Isla Colón · Panama
Surfing Dumpers
A reef break in Isla Colón, Panama, for advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelAdvanced
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsDec-Mar
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Dumpers is a short, very hollow left on Isla Colón, named after the rubbish dump across the road. It ends on a ledge of reef that is dry at low tide, so it's only for experienced surfers.
It needs a solid north-east swell. On big days an inside wave also breaks, with longer and easier rides. The reef here and at Paunch next door is sharp, so wear reef boots.
9.38, -82.24 · Swell NE, reef boots · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Dumpers
Dumpers is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: Swell NE, reef boots. This is how the year looks across Bocas del Toro:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| December to March | Prime | Main season, NE-E storms off Colombia fire the reefs and Silverbacks |
| April to May | Quiet | Flat spells between seasons; the Pacific side is better now |
| June to August | Good | A reliable mid-year mini-season, July the safer bet |
| September to November | Quiet | Mostly flat and wet, off-season on the Caribbean |
Waves near Dumpers
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paunch | Isla Colón | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 2 km |
| Bluff | Isla Colón | Beach Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 3 km |
| Silverbacks | Bastimentos & the outer isles | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 4 km |
| Careñeros | Isla Colón | Point Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 5 km |
| First Beach (Wizard Beach) | Bastimentos & the outer isles | Beach Break | Beginner / Intermediate | 12 km |
| P-Land | Morro Negrito | Reef Break | Advanced | 166 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Isla Colón
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Isla Colón surf guide →
A week here costs from about $725 with flights from Europe, or around $1,503 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Dumpers: common questions
When is the best time to surf Dumpers?
Dumpers works best from December to March. Ideal conditions: Swell NE, reef boots.
Is Dumpers good for beginners?
No. Dumpers is a wave for advanced surfers. The closest beginner-friendly spot we cover is Careñeros in Isla Colón, about 5 km away.
How crowded is Dumpers?
Dumpers is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Dumpers?
Dumpers is in Isla Colón, in the Bocas del Toro region of Panama (9.38, -82.24). The nearest wave we cover is Paunch, about 2 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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