Diving in the Keys

[kreid]

I have only been diving in the Great Lakes. (drysuit diver). I will be going to the Keys in early April. Any suggestions as to what mil wetsuit I should use?

 

[km8688]

Here's a link to the National Data Buoy Center. Just click on the station that's closest to where you will be diving. It will tell you the actual water temperature near the surface then you can decide what wetsuit you'll need. Personally, I get cold easily and need a 5 mil + hood in 70 degree water.

National Data Buoy Center

 

[Tool Belt]

Was there late March this year. Sorry, I do not have the water temp.......and with the caveat that I am a warm water weenie.....I was cold in a 5/4.

 

[Wookie]

Water temps will be between 60-74 degrees, depending on whether there is an upwelling that day.

What thickness wetsuit do you think you'll need? I'd wear my drysuit with a light fleece under it...

 

[iluvtheocean]

i agree -- stick with your drysuit - especially since you're used to diving with it -- K.I.S.S.

 

[scubaguy655]

I typically dive Key Largo in March with a 5 mil plus a hooded vest and am comfortable. Water temps usually 73-75F based on my experience.

 

[sportxlh]

I dive a 7 mm in the winter around here but I get cold easily. Many divers think that is overkill but I'm comfortable. I see some divers in 3mm during the winter. Brrrrrr

 

[mselenaous]

I'm a WWW too. That time of year I'm in a 5mm with 3mm vest or my drysuit w/ thin undergarments.

 

[reefman]

just looked @ my previous threads for this past april off the upper keys. water temps ranged from 73-74F on 4/2, 76-77F by the 15th and 79F/80F by the end of the month(it was a warm winter). wore a 5mm full suit with a 3/5mm hooded vest. looking for a 7mm for this winter,,,,,,,,,,



reefman
key largo

 

[scubadada]

I dive Boynton Beach and Jupiter year round. You can expect water temps in the low 70s at that time of year. Eleven dives at the end of last March ranged from 70-73 degrees. I dive a full 5 mm and a 5/3 mm hooded vest and generally am reasonably warm. I'm taking my 7 mm down this winter and will dive it at those temps. Last year, water temperature had risen to 77-78 by the beginning of May.