For more information on vacations, investment opportunities, and our marina please visit our website at
As well, we are in the process of developing a new Eco Hostel called Bocas Bound due to open in late 2009:
The Greatest Natural Amenity of them all- the Unique Ecology of Bastimentos Island
In order to delve into what makes Panama and this region so unique, a bit of background information is necessary. In biological terms, the fact that Panama linked the landmasses of the two Americas helps explain its incredible biodiversity. The Bocas del Toro region has often been called the "Galapagos of Central America". Since the area has been isolated for 10,000 years by geologic activity, each of the islands has evolved its own unique ecosystem. It is no accident that the nearby Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (STRI) chose this as one of two sites in Panama to house its research and teaching facility. There are currently over 25 full-time research scientists cataloging this diversity. To date Over 6300 species of plant and animals have been described and photographed in this database:
http://biogeodb.stri.si.edu/bocas_database/
This institute provides a tremendous resource for visiting scholars and the general public as weekly tours, lectures and other field programs are readily featured. The Director of the institute has placed conservation of marine and terrestrial ecosystems in Bocas high on its priority list: “It is critical that homeowners, divers, retirees, investors, sports fishermen, tourists—all of the different interests in Bocas del Toro—realize that they depend upon and benefit from the sustainable management of natural beauty and biodiversity.”
Not only is the above sentiment a cornerstone of our development roadmap, our goal is to preserve 70-80% of our phase II lands in perpetuity. We will plan on achieving this by a combination of initiatives including working with the government of Panama to add to the size of the Bastimentos Marine Park, and working with the local and international NGO’s for land bank donations. We hope to not only facilitate scientific research in the area but also develop revenue producing programs for the conservation agencies which we partner with. The Marine Park and surrounding project lands provide a springboard for activities and adventures that invite us to learn more about this ecology. Nature walks or more extensive jungle hikes are a great way to get in touch and learn about the indigenous red frog, giant morpho butterflies, wild orchids or the myriad of other species in the region. Activities such as sea kayaking, and docent led canopy tours are other great ways to learn about the islands flora and fauna.
Those who wish to explore our project’s preserves and the neighboring Marine Park will be stunned by the diverse topography that they have to choose from. Both Red Frog Beach and the more remote Wizard Beach and Playa Larga offer sweeping beaches and a healthy beach break. There are several quiet cove beaches that provide a more intimate setting as well. These beaches and the expansive coral reef, provide important habitat for leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles. The leeward side of the island features smooth, glasslike waters that harbor our marina and are ideal for exploring the delicate ecology of the mangrove swamps. The terrain on the island is diverse as well, and features secondary and primary rainforest stands on hills and small mountains based on ancient basalt rock formations. Much of the first phase of our development took place on re-claimed ranch land and teak plantations. These areas include gentle upslope and meadows that are quickly reverting to their natural state. The marine park also features the largest island lake in all of Panama. A journey to this lake would also afford the opportunity to explore a large network of caves that exist within our preserves. We feel that our project’s “Natural Amenities” are the most compelling feature of our development. There is something for everyone at the Red Frog Beach project and we hope that you will take the opportunity to visit us soon.
Resources for those interested in the regions ecology can visit both Smithsonian International and The Nature Conservancy’s description of the area:
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/centralamerica/panama/work/art8692.html
http://www.stri.org/english/visit_us/bocas/
Regional Climate. Bocas del Toro lies 9 degrees above the equator in the wet tropical zone (Holdridge Life Zone scheme). The average annual rainfall and temperature are 4000 mm (157 inches) and 30°C (86°F) respectively. In general, the wet season extends from May to December and dry season from January to April. However, rain occurs at all times of the year, only less in the dry season.
Our project and the community. It is important to note that we don’t operate our development without regard to our human neighbors. Bocas del Toro is unique also for its diverse human inhabitants. Our neighbors on the island of Bastimentos consist of a large Afro Antillean and Indigenous Ngobe Bugle populations. They are our neighbors, workers and friends. Through the Red Frog Foundation we have donated over $300,000.00 in supplies and funds to improve healthcare and sanitation in these communities. We understand that we cannot operate our project in a vacuum and that every action has a direct consequence on neighboring communities. This is not merely “lip service” and we are putting stewardship of these relationships as a primary component to our operating plan. We hold weekly meetings with the community and community leaders and we are actively engaged in constructive dialogue with these groups about how we can work together to create opportunities for all parties. To this end we have dedicated a full-time community and environmental relations employee to facilitate communication and develop and execute programs. This is a newly created role but we have found this position to be imperative and that the absence of communication and dialogue leads to unanticipated problems.
