the Barco Hundido...
Wreck-Deck Bar and Cabinas (since 1996)
 
 

Wreck-Deck Bar and Cabinas 
  located in Bocas del Toro, Panama

       To open Fall of 1999!!!!!!!!!!!    

The best part of the "Wreck-Deck Bar  and Cabinas" is that it is located in such a wonderful part of the world.  Like they say..."location, location, location."

Panama is really an under discovered paradise.  Not many countries can offer two beautiful oceans with large tracks of unspoiled rainforest sandwiched in-between.   A short flight from anywhere in the Americas, Panama is always just a few hours away.

The Canal made Panama famous, but it is all the other  aspects of this wonderful country that will capture your heart.

                      (want more information on Panama?   General Panama Info.)

Bocas del Toro, the location of the Wreck-Deck Bar, is one of the best jewels in the treasure that is Panama.  Bocas del Toro is the name of both the province  and the small city on Isla Colon.  Bocas as a region abounds with incredible natural beauty.  The ecology of the rainforest  and saltwater lagoons is so unique that even people that are familiar with Panama and the rest of the Caribbean are amazed at what they find.  Also surprising is the fact that right in the middle of this "nature lover's dreamland" you find the provincial city of Bocas del Toro.  The city of Bocas offers some of the greatly appreciated comforts of civilization which makes it the perfect place to rest up for tomorrow's adventure.

During the day guests at the Wreck-Deck Bar choose from a variety of activities, yet at night everybody returns to the cozy feel of the resort.   Being located in the town of Bocas del Toro gives the guests the ability to walk around the quiet streets in the evenings and do some shopping while they work on the toughest decision of their evening.... "Which of the seven restaurants in the down town are we going to choose tonight?"
                             (Want more information on Bocas del Toro?   Bocas General Info)

           Our Beloved Sunken Wreck.....
          The "Maria Sucena"
 

A marine wildlife reserve in the making, the Maria Sucena has become a defining presence at the Barco Hundido.  The Wreck attracts a large population of fish and invertebrates, and makes snorkeling right off the bar an underwater adventure. 

View of Bar from the Garden 
                                                                           It's built over the water!!

  View of a Cabina from Bar    View from Cabina Porch

General info on Bocas

Bocas del Toro has a very interesting ecology.  The rainforests of the mainland roll down 10,000 foot mountain peaks and spill right into clear salt water lagoons.  The lagoons are protected by the larger jungle covered islands which make up the archipelago.  Small mangrove islands break up the edges of the larger islands and the big Almirante Bay.  The lagoons are almost always calm making them ideal for swimming and boating.  The Flora and Fauna of Bocas are unique to the world.  The Isthmas of Panama only elevated out of the sea a short time ago, or at least a short time in geographic terms. The total picture is truly unforgettable.
   

Bocas del Toro is never too hot or too cold, being surrounded by the ocean as it is.  The minute the tropical sun starts to get too hot....  a fresh sea breeze starts blowing towards the mainland right over the islands.  Bocas del Toro does get it's fair share of rainfall every year.  Eco-travelers know that the rain is the life force of the dense forests and supports the wildlife of the area.  Without the "life-giving" rain, Bocas would be like so many of the other less lush islands of the Caribbean.
   (Although we love to tell you when to come to avoid the rain... there really is no rainy season despite what the books say!  Often the days are "mostly sunny with brief intermittent showers" although, the locals say there is more of a chance of longer rains from Sept.-Nov. and March-June)

    The cultural diversity of Bocas del Toro is another thing of beauty.   The history of Bocas del Toro has been one of tolerance towards these differences.  The IEC members will have the opportunity to become a part of this history and rejoice in the cultural experience of Bocas del Toro.     Note:  more detailed information on the various different cultural groups of the Bocas area.  The information  will soon be posted on this web page under the selection Bocas del Toro- Anthropology/Culture.    

