At a glance
- From Santa Teresa
- About 4¾ hours: 4 hours to Sámara on the paved road, then about 40 minutes on dirt
- From Liberia airport (LIR)
- About 2½ hours, via Nicoya and Barco Quebrado
- Swimming
- Not recommended: the waves are bigger than they look and the current is strong
- Best for
- Couples and families with older kids who want an empty, beautiful beach for a walk and a picnic
- Facilities
- None: no restaurants, no shops, no toilets. Bring water, food and shade
- Getting there
- Dirt road via Route 160 and Barco Quebrado: high-clearance car January–April, 4x4 from May to November. Skip the Río Buenavista shortcut
- Surf
- Powerful waves; not a place for lessons
What is Playa Barrigona like?
A long, undeveloped beach of soft white sand between Sámara and Garza, with clear blue water and forested hills at both ends. There are no hotels, restaurants or shops, and one guide calls it the most beautiful beach in the area. On weekdays you may have much of it to yourself; at weekends and on holidays it gets busy with day-trippers.
Can you swim at Playa Barrigona?
Better not. The waves are bigger than they look from the sand and the current is strong, and there are no lifeguards. Enjoy it from the sand, keep children out of the surf, and save your swim for calm Sámara or Carrillo.
How do you get to Playa Barrigona?
From Sámara, it's about 40 minutes by car. Take the road toward Nosara and turn off at Barco Quebrado; this way has no river crossings.
- January to April: a high-clearance car is enough.
- May to November: the dirt road turns to deep mud, so take a 4x4.
- Skip the Río Buenavista shortcut unless someone local says it's low: the river gets deep in the rains.
Insider tip: Go on a weekday morning with a full cooler and an umbrella. There's no shade built on the beach and nothing to buy, and you'll want to leave before the afternoon rain in the green season turns the road to mud.
Is it the same as Barrigona near Malpaís?
No. There's also a Bahía Barrigona and Punta Barrigona just south of the Malpaís tide pools, near Santa Teresa. This page is about Playa Barrigona near Sámara, in the north of the peninsula. For beaches near Santa Teresa, see Malpaís beach.
Where should you stay?
There's nothing at Barrigona itself. Stay in Sámara, the closest town, or in Nosara, and make it a half-day trip.
Nearby beaches
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim at Playa Barrigona?
It's not recommended. The waves are bigger than they look and the current is strong, and there are no lifeguards. Swim at Sámara or Carrillo instead.
Do you need a 4x4 to get to Playa Barrigona?
From May to November, yes: the dirt road gets very muddy. From January to April, a high-clearance car is usually enough. Take the road via Barco Quebrado, which has no river crossings.
How far is Playa Barrigona from Sámara?
About 40 minutes by car, mostly on dirt roads, via Barco Quebrado.
Are there restaurants at Playa Barrigona?
No. There's nothing on the beach: no restaurants, shops or toilets. Bring water, food and shade for the day.