What kind of wetsuit in Cozumel?

Question

Do any scuba divers in Cozumel wear full body wetsuits, or just shorties or just swim suits? I don't like renting. Should I pack my full body or not?

Answer 1

For Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Cozumel and other tropical waters I have always used a "Dive Skin" rather than a wet suit.  I bought mine in Hawaii and do not remember the brand name off-hand, but it has lasted for years.  I see similar dive-skins at scuba stores regularly.  More information here:  http://www.thescubaguide.com/gear/suits/...

Answer 2

All I wore was a speedo when I dove Cozumel but the divemasters wore full suits--they thought the water was chilly!  I'm so used to diving with a drysuit, I felt just the opposite.  If you don't dive with a skin or shorty, watch out for fire coral.  If you end up touching it, don't scratch it, just leave it and it will go away.

Answer 3

What your temperature tolerance is and some one else's will be different. I'm a cold water, great lakes diver. On my trip to Coz, I used a 5mm farmer john on my first dive. I cooked, I even cooked without any exposure protection at all on all other dives for the rest of the week.

The water was 78 -80 F. If your suit is a 5 mm or less, I'd take it just in case your cold tolerance isn't what mine is and besides, a 5mm or less doesn't take up that much room in your luggage

Answer 4

I wouldn't take a full body suit.  You will get hot.  Some people scuba in swim suits.  I always wear the shorties.  Something like this is perfect.  

http://www.sailgb.com/pi/Jag/4-Short-Joh...

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Everyone's tolerance is different. I've been to Cozumel several times and have only worn a diveskin  and have had no problem. I will say though that many, if not most, people do wear a full wetsuit.  I would say  a 3 mm is the most common.

I typically did 2 dives a day in Coz. When I do more than that I do tend to get a little cold and will wear my shorty.

If you are going in the summer, the water temps are usually in the 82-85 degree range. Plenty warm.

Hope you have a great trip. Coz is one of my favorite places.

Answer 6

I dove Cozumel in a shorty and was just fine.  Cozumel is all drift diving; you won't be close enough to anything (better not be!) to get much benefit from the protection of sleeves and legs.