If you are staying in Samara and are looking for an empty, less touristy beach for a beach day, then head to Playa Buena Vista, a 30 minute drive away.
Here is what you need to know about visiting Playa Buena Vista, a dark sand beach with long empty shores and beautiful sunsets.
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How to Get To Playa Buena Vista
There are two entrances to Buena Vista beach, one on either end of the beach.
There is one from the west side of Samara, from Calle Samara. The road is not fully paved all the way and there is a river past the houses.
We do not recommend to cross the river in the car because it can get very full during high tide, and in the rainy season the river gets really full.
You can walk to the beach via this entrance from Samara.
The other entrance is on the west end of Playa Buena Vista. There is a bumpy road and a parking area. Best to take Route 160 around Buenavista to avoid Rio Buena Vista river crossing. About a 30 minute drive from Samara.
If you enter via the western entrance, there is a small parking area. To get to the beach, you’ll have to walk through the river.
At this entrance, there are a couple of stone picnic tables under trees.
IMPORTANT: It’s best to go in low tide. In high tide, the rivers get very high so you’ll probably end up swimming out. Crocodiles can also be found in the rivers.
4×4 required?
Highly recommend to have a high clearance car in dry season and a 4wd in the rainy season.
Get our Costa Rica car rental discount here!
Facilities
None.
No bathrooms, no nothing. Just beach!
There are some picnic tables at the Punta Buena Vista entrance.
Make sure to bring everything you need if you’re going to visit for the day: insulated reusable water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, towels, snacks.
Can You Swim?
If it’s a calm day, you can dip your toes.
But it’s not normally recommended to swim at this beach since waves and currents can get big and strong. The water is dark and not very clear.
Children and seniors especially should avoid swimming at the beach.
The Beach
Playa Buena Vista feels like a world’s away from Samara!
If you visit on a week day, you will most likely not see another soul there. If you visit on a weekend, there may be more locals enjoying the beach, especially during sunset time.
When we visited in the afternoon in July, we only saw a a local couple with their dog arriving on their motorcycle.
The guy had a fishing pole and he went to the river to fish with his dog.
More people visit this beach for the sunset as it’s super picturesque with the river and long shores.
If you walk about halfway, there is a shady area with lots of tree to lay under to rest or have a snack.
Playa Buena Vista is best for long walks and picnics to enjoy a local beach. Please make sure to take all your garbage with you and don’t leave any trash.
IMPORTANT: There were a lot of rocks on the beach. We highly recommend water shoes or a good pair of hiking sandals. You also have to cross the rivers at either end of the beach. It is advised not to walk barefoot on this beach.
In the rainy season, debris can sometimes wash up on shores so if you can, take an extra bag with you to collect it.
Map
Here is a map of Playa Buena Vista so you can see the two entrances.
Other Beaches Near Samara
If you’re looking for other similar beaches to visit near Samara, check these out below.
Playa Carrillo: 10 minute drive, picturesque beach with palm trees and swimming waves. One of our favorite beaches in Costa Rica.
Playa Barrigona: 30 minute drive. Beautiful local surfing beach with soft sand and incredible sunsets
Playa Barco Quebrado: Near Buena Vista beach, this beach has tide pools in low tide.
Costa Rica Vacation Checklist
- First time to Costa Rica? Read our First Time in Costa Rica guide.
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