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Home / Beaches / Playa Pelada

Playa Pelada

Пляж Пелада
Costa Rica · Beach · Sámara
high
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for families and couples wanting to enjoy a calm beach with natural pools, rock formations and beautiful sunsets. Not suitable for those seeking a lively atmosphere.

Best month

January

Water
+27.0°C
Length
700 m
Playa Pelada, located in the northern part of Sámara, features rocky formations and scenic views. It has a calm atmosphere and is popular for hiking and nature watching.
Surface
sand
Waves
moderate
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Playa Pelada, located in the northern part of Sámara, features rocky formations and scenic views. It has a calm atmosphere and is popular for hiking and nature watching.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • White sand
  • Natural tide pools
  • Rock formations
  • Calm atmosphere
  • Sunset views
  • Beachfront restaurants
  • Horseback riding

Cons

  • Waves can be strong
  • Rocky formations
  • Limited parking
  • No lifeguards
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families and couples wanting to enjoy a calm beach with natural pools, rock formations and beautiful sunsets. Not suitable for those seeking a lively atmosphere.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Natural tide pools and a dramatic rock blowhole that make this beach unique for exploring at low tide.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
white
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
mixed
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
recommended
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
700 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
high
Average Water Temp
+27.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+29.0 °C
Wave Type
moderate
Wave Height
0.8 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
December January
Season end
April
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
low
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
10.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. This is a quiet family area.
Dangerous creatures
jellyfish
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
No
Umbrellas
No
Showers
No
Toilets
No
Changing Rooms
No
Lifeguards
No
First Aid
No
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
No
Kids Playground
No
Sports Ground
No
Restaurants Nearby
5 pcs
Best restaurants

La Luna

Mediterranean

Beachfront restaurant with sunset views and fine cuisine

Nearby cuisines

Mediterranean

Fine cuisine with seafood

Must try: Fresh fish, seafood, pasta
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
calm
Crowd Level
uncrowded
Silence Level
quiet
Sunset Quality
exceptional
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
No
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
No
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Hat Towel Swimsuit Water Water shoes Snorkel mask
Best Time to Swim
Best time to visit is the dry season from December to April. Low tide is the best time to explore the natural pools.
Local Rules
Do not leave trash. Swim only in the designated area. Be careful with rocks.
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Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Guiones Beach

Neighbouring beach with surfing and restaurants, 5 minutes away

Ostional Refuge

Turtle nesting refuge, 10 minutes away

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Playa Pelada: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +27.0°C, warms up to +29.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Playa Pelada: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — moderate. Average wave height — 0.8 m.
Playa Pelada: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — mixed. It is recommended to bring aqua shoes — parts of the bottom have rocks or corals. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Playa Pelada: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — white. Texture — fine. Beach length — 700 metres.
Playa Pelada: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in December, January. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Playa Pelada: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — low. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Playa Pelada: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: jellyfish. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Playa Pelada: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: parking. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Playa Pelada: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
There are no lifeguards on the beach — be especially careful when swimming.
Playa Pelada: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: La Luna. Cuisines available: Mediterranean. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Playa Pelada: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Hat, Towel, Swimsuit, Water, Water shoes, Snorkel mask.
Playa Pelada: when is the best time to swim?
Best time to visit is the dry season from December to April. Low tide is the best time to explore the natural pools.
Playa Pelada: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Do not leave trash. Swim only in the designated area. Be careful with rocks.
Playa Pelada: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, surfing. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Playa Pelada: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families and couples wanting to enjoy a calm beach with natural pools, rock formations and beautiful sunsets. Not suitable for those seeking a lively atmosphere.
Playa Pelada: what makes this beach unique?
Natural tide pools and a dramatic rock blowhole that make this beach unique for exploring at low tide.
Playa Pelada: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: White sand, Natural tide pools, Rock formations, Calm atmosphere, Sunset views, Beachfront restaurants, Horseback riding. Cons: Waves can be strong, Rocky formations, Limited parking, No lifeguards.
Playa Pelada: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Guiones Beach, Ostional Refuge. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Playa Pelada: how do I get to the city of Sámara?
The beach is located near the city of Sámara. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Sámara.

City

Sámara

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Costa Rica
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 9.933300, -85.600000

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