Do I need exposure suit for Belize or Florida Keys in Nov?

[diveprof]

the answer is "Yep" and at least a 3mm (maybe a hood or beenie if doing multiple dives).

 

[Colliam7]

I'm playing it safe by buying a 3mm shorty. Better to have it and not need it than it is to need it and not have it.

Playing it safe is a good idea. Since you're planning to buy a shorty, I would suggest you at least think about a full suit rather than a shorty. It provides more protection (total area covered) and is a bit more versatile - you will seldom be too hot, in the water in a full 3 mm, but you may be a bit cold in the Keys in a shorty. Just a thought. I have been cold in the Keys in December in a full 3mm, doing 4 dives / day.

 

[krawdady]

Water temps in the gulf right now are in the high 60's. I wear a 5/4 myself this time of year along with a hood. With no suit at all I would think it could actually be dangerous depending on how low you stay down. In my opinion I would rather be too warm than too cold.

 

[stinggirl]

Hi,
I'm planning a dive trip to either Belize or Florida Keys in three weeks. Do I need to wear expose suit? I plan on diving 2 to 3 tanks per day. My body is generally on the warm side.

It depends on how you tolerate water temperature. At the moment the water in Southwest Florida is around 70 f

 

[wikkie650]

I just left Key Largo last week, and I dove in my typical NJ attire, 6.5mm Semi-Dry and I was comfortable throughout the day including five dives in one day. The people diving in a 3mm full suit were getting cold after the 2nd dive. I would strongly suggest a 5/4 as an option. It seems to be what the dive boat captains and mates were saying they dive in when the water starts to get colder. Have fun, there's plenty to see down there.

 

[diver 85]

Hi,
I'm planning a dive trip to either Belize or Florida Keys in three weeks. Do I need to wear expose suit? I plan on diving 2 to 3 tanks per day. My body is generally on the warm side.

yes.......I would wear skins under a 2 mm shorty in Belize---you might need more in the Keys....call ahead & see what the water temp is in the Keys.....a 3/2 full might be perfect for the latter...

 

[DM Gary]

I am warm natured and would recomend a full 3 mil if you are doing repetitve dives in 80 degree water. My core temp was lowered on 3-5 dives a day in Cozumel and got a little chilled on a couple of dives while wearing a 4/3.