My wife and I are heading to C.R. in late February and are, at this point, considering Samara for our stay (Villa Kalimba). We're a couple of fifty year olds looking for some nice water (snorkling), accomodations and food. In addition, a little "light" adventuring is not out of the picture and we would certainly enjoy seeing as much wildlife as possible. Do you experienced folks out there consider this a good plan, or would you split the trip up with one other location??? Any other comments on Villa Kalimba??? Tnx

I just returned from three nights in Playa Samara and strongly feel that 10 days is too long for this area. Samara is not the best base from which to do daytrips because the roads out of Samara are terrible. When we drove from Samara to Playa Ostional to see the nesting ridley turtles (which was a great experience), we had to cross three rivers and ended up getting a flat tire.

In addition, I'm not sure that Samara is the best place for snorkeling. My husband did a half-day snorkeling trip from Samara, and while he did see some little fish, there wasn't much else.

I would definitely suggest splitting the trip up with another location. It's easy to fly between Samara and other regions.
You might also consider choosing a different beach further north like Tamarindo or Conchal, from which you can more easily do daytrips.

Feel free to e-mail me privately about Villas Kalimba. My e-mail is: [email protected]

Definitely would recommend another location. Samara, in my opinion, is a 3 night location, tops! But others might certainly disagree.

The Conchal/Tamarindo suggestion is good, but further up around Playa Hermosa and Playa Coco (also Playa Ocotal) is a nice area as well as much closer to the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. This forested area would provide you with some great day trips. It is beautiful in the park. We did horseback and a zipline (we are early 50's also) and had a fabulous time. We consider both of those activities light adventure. Do consider another area.

Also, Manuel Antonio would be a wonderful location for you. There are lots of things to do there as well. And you have the added bonus of rainforest and beach together (thus the many activities!). . . .good luck!

Don't know that this will matter, but my first response is due to traveling in Feb. Feb is the month that we also travel and I was very disappointed in the lack of green in the Northern Pacific areas. Since this is dry season, the further north you go the more brown the foliage will be. So if you are expecting to see beautiful, lush green vegetation, I recommend you go further south instead of north or into the central areas of CR.

Samara is still on my to do list, but have stayed near Playa Coco at Playa Panama (both north Pacific) and Montezuma (southern tip of the Nicoya Pen). Both of these areas were dry, except for the hotel grounds.

As for snorkeling, CR does not offer the best visibility for snorkeling. Although we have much enjoyed each of our snorkeling adventures, just don't expect clear calm waters.

MA on the Pacific Coast is a good option to split your time. This gets you a bit further south and offers loads of activites and stunningly beautiful sights.

Monteverde and/or Arenal for lush green vegetation and wildlife and a host of activites.

The Osa Pen, to die for! Bosque del Cabo was the place we stayed this Feb. Took us 4 years to finally get down to the Osa, but the memories will certainaly last a lifetime! I teared up when we were forced to leave this place. What a dope! But seriously the experience is unbelievable.

Amen to Donna's Osa suggestion. February would be an excellent time for that part of the country!