Bonaire-- 3mm wetsuit or 5mm?

[Robtjm]

I am a new diver. We will be in Bonaire toward the end of February and I hope to do some diving.

Would I be better served with a 3mm wetsuit or a 5mm wetsuit. I would like to wear a full length suit, I think. I'd prefer a 3mm, to keep my weight load down. But I don't want to have to cut a dive short because of cold.

Thanks.

 

[El Orans]

I've been to Bonaire twice. Never felt cold with my 3mm full.

 

[RICHinNC]

Haave done both shortie and 3/2 mm. Depends on how easily you get cold really. And remember...you lose a lot of heat with the repetitive diving you can do there.

 

[00scuba]

I wear my 3mil with a skin underneath...never been chilly and always comfortable. I have been there 3 times ... ahhhhh...can't wait for the 4th

 

[bnajdrovsky]

3 mil should be plenty. I brought mine for the ScubaBoard trip last year, but spent the whole time diving in my shorty instead. This year, I may not even bring the 3 mil. (that's right, El Orans, I'm planning on joining Natasha's merry band of SB'ers again. ;-) )

 

[Jamdiver]

Whatever makes you comfortable.

I'd recommend a full 3mm and since you'll be doing a lot of repetitive diving over many days a beanie and skin in case you begin to feel chilled.

 

[herman]

Welcome to the board

It really depends on you. I have a friend that dives a full 5mm with a hood in Bonaire. I have never worn more than a fleece lined skin, about the equiv of a 0.5mm wetsuit. I have not had any trouble being cold. The 3mm should be plenty. If you still want more, take along a hood, it's more helpful than the extra 2mm of neoprene.

 

[vladimir]

I am a new diver. We will be in Bonaire toward the end of February and I hope to do some diving.

Hope to do some diving? Why else would you go?

 

[Robtjm]

Well, actually, we're going to visit friends who live there. I figured I'd try diving while there. Got certified last fall.

 

[jepuskar]

Ohh Herman, what do you know about Bonaire?