Diving in Bali end January-early February: which wetsuit?

[Grocio]

Hi there,

In a couple of days I'm going to Bali and, if whether conditions permit, I'll dive in Menjagan Island, Tulamben, Amed, Padangbain, and Nusa Penida. I expect to dive 2/3 times per day.

I will bring a full-length 3 mm wetsuit with me. But do you think that I may need a 5 mm wetsuit for some of those dive sites? I heard that Nusa Penida might be cold during the dry season, but what about during the rainy season?

I still have some place left for the 5 mm wetsuit, but if it is unnecessary I prefer to leave it at home.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks in advance for your replies,
Grocio

 

[divewench1]

Hi Grocio

This is a difficult question, as we all differ in our cold water comfort level. Personally, after 5 years diving in Bali, I wear a 7mm all year around and just add rash guard and hood when it gets real cold.

Tulamben and Amed will always feel warmer than the Padang Bai/Nusa Penida sites, so you might be ok with a 3mm, but I'm sure your chosen dive centre will have thicker suits or layers you could rent, if you want to avoid bringing your 5mm suit.

Happy, safe diving, enjoy Bali.

 

[Grocio]

Dear Divewench1,

Many thanks for your reply, and especially for the good wishes!

 

[exposure]

I use 3 mm everywhere (temp higher than 27C). Nusa Penida I rent a 5mm because temp can drop (Crystal Bay) I had 21C and I have heard about 16C in Crystal Bay.

 

[divewench1]

I've had 14 degrees in Manta Point, and 16 degrees in Crystal Bay.

 

[zivva]

At the moment we got 25°c on average around Nusa Penida.

Still colder than Northern Bali (28 - 30°c) but quite manageable with a 3mm I guess

Not so many thermoclines that mostly occur from March to November with extreme temps from June to October (got 12° c @ Toyapakeh last september ...)

 

[gekodivebali]

I go for 5mm during June to December and board shorts the rest of the time. 3mm is fine this season. Enjoy the great diving!

 

[exposure]

You'll forget if you get cold over there

 

[Grocio]

Dear all,

Thanks a lot for your replies and comments! I'm just back home in the Netherlands, and wanted to tell you that 3 mm was the right choice. I dove in Menjangan Island, Tulambem, Outside Tulamben, Amed, and Padangbai/Blue Lagoon, where the lowest bottom temperature was 27 degrees...

Finally I didn't go to Nusa Penida; so, I don't know whether 3 mm would have been fine there. But it doesn't matter now...

Thanks again, guys!