Our Story
Learn about our mission, team, and sustainability practices. Discover the story behind Panamá's premier eco-resort.
Off-grid by design
Dolphin Blue Paradise is a 100% off-the-grid eco-resort located on Isla Cristóbal in Bahía Delfines, just 20–30 minutes by boat from the main town in Bocas del Toro. This hilly island features plantations, farms, and the indigenous villages of Bocatorito* and Aldana, home to the Ngäbe-Buglé. The island's biodiversity includes a primary rainforest, and the bay hosts about 80 bottlenose dolphins living year-round in Bahía Delfines. Its natural beauty makes it a top tour destination in Panamá.
Dolphin Blue Paradise was born from a vision to create an eco-resort that doesn't compromise on environmental responsibility or community impact. We acquired the property on June 15, 2022, and have been developing it into a premier eco-resort destination. We believe that eco tourism can be comfortable without compromising on main comforts. We provide a fully personalized and memorable stay with farm-to-table meals, customized excursions, and a commitment to sustainability. Our resort operates on green energy, uses eco-friendly materials, and sources local produce for a comfortable, environmentally responsible stay. Multiple rainwater catchment tanks and a double-pass purification system (reverse osmosis plus UV for guests) quietly support daily life on the island.
Staying with us offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the tranquility and cultural richness of one of Panamá's most picturesque areas. You'll witness firsthand the positive impact of your visit on the environment and local communities through our extensive sustainable practices. We partner deeply with local Ngäbe-Buglé communities, support conservation efforts, and create meaningful connections between our guests and Panamá's incredible biodiversity. We welcome families, couples, solo travelers, and LGBTQ+ guests into this space. This isn't just a resort—it's a movement toward responsible, regenerative travel.
Our team
Yuh Schabacker-Koppel
Managing Director
Owner and creator of the Dolphin Blue Paradise concept. A passionate entrepreneur dedicated to innovation and creating meaningful change, Yuh curates farm-to-table experiences and trains locals in sustainable cooking, nutritional wellness, and regenerative food systems. A French steakhouse in Copenhagen was the first restaurant Yuh worked in.
Marcus Schabacker, MD, PhD
Activities Manager
Responsible for boat and fishing tours. An avid deep-sea fisher who has fished oceans around the world, Marcus has a sound understanding of sustainable fishing and boat safety. He is an Auxiliary US Coast Guard member and volunteers with Floating Doctors providing essential health care to indigenous communities.
Oscar Santos
F&B and Guest Experience
Oscar joined us in 2024 as a trainee and now works across F&B and guest experiences—from bookkeeping to tours—while developing his talent for fine cuisine. Guests love Oscar's smile and helpful spirit. He leads our popular medium hike from Dolphin Bay to San Cristóbal, a three-hour route crossing two rivers that he walked daily through high school.
Roque Small
Head Gardener, Naturalist
Roque has worked at Dolphin Blue Paradise for 24 years and created the hiking paths on the southern part of Isla Cristóbal. He is a living encyclopedia of the archipelago’s plants and animals. A rainforest hike with Roque is an unforgettable nature experience.
Press & recognition
Our promise to you
Personalization
Every stay is tailored to your interests, dietary needs, and travel style. We provide fully personalized experiences with farm-to-table meals, customized excursions, and special dietary accommodations. Our attentive service ensures every detail is perfectly suited to you.
Sustainability
100% solar-powered and rainwater-operated, zero-waste operations, and deep community partnerships. We grow our own produce, catch our own seafood, and make everything from scratch. Your stay directly supports conservation and local communities.
Comfort
Comfortable accommodations with organic linens, modern amenities, and thoughtful touches. We believe eco tourism can be luxurious without compromising main comforts. Experience eco-comfort without compromise.
Our partners
Ngäbe-Buglé Indigenous Communities
We partner with Roque's mother's chocolate-nutmeg co-op on the mainland, procuring cacao and nutmeg directly from indigenous cooperatives. We also sell kra (traditional Ngäbe bags) from the ladies at the coop and bring coconuts from our garden so they can make coconut oil for our guests. We employ and train indigenous staff from surrounding villages.
Local Farms & Fishers
We grow as much produce as possible and plan menus with our garden team around what thrives in the area. We catch our own seafood and source fresh ingredients from local farms.
Floating Doctors
Our team volunteers with Floating Doctors in our free time, providing essential health care to indigenous communities in Bocas del Toro.