Isla Bastimentos National Marine Park

Just a 10-minute water taxi ride from Bocas Town, the marine national park is one of Panama’s most important protected areas and an awesome daytrip for anyone staying at La Coralina Island House in Bocas del Toro.

Attractions range from its famous red frogs and other wildlife to pristine beaches, coral gardens, and historic Afro-Caribbean community of Old Bank.

Created in 1988, the park sprawls across big Bastimentos island and smaller tropical landfalls like the idyllic Cayo Zapatilla.

While much of the park remains untouched by modern civilization, the Red Frog Beach area offers amenities and activities ranging from bars, restaurants and a deli store, to a gorgeous beach, jungle hiking trails, and a marina with boat rental.

But don’t touch the red frogs that inhabit the forest behind the beach. They’re strawberry poison-dart frog (Oophaga pumilio).

Among the other creatures that inhabit are caiman crocodiles, sloths, monkeys and scores of tropical bird species. Four kinds of sea turtle lay their eggs on the park’s sandy strands while the offshore water harbor more than 300 species of fish, coral and marine mammals.