  Bocas' colorful history dates back to the 1500's.   The first description of the islands in recorded history dates back to Christopher Columbus' fourth, and last, voyage to the new Americas.  The old Spanish journals described Bocas as a beautiful, safe, natural harbor where the ships were able to glide between the small mangrove islands. Bocas then entered  a dark period where there are no records, but rumors have it that Bocas became a port town visited by traders and pirates.  Artifacts from this time period provide the only proof of these turbulent times.  A canon found on the property of the Wreck-Deck Bar and Cabinas in 1995 now sits in front of the town hall.  From these humble beginnings, Bocas grew to become a large center of commerce for Latin America just before the turn of the century.   Shortly after the United Fruit Company came to the island and became a strong economic force.  In the 1920's and 1930's Bocas was the second largest city in Panama.  It was not until sometime after WWII that Bocas had it's economic decline which reduced this once busy city to the sleepy little town it is now.  

 
Bocas definitely has the comforts of civilization in an otherwise wild part of the world.  The airport is the perfect example.  It makes the Bocas experience a simple one hour comfortable flight from Panama City or San Jose, Costa Rica. (link---> Getting to Bocas) Both the runway and terminal building were rebuilt in 1996.  Aeroperlas, the national airline, make several flights a day.
     

The hospital, bank, fire department, municipality building, police department, multiple restaurants ( with different specialties, i.e. Italian, local/Caribbean, American, etc.), shopping,  and the rest of the infrastructure all add up to make Bocas a very pleasurable and unforgettable experience.

The picture painted on this Web page about Bocas is very complimentary.  There are, however, problems too.  Bocas is experiences a rebirth in growth, fueled by tourism.  The city government lacks funds to deal with road repair and landfill construction.  The problem is that the development could ruin the great feel of the island, or add to it.  The tourism could generate the needed income to redesign the landfill, and employ the locals (currently the unemployment on the islands is very high (>30%?))  We want to help direct that development down the more sustainable pathways and encourage local employment with good salaries and benefits.
 

IEC presents.....  Activities de Bocas

Bocas is not only beautiful, it is adventure friendly.  The calm waters of the bay and lagoons are perfect for boating and swimming.  From sailing to water-skiing (only once a day... keeping impact low as possible yet allowing for the good time water skiing can be)   We plan to offer it all.  If you decide to go out to a reef or distant beach... our tour/ diving boats will make the "getting there"  a great part of your day.  Once there.... the clarity of the water will make the snorkeling and the diving a wondrous experience.   The  captains of the tour / dive boats will be able to answer your questions and provide interesting information about the area.

Even in Rainy conditions many of these activities are enjoyable.... as the temperature is still pleasant and the views still breath taking...
 

For land lovers, there is no limit of choices.  Guests can choose from jungle hikes to more leisurely walks on the countless beaches of the area.
The rainforests of the area allows you to hike through some of the most incredible flora and see large varieties of fauna.  Natural guides are available to make these hikes an education....

Even within the town of Bocas there is a museum and culture center (already built and soon to be opened) and multiple shops offers locally made handicrafts.  Walks around the town allow you to take in the architecture of some of the older buildings, and if you let yourself go, you feel like you have stepped through a time machine.

In Bocas, just eating at some of the great restaurants can be a remember experience.

 For those with more energy, the dirt roads on the main island are perfect for mountain biking.  The beach side road along the open ocean is level and not much work to bike.  Currently there is very little  traffic on the road and leave you in almost complete solitude to take in the beautiful views.

   a trip to the "Bat Cave" is always a option.

..

At times you might just want to rest... by finding a place in the shade with a great view!

Upon guest requests and with enough notice, even more adventurous activities can be arranged.  For example, a jungle river trip can be planned, where the group would spend one day exploring up one of the rivers on the mainland, spend the night in a rustic native village, and float back to the sea on kayaks.  Too many other activities to mention here..... but you name it, and if we don't have it, we will help find the guides and equipment you need.

Rivers rides vary ... Wild to Clam!

(River conditions vary with time of year/rain fall.
                    This photo was taking why going up the Sixola River.... see Map of Area)

One of our favorite activities..... we now call it the "Dolphin Machine".....  is where you are gently pulled behind our tour boats with a directional controller that frees you from the effort of swimming.... and makes you feel like you are flying through the water.  The rush is intense as everybody that has tried it comes up with a big smile and comments on the feeling of speed.  But above water we are just crawling along, as the dolphin machine works best at just 3 miles per hour!

