Samara, Playa Carrillo

• Description of Samara
• Map of Samara with Hotels
• South of Samara: Carrillo
• North of Samara

The luxurious beach boulevard of Playa Carrillo

Eight km south of Samara you are greeted by a coastal boulevard which parallels one of Costa Rica's most beautiful beaches.

The wide crescent bay of Playa Carrillo looks almost Caribbean with its palm-lined white-sand beach and turquoise waters. At both sides it is protected by rocky headlands enabling you to swim and snorkel in calm crystalline waters.

Overlooking the horseshoe bay of Carrillo

Aside from the luxurious boulevard, the beach of Carrillo is blissfully undeveloped: there are no buildings, hotels or restaurants on the beach which is largely uncrowded for most of the year. Only on weekends or during holidays Costa Rican families enjoy a romantic picnic under the palms.

Fishing boats in Puerto Carrillo

 
At the southern end of the bay before the road climbs uphill, you get to a bridge over a small river. Shortly after a road to your left leads uphill to the small animal shelter La Selva Zoo and Bromelia Garden where you see coatis, monkeys, porcupines, vampire bats, and other animals which you will rarely encounter in the wild.

The hamlet of Puerto Carrillo is a tiny fishermen village nestled into a rocky cove at the southern end of the bay. The protected cove of Carrillo offers safe anchoring for the sport fishing fleet of Samara.

In Carrillo you can watch the most fabulous sunsets

Carrillo offers a great alternative for travelers craving a quiet, scenic beach spot while still being near to the action in Samara. All hotels in Carrillo are located uphill where you find excellent options, from Bed and Breakfast-style to luxury hotels, some lodgings spezializing in sport fishing.

Map of Carrillo with Hotels.