Distance 48 km (30.0 miles) | |
Price range US$67-US$369 | |
Ride Duration Range 3h 10m-4h | |
Earliest Departure 19:30 | |
Latest Departure 23:30 | |
Most Popular Operator |
Find up-to-date information on departure times, schedules, and prices so you can easily compare and book your tickets.
Samara is truly a hidden gem.
Nestled on the Pacific Coast on the Nicoya Peninsula, this sleepy surf town isn't on the mainstream tourist route. Visitors can still experience a slice of authentic Pura Vida life.
But it's not the only stunning beach town in Costa Rica. If you want to beach hop like a pro, Santa Teresa Beach should also be on your list.
This beach town is more well-known than Samara, yet it offers a remote charm. Get ready for a laidback vibe, A+ watersports, surfing lessons, and the chance to see world-class nature reserves.
Without major bus routes, traveling to and from these remote towns can be tricky. And that's where this guide comes in.
Your main transportation option is a minivan, which takes three and a half to four hours.
On a map, the two towns appear close. However, the driving time is long due to windy roads and a lack of direct highways.
Below, we'll explain how to get from Samara to Santa Teresa Beach without a hitch.
Traveling across the Nicoya Peninsula has never been easier. Let's go!
Whether your mission is to relax, get active, or see Costa Rica's famous wildlife up close, Santa Teresa Beach is the place to be.
Here are some must-see spots you should know:
Explore the Cabo Blanco Nature Reserve. The drive from Santa Teresa takes around one hour, but this drive time is absolutely worth it. If you do one thing, it should be a day trip to this pristine nature reserve. Prepare to see 140 species of trees, raccoons, capuchin monkeys, anteaters, and many more animals in the wild.
Get your adrenaline pumping on an adventure tour. Since Santa Teresa Beach is so remote, it's an ideal place for adventure tourism. There are plenty of zip-line, hiking, and horseback riding tours to explore, which give you a shot of adrenaline and show you the local sights.
Take surfing lessons. Santa Teresa Beach is, first and foremost, a surfing destination, thanks to the big Pacific waves. Book some local lessons or rent a board to get in on the action.
Go on a day trip to Montezuma. It's a town approximately 35 minutes away, home to stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and more beaches. It's a nice day trip if you've got ample time in the area.
Go beach hopping. You can't visit Santa Teresa and miss the beaches! Hit Santa Teresa Beach, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Carmen to see the main stretches.
The primary way to travel from Samara to Santa Teresa Beach is by air-conditioned minivan. They take 3.5 to 4 hours.
The cheapest options start at $39.60 per person for a shared minivan.
Private transfers are more expensive, costing $368 per booking — however, you can share this between four passengers, making it $92 per person if you fill to capacity.
You can book private transfers for this route if you don't want the possibility of traveling with strangers. Use the "Private Transfer" button on the left-hand menu to see these options.
Minivans will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel. You won't have to deal with navigation to and from bus stations with this route.
Most minivans offer amenities like English-speaking staff, large luggage space, reclining seats, and the option to add a surfboard (for an extra fee).
As the crow flies, Samara and Santa Teresa Beach are on the same stretch of coastline on the Nicoya Peninsula.
However, the journey to Santa Teresa isn't so direct since there are only a handful of main highways on this peninsula. Roads here have to bob and weave around the untouched nature reserves. Regardless, it is safe and offers stunning views of the local greenery.
The best time to travel from Samara to Santa Teresa Beach is from November to April, the dry season. Most hotels, tours, and attractions are open during this period, so you can see the sights and enjoy the beaches without worrying about heavy rainfall.
The area experiences a rainy season from May to October. May, September, and October are the wettest months, each experiencing over 17 days of rain. If you want to see the area at its best and explore the outdoors, skip the wet months.
Temperature-wise, Samara and Santa Teresa Beach sit around 80 to 86°F (27 to 30°C) all year round. It's always lovely and warm here!
You should spend around two to three days in Santa Teresa Beach. This gives you enough time to explore the beaches and soak in the laid-back vibe without rushing.
Travelers with more time may wish to spend five or six days here to truly relax and embrace the area, but if you don't have this much time, don't worry — you won't miss out on anything.
It is a popular destination for digital nomads, who often choose to stay for weeks or months at a time.
If you have ample time after Santa Teresa Beach, why not keep going to the end of the peninsula? Tambor Beach is another idyllic beach town on the far end of the Nicoya Peninsula. Here, you can admire Ballena Bay, explore more untouched wildlife, and take some winding hiking trails.
Santa Teresa Beach to Tambor Beach takes around 50 minutes by minivan. Easy!
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