Isla Chora Playa Samara
A small, enchanting island off Playa Samara, perfect for kayaking and snorkeling adventures with abundant marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Calm waters for kayaking
Isla Chora Playa Samara
Best Time
Calm waters for kayaking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A small, enchanting island off Playa Samara, perfect for kayaking and snorkeling adventures with abundant marine life.
"Beautiful island. We saw iguanas, pelicans, hermit crabs and iridescent fish in rock pools. Snorkelling was great with lots of fish to see."
Kayak Rental Deals
Rent a kayak for 1-2 hours for $10-$15. Some tours charge up to $45. :kayak:
Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Essential for spotting colorful fish and marine life around the island. :fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kayaking to Isla Chora
Off Playa Samara
Paddle to this charming island, a former refuge for indigenous tribes. Explore its small beach and enjoy the calm waters.
Snorkeling in Crystal Waters
Around Isla Chora
Discover a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish, octopuses, and sea urchins. Turtles are a lucky bonus!
Wildlife Encounters
Isla Chora and its shores
Observe iguanas, pelicans, hermit crabs, and diverse marine life in their natural habitat. A true nature lover's paradise.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Kayak to Isla Chora: Your Samara Adventure
Snorkeling & Wildlife Spotting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kayak Rental Deals
Rent a kayak for 1-2 hours for $10-$15. Some tours charge up to $45. :kayak:
Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Essential for spotting colorful fish and marine life around the island. :fish:
Explore the Rock Pools
Discover hermit crabs and iridescent fish in the rock pools at low tide. :crab:
Island Secrets
Isla Chora was once a refuge for indigenous tribes. Listen to the ocean's whispers. :microphone:
Tips
from all over the internet
Kayak Rental Deals
Rent a kayak for 1-2 hours for $10-$15. Some tours charge up to $45. :kayak:
Bring Your Snorkel Gear
Essential for spotting colorful fish and marine life around the island. :fish:
Explore the Rock Pools
Discover hermit crabs and iridescent fish in the rock pools at low tide. :crab:
Island Secrets
Isla Chora was once a refuge for indigenous tribes. Listen to the ocean's whispers. :microphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Isla Chora is a beautiful island off Playa Samara, offering a delightful kayaking and snorkeling experience. Visitors praise the calm waters, abundant marine life, and the chance to see wildlife like iguanas and pelicans. While some find the island itself has little to explore, the journey and underwater discoveries are highly rewarding.
"Beautiful beach / island in front of Samara Beach ! It's only 15-20min to the island, very calm waters. On the beach you can rent a kayak for 1hour for 10$! I got even 2 hours for 15$. There are other tour operators who charge 45$. Take your snorkel gear with you, you can see some very nice fishes! Even turtles if you are in luck!"
Sebastian Fürst
"Beautiful island. We saw iguanas, pelicans, hermit crabs and iridescent fish in rock oools. Snorkelling was great with lots of fish to see."
Gill Harrison
"Good kayak trip to the island but nothing there"
Ruth Hutchinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Isla Chora is located just off Playa Samara. The most popular way to reach it is by renting a kayak, which takes about 15-20 minutes. You can also swim if you're a strong swimmer, but kayaking is recommended for ease and for carrying gear.
No, Isla Chora is an island and cannot be reached by foot. Kayaking or swimming are the primary methods of access.
While kayaking is the most common and affordable way to visit, some tour operators might offer boat excursions. However, renting a kayak independently is often preferred for flexibility.
Samara is accessible by car, shuttle, or public bus from major cities like San Jose or Liberia. The drive offers scenic views of the Costa Rican landscape.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no entrance fees or tickets required to visit Isla Chora itself. You only pay for kayak rentals or any organized tours you might choose.
Isla Chora is accessible during daylight hours. Kayak rentals are typically available from morning until late afternoon. It's best to check with local rental providers for their specific operating times.
Kayak rentals are quite affordable. You can typically rent one for an hour for around $10, or get a two-hour rental for about $15.
Yes, guided tours are available, often including kayaking and snorkeling. However, these can be more expensive, with prices sometimes reaching $45.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can kayak to the island, relax on its small beach, snorkel in the surrounding waters to see colorful fish, and observe wildlife like iguanas and pelicans.
Yes, the waters around Isla Chora are great for snorkeling. You can see a variety of colorful fish, and with luck, even turtles, octopuses, and sea urchins.
Visitors often spot iguanas, pelicans, hermit crabs, and numerous colorful fish. The rock pools are also a good place to find marine life.
No, there are no established trails on Isla Chora. The island is small and primarily consists of a beach area and rocky sections.
The waters around Isla Chora are generally calm and safe for swimming, especially on the side facing Playa Samara. Always exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the island from the water while kayaking, the diverse marine life while snorkeling, and the unique wildlife like iguanas and pelicans. The sunsets over the Pacific from this vantage point are also spectacular.
A waterproof camera or a good smartphone with a waterproof case is ideal for capturing underwater shots while snorkeling. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife photography.
The best 'viewpoint' is often from your kayak on the water, offering a unique perspective of the island. The rocky areas also provide interesting foregrounds for shots of the ocean.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Snorkeling around Isla Chora is also a great way to introduce children to marine life. The abundance of colorful fish in the clear, calm waters provides an engaging and educational experience. Ensure children are supervised closely while in the water, and consider bringing flotation devices if needed. It's a memorable outing that combines fun, nature, and a touch of adventure.
💰 Budget Travelers
Bring your own snacks and water to save on costs, and pack your own snorkel gear to avoid rental fees. The natural beauty and wildlife encounters are the main attractions, and they come free of charge once you've reached the island. It's a perfect way to experience a unique natural attraction without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Kayaking to Isla Chora: A Traveler's Guide
When you arrive at Isla Chora, you'll find a small, inviting beach. It's a great spot to relax, take in the views, and prepare for your underwater exploration. The island itself is a former refuge for indigenous tribes, adding a layer of historical intrigue to its natural charm. While there are no developed trails, the rocky areas and shoreline offer plenty to discover, including a fascinating array of hermit crabs.
Remember to pack essentials like sunscreen, water, and your snorkel gear. The waters surrounding Isla Chora are known for their clarity and abundance of marine life, making it a prime spot for snorkeling. You can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, and if you're lucky, you might even encounter sea turtles, octopuses, or sea urchins. This combination of accessible adventure and rich biodiversity makes Isla Chora a must-visit destination in Samara.
Marine Life and Snorkeling at Isla Chora
Beyond the common reef fish, Isla Chora offers the exciting possibility of encountering larger marine creatures. Many travelers have been fortunate enough to spot sea turtles gracefully swimming in the area. Other notable sightings include octopuses, sea urchins, and a variety of crustaceans. The rock pools on the island's edge are also teeming with smaller marine life, including hermit crabs, which are a common and delightful sight.
To make the most of your snorkeling experience, it's highly recommended to bring your own snorkel gear. While some kayak rentals might offer it, having your own ensures a comfortable fit and availability. The best times for snorkeling are generally when the water is calmest, typically in the morning or late afternoon, and during lower tides when the rock pools are more accessible.
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