Red Frog Beach
Isla Bastimentos, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Beach Swing
We head back to the original Red Frog Beach and Explorason has a swing and enjoys himself.
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.
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.
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