Barrigona

About

Beautiful

Atmosphere:
The beach is absolutely beautiful and the water is bright blue and clear and you're right in the middle of nature/jungle. The next beach is Playa Buenavista with 3 or 4 nice Hotels close to the beach. You can walk to Barrigona from Buenavista over the rocks during low tide - it takes about an 45 min. This beach is never overcrowed and a real Costa Rican gem.

Additional Info:
You can park right in front of the beach, next to the rivermouth but don't leave anything valuable in the car. Best would be to get there with a local car. Don't get me wrong, the beach is great and the people living in Esterones/Samara and in the area around a very friendly but sometimes rental cars get broken into.
There are strong currents at Barrigona.
You can get tubes on days with offshore wind and strong swell. Right by the River when you're entering the beach is a beach break spot. On the westend, next to the rocks, is a point break.
I've witnessed maximum 3 people in the water surfing during the weekend.

Location

Access

There are three routes if you're coming from Sámara. The long Route, which you enter right after gas Station before Sámara. You'll need to take the long route most times during green season. You'll be driving to the small village Esterones and right before Esterones is a turn on the left side. This is the way to Barrigona. Sometimes you'll be able to take the middle route from Sámara. But be aware, you'll have to cross a river. Ask somebody at the Hotel if the Route is possible to drive. You'll be driving right through Esterones and the way to Barrigona is on the right after the village. During dry Season you'll be able to take the short route through the river (DRY SEASON ONLY!!), same way through Esterones like on the middle Route. Be aware, all three roads are dirt rouds, you'll need a 4W-drive all year long. Best to ask at the Samara-Carillo Infocenter in Sámara, they'll explain you how to get there.

Walk	Don't know
Public access	Yes
4x4 required	Yes
Boat required	No

Wave Characteristics

Type	Point break
Direction	Right and left
Bottom	Sandy with rock
Power	Fast, Powerful, Fun
Frequency	Very consistent (150+ days/year)
Normal length	Normal (50 to 150m)
Good day length	Normal (50 to 150m)