Panama Real Estate
It is no secret that Panama has become a premier destination given its location, natural beauty and strong economic outlook. Visitors to Panama can enjoy cosmopolitan Panama City, colonial era ruins, expansive white sand beaches, cool mountain highlands and pristine rainforest ecosystems. Those looking to capitalize on Panama’s long-term growth prospects are taking advantage of current real estate investment opportunities in Panama. Foreign investors in real estate have the same rights as Panamanians and property is generally titled. Title insurance can be purchased and traditional mortgages are readily available through sophisticated international banks.
Panama continues to develop as not only a vacation destination but also as an attractive destination for retirees and investors. A comprehensive incentive program for retirees is available and many retirees are taking advantage of the lower cost of living and year round average temperatures of about 80 degrees. For foreign investors or those looking to start a business in Panama, the US dollar based economy, Free Trade Zone, and international banking center are all attributes to consider. Major banks such as HSBC, Scotia Bank and Citibank all have established franchises in Panama. It is frequently said that Panama has aspirations to be the “Singapore” of the region and with its inherent assets, location, economic and political stability, real estate in Panama is likely to be a terrific investment for long-term investors.
Bocas del Toro Real Estate
Bocas del Toro is the most visited vacation spot in all of Panama for good reason. Its crystal clear waters, rich Caribbean culture, abundant dining opportunities and laid back atmosphere all contribute to its mystique as a destination that is in the process of being discovered. Bocas del Toro’s appeal has resulted in many American, European and South American expats choosing to purchase real estate in the area and call the region home. The Bocas del Toro archipelago is regarded as having the finest beaches in Panama and there are few places left in the world where you can enjoy gorgeous beaches with hardly a soul in sight. Many of these beaches are fringed with rainforests and the Red Frog Beach project is positioned to take advantage of both natural amenities.
Bocas del Toro is also fortunate to be blessed by the fact that no hurricanes ever touch these islands. For property owners and boaters this keeps insurance premiums down and contributes to the likely growth in tourism and relocation to the region. As in all of Panama, the currency is the US dollar and in Bocas you will find that many of the local people speak English. International travelers have only recently discovered this isolated region of Panama and it is for this very reason that much of the archipelago remains pristine and untouched. It is frequently commented that Bocas del Toro reminds visitors of “Hawaii or Key West in the 1950’s”.
Property owners in the region are also well served by a number of service and transportation options that facilitate movement to and around the region. The main outpost on the archipelago is Bocas Town which is located on the southeastern tip of Isla Colón. Bocas Town is easily reached by land, sea or air. Air Panama and Air Perlas provide several daily flights from Panama City and it seems that service continues to expand on a yearly basis. Water taxis abound in the region and it is about a ten minute boat ride to Bastimentos from the town of Bocas. The Caribbean community of Bocas also provides services and infrastructure and the town boasts paved streets, potable water, hotels, restaurants and additional services such as internet, cable TV, a hospital with ambulance service and a fire department.
Eco Vacation / Explore Rainforest
The location of our project affords a unique opportunity for our residents and visitors to explore the natural treasures of Bastimentos Island. Simply stated, our project’s preserves combined with the adjacent Bastimentos National Marine Park, maintain some of the greatest diversity of plant and animal life that can be found anywhere on earth. The Marine Park and surrounding project lands provide a springboard for activities and adventures that invite us to learn more about this ecology. Nature walks or more extensive jungle hikes are a great way to get in touch and learn about the indigenous red frog, giant morpho butterflies, wild orchids or the myriad of other species in the region. Activities such as sea kayaking, and docent led canopy tours are other great ways to learn about the islands flora and fauna.
Those who wish to explore our project’s preserves and the neighboring Marine Park will be stunned by the diverse topography that they have to choose from. Both Red Frog Beach and the more remote Wizard Beach and Playa Larga offer sweeping beaches and a healthy beach break. There are several quiet cove beaches that provide a more intimate setting as well. These beaches and the expansive coral reef, provide important habitat for leatherback, loggerhead, hawksbill and green turtles. The leeward side of the island features smooth, glasslike waters that harbor our marina and are ideal for exploring the delicate ecology of the mangrove swamps.
The terrain on the island is diverse as well, and features secondary and primary rainforest stands on hills and small mountains based on ancient basalt rock formations. Much of the first phase of our development took place on re-claimed ranch land and teak plantations. These areas include gentle upslope and meadows that are quickly reverting to their natural state. The marine park also features the largest island lake in all of Panama. A journey to this lake would also afford the opportunity to explore a large network of caves that exist within our preserves. We feel that our project’s “Natural Amenities” are the most compelling feature of our development. There is something for everyone at the Red Frog Beach project and we hope that you will take the opportunity to visit us soon.
