Samara’s kayaking scene delivers exactly what paddling enthusiasts want: intimate encounters with nature without the tourist crowds. The protected bay offers calm waters perfect for beginners, while more adventurous types can venture to nearby Chora Island. Three standout experiences have earned our recommendation: The Chora Island kayak-snorkel combo lets you spot rays and tropical fish in clear waters. The Playa Samara coastal tour combines gentle paddling with excellent snorkeling spots. For nature lovers, the Río Ora mangrove tour provides close-up wildlife viewing in a pristine ecosystem. Small groups (15-20 people max) ensure personal attention and minimal environmental impact. Let’s look at these top-rated water adventures in detail.
Key Points
- The Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling to Chora Island tour offers a memorable nature experience with friendly guides, wildlife spotting, and roundtrip transport.
- Samara Adventures’ Playa Samara Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling tour provides a 5.0-rated experience with bottled water, snacks, and snorkeling equipment.
- The Wildlife and Mangrove Kayaking Tour Río Ora features a guided exploration of mangrove tunnels, diverse birdlife, and an end at Camaronal Beach.
- The Mangrove Kayak tour offers a 5-star experience with the opportunity to see crocodiles and includes kayak, life jacket, paddles, and refreshing snacks.
- The Playa Carrillo Bay to Bay Stand Up Paddle excursion showcases stunning coastal landscapes and provides a flexible workout while paddling across picturesque beaches.
Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling to Chora Island
Visitors embark on a captivating ocean kayak and snorkeling adventure to Chora Island, located just off the coast of Sámara, Costa Rica. Priced from €54.71 per person, the tour accommodates up to 15 travelers and includes snacks, snorkeling equipment, and roundtrip transportation.
Confirmed within 48 hours, subject to availability, the experience runs daily from 6 AM to 3 PM. While not recommended for those with back problems or medical conditions, most travelers can participate.
Reviews highlight the guides’ friendliness and knowledge, as well as the joy of kayaking, snorkeling, and spotting wildlife like turtles. Some note communication issues and gear quality, but overall, the excursion provides a memorable nature-based activity.
Read our full review: Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling to Chora Island Review
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Playa Samara Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling
Embarking from the beautiful Playa Sámara, travelers enjoy a captivating ocean kayak and snorkeling adventure.
Operated by Samara Adventures, this excursion offers an up-close encounter with the area’s stunning natural beauty. For $58.76 per person, the tour includes bottled water, snorkeling equipment, snacks, and fruits.
Pickup is available from select locations, with a start time of 8:00 am and a maximum of 20 participants. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but infant seats are available.
With a 5.0 overall rating and 95% recommendation rate, this activity promises an unforgettable experience exploring the serene waters and vibrant marine life around Chora Island.
Read our full review: Playa Samara Ocean Kayak and Snorkeling Review
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Wildlife and Mangrove Kayaking Tour Río Ora
The Wildlife and Mangrove Kayaking Tour Río Ora offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy the serene waterways and vibrant ecosystems of Sámara, Costa Rica.
Guided by an expert, adventurers can paddle through mangrove tunnels along the Ora River, spotting diverse birdlife and learning about the local environment.
The tour culminates at the stunning Camaronal Beach, where refreshments like juices, beer, and fresh fruit await.
With a maximum group size of 15 and convenient hotel pickup, this highly-rated excursion provides an ideal way to explore Costa Rica’s natural wonders.
At $66 per person, it’s an affordable and unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Wildlife and Mangrove Kayaking Tour Río Ora Review
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Mangrove Kayak
An immersive kayaking adventure awaits travelers along the serene mangrove waterways of Sámara, Costa Rica.
The Mangrove Kayak tour offers a 5-star experience, with a rating of 5.0 from 8 reviews. Priced from $67.80 per person, the tour accommodates up to 15 guests and includes kayak, life jacket, and paddles, as well as refreshing snacks like fresh pineapple and watermelon.
Pickup and drop-off services are available for hotels in Sámara and Puerto Carrillo. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for those with moderate fitness levels.
Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to spot wildlife like crocodiles, making this an educational and relaxing adventure.
Read our full review: Mangrove Kayak Review
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Playa Carrillo Bay to Bay Stand Up Paddle
Paddlers seeking a versatile and exhilarating adventure along the stunning coastline of Sámara, Costa Rica, will find the Playa Carrillo Bay to Bay Stand Up Paddle activity a captivating option.
This 3-hour excursion allows participants to paddle across picturesque beaches, with the flexibility to opt for a workout or a relaxing experience. Included amenities such as bottled water, snacks, and snorkeling equipment enhance the outing.
The activity caters to a moderate fitness level, with a maximum of 15 travelers per tour. Pickup and drop-off services are available from various points near Sámara and Carrillo, making logistics seamless.
With a 5-star rating based on 2 reviews, this stand-up paddle adventure promises an unforgettable exploration of Sámara’s stunning coastal landscapes.
Read our full review: Playa Carrillo Bay to Bay Stand Up Paddle Review
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Isla Chora Kayak and Snorkel Activity
For travelers seeking a unique island adventure, the Isla Chora Kayak and Snorkel Activity offers an exhilarating way to explore the stunning coastline of Sámara, Costa Rica.
The private tour allows your group to kayak and snorkel around the picturesque Isla Chora, with all necessary equipment provided. Refreshments are included, and transportation is covered.
While the activity requires a moderate fitness level, it’s not recommended for those with certain medical conditions. Reviews praise the amazing guides and the memorable island experience.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this €57.13 per person tour is a must-try for outdoor enthusiasts visiting the Sámara area.
Read our full review: Isla Chora Kayak and Snorkel Activity Review
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Recap
Samara’s diverse coastal and river environments offer a range of captivating kayaking and paddling experiences. Explore pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and marine life up close. Whether you’re seeking wildlife viewing, snorkeling, or a tranquil paddle, Samara’s water-based activities provide an exceptional way to take in the region’s natural beauty.