What wetsuit do you need for diving in the Caribbean?

As I’m sitting here, I see snow falling outside my window in early April, and I’m overcome by a longing to pack my bags and head for tropical waters. And even though I won’t be heading there any time soon, I couldn’t help but wonder: what wetsuit should I pack, if I were to head out there this time of year?

If you’re planning a diving holiday, a good start is to ask your dive operator what wetsuits they usually recommend or rent out. To save you the trouble, I reached out to dozens of operators across the Caribbean, to answer that question for you: What wetsuit do you need for diving in the Caribbean?

While this answers the question for the average diver, there are several factors to consider when determining the right wetsuit for you. Besides water temperature, your personal sensitivity to cold, as well as the depth, duration and frequency of your diving should inform your choice of exposure protection.

What is the water temperature in the Caribbean Sea?

The entire Caribbean Sea is located in the tropics, which means that it is minimally affected by the seasons. The average temperature in the Caribbean Sea is 27°C (80°F) at the surface, and only varies by a few degrees. There is some variation by location, but this comes down to single degree differences.

In the table below, you can find the average water temperature for popular destinations in the Caribbean Sea month-by-month, as well as wetsuit recommendations for that period.

As you can tell from this data, temperatures fluctuate very little, and a 3mm shorty wetsuit will suit most divers’ needs just fine.

What wetsuit should I wear in the Caribbean if I get cold easily?

If you already know that you’re more sensitive to the cold than other divers, it is wise to take some additional precautions.

There are several gradations of additional thermal protection you can use. Note that many dive operators indicated that they are not able to provide these. Contact your operator ahead of time, and consider bringing your own.

• A diving hood: you should not underestimate the amount of body heat that is lost through the head, and while you might associate a hood with diving in cold water, a hood can go a long way in keeping you comfortably warm for longer.
• A diveskin: wearing a lycra diveskin, or a 1mm or 2mm full-length wetsuit underneath a shorty could just make enough of a difference for you.
• A 3mm full-length wetsuit: instead of the 3mm shorty, the 3mm full-length wetsuit covers your arms and legs. This is the recommendation for cold-prone divers in the Caribbean.
• A 5mm full-length wetsuit: upgrading from 3mm to 5mm will give you additional warmth, at the cost of needing extra weights. You should also keep in mind that these suits can also be more difficult to put on.

What wetsuits can I rent at Caribbean dive operators?

Now that you have an idea of the type of wetsuit you’re going to need, the next question arises: what wetsuits do dive operators rent in the Caribbean?

If you require additional exposure protection in the Caribbean, you will often have to bring your own. Luckily, diveskins and hoods are affordable options if you don’t intend to dive very frequently. If you see more frequent dive trips in your future, splurging on your own full-length wetsuit is a great investment.

Will a thicker wetsuit be too hot for diving in the Caribbean?

If, like me, you already own a 5mm, or perhaps a 7mm wetsuit, which you consider bringing on your trip, you might be wondering: will I be too hot in a thicker wetsuit?

As thicker suits are harder to put on and remove, divers might be inclined to keep their suits on while on the boat or in between dives. When the weather is hot and sunny, make sure to at least take off the top half off the wetsuit, and to drink plenty of water.