Red Frog Bungalows

Panama

Overview

Red Frog Bungalows is located on Bastimentos Island, home to Red Frog Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Panama. It is named after the small red dart frogs which are located on only one hill at the beach’s southern end. Red Frog Beach is the only place in the world these frogs can be found. This beach, and most of the island, is part of a National Park whose protection has helped keep the island, surrounding mangroves, and reefs from development. Though many travelers visit Red Frog Beach during the day, Red Frog Bungalows offers one of the few overnight accommodations in the vicinity.

Red Frog Bungalows is an environmentally sensitive development built by Scott Balogh, owner and head surf guide. Scott and his guides, equipped with 26-foot, high-speed pangas and superior knowledge of the surrounding waves, are dedicated to helping surfers of all levels find exactly what they are looking for in almost all type of weather and conditions.

The main town of Bocas is approximately 15 minutes away by water taxi or resort panga. Trips into town to enjoy the bohemian nightlife can be easily organized.

Unique Accommodations

Accommodations

The two bungalows were crafted in Bali using plantation-grown Bangkirai hardwood—termites don’t even bother checking in. The furniture is made of plantation-grown Indonesian Teak. Each bungalow features an oversized queen ottoman on the first floor, queen and full size bed on the second floor, and a queen bed in the third floor loft. This allows each bungalow to sleep five comfortably and maxes at six. Although the units are not air conditioned, the tall design allows for good air flow. Bug nets are provided for those concerned about mosquitoes.

The Cabina at Red Frogs is the ideal accommodations for a group of 2 -3 friends or a couple looking for some privacy.  The Cabina sits 5 feet above the jungle floor and features a 500 square feet room with 2 individual beds (3 on request) , tin roof, an attached private bathroom with hot water, Wi-Fi and a large front porch featuring hammocks, chairs and an outdoor sofa.

 

The Casa De Mar House is a new beach-front home and is located only steps from Red Frog Beach. There is no better location in all of Bocas Del Toro. This is the only home on Red Frog Beach and has an amazing view of the Caribbean Ocean. The property is lined with Coconut Palms, beautifully landscaped with tropical plants and perfectly situated on the beach.

 

The Casa De Mar consists of 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, family room and patio. All of the rooms have queen-sized beds, strong fans for comfortable sleeping and the home is wired with WIFI.Red Frog uses spring-fed filtered water and solar energy. Set in a beautiful garden/rainforest setting, Red Frogs is the place to live out your Swiss Family Robinson fantasies, and get far away from the 21st Century. There is Wi-Fi available in the common areas, Casa De Mar & Cabaña.

The central fourth building contains the kitchen, dining area, lounging area, dates and pool table for fun and relaxation in between surfs.

Surf & Seasons

The Surf

Hollow, sometimes very hollow right and left reefs, winding into coves and bays with palm trees as a backdrop. In photos, Bocas looks like Indo, but when you’re there it’s a whole different feel.

The three main islands and many fringe islands are host to more then a dozen breaks. The nice mix of reefs and beach breaks make Red Frog Bungalows a perfect destination for surfers of every skill level from beginner to expert.

There are over 10 good waves within 20 minutes from the resort. Some of these, like the wedging right at Silverbacks, are world-class and challenging; others are beginner and intermediate-friendly. Co-owners Scott Balogh and Scott Beck have surfed all over the world, and now they explore all corners of these islands in 26-foot fast boats:

A sample of the breaks accessible include:

Dumpers – is an Indo-style left with a big dredgy drop and mean pit outside, while the inside is a longer faster Indo style barrel.

Bluff Beach – heavy beach break, steep take off, can be dangerous when big, best at medium to high tide.

Paunch – is a handful of peaks, lefts and rights for surfers of all abilities, but has the character to turn into the best wave in the archipelago when conditions are right.

Waikiki – is an easy beach break. This is a great place to learn or sneak off and practice your nose riding.

Tiger Tail – a fun right-hander that gently peels across a reef and sand bottom.

Silverbacks – is a right reef that hucks a big barrel right on takeoff, and can get Hawaii big, a challenging wave by any standard. This wave is for experienced surfers on serious guns, and tow surfing is getting popular here.

Coco’s – is a nice right with long walls and a very slappable lip.

Black Rock – is a mellow A-frame that peels left and right off Carenaro island.

Carenaro – is a series of left-hand reefs that can line up for endless rides. There is a distinct inside and outside which separates the pack. Truly a world-class wave.

Note: It is difficult to travel to Bocas with a surfboard over 7’ due to the small aircraft utilized between Panama City and Bocas Del Toro. If you are traveling with a longboard or in a larger group let us know so we can either arrange overland transportation of boards, or have some boards available for you upon arrival.

Synopsis:

There are roughly 600 – 900 miles of fetch between Bocas del Toro and Santo Domingo and the other Caribbean Islands. The swell coming into Bocas del Toro is produced by seasonal trade winds in addition to low pressure systems that produce short period wind swell that packs a punch, and can get as big as 20 feet.

September and October can be good months for beginners due to the small surf and typically favorable weather. However, the heart of the surf season really starts in early December and begins to fall off in early April.

The peak of summer can also produce a mini-season during the months of June and July when the storms moving north through the Atlantic send pumping swells west to numerous reefs and beaches that surround the islands of Bocas Del Toro.

There are some epic days during these months and the waves are usually cleaner due to very glassy conditions.

While there can be some big days during these months, the summer season does not compare with the winter in terms of duration or consistency.

Overall the conditions are tropical with air temperatures remaining in the mid 70’s to high 80’s year round, with water temperatures staying close to 80 degrees.

Activities

 

The main town of Bocas has a great Caribbean vibe. Small hotels, restaurants bars and shops line the coast, many with decks overhanging the protected waters. You can walk the streets safely, or hop from spot to spot by inexpensive water taxi.

For those wishing to experience the metropolitan nightlife and shopping of Panama City, or tour the locks of the Panama Canal, pre and/or post nights in Panama City along with a city tour can be easily added to any itinerary.

  • Game fishing
  • Exotic bird watching
  • Free-diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Sunbathing
  • Kite surfing
  • Wake boarding

” You made our trip so much better! We would have been lost without ya’ll! Mmmm… good food. Good people. Good waves. Love this place! It will always be in my heart and soul.”
– JC

Pricing

2024 Rates

Package Details

  • Red Frog Bungalow Accommodations
  • 1 Guided Surf Tour per Day (Surfer Rate, Additional Available $100.00 per boat)
  • Breakfast & Dinner Daily
  • Round Trip Airport Transfers in Bocas
  • 10% Panamanian Tourism Tax

Special Conditions

No Children under 10 years old.

Children Ages 11 – 12 are $50.00 per child, per day. Includes accommodations, 3 meals daily and round trip airport transfers in Bocas. Rate does not include any surf transfers.

100% Cancellation Penalty for all reservations made for travel during high season.

Note: If you are traveling alone or with 1 other individual, you have the option of staying in the Cabina or the Bungalow. Domestic flights to/from Bocas only accept surfboards under 7’0 in length. Please contact our office for rates on domestic flights and possible pre or post nights in Panama City.

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