170 degree ocean view from master bedroom terrace of Casa el Gecko
Location: Samara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Central America (750 metros from Samara beach, 1.5 hours from Liberia Airport)
Accommodations: Ocean View House, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 1.5+ Baths (Sleeps 3-6)
Just above the charming crescent beach at Playa Samara sits perfectly south-facing Casa El Gecko, with expansive ocean views and fresh breezes. A tropical dream and only ten minute walk (1/2 mile) from one of the most beautiful and quiet, light sand beaches in Central America. The reef-protected bay provides safe swimming with great snorkeling at each end. World-class surfing in is within a short drive.
Casa El Gecko was designed for comfort. Generous shaded terraces expand the living area in this tropical climate. Fantastic ocean views of Playa Samara and Isla Chora are enjoyed from every room, while sea breezes keep the house cool and fresh. Even more incredible ocean views of Punta Indio and the Pacific are enjoyed from upper deck off the master bedroom. Over the horizon is Isla Cano, the northern-most Galapago.
A spacious and fully-equipped kitchen provides all the comforts of home. A breakfast bar makes room for chatting up the cook. Master bedroom with queen bed. Main floor bedroom with double size futon. Additional futon in the living room for extra guests. Relax on one of two large covered terraces, both with spectacular ocean views. There are paddle fans in every room and all windows are screened as well as aditional screens at the beds if desired.
There's abundant wildlife in the trees around the house. Wake up to the roar of the Howler monkeys or the call of the green parrots as they make their twice daily pass to nesting sites often in the bamboo right on the property. There is a canopy tour nearby. Birding is great year-around. Snorkeling is easy at either end of Samara Bay and in many secret coves nearby, usually deserted.
The town of Samara has various shops, post office, bank (2nd bank opening soon) ATM's, police station, groceries, internet cafes, 4 surfing schools, language school, tourist plaza shopping, ATV and bike rentals and many good restaurants and "sodas" (Tico for cafe). The beach is quiet, gorgeous and nearly empty most of the week, except in the mornings when the children walk to school.
On a separate terrace of the property are two other vacation homes: Casa El Mango (sleeps 2-4) and Casa La Papaya (sleeps 2-6) are just below, nestled in a private garden court. Reserve all three for an unforgettable family reunion.
Samara, and all of Costa Rica, are prosperous. Casa el Gecko is located in a mixed international/tico neighborhood along a road that winds into the hills to the Tico village of Santo Domingo. The evenings are quiet and serene, often with amazing star shows and the always the sounds of night animals. Dawn approaches with visits from monkeys, parrots, other wildlife and maybe a neighborhood rooster.
For more photos and floor plans, send an inquiry via email. We've got lots more information to offer: about the house, the area, the weather, what to take, etc.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided: 300 count linens
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite): 32" HDMI Panasonic flatscreen to view your DVD's
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Music Library
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: with dishwasher
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available: Upon advance request, we can arrange a daily or occasional cook and/or grocery shopping.
- Outdoor Features
- Deck/Patio: Enjoy fresh ocean breezes and panoramic ocean view from covered outdoor dining.
- Lanai: Start the morning with coffee on the spacious M Bedroom deck.with spectacular ocean views
- View/Location
- Beach View: Views of Playa Carrillo as well as Playa Samara are enjoyed from both floors.
- Ocean View: See sail, fishing and container ships plying the Pacific from all around the world.
- Communications
- Broadband Internet: DSL hookup - bring your own laptop. Use Skype to make nearly free long distance calls around the world
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Rafting
- Kayaking
- Sailing
- Boating
- Shelling
- Swimming
- Snorkeling/Diving
- Surfing
- Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Spelunking
- Miniature golf
- Horseback Riding
- Other Activities
- Zip line canopy tour
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Seasonal rates are per week. Ask about partial week and longer rentals.
2009 Green Season (May 1-Nov 15) $697/1-2 pers, $823/3-4, $862/5-6
2009 High Season (Nov 16-Dec 15) $995/1-2 pers, $1045/3-4, $1150/5-6
2009 Gold Weeks (Dec 16-Jan 5) $1020/1-2 pers, $1202/3-4, $1322/5-6
2010 High Season (Jan 6-Apr 30) $995/1-2 pers, $1045/3-4, $1150/5-6
2010 Green Season (May 1-Nov 15) $697/1-2 pers, $823/3-4, $862/5-6
25% deposit to reserve. Full payment due 60 nts in advance
Deposit refundable 60+ nts in advance. Personal check, credit cards, PayPal.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:


Property Photos
- 170 degree ocean view from master bedroom terrace of Casa el Gecko - Samara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Central America - Walk to the Beach from the Rental Home!
- Designed for tropical comfort, Casa el Gecko is perched in the ocean breezes - Samara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Central America - Walk to the Beach from the Rental Home!
- Kitchen and breakfast bar at Casa el Gecko, with room for several cooks. - Samara, Guanacaste, Costa Rica, Central America - Walk to the Beach from the Rental Home!
- Ocean views and cooling breezes in every room of Casa el Gecko.
- Dine with spectacular ocean view from front terrace of Casa el Gecko.
Guest Comments (10)
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #41671
There have been 13345 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2006.
This listing was first published here in 2004.
Date last modified - June 30, 2009

Positive Rating
Patricia Scott , Ashland
Positive Rating
Excerpts from our on-site guest book: We enjoyed your home immensely. It was perfect for 2 couples that share a common goal - to lay back and relax. The beaches were great but Carillo was our favorite - great for swimming and snorkeling. Good luck with your future plans. We'll tell our freinds and be back ourselves!
Positive Rating
Excerpts from our on-site guestbook: Wow! Our family of 15 (Aged 57-2) stayed in the three houses (Gecko, Mango and Papaya). Paradise was all ours...The landscape, the weather, the view - no words can describe - you just have to experience it. We're leaving today but its so sad to go. But we'll will be back. This was our finest international trip and will forever more be our first love outside of Canada.
Positive Rating
Andrew , Atlanta, GA
Positive Rating
Nathalie Guillocheau , Santa Barbara, California
Positive Rating
Janna Nichols , San Luis Obispo, CA
Positive Rating
Leora Davis ,
Positive Rating
Judy Pickett , Canby,Oregon
Positive Rating
The Speck-Weinstein family , California
Positive Rating
Kathy Wert , Seattle, WA USA
Homeowner Response:
The other beach Kathy refers to is Carrillo, about 4 kilometers east of the house.