Key Largo end of November?

[Marty Bess]

Hi all,

I know it's subject to opinion but we will be spending two days diving in Key Largo for Thanksgiving before heading out on a cruise to Grand Cayman, Roatan, Cozumel, and Belize for more diving but what mil wetsuit is needed for Key Largo that time of year, we are in shape, not overweight but in our late 50's. Any Suggestions??

Thanks for the help,
Marty

 

[CT Sean]

I'd expect water temps in the mid to high 70's. I would wear my 3mm in such conditions. Your tolerance to cold will make all the difference in the world. Some people would "freeze" in a 3mm in 76* water, others would "cook".

 

[nolatom]

I've dived farther north (West Palm, Jupiter) and closer to Christmas, and typically still mid-70s. So you should see it a few degrees warmer, I would think, and agree 3mm sounds right.

Cheap and very portable tip--bring along a couple of those cheap triathlon-type swim caps, and some Playtex gloves to wear under your tropical gloves. Put 'em on, and you'd be surprised how much warmer you feel for that second or third dive of the day, than you would without them. Also bring a nylon jacket to keep you warm between dives, keeps you from losing body heat to the "swamp cooler" effect on the boat if there's any breeze.

 

[Damselfish]

Gloves are not allowed or at the least discouraged in most of those places. (And not neded for the temps unless perhaps someone has a medical issue. )

 

[scubadada]

Doing the Cayman Islands by liveaboard right after Thanksgiving. I'm taking my 3 mm and my 5/3 hooded vest should I get cold.

 

[TMHeimer]

I'd expect water temps in the mid to high 70's. I would wear my 3mm in such conditions. Your tolerance to cold will make all the difference in the world. Some people would "freeze" in a 3mm in 76* water, others would "cook".

Right. Question really can't be answered. You have to know what 75F water feels like to you for say 45 minutes. For me it's probably just a body suit/rash guard. If you know what say, 65F water does to you on a dive wearing a certain thickness suit, you may be able to extrapolate from there.

 

[lowlysubaruguy]

If you can wear a hood and boots a 3mm long would be a good choice you can ditch the hood if your to hot on your first dive. A hood prevents heat loss at the most important part, but some do not do well in them they can restrict equalization and create mask issues people with a lot of hair struggle keeping them in place. I personally would rather not wear a hood diving but I know people who really do.

 

[seadweller]

Hello from Key Largo , the water temp is between 81 and 82 degrees and a 3mm wetsuit would
be more than adequate . I think the 5/3 hooded vest may be a little over kill but I am not sure how
cold you get . Some people get colder than others . Just my two cents worth . Have a great time
diving in Key Largo and the Cayman Islands !
Sea Dwellers
www.seadwellers.com

 

[TMHeimer]

I wear a hood regardless of how warm the water is--for keeping water from going far into my ears. In Panama I used a swimmer's cap.

 

[islanddream]

We were in Key Largo three years ago at Thanksgiving and planning to dive. It was extremely windy and a bit chilly which caused rough seas. Boats were going out, however, two of the four of us chose not to dive due to the conditions. I hope the weather is excellent for you this Thanksgiving!