4. Costa Rica is famous for its leatherback turtles, who return every year to the same beach to lay their eggs. The eggs have natural predators, and they are also a delicacy in local tradition—and so, for every 100 eggs, only one baby turtle survives… At Playa Junquillal Turtle Hatchery Park (pictured), between Negra and Nosara, Kathleen was able to observe turtle hatcheries on the beach, which are part of a conservation effort. © Kathleen Evans/IL

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Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula: 3 Unique Beach Communities

International Living‘s Coastal Costa Rica Correspondent, Kathleen Evans, recently returned from exploring three unique beach communities along the Nicoya Peninsula: Playa Negra, Playa Nosara, and Playa Sámara.

Each of these idyllic locations has its own personality: Negra is a tiny community with a big reputation among surfers; Nosara has become a haven for yoga enthusiasts and “New Age” chic; while Sámara remains a traditional Costa Rican fishing town. Kathleen spoke to Dan Prescher about what each of these locales has to offer potential expats.

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6. Sámara, the last main stop on Kathleen's trip, is more of a traditional Costa Rican town. It's still a working fishing town, and with a regular local bus service, it's a popular spot on the weekends. Sámara is full of boutique establishments—you'll find charming hotels and lively bars. It also has a coral reef that breaks up the surf before it hits the beach; it's the perfect place for swimming or snorkeling. Kathleen found Sámara to be "very affordable," with two- or three-bedroom ocean-view homes starting at $150,000. © Jason Holland/IL

Map of Costa Rica

 

Click here to see a map of the Nicoya Peninsula.

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