Choosing the Right Wetsuit for an Ocean Safari

If you’re joining an ocean safari, chances are you’ll be spending long days in and out of the water.

Wildlife encounters don’t happen on a schedule. Sometimes the best moment of the day happens on the fourth or fifth entry.

That means you might be jumping back into the ocean again and again throughout the day.

A good wetsuit keeps you warm, comfortable, and ready for those moments instead of cutting your time in the water short.

Here’s what to know when choosing the right wetsuit.

How wetsuits work and why they matter

Wetsuits don’t actually keep you dry. The suits that keep you completely dry are called drysuits.

Wetsuits work by trapping a thin layer of water between your body and the neoprene (the rubber material the suit is made from). Your body warms this layer of water, which helps insulate you.

Even in tropical destinations you can lose body heat faster than you’d expect when you’re floating, snorkeling, or freediving for long periods.

A wetsuit slows that heat loss and helps you stay comfortable in the water longer.

Wetsuit thickness

Wetsuit thickness is what determines how warm you’ll stay. They are measured in millimeters and typically come between 2mm and 5mm. You’ll want a thinner (2-3mm) suit for more tropical destinations and a thicker (4-5mm) suit for colder weather locations 

There's also some wetsuits that vary in thickness across different parts of the body. This is to keep the core part of the body warm and allows more flexibility through the arms and shoulders. 

The thicker neoprene, the more insulated you’ll be. The thickness you want for ocean safaris varies by destination.

Wetsuit Coverage 

Just like thickness, wetsuits also come in a range of coverage options. Ranging from full body coverage to just a shirt.

Fullsuit:  covers all of your arms and legs

Shorties/springsuits:  short arms, short legs, or both

Wetsuit tops: just the top

Zippers: Back Zip vs Chest Zip

Most wetsuits either use a full back zipper or chest zipper. 

Back zip wetsuit

These are usually the easiest to get on and off. They can be the better option if you’re getting on and off of the boat and changing between swims.

Chest zip wetsuit 

These are known to allow less water to come in and can feel more flexible once you’re in them. But they can also take a little more effort to put on. 

Both are great options, it really is just what feels more comfortable to you. 

Open  Cell wetsuit

A different type of wetsuit you might come across is open cell. Open cell wetsuits are commonly used by freedivers and are designed to fit extremely close to the skin. Because there is very little water movement inside the suit, they keep you significantly warmer.

The downside is that they’re very delicate. The interior material can tear easily and they usually require lubrication to put on.

Because of that, they aren’t always the best choice for ocean safaris where you’re getting in and out of the water frequently.

Drysuits

Drysuits keep you completely dry and are only essential for extremely cold water (50 degrees F and below). They’re also good for activities that don’t require complete submersions like cold water kayaking.

Neoprene Quality 

Not all wetsuits feel the same. You’ll find that different brands use different types of neoprene that affect flexibility, warmth and durability. 

The softer and stretchier the neoprene feels, the more comfortable and flexible it will usually be in the water.

A comfortable suit makes all the difference. 

Helpful wetsuit Accessories 

This is what makes all the difference depending on your location. There are a few additional pieces that are essential if you’re in colder climates. 

Hoods: They help retain body heat in freezing waters and protect your head from wind during boat rides. 

Booties: These add a lot of warmth and help protect your feet when walking on rocky shorelines or boat decks.

These two things can significantly extend the amount of time you’re able to stay in cold water.

Neoprene Hoodies: Personally I loveeee these especially when I get back on the boat and I’m wet but the wind is cold and I need to throw something on over my wet wetsuit. You can find these normally as dive jackets or for kite surfing. 

Finding the right fit 

Fit is one of the most important parts when choosing a wetsuit. It should feel snug but not restrictive. If there's large gaps where the water can move freely, it’s too big. If a suit is too loose, you’ll lose warmth quicker. But if it’s too tight, your movement will be restricted. 

If you buy a wetsuit before a trip, it’s essential to try it on beforehand. 

Wetsuits and Wander Out Expeditions 

Each trip has slightly different needs.

Norway

Norway involves both cold water and cold air temperatures.

For this trip we usually recommend choosing the rental gear add-on, which includes:

• 7mm open-cell wetsuit with hood 

• gloves and socks

• fins and mask

• outer layer poncho designed for cold conditions

This gear is specifically designed for the environment and helps keep you warm during repeated water entries.

Baja (Mobula Ray Season)

Water temperatures can vary during mobula season.

Early season (April–mid May) can still be a bit chilly, while later in the season (late May–July) the water warms up.

Even when the water feels warm, long swims can still pull heat from your body.

Recommended options:

• 2–3mm full wetsuit 

• springsuit

• neoprene top with swim leggings

A full suit can also help protect against sun exposure and occasional jellyfish.

French Polynesia

French Polynesia is warm, