Isla Colón · Panama
Surfing Dumpers
A left reef in Isla Colón, Panama, for advanced surfers.
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.
Paunch, just along the road, is the more forgiving option.
When to surf
Dumpers
Dumpers is at its best from December to March. Conditions it likes: Swell NE, reef boots.
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
The year across Bocas del Toro
Waves near Dumpers
Bluff
3 kmIsla Colón · Beach Break · Intermediate / Advanced
Paunch
3 kmIsla Colón · Left & Right Reef · Intermediate / Advanced
Silverbacks
4 kmBastimentos & the outer isles · Right Reef · Advanced / Pro
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there
Where to stay: Base in Bocas town on Isla Colón, it's small, walkable and the hub for water taxis to every break (Paunch, Bluff, Careñeros). Share taxis to Paunch and Bluff, small boats to the islands. Bocas town has a couple of surf shops with rental boards, but bring your own good board (and a gun for Silverbacks). Reef boots for Paunch and Dumpers.
Transport, costs, where to stay and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Isla Colón guide.
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