Arriving in Bocas del Toro, our first task was to find a suitable marina where we could repair the engine of our dinghy—an essential piece of equipment for any cruising sailor. After considering our options, we chose Red Frog Marina, located on Isla Bastimentos. It turned out to be the perfect choice, not just for its facilities, but for its natural setting and warm hospitality.
From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the marina manager, who showed genuine interest in our Sail for Science project. He even offered us a generous discount on our stay—a gesture we truly appreciated. As is our tradition in such cases, we proudly listed Red Frog Marina among our project’s supporters, placing their logo and a link on the front page of our website.
The marina is part of the larger Red Frog Beach Resort, a thoughtfully developed community that blends luxury with environmental awareness. The resort features beautiful villas and apartments, a beachside restaurant with a swimming pool, and access to well-maintained hiking trails through tropical rainforest—some of which lead into Bastimentos Island National Marine Park.
The forest is alive with biodiversity—colorful birds, curious mammals, and, of course, the iconic red frog that gives the marina its name. These tiny amphibians are endemic to the region and a delight to spot along the trails.
We took some time to explore the resort, strolling past villas nestled both on hills with panoramic views of the Caribbean and others perched just steps from the shoreline. Each property comes with its own swimming pool and an electric golf cart for getting around—an eco-friendly touch that fits the island’s vibe. Some villas are available for rent, others for sale, and a few are home to retirees enjoying island life at its finest. Here is information about this resort: https://www.redfrogproperty.com/
Our time at Red Frog Marina was not just productive—we managed to sort out the dinghy repairs—but also relaxing and enriching. It reminded us how important it is to find places where nature, community, and sustainability come together. And in that respect, Red Frog truly delivered.
