How to Choose the Right Snorkeling Suit: When And What Type Do You Need?
If you are considering buying a snorkeling suit but don’t know what type to choose, you have come to the right place! Over the years, we have tested and owned several kinds of rashguards and wetsuits, both for cold and warm waters, and by now, we know what and when works best. In this article, we share our experience and tips to help you choose the one that will suit your needs and environmental conditions the most.
First, you need to understand that the type of snorkeling you will need depends on various things, such as sea temperature and personal preferences. In warm tropical waters, you can go snorkeling even without a wetsuit; a rash guard or UV protection clothing that protects your skin against harmful sun rays and jellyfish stings should be enough (we use long-sleeve sun shirts and leggings). In colder waters or for longer snorkeling sessions, you need a neoprene shorty or full-body wetsuit that provides good thermal insulation and allows you to spend longer in the water without getting cold.
Understanding When You Need a Snorkeling Suit
Snorkeling suits are primarily used to protect against cold water temperatures, sun exposure, and marine stings. Your decision to wear a suit should be based on:
- Water temperature
- Duration of snorkeling session (and consequently sun exposure)
- Potential hazards such as the presence of jellyfish, sea lice, etc…
UV protective clothing may be all you need in warmer tropical waters, while a thicker wetsuit is required to retain body heat in colder waters.
What Thickness Wetsuit to Choose for Snorkeling?
This water temperatures guide helps you to determine what type of wetsuit to choose:
- 27°C/80°F and above – no wetsuit needed; UV protection clothing recommended
- Between 24-26°C/75-78.8°F – full-length rash guard, 2/3 mm thick shorty
- Between 19-23°C/66-73.4°F – 3 mm full-body wetsuit
- Under 18°C/65°F – 5 mm full-length neoprene suit, socks, and gloves are also recommended
It is a quick summary to provide a rough reference, but since everyone’s tolerance to cold is different, it’s essential to consider your personal preferences.
Opt for a slightly thicker wetsuit if you feel cold quickly, even in warmer waters. On the other hand, if you usually run warm, a thinner suit or just UV protective clothing may be sufficient. Also, note that if you are planning to spend a considerable long time in the water, even if it is warm, always wear a wetsuit; the body loses heat in waters that is colder than its normal temperature (36C) and you can get hypothermia even in the tropics.
Snorkeling Suits for Warm Water
A thick suit is unnecessary when snorkeling in tropical waters or typical summer holiday destinations. Depending on how warm the water is and how sensitive you are to cold, you can choose a rash guard, a 2-3 mm shorty, or a full-length neoprene suit (we prefer long-sleeve versions to avoid getting burned on the arms and calves).
UV Protective Clothing
In places where the sea temperature is warm year-round, like the Maldives or Bali, a long-sleeve UV shirt or full-body sun-protective clothing (often called diving skin or rash guard) works best. Thanks to high-elasticity fabrics, these types of swimming clothes protect the skin against irritation, rash, and sunburn while allowing free movement. Moreover, they are lightweight (you don’t need to worry about the extra weight in your luggage!) and dry quickly!
A long-sleeve rash guard or full suit provides excellent protection when snorkeling in warm water.
Tip: Our sun protection post explains from A to Z how to avoid sunburn while snorkeling and at the beach!
Shorty Wetsuit
Wearing a shorty for snorkeling is a good choice if you are sensitive to cold or like spending extended periods in the water. A 2/3 mm thick suit protects you against sunrays and keeps you warm while not taking up too much space in your suitcase. A shorty is sufficient for typical summer snorkeling trips when the sea temperature is between 26-28°C/78.8-82.4°F or warmer.
Tip: Apply environmentally safe sunblock to arms and legs exposed to the sun that doesn’t harm corals or marine life!
Full-Body Wetsuits for Warm Water
For snorkeling in slightly cooler waters, the best choice is a 2/3 mm thick full-body snorkeling suit such as the Cressi Morea snorkeling full suit. It takes a bit more space than the short versions, but it covers almost all of your body, offering insulation and high-level protection not only against the sun but also against accidental coral cuts. The feet, hands, and head will still remain uncovered; think about protecting these against sunburn!
Tip: When planning your snorkeling trip, check sea temperatures on websites like seatemperature.org or windy.com to know what type of thick wetsuit to pack!
