Bastamientos, Bocas del Toro, Panama

Just over the border from Costa Rica off the Caribbean coast is Bastimentos and the Bastimentos National Marine Park. It consists of ten major islands and many smaller mangrove cays. Red Frog Beach is the island's most accessible and frequently visited beach area, with its crescent of sand that shimmers white hot in the midday sun. There's diving and snorkeling and beach relaxation with thick tropical forest behind. The Afro-Caribbean village of Bastimentos is charming with flower-festooned houses lining the island's single pedestrian-only street. Try the local lobster cooked in a spicy coconut sauce for a sumptuous post-beach meal.