Even if you never leave the resort, swimming around the wreck or over to the nearby island (Isla Cayenero is just 300 yards away) provides hours of entertainment.  On the beaches of Cayenero volley ball games are possible, and the net can be placed in the swallow water, making a dive for the ball a refreshing dip!

At night, there is the Wreckdeck bar, or the other night spots on the island.  Night diving will be possible right on the wreck as the bar lights will gently illuminate the "Maria Sucena".

So to sum it up, here is a list of some of the activities you can choose from in Bocas del Toro....

1. Boating (all types.... e.g. Sea Kayaking, sailing, motor, etc.)
2. Town tours.... (self guided with map)
3. Swimming/ Snorkeling Scuba  (Swim yourself in the wreck or take a tour/dive boat to a reef)
4.Hiking (rough to mild....  natural guides available....)
5. Biking (level roads or mountain)
6. Eating (many types of food available)
7. Beach walking/sitting/lying... (you get the idea)
8. Sunset cruises
9. Nightlife Dancing and Drinking  (but music is soft after 12:30 @ Wreck-Deck, other Bars open later!)
10. Visit the National Parks or "Bird Island" by Boat
11. River rides/ White-water Rafting (some in Bocas, others outside of Panama City)
12. Surfing (at right time of year coast famous for "Salsa Brava" which are big fast breaking waves)
13. Horse back riding
14. Resting in the Shade and topic breeze
15. and many more....

See you in Bocas soon.... We hope!
 
 

Map: Panama with geography (click to enlarge on Bocas del Toro)

MAP:  Parks in Panama

Map: Bocas del Toro the Town
 
(put map of town here)
 
 
 

Everybody is welcome to become a supporter or member..... that is regardless of race, sex, religion, social status, sexuality, (basically you name the adjective, we don't care!)

Important however is the following two requirements:

1. Respect the environment and other human beings!
2. Treat them accordingly!  "The Golden Rule"

Basically we want to have a large membership of the finest people from all walks of life. They will be coming together on the IEC web pages and at the Wreck-Deck Bar and Cabinas.  Together we will all have incredible times, great learning experiences, and all the while, in the presence of fabulous company that will benefit the total regional environment.


 
 

     The current "lifetime membership" fee can be checked on the IEC Members page

 You just have to Print out the Application  <<<Click there!

NOTE:   if accepted your check will be cashed and you will be sent confirmation
 
 

 
<<<<<under-construction>>>>>>

Panama does NOT HAVE
       HURRICANES

<<<<<under-construction>>>>>>

Members:
NOTE:  They have put more then just money, some have put great deals of time, even blood and sweat into the Wreck-Deck Bar and Cabinas and the IEC

1: Benson Karras (the founder, "I had to be the first member as I thought of it!"
2: Kari, Sierra-matice (Sie-ce), Bryant Karras (also Tech/Secretary Officer of the IEC)
3: Thomas Karras, and rest of his family
4: Dan and Gina Brown

5: Eric Stecker
6: Garret Crosbie
7: Sam Parker
8: Jen
9: Tom K.
10: Kelly, Nicky, Erin
11: Corry, Kristy,

    The IEC was founded in 1998 due to the belief that web based informational exchanges are hopefully the means to a more positive end.  The IEC's web page  will be a source of knowledge available to all. The saying goes "knowledge is power" and the IEC takes that to heart.

    The IEC focus is the arena of ecotourism and sustainable development. Although a young organization, the IEC  already has a agreement to market and handle the reservation of the up and coming ecotourism resort (the Wreckdeck Bar and Cabinas) and has made several other contacts in the ecotourism market. This year the IEC will see much growth as alliances are made with many more ecotourism resort and activities in Panama and beyond. The IEC will reach out to the local communities and get them involved.

    The IEC plans to be the web site where people log on to plan their ecology minded vacation, but also the site for information about environmental projects they can support, both locally and internationally. IEC will encourage people to learn more about environmental and development issues, get involved at some level, and spend vacation dollars in responsible manners. At that point the IEC's far reaching goals will be a reality.

The structure of the IEC:
    The IEC has chief officers, selecting by the founders of the IEC, and is currently looking to round out it's board of directors. Those interested must be able to communicate over the web, as office meetings will be held in private chat rooms. All members will be able to participate in decision making processes in the future. Currently, with no "elected" officials and limited resources the IEC's path will be controlled by the chief officers.

