Which wetsuit for Puerto Rico’s water?

Puerto Rico’s water is warm all year, but water pulls heat from your body much faster than air. On a long dive, or two or three dives in a day, even warm water can leave you cold. The right suit keeps you comfortable and protects your skin.

Thickness

• Rash guard or skin suit: sun and scrape protection for snorkeling and short, shallow dives.
• Shorty: keeps your core warm, leaves arms and legs free.
• 3 mm full suit: a common choice for diving here. It also protects arms and legs from scrapes and stings.
• Thicker, or a hood or vest on top: for divers who get cold easily, or who do several dives a day.

For water temperatures month by month and the suit we suggest for each, see Puerto Rico diving conditions.

Fit matters more than thickness

• Snug everywhere, with no gaps at the neck, lower back or armpits where water can flush through.
• You can still breathe deeply and move your arms freely.
• No bunching behind the knees or at the elbows.

Sizes vary between brands, so the best way to choose is in the shop, with our help.