Annual · Playa Sámara · Costa Rica
Costa Rica Beach Volleyball
Three days of sun, sand, music and spikes on Costa Rica's Pacific coast. Everyone's invited.
A beach tradition on the Pacific
Every December, just before Christmas, players and families from around Costa Rica and around the world gather on the golden sand of Playa Sámara for a weekend of beach volleyball, live music, and pura vida.
What began as a handful of friends playing at sunrise has grown into the region's friendliest tournament — competitive enough for the serious, welcoming enough for the first-timer and the whole family.
Whatever your level, wherever you're from, there's a place for you here. Come for the volleyball — stay for the sunsets, the monkeys, the music, and the people.
Come for the volleyball, fall for Sámara
A laid-back surf town where howler monkeys wake you at dawn, artists paint on the corner, musicians play into the night, and the whole place feels like one big family. This is what you're really coming for.
Golden sand & Pacific sunsets
Calm, swimmable water inside a coral reef — one of Costa Rica's safest, prettiest beaches.
World-class catches
A surf town at heart
Pura vida, into the night
When the sun drops, the lights come on and the whole town gathers on the sand to play and hang out.
Fresh from the sea
Pura vida, all of it
Locals and travellers, side by side. You arrive a guest and leave part of the family.
The tournament
Everything you need to know
Here's the shape of the weekend — bring a team or just come to watch.
Format
Pool play, followed by bracket play.
Divisions
Open, Intermediate, Recreational, and a Juniors bracket. Men's, Women's & Mixed.
Schedule
We play under the lights — too hot by day. Friday, Saturday & Sunday all start at 3:00 PM and run until 10–11 PM. Friday is open play with dinner for all athletes (included).
Team limit
A total of 80 teams across all divisions. Once we're full, we're full — register early.
Prizes
Cash & sponsor prizes for division winners, plus the coveted Sámara champion trophy.
What to bring
Sunscreen, water, your A-game. Courts, balls, and good vibes provided.
Entry fees
Priced per team. Locals from Sámara and surrounding towns play for less — this is our home, and we want our neighbours on the sand too.
- ✦Tournament shirt
- ✦Friday night dinner for all athletes
- ✦Saturday night beach party
On the sand
Sunrise sessions, big rallies, and that Pacific glow.
Watch
Moments from Sámara
A few clips from past gatherings on the coast.
Getting to Playa Sámara
Sámara is a laid-back surf town on the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, on Costa Rica's Pacific coast.
Fly in
Closest airports: Liberia (LIR, ~2.5 hrs) or San José (SJO, ~4.5 hrs). Shuttles & rentals available.
Where to stay
From beachfront hotels to budget hostels, all within walking distance of the courts.
Where to play
Courts are set up on the beach in front of Las Olas, Playa Sámara.
Sámara Juniors Beach Volleyball Club
We're building a beach volleyball club in Sámara — open to all, with a special focus on developing junior players. A dedicated site is on the way.
Site coming soon ✦