    At some point the IEC might elect to evolve into a more formal entity, elect officers, and as such, have more collective power. At such a time the rules the organization will follow are simple, and the guidelines for how the organization will function at it's maturity have already been laid out in the bylaws of the organization. The IEC should never forget that it was founded by individuals interested in the common goal of ecotourism and sustainable development. The idea being that when and where the IEC and it's members see an idea that has merit, they will be able to work collectively to encourage it's amplification. To obtain a copy please see the future web links to IEC Business Office Info and read from the suggested reading list.
 
 

First goal of the IEC will always be to encourage ecotourism and sustainable development. The IEC will be working with the local communities to set up  ecotourism activities, cultural experiences, and non-destructive forms of entertainment while at the same time improving the local economy.

The Wreckdeck Bar and Cabinas has already donated money (channeling the generous contributions of Dr. Thomas Karras) directly to the local school for the purchase of equipment ($500 in 1996) and has built a public pier for the use of the locals.  The pier was built in 1996 but unfortunate was damaged in a storm.  It will be rebuilt with Spring.  Keep in mind the IEC and the Wreckdeck Bar and Cabinas are both new organization and still in the initial phases of construction. As  activity and income increase in the up coming future, so to will the level of funding for the IEC's projects.

The IEC will be working directly on environmental and community projects. Some examples projects in the works......

1. Library second floor/ Computer with internet access Project: estimated cost $15,000
2. Creation of, and construction of public pier for public use and the Reserve.
3. The marine wildlife Reserve "Maria Sucena": estimated cost $13,000.  The wreck should be cleaned up and a protective public pier created around it.
4. IEC save the buildings campaign.  The IEC will attempt to mobilize all the resources we can to save the old building that can be saved.
5. Habitat for Humanity "Save the Houses" Campaign: The IEC plans to invite Habitat for Humanity to come down to Bocas and help save many of the local communities houses that are in a bad state. With a few people, a small amount of material, and a good week of elbow grease many of these early century houses could be saved.: estimated cost $5,000 (materials) as housing will be donated by the Wreckdeck Bar and Cabinas, and the Habitat for Humanity would provide the labor.  (This is still in the very very early stage of planning.... Habitat for Humanity has no connection or contact with the IEC at this time.)
6. Plastic Surgeons week of free reconstructive surgery for children: estimated costs (not known at this time)
7. For Kids by Kids project.  A project started years ago that just never got off the ground.  The IEC plans to revive the project and help see it through!  For more information on this exciting project with Kids and Cameras from countries around the world..... see FKBK Project.
8. Isla Colon Wildlife Rainforest and Mangrove Reserve.... a 400 hec. wildlife reserve.  This will take a lot of  money and planning.  Estimated cost: $400,000 dollars (obviously will need corporate sponsorship for this one, or a large community effort) Until the other projects are up and running this will be in the background.

 
The "Wreckdeck Bar and Cabinas" had been a dream for several years before ground breaking occurred in the February of 1996. The name of this ecotourism resort was not easy to choose, as the property itself was so special, it deserved a very special name. In the end, the sunken boat (barco hundido) in swallow waters right in front of the resort and the Bar built overlooking it, defined the whole resort. The Wreck-Deck Bar could only be called the Wreck-Deck Bar and hence the whole resort ended up with that name.

It all started when while Benson Karras was traveling in Central America before starting medical school. His trip eventually took him to South America. On his way back up a bike trip planned with his good friend Garret, from Costa Rica to Panama, was supposed to be the "Grand Finale" of his year long trip.  The bike trip, however, turned out to be the start of it all, not the end.

What happened? After seeing so much beautiful coast line during his year off, Benson had felt he had "seen it all" until he landed on Isla Colon, an island just off the Atlantic coast of Panama. In fact, just minutes after stepping onto the island, he already knew there was something very special about the Bocas. The architecture, the water, the islands in the distance, etc. After a few days he was looking for something to buy, especially after another friend from Costa Rica, who Garret and Ben looked up while on the island, informed him of the purchase price of property.

The result was the purchase of three lots on the ocean edge, and the dream of someday opening a resort in that location.

