12th Grade
📅 School Year: U.S. (November–August)
📜 Accreditation: The Ogburn School (USA)
🌍 Bilingual Program: Yes
💰 Tuition: $4,360–$7,335 per year, plus fees
Mareas Academy follows an international, bilingual curriculum, with a student-centered approach that emphasizes individual learning styles and multiple intelligences.
Key highlights:
✔ Accredited U.S. curriculum, preparing students for university in Costa Rica or abroad
✔ Hands-on, project-based learning that encourages critical thinking and creativity
✔ Strong community atmosphere, where students, teachers, and parents collaborate
Mareas Academy provides a well-rounded education that goes beyond traditional academics, incorporating art, music, sports, and outdoor learning. The school values respect, kindness, and personal growth, helping students become confident, independent learners.
For families seeking a fully bilingual, internationally accredited education that prepares students for global opportunities.
Samara Pacific
📍 Location: Buena Vista
🎓 Grades/Levels: Preschool–6th Grade
📅 School Year: Costa Rican (February–November)
📜 Accreditation: Ministry of Public Education (MEP)
🌍 Bilingual Program: Yes (50% English, 50% Spanish)
💰 Tuition: Contact for rates
Samara Pacific School offers a high-quality bilingual education in a supportive, creative, and nature-focused environment. The curriculum blends arts, music, and environmental education with academic excellence, providing a well-rounded learning experience.
Key highlights:
✔ Fully accredited by Costa Rica’s Ministry of Education (MEP)
✔ Native English-speaking teachers for immersive language learning
✔ Environmental education focus, including beach cleanups & conservation projects
✔ Extracurricular activities in music, art, dance, and soccer
The school’s mission is to make quality education accessible, with tuition designed to accommodate both local and international families. Students learn through interactive, engaging lessons that foster a love of learning, strong ethics, and social responsibility.
If you’re looking for a bilingual, community-driven school with a focus on sustainability, Samara Pacific School is an excellent option.