If you’re staying in Samara and would like to explore some of the lesser known beaches around, then you have to go to Playa Barrigona, a gorgeous beach about 40 minutes away.
In this guide, you’ll read about how to plan your visit to Playa Barrigona.
Please make sure to read the part about getting to Playa Barrigona because of the road conditions and accessibility.
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Location and Directions
Playa Barrigona is in the south Guanacaste province, very close to Samara.
How to Get to Playa Barrigona
Although access to Playa Barrigona is much better now, there are some important things to know regarding which route to take.
You Should Have a 4×4 In Rainy Season
The road to Barrigona requires a 4×4 in the rainy season (May through November) due to the road. It’s a complete dirt road that gets super muddy when it rains a lot and becomes a slippery mess.
We also recommend a 4×4 for December, as that is the transition month from rainy to dry to the roads are at their worst condition.
In May, you can still get there in a 2wd high clearance SUV as that is just the start of the rainy season, though a 4×4 would be better.
In the dry season and the driest months: January, February, March and April, you can get there in a 2wd high clearance SUV.
Read more about renting a car in Costa Rica and check out our Costa Rica car rental discount.
Best Route from Samara
The best route to take from Samara to Playa Barrigona is Route 160, Route 150 west to go back onto Route 160 and then take a left at Barco Quebrado.
After the left turn, you’ll continue on this road until you see the sign for Playa Barrigona on your right hand side. This road is called “Acceso a Playa Barrigona.”
This route takes about 30 minutes and does not have any river crossings.
Turn onto this road to drive another ten minutes or so to reach the beach.
Do Not Take the Rio Buena Vista Route in Rainy Season
We do not recommend to take the route that crosses the Rio Buena Vista (past Samara Dive School). This river gets very big during the rainy season. There is a section in the middle where it gets very deep.
On Google Maps, it is the point called “Cross River.” If Waze or Google Maps takes you that way, we do not recommend to cross this river in the rainy season, particularly the months of July through November.
Especially October and November when the river is at its fullest and it’s super rainy.
In the driest part of the year, February and March, the river is not that deep, though you still need to drive through some water.
IMPORTANT: Water damage due to river crossings is never covered under any type of insurance for rental vehicles, even if you get full insurance.
You might see locals on motorcycles and in their cars drive through this river, but they are very familiar with it and know how to cross it.
We have personally crossed it a few times with no problem in February and July, but Yeison has a lot of experience, as a Costa Rican who grew up in areas like this. He grew up driving through rivers and knows how to find the best path.
Parking
There is no real “parking lot” at Playa Barrigona. Everyone has to park their cars right before the river and then you walk a short path down to the beach.
Sometimes, mostly during the high tourism season and on weekends/holidays, there will be a local guy wearing an orange/yellow vest who say they will watch your car for you.
If you want to, you can give them a tip when you are leaving the beach.
Sometimes they will have a ceviche and coconut stand.
*Do not leave valuables in the car!*
Playa Barrigona Beach
The reward after this adventurous drive is an absolutely breathtaking beach.
If you visit in the dry season, the river on the right hand side is not very big. If you visit during the rainy season, the river gets a lot bigger and the local kids like to swim in there.
The beach has soft white sand and bright blue waters, surrounded by forest covered mountains from end to end.
During dry season, the mountains are more yellow and sparse but in rainy season, they turn a lush green.
There is nothing on Barrigona: no hotels, no restaurants, nothing. It’s a wonderful escape from the crowds of Samara.
Sunsets here are beautiful as well.
At both ends of the beach are large rocky reefs and the north end rocks are always visible.
There are some nice palm trees and flat spaces for laying down and relaxing.
Barrigona does get very busy on weekends and holidays. If you go on a normal weekday morning, there usually isn’t a lot of people.
Can You Swim at Playa Barrigona?
The waves at Barrigona are much bigger than it seems and the current is strong. We don’t recommend to swim at this beach. There are no lifeguards.
You can dip your toes and play in the sand, but swimming can be risky due to the strong currents.
The Triple Crown surf competition was held at Barrigona in 2014 so this beach is actually good for surfing when it’s on.
If you’re an experienced surfer tired of the crowds at Samara, this is an excellent nearby beach to catch waves. Just make sure to check conditions and if possible, go with a local. Don’t surf alone.
Other Beach Near Samara
You can also visit Playa Carrillo for another beautiful quiet beach near Samara.
Read about other secluded beaches in Costa Rica below!
Playa Mina Guanacaste: Local favorite white sand beach south of Conchal
Cuevas beach: Small white sand beach in Mal Pais, great snorkeling bordering a private reserve
Playa Cabuyal Guanacaste: Empty white sand beach in Gulf of Papagayo
Chiquita Puerto Viejo: Beautiful beach between Punta Uva and Cocles
Playa Buena: Small white sand beach between Playa Panama and Hermosa in Guanacaste
Playa Penca: White sand beach with clear waters by Playas del Coco
Rocio Valverde Stark says
Very dangerous for swimming. Many people have drowned and whole families have been put into nightmares. Beware. Also so much thieves break into the cars. Not so safe due to being so secluded.
Dan says
A lot must have changed since 2018. The road in is better than the main road, well graded with not a pothole. the parking area is well defined and can be seen from some of the closer areas of the beach. On a Tuesday in January there were eleven cars parked.
It’s still a beautiful beach. lots of private spots for picnics, plenty of room for everyone.
It’s well worth checking this beach out!
Orb says
Are any of the beaches ok with nude sun bathing?
Sammi says
I have seen people nude sun bathing at this beach actually since not a lot of people go to this beach, I’m not sure if it’s legal or illegal in Costa Rica to be honest. I think if you’re not near any people, it’s OK but if you’re around people especially kids and families, we don’t recommend it (Costa Rica is a Catholic country) and it’s not normal for locals to sun bathe nude in Costa Rica.
Jorge Sanabria says
No es muy recomendable ir solo por lo largo y solitario
Naima says
Hi. I’m really enjoying reading your blog, you def have some amazing information! I was wondering if it is to come from Nosara to Playa Barrigona, do you know about it?
Sammi says
Yes you can, it’s better with a car but you can bus from NOsara to Samara and then try to find a taxi to take you to Barrigona or I think there are horseback riding tours in Samara that go to Barrigona.
gallobravo says
Might be good to note that in the rainy season when many people park just before the big muddy mess and walk the rest of the way, there have been many reports of people breaking into the parked cars.
Sammi says
Very good point. thanks for pointing that out.