Over five years, the desire to open the resort remained.  But it was not until Benson became motivated by a desire to protect the area and the locals quality of life that he really started to lay down plans.  Benson Karras retells why the IEC was created...

"I can remember thinking in my head over and over what would be best for Bocas....   I mean, there I was up in the United States just knowing that tourism was heading to Bocas.... but good and bad outcomes could come out of it.  I decided the only way to help make the influence of tourism to be the best it can be... is to be a part of it and try to lead by example!"  "The IEC seemed to a way to mobilize all interested parties.  The IEC will be the worlds connection to the Wreck-Deck Bar and Cabinas, but also other eco-tourism resorts and activities.

Molas are artwork from Panama's San Blas Islands and Kuna Indians has been handed down from Kuna mothers and grandmothers to young girls for centuries. The sections of clothes are made by combining several layers of different colors and removing pieces from upper levels to allow the the color from below to be seen.

Each piece is different, and the designs are interpretations of events, animals, history, or other views of seen in a normal day.   Molas are used in the clothing used by the Kuna women. However, there beauty makes them perfect for wall hanging, pillows, or quilts.

The IEC plans to sell them directly over the web at a fair exchange price (giving almost all the money to the makers!) but you can also come to Panama and buy them directly from the many shops that sell them all over the country.  As everyone is different, you really do need to spend sometime going through all your options before you pick the one to take home!

(put patterns here)

          The IEC took this information directly from the "Panama Jack"  web page....

"We invite you to visit Panama, the heart of the Americas. A video
          journey in which beautiful scenes describe a paradise that offers
          an unlimited variety of alternatives: shopping, business,
          investment opportunities, ecotourism, fishing, diving, or just the
          pleasure of enjoying a land full of charms waiting to be
          discovered.

          Throughout this video we will go from the most precious historic
          places to the most beautiful natural resources of this singular
          country. Here, 10,000 different plants and more than 900 species
          of birds live in communion with seven different aboriginal (indiginosa) groups.
          Exquisite sights that contrast with incredible views of the genius of
          engineering: The Panama Canal, along with the largest financial
          center of Latin America, and the largest duty free zone of the world.

That's why Panama,
          unique as it is, is now home to immigrants from all over the world. And so, we proudly  invite you to this video journey into the different areas of Panama:

              Panama City - The Canal - Taboga Island - Las Perlas Archipelago -
             Farallon and Coronado - El Valle de Anton - Arco Seco - The Colon Free
            Zone - Portobelo and Isla Grande - San Blas Archipelago - National Parks

                                           $19.95
                                 Plus $3.00 shipping and handling

                                      TO ORDER CALL

                            Tel: 1-888-PANAMA-1

<<<<<under-construction>>>>>>

Bocas del Toro, History:

Philosophy:

Ecology:

Ecotourism:

For Fun:

The following was also taken form the "Panama Jack" web page....

Books can be found at the Amazon.com Web Page....

          The Birds of the Republic of Panama : Passeriformers, Hirundinidae (Swallows to Fringillidae);
          Alexander Wetmore, et al; Hardcover; $32.50

          The Building of the Panama Canal in Historic Photographs; Ulrich Keller; Paperback; $8.76

          Culebra Cut (Adventures in Time); Judith Head; Library Binding; $21.27; Descriptive information
          available.

          Path Between the Seas : the Creation of the Panama Canal, 1870-1914; David McCullough;
          Paperback; $12.80

          Field Guide to the Orchids of Costa Rica and Panama; Robert L. Dressler; Paperback; $28;
          Descriptive information available.

          George Goethals : Panama Canal Engineer (A Discovery Biography); Jean Lee Latham, Hamilton
          Greene; Library Binding; $14.95; Descriptive information available.

          Locks, Crocs, and Skeeters : The Story of the Panama Canal; Nancy Winslow Parker; Hardcover;
          $11.20

          The Panama Route 1848-1869 (Classics in Maritime History); John Haskell Kemble; Hardcover;
          $29.95

            We have added the books listed on this page for your convenience and to assist
           you in finding out more about our coutry. Some of the books have been reviewed
            by our staff or by others interested in Panama. We hope you enjoy our selection
            and if you have any suggestions of books we do not currently have listed, please
                    drop us a line at: pdt@iamerica.net and we'll see if we can find it.