If you are an active traveler looking for an adventure with nature, Bocas del Toro in Panama might be your spot. It's known for world class surfing just south of Costa Rica in the rainforest. (We were there when they were filming an East Coast professional!)

As long as you aren't afraid of getting a little wet-this is a great part of the world (It is in the rainforest.) Wildlife, Surfing, Swimming, Fishing, and Zip-Lining: this is an adventurists dream... also perhaps a photographers.

We spent our Christmas at the Red Frog Beach Resort and rented a house overlooking the ocean, with a private pool, and hired a chef. This might seem over the top, but it actually wasn't . It was part of the reason for choosing it. The cost of renting a house for the week ended up being less expensive than staying at a 4 star hotel on a different caribbean island.

While saying that, if you are looking to go on a surfing trip and want to keep accommodations to a minimum--I suggest the Red Frog Bungalows. (They have surfing packages as well.) It's fairly easy to get to as well. We flew into Panama City the night before and ventured out in the city then took a skipper plane up to Bocas del Toro.

Breakfast at the Red Frog Beach Resort was included and enjoyed on the beach at the Punta Lava Bar. To get around the Island, we opted for some golf carts.

Now, I've come to be "little-miss-Steve Irwin".. ok maybe not that good, but I am fairly lucky at spotting wildlife. On the way to breakfast, I heard rustling in the bushes to my left.. so I pulled over to find monkeys peeling and eating bananas.

You would think they would've scattered, but perhaps realized I was not a threat. One of the monkeys actually enjoyed my company and decided to put on a show. I watched as he peeled the bananas and ate his breakfast.

Next, which might be even more crazy. Finding a sloth in a tree! Now, this might be more impressive, because unlike monkeys--they do not rustle the leaves, they barely move. I was driving slowly on my way to the beach after lunch. I kept looking up in the trees hoping to find wildlife-to my enjoyment, I did just that. A Sloth was sunning himself on the top of the tree.

Ok... So when I said the last finding was impressive. This one might take the cake.. to the extent the locals said they never see the sloths come this close. I didn't want him to touch me, because I didn't want my germs to hurt him (or vice versa) but he kept grabbing towards my camera, attempting to take my Red Sox hat off my head.

Now, if this were a wildlife tour, you would say "yeah, I get it ... pretty cool," except it wasn't a tour, this was just walking around the island. If you are like me and want to find sloths, take photos, and really embrace the island-then you too will find Red Frog amazing. Believe me, it is worth it.

The resort is called Red Frog for a reason; there are tiny red frogs in the rainforest (do not touch, some might be poisonous, also it's not nice.) they are microscopic. Don't let my photo fool you, I had my legitimate camera with me on this trip, and I was very quiet not to disturb him. They are beautiful frogs with vibrant color.

Red Frog, most can be found near the spa

Looking for more activities? Well perfect, because besides fishing, surfing, and swimming there is zip-lining, right on the island. They pick you up right in the lobby and drive on up into the heart of the rainforest. My brave hubby even did this, which proves how safe it is. He is scared to death of heights. He was the champ of the day for doing this--knowing my sister and I were dying to do it.

A few day trips I suggest:

Starfish Beach: Whether you are staying at Red Frog Beach or another resort you can request boat charters from the taxi drivers. (yes, the taxi's I'm referring to are all boat taxis.. they are the same you would take to town.)

Starfish beach was the one excursion I was really looking forward to. It was worth it. We hired a taxi to take us to Starfish Beach, then snorkel on the way back, and finished by leisurely drinking at the Blue Coconut.

Starfish beach is named after all of the starfish found here. You will dock your boat right on the beach then walk into the clear waters to find them. It is not ok to touch the starfish which is why I am not showing them on this blog.

Fishing Expedition: The boys went fishing, do expect "old-school" fishing though, they were hand reeling in the line. Either way they had a great time, minus a mini rainstorm!

Blue Coconut: This spot is great and I highly recommend. It's a bar and restaurant in the middle of the water between Red Frog Beach and town. Great menu and also fun spot to hang out in the sun. There is snorkeling gear as well as hammocks off the docks.

The Town of Bocos: Fun restaurants and some shops. We actually played "Secret Santa" when in town. We picked names and had a budget on what to spend on our gifts, *only able to shop from the stores in town. A few nights out of the week we opted to head to town for dinner instead of our in house chef. We had a great time.

For people looking for a nightlife there are definitely some spots to check out. Right off of the docks in town there is a spot called, Aqua Lounge, this is spot to go to at night. There is a DJ, multiple bars, swings into the water: it's the epitome of a club in the islands.

Surfing: I highly recommend going to the beach at Red Frog and asking for Scott, he's the best. The Red Frog Bungalows is the go-to spot for surfers.

If you are looking for a new part of the world to check out and love to be active, Boca del Toros is the spot. For a bit of luxury: stay at Red Frog Resort, but if you would like more of a rustic stay then definitely stay at Red Frog Bungalows.

On our last day we flew back to Panama City. We were able to see the Panama Canal which is pretty fascinating then found a restaurant with a pool to enjoy a full day of sun! Come back soon to see my quick trip in Panama City!

Until Next Time, Safe Travels!

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