Snorkeling Suits for Cold Water
A full-length suit with a thickness of 5 mm is ideal for cold water swimming. In popular snorkeling destinations like Florida or Hawaii, this is necessary only in winter since the water is warm during the summer. However, when snorkeling in California, where the maximum sea temperatures range between 70-75°F/21-24°C, wearing a 5mm neoprene suit is recommended no matter the season.
A popular choice for cold water is the NeoSport 5mm Full Suit, known for its excellent thermal properties and comfortable design, making it ideal for extended snorkeling sessions in colder environments.
Cold Water Snorkeling Tips
- Wear neoprene gloves and socks for added insulation.
- Consider using a hooded wetsuit for full-body coverage in icy waters. This will protect your head and neck from cold water exposure.
- Don’t forget that spending time in the water without proper gear can lead to hypothermia in colder waters, so always dress accordingly; it is better to feel a bit warm than cold!
Wetsuit vs. Drysuit: What’s the Difference?
You do not need a drysuit unless you snorkel in icy waters, like the Silfra Fissure in Iceland, where the water temperature is 2-4°C (35-39°F) year-round. In normal conditions, wearing a dry suit for snorkeling is not recommended as it can make you overheat and is more challenging to swim in. For example, if the wearer decides to swim down, the situation can turn dangerous since the air in the suit moves to the leg part, making resurfacing difficult. Therefore, using a drysuit usually requires introductions and some training.
Fitting tips
Your snorkeling suit should be snug but easy to put on and remove to provide the best insulation and comfort. A loose suit won’t offer good thermal properties and will make you get cold quickly as water flows into the suit through the openings. If it’s too small, it restricts your movements and can cause chafing and irritation.
Sizing and Measurement Guide
When buying a snorkeling wetsuit online, check the manufacturer’s recommendation for the size you should get based on your measurements (height, waist, and chest) and follow the sizing chart. The best option is still to visit a nearby dive shop and try several types/sizes to find the most fitting one.
Tip: The neoprene will slightly expand after a few uses, so don’t worry if the suit seems tight on the first try. If you can move freely, the size is good.
What to Wear Under a Snorkeling Wetsuit?
When diving or snorkeling in your own suit, wear your regular swimsuit or bikini. Avoid going nude underneath the suit as it is unhygienic and causes skin chafing.
Wear an extra insulation layer for colder water, such as a thermal wetsuit undergarment or a long-sleeved sun protection T-shirt with lycra pants.
Tip: If renting a wetsuit, wear a full-length rash guard underneath for hygienic reasons!
How to Clean and Store Your Wetsuit
A good snorkeling wetsuit is a long-lasting piece of gear; quality pieces are not cheap, so it is essential to care for it so you can use it for many years. Here are some tips (coming from first-hand experience over the years) on how to care for your neoprene suit to preserve its quality for the longest time possible!
- After each use, rinse the outside of the suit with fresh water to remove salt and sand. Pay extra attention to the zips to ensure they are clean.
- Turn the suit inside out and soak it in lukewarm water for 30-60 minutes. Avoid hot water, as it can damage the material.
- To remove odors or dirt, use a mild detergent or neoprene shampoo.
- Rinse again and let the suit air dry in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. Turn the suit inside out periodically to ensure both sides dry completely.
- If you notice any wear or tear, fix it promptly with neoprene glue. For larger repairs, visit a scuba shop.
Understanding Buoyancy: Diving Down in a Neoprene Suit
Wetsuits are made of neoprene, which contains air bubbles and makes the wearer buoyant. The thicker the suit, the more buoyant you will be, making it difficult to dive down. This is not good if you want to take photos or look closer at sea life (which we always do!) In this case, we use a weight belt.
Using a Weight Belt for Diving
If you enjoy diving below the surface to observe marine life or take photos, consider using a weight belt with small weights to counteract buoyancy. Ensure that your weight belt fits securely and doesn’t shift while swimming. Don’t add too much weight, as it could make it difficult to swim back to the surface.
Conclusion for an Enjoyable Snorkeling Experience
Choosing the right snorkeling suit is about matching it to the water temperature and your preferences. A well-fitted suit will keep you comfortable, warm, and protected from the elements. Whether you opt for a UV shirt in warm waters or a thicker wetsuit for colder conditions, make sure it is comfortable and suits your environment. Take care of your wetsuit correctly, and it will last for years, ensuring that every snorkeling adventure is safe and enjoyable.
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