Wetsuit or Lycra Skin

[DivingPrincessE]

I am going on cruise in September, and will be diving in Fort Lauderdale, Cozumel and Belize. I thought that a wetsuit was included in the equipment rental fee...but just found out they don't rent wetsuits. I wasn't planning to buy a 3 mm wetsuit for a while for financial reasons (I've already spend about $1,000 on Scuba this month alone plus another $800 for the dive trip).

Will a Lycra skinsuit be enough exposure protection in Cozumel and Belize or do I need to just come up with the $$ to get a 3/2 wetsuit?

 

[Skooter]

Considering the time of year you are going the water temps should be in the 80's. I know some people who are very comfortable in just a lycra in those temps. Keep in mind a lycra will not provide any thermal protection, only sun and some enviromental protection. I would honestly recomend getting a inexpensive 3mm suit, for the added thermal and enviromental protection. If you will be doing multiple dives per day you will begin to get chilled as the day goes on.