Active Pursuits

Aside from sitting on the sand and soaking up the sun, the main activities in Playa Sámara seem to be hanging out in the bars and sodas and dancing into the early morning hours. But if you're looking for something more, there's horseback riding either on the beach or through the bordering pastureland and forests. Other options include sea kayaking in the calm waters off Playa Sámara, sportfishing, snorkeling and scuba diving, boat tours, mountain biking, and tours to Playa Ostional to see the mass nesting of olive ridley sea turtles. You can inquire about and book any of these tours at your hotel.

You'll find that the beach is nicer and cleaner down at the south end. Better yet, head about 8km (5 miles) south to Playa Carrillo, a long crescent of soft, white sand. There's almost no development here, so the beach is almost always deserted and there are loads of palm trees providing shade. If you've got a good four-wheel-drive vehicle, ask for directions at your hotel and set off in search of the hidden gems of Playa Buena Vista and Playa Barrigona, which are north of Sámara, less than a half-hour drive away. In late 2007, actor Mel Gibson bought a large estate overlooking Playa Barrigona, and many locals say he actually bought the entire beach. Although his plans for this patch of paradise are still unclear, all beaches in Costa Rica are public property, and access must be provided.

A taxi to Playa Carrillo should cost about $5 to $8 (£2.50-£4) each way. Because it's a bit farther and the roads are a little rougher, expect to pay a little more to reach Playa Buena Vista, and even more for Playa Barrigona.

The folks at Wingnuts Canopy Tours (tel. 2656-0153) offer zip-line and harness "canopy tours." The 2-hour outing costs $55 (£28) per person. You'll find their office by the giant strangler fig tree, or matapalo, toward the southern end of the beach.

Almost every hotel in the area can arrange sportfishing trips, or you could contact Samara Sport Fishing (tel. 2656-0589) or Kingfisher (tel. 2656-0091; www.costaricabillfishing.com).

To learn how to surf, or to rent a board, check in with C & C Surf Shop and School (tel. 2656-0628), or Jesse's Samara Beach Surf School (tel. 2656-0055).

If you want to head out and try some scuba diving or a snorkel excursion, call Pura Vida Dive (tel. 2656-0273 or 8843-2075).

For a bird's-eye view of the area, head over to the Flying Crocodile (tel. 2656-8048 or 8827-8858; www.flying-crocodile.com) in Playa Buena Vista. A 20-minute flight will run you $70 (£35).

All of the hotels here can help you arrange any number of tour options, including horseback rides, boat trips, scuba diving, and snorkeling outings. You might also contact Tío Tigre Tours (tel. 2656-0098), a good all-around local tour company.

Learn The Language

If you want to acquire or polish some language skills while here, check in with the Intercultura Language School (tel. 866/978-6668 in the U.S. and Canada, or 2656-0127 in Samara; www.samaralanguageschool.com). The facility here even features classes with ocean views, although that might be a detriment to your language learning. These folks offer a range of programs and private lessons and can arrange for a home stay with a local family.

Going Down Under

Cavers will want to head 62km (38 miles) northeast of Playa Sámara on the road to the La Amistad bridge. If you don't have a car, your best bet is to get to Nicoya, which is about a half-hour away by bus, and then take a taxi to the park, which should cost about $15 (£7.50). Here, at Barra Honda National Park (tel. 2685-5267 or 2686-6760), there's an extensive system of caves, some of which reach more than 200m (656 ft.) in depth. Human remains and indigenous relics have been found in other caves, but those are not open to the public. Because this is a national park, you'll have to pay the $10 (£5) entrance fee.

If you plan to descend the one publicly accessible cave, you'll also need to rent (or bring your own) equipment and hire a local guide at the park entrance station. Depending upon your group size and bargaining abilities, expect to pay $10 to $30 (£5-£15) per person for a visit to the Terciopelo Cave, including the guide, harness, helmet, and flashlight. Furthermore, the cave is open only during the dry season (mid-Nov to Apr). You begin your tour with a descent of 19m (62 ft.) straight down a wooden ladder with a safety rope attached. Inside you'll see plenty of impressive stalactites and stalagmites while visiting several chambers of varying sizes. Even if you don't descend, the trails around Barra Honda and its prominent limestone plateau are great for hiking and bird-watching. Be sure to make a stop at La Cascada, a gentle waterfall that fills and passes through a series of calcium and limestone pools, some of them large enough to bathe in. The entire thing is slightly reminiscent of Ocho Rios in Jamaica.