Red Frog Beach on the north coast of Isla Bastimentos is the archipelago's most celebrated beach: a long crescent of dark gold sand backed by jungle, with surf breaking at the point and calmer water in the bay. The beach takes its name from the Strawberry poison dart frog (Oophaga pumilio), a brilliant red amphibian with blue-black legs that is common in the forest behind the beach and found nowhere outside the Bocas del Toro region in exactly this colour form.
Access is through the Red Frog resort, which charges a $5 entrance fee and runs the water taxi connection from Bocas Town (about 30 minutes). The beach has food and drink available and offers good surfing — particularly at the reef break at the western end. Beyond swimming and surfing, the forest trail to the beach passes through thick jungle where you're likely to see the red frogs themselves, as well as sloths and various birds. Sea turtle nesting season runs from March through October, with guided night tours available.