My wife and I are going to Bonaire in the summer of 2007 and we're not sure what to do about wetsuits.

Should we gamble and hope to find a good fitting wetsuit on Bonaire? Or purchase one before the trip?
It'll probably be cheaper to buy one here, but we're not sure what level of insulation we'll need on Bonaire until we dive there. We're from Chicago and used to cold water. I'd hate to spend the money on nice 3mms only to overheat in Bonaire.

I'm a fairly standard size, but my wife is only 5' tall and has a harder time finding the perfect fit. Is there a good selection of wetsuits in stock in Bonaire? How expensive compared to stateside or online?

Thanks,
Steve

I think that I would get one at home rather than spending my time shopping for a wetsuit while on vacation. In addition, a wetsuit is one of those things that you have to try on so I would avoid online purchases.

I would suggest getting them before you go. Really, no matter what the water temps are, if your diving 4-5 dives a day over multiple days, and of any length, then your going to lose body temperature. Having exposure protection is very important, even in warm water. I dive regularly in the PNW, and in the tropics still wear my 3mm suit. By the end of the week, I'm chilling much faster than I'd like. It's also important protection from ACCIDENTAL mishaps with the reef (not a license for bad bouyancy) or run ins with Jellies and/or sea wasps. And, as mentioned above, very important for the correct fit. Especially, since your wife is a little smaller. The suit may need to be special ordered or modified by your local dive shop.

Steve..Firstly I'd get my suit before I went to Bonaire. Especially if your wife is picky about colors & wants a perfect fit etc. Go to your local dive shop..I also like to make "special modifications" to my suits which I have to take to a tailor to have done.
Secondly, since you're diving in the summer, I'd suggest a 1 mm neoprene..Additionally I'd get a cap to cover your head & neck & use this if you start to get colder as the week progresses.
Me.. I dive in Feb on Bonaire with 1 mm the first week, then add the hood after about 2 days. The second week I use 3 mm with the hood exclusively. All people however are different.

Steve,

If you know what you want, I would email Bruce at the Carib Inn on the island. www.caribinn.com will have his email on it. He has a good selection and good prices of dive equipment.

We always stay there and buy most of our equipment from there, he is local dive shop. Two months ago before we were heading down I checked with him about a regulator for our nephew who was diving with us. Via email we discussed availability/prices/options etc and it was waiting for us when arrived. Really good price and serivce. What more could you want? My spouse purchased his new 3 ml there two years ago, but waited until he got there, so he could try on a few.

Write ahead.. (PS.. I have no professional relationship with the shop, just five years of really good dive shop service..) Lydia

Steve,

I second Lydia's suggestion. Bruce carries Henderson hyperstretch suits among others. His prices were lower than our LDS in NJ (and the suits are MADE in NJ!). They are very forgiving in fit. I think they are a bit less warm than the equivalent regular neoprene suit but they are incredibly easy to put on. Since I do more diving on Bonaire than anywhere else, I consider Carib Inn shop my LDS away from home.

Steve, Just returned from our favorite Island and for years we use 3m full suits. 84d is not too hot for anyone. If your body temp would drop that low you would be dead. Keeps the scraps off of you and the critter bites as well. Have fun on your trip and dive safe. But most of all stay warm!!! Ron

We're from the Chicago area and were comfortable in T-shirts and dive skins in Bonaire. (This was September when the water temps were 82-84F.) We did 2-4 dives per day, even a night dive. My wife might get a little chilled on the last dive. You might want to wait til you're down there, try a few dives and see how it feels.

A former co-worker bought a custom made wetsuit from Aquaflite and he was very happy with it. You fill out a form with 27 measurements and they will make a custom suit for you. I have no affiliation with them.

http://aquaflite.com/

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I think we're gonna buy our wetsuits before going to Bonaire just to be safe.