Red Frog Beach
Isla Bastimentos, Panama
©Exploramum and Explorason – we try to find red frogs as part of our world schooling in Panama
Discovering Red Frog Beach
Red Frog Beach is on the other side of Isla Bastimentos in Panama. We’ve heard that it is a beautiful beach and so we plan to head there for the morning. As a single parent, it has been difficult being sick these past few days but single parent travel isn’t always smooth sailing. While this single parent travel is likely not going to be the best for me, I am committed to making it enjoyable for my son. My sickness has helped me gain the knowledge of luxury travel experts who understand how to create great family travel memories even amidst bad health.
©Exploramum and Explorason – setting out in our ‘tinny’ to go to the Marine Park
Getting There
To head to the Red Frog Beach Marine Park we need a water taxi (it is $6 and entry to the beach is $3 each) as I think it is a National Park
Then you walk from the marina across the island to Red Frog Beach.
©Exploramum and Explorason – We enjoy finding a red frog
Hunting for Red Frogs
We have a bit of a hunt for red frogs along the way, but NO, none to be seen. They mainly come out in the evenings or when it rains so we are told.
Today is a bright, sunny day – so they are in hiding in the cool, darker areas of the rocks and foliage.
©Exploramum and Explorason – wooden bridge over the wetlands area
Getting To the Red Frog Beach
We get to the Red Frog Beach and walk around the cliff with access via a wooden walkway. There is a look-out to the right and it is quite pretty and very quiet. This is because it is the off-season here in Panama. It has a lovely wetlands area that is great for world schooling.
©Exploramum and Explorason – a gorgeous clear water beach
Week Days
There is a closed café and the toilets are locked up.
It is 9.30 am and no-one is around. We have the beach to ourselves which is really kind of eery.
©Exploramum and Explorason – love the red frog sign
Slowly it opens
We see a guy start to set up to rent out chairs and shelters. My son decides to run amuck, and enjoy himself playing statues under the dried leaf frond umbrellas.
©Exploramum and Explorason – the beach is deserted as Explorason hides
Red Frog Beach walk
Heading down the Red Frog Beach for a walk we feel the tranquility. It is so peaceful – I am sure it is not like this most days.
Pre-set camping
There is a camping area to the left that I hear is a new trend. The cost is $50 to stay in a pre-erected tent. You have to use a wheelbarrow to carry all your stuff there because there are no vehicles allowed in the park or on the island.
©Exploramum and Explorason – Walking on the clear and clean beach
Beach Swing
We head back to the original Red Frog Beach and Explorason has a swing and enjoys himself.
©Exploramum and Explorason – fun on the beach swing
Boat Ride Through Swamps
It’s time for a boat ride to head back through the ‘swamp islands’ to pack our bags at Tio Toms Guest House on Isla Bastimentos and to move on. Next, we are heading out this afternoon by boat once more – this time from Isla Bastimentos to Isla Carenero.
Rubbish
Isla Bastimentos is a bit rubbish-filled and the water has been dirty. So far the region of Bocas del Toro has been a bit of a disappointment as far as the mainland is concerned. I think it is flooded with tourists faster than it can cope and it is definitely overflowing with refuse in some locations.
Ex-pats are working very hard to combat this situation. Later today we have a bit of paradise at our next location.
©Exploramum and Explorason – riding in the front of the boat is fun for Explorason
Questions and Comments
- Have you ever seen a red frog?
- Do you like frogs?
- Would you like to visit here and why?
- Do share your comments with us below.
©Exploramum and Explorason – Red Frog Beach is beautiful, clean sand and clear water.
Check out these amazing
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I love how you keep getting people to take photos of you everywhere, that must be so annoying to keep having to ask people!
Are you promoting your blog? You need more traffic to your blog if you want to make money from that amazon widget.
Keep up the good work, and promote your blog more now! The best way is to comment on others blogs with similar interests to yours…
🙂 Kate
Thanks Kate
We find we often take photos for others who ask.
Many people here travel alone so we find when we are asked we usually just swap cameras.
It is also a great way to start to talk to other travellers.
You just pick who loks safe with your camera!
I guess I am so busy travelling, and researching education for my son – planning the next move I don’t get to read too many other blogs, but I do comment on a few and only one person ever replied!
Good idea though.
I do like reading other parents who travel and get ideas too…
Not many single Mums travelling and blogging I must say ….
Keep the comments coming 🙂
I love it!!