Here it is mid-February and I am freezing up here in Wisconsin sick of the snow, cold, slush, salt, etc. etc. etc. Looking through our photos from our trip I remembered something that may help some of you fellow snorkelers - especially if you are concerned with your swimming strength and endurance. My wife and I in mid-50's and not strong swimmers have used snorkeling vests in the past. They work pretty good and certainly keep you floating but they can also creep up and get in the way. Any for those of you who are concerned with looking cool - you don't with a snorkeling vest.

After reading various reports regarding dive skins we decided to try them. The local dive shop in Madison suggested a very thin diving suit instead of the dive skins - about .5mil thick (I think). They said the light dive suit will dry out much faster than the dive skins so you are not putting on a wet suit when you go out for your afternoon dip. Of course they are more expensive but they give you just enough bouyancy to keep you floating effortlessly for hours and we quit using the vests. They also provide some warmth and protection from the sun and stingy things. And you can get really neat colors so now you look cool! Just kidding - hard for 50+ to look cool anymore.

Tom

I wore a 0.5 mm. Scubapro Steamer while snorkeling in Bonaire last week and it was perfect. My husband wore one diving and he was comfortable, too. They did, in fact, dry very nicely between "dips". If you know your size and are looking for a decent bargain (half price?), there are a few for sale on eBay right now priced between $48 and $58, plus shipping.

Hey Tom,

I wore a wet suit plus a vest when we were in Bonaire last year, and it was a huge hassle to pull on and off. I think someone on these boards said that an insulated skin would pull on and off more easily. Whatever you buy, you might want to make sure it slips on and off easily.

Oh, and I sure did not look cool!! BUT I was able to last out almost an hour in the water before turning blue with cold, so who cares?

Have a great trip!