Suit choice for Bonaire?

[ocpaul]

I am heading for Bonaire at the end of May and was wondering about redcommendation for exposure suit. My first thought is to just take a skin, primarily for a little scuff protection for beach diving.

Any comments based on experience there?

 

[Pauline]

Hi!

I'll be at Bonaire again 6-18 May!

For the temperarture: I've seen people dive in their T-shirts and shorts no problem, but I like some protection so I use a 3mm shorty.

For the nightdives, I'll bring along my 3mm longy this time, just in case I do hit something unintentionally.
Hasn't happened to me yet under the Townpier (very nice divesite btw), but I'd just feel a litter safer. I had a nasy encounter with firecoral once....

Have fun!

 

[DiveTyme]

I would recommend a 3mm. If you do more than a couple dives a day, you may start to feel chilly. When we were there the water temp was 81 and on dive four I would feel a little cooler than I like.

 

[herman]

I was there in March, the UW temp was 79. My wife and I both dive in fleece lined skins with no problem. We do find that a head covering of some kind helps a lot with the cooling effect of multiple dives. She wears a neoprene cap, I usually wear a Dee Rag.

Welcome to the board

 

[jdr159]

When my wife and I dove there we both used 3mm full suits. I'd definitely recommend some type of thermal protection since you'll probably be doing alot more dives/day than you're used to (we were diving about 4 times/day). This happens because there are so many great beach dives on the island. Rent a jeep, throw in your gear and explore. You won't regret it.

 

[rjchandler]

3mil - lycra hood- and BOOTS. if you shore dive you will want high top boots.

 

[BuoyantC]

When we were there in Jan/Feb the water was about 80. I wear a full 3mm., and I think most people would be more comfortable with one. I did try out some low cut boots this time thinking they might dry faster, but they got sand in them on beach entries. I'll go back to regular hi-tops next time.
You might want to check current water temps at: www.bonairewebcams.com/TheWorks.php
____________________
Dennis

 

[Damselfish]

I've never worn more than a Lycra skin in Bonaire.

 

[ocpaul]

Thanks for all of the replies - sounds like a skin + 3mm shortie + boots + hood has pretty much got it covered. Thanks again for the help!

Paul

 

[Natasha]

I was there in March, the UW temp was 79. My wife and I both dive in fleece lined skins with no problem. We do find that a head covering of some kind helps a lot with the cooling effect of multiple dives. She wears a neoprene cap, I usually wear a Dee Rag.

Welcome to the board

Herman:
Those fleece lined suits sound awesome! Where can I get one fast?