The bay
A sheltering reef.
Haakon S. Krohn — CC BY-SA 3.0 · No machine-readable author provided. Rauldmo assumed (based on copyright claims). — CC BY-SA 2.5 · No machine-readable author provided. Rauldmo assumed (based on copyright claims). — CC BY-SA 2.5
A calm crescent bay on the central coast of the Nicoya Peninsula, sheltered by a reef across its mouth so waves break far out and the water stays fairly calm, making it one of Costa Rica's best Pacific beaches for families, gentle swimming and learning to surf. In the middle of the bay sits little forested Isla Chora, reached by kayak in about half an hour of easy paddling, with snorkelling near its rocks. The wide sandy beach runs under almond and palm trees to green headlands at either end. The village is small and quiet, with dirt roads, cafés and simple restaurants, and lies within the Nicoya Peninsula «Blue Zone», one of the world's few regions whose people live exceptionally long lives. Quieter beaches such as Carrillo lie nearby. The best times are morning, when the water is still, and sunset on the sand. Rip currents are strong on many Pacific beaches, so swim only where others do and keep away from river mouths.
A sheltering reef.
By kayak.
On the sand.
Sámara town on the central coast of the Nicoya Peninsula
Yes, a reef keeps the waves gentle, but watch for currents and keep away from river mouths.