Isla San Cristobal is a small island located south of Isla Colon and belongs to the Bocas del Toro archipelago. The island is home to indigenous communities like the Ngabe tribe.
Unlike most islands in Panama that are brimming with lush tropical rainforests, the lands here are mostly deforested terrain. However, it has a rich marine life and is a great place for scuba diving.
An interesting fact about this island is that it was named after the pioneer explorer Christopher Columbus himself, Christopher or Cristobal, after the locals realized that he visited the island in the 16th century.
The island shows barely any sign of urbanization and commercialization; life goes on at a slow and relaxed pace. There are barely any vehicles as most of their transportation is through the water. The locals here have been farming and fishing for centuries and continue to do so. Bananas and cassava are the main plantations. However, life hasn’t been easy for them as the island does not receive enough recognition. Due to this, they are overjoyed to see visitors and gladly take them around the island for a few bucks.
Cristobal Light
Cristobal Light has the best coral reefs in the area. It gets its name as the navigation light for ships crossing the bay was shone from here. It served as a kind of pathway to the ships that were traveling to and from Admiral Bay to export bananas to other parts of Panama.
Bocatorito
It is one of the most important sites here as it houses a native Indian village as well as the famous Laguna Bocatorito – the abode of dolphins. The area is lined with mangrove forests and a mesmerizing lagoon. The locals here are into fishing and agriculture. You can find farming lands for cocoa and rice as well as animal farms for pigs and hens.
Laguna Bocatorito - Dolphin Bay
As the name signifies, the bay is a popular spot for sighting dolphins. It is the main attraction in Isla San Cristobal and lies towards the east side of the island. The beautiful blue lagoon is one of the most scenic spots in the area. The calm waters of the bay and the surrounding mangroves have become a suitable habitat for the various species of crustaceans and fish. Bottlenose dolphins are found here for most of the year, but the best time to spot them is between June and July as the rough seas become calmer and suitable for mother and baby dolphins. Almost all the boat tours in the Bocas archipelago include Dolphin Bay as a prime attraction.
Native Indian Villages
There are three major indigenous settlements on the island – San Cristobal, Valle Escondido, and Bocatorito. Tourists are welcome to visit the communities, observe their way of life and learn about their culture and traditions. One of the well-known products that is handmade by the Ngobes is chacara bags, which are made from plant fibers and natural dyes.
You can watch them make the bags as well as buy some for yourself. You will also be taken around their farms and educated about medicinal plants. A traditional native lunch will be prepared for you by the villagers. The entire day trip will cost around $20 USD per head. You will have to book through the Bocas Sustainable Tourism Alliance, located in Bocas Town.
Green Acres Chocolate Farm
This is one of the few places on the island that is teeming with lush vegetation. Apart from the hectares of cocoa plantations, you will also find several species of orchids, colored poison-dart frogs, and especially green and black and golden silk orb-weaver spiders.
You will be taken on a two-hour tour throughout the farm, by the end of which, you will know everything there is about cocoa farming. All of the processes involved in making chocolate, from maintaining the cocoa pods to the final consumable chocolate bar, everything takes place here. And of course, you can taste delicious fresh chocolate!
Cayo Crawl
It is situated close to Isla Bastimentos and has an abundant mangrove region. It is also famous for its coral. It is also known as Coral Cay.
Cayo Zapatillas
These uninhabited islands are situated near Isla Bastimentos and have pristine white sand beaches complete with raw wilderness.
Getting There
You will have to take a water taxi from Bocas Town to Isla San Cristobal. It is quite expensive and costs around $30 USD. Otherwise, you can take a water taxi from Isla Colon.
Stay
Given the size of the island, the number of stay options here is quite less and tourists usually opt for day trips. There are no proper hotels and if you are looking for one, you have to put up at Isla Colon or other nearby islands. So make sure you book in advance.
- Dolphin Bay Hideaway: A beautiful stay cocooned amidst lush gardens and mangrove forests, it has five vibrant rooms with canopy beds. A lily pond and a small pool also add to its beauty. You can find hammocks outdoors where you can relax and listen to nature. The hosts also accompany the visitors on tours of the island if they require it. There is a dining room where delicious meals are served.
You can also rent equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddling.
- Dolphin Bay Cabanas: The property is located on the famous Dolphin Bay and provides cabins and cottages. The thatched roofs and beautiful setting of lush green landscape serve as the perfect tropical stay. There is a resto-bar located at the end of the dock and is the best place to sip cocktails and watch the sun go down.
Another great feature about this place is that it has boat rentals starting from $60 USD. You can choose to sail by yourself, or get lessons or guided tours.
Food
There are barely any options here apart from eating at the stays.
- Rana Azul: Run by Austrians, Rana Azul is a completely foreign fit for this island. It is a pizzeria–restaurant that faces Dolphin Bay and is located on the Bocas mainland. The place is very remote and most often takes visitors by surprise to find a pizzeria out of nowhere.
What’s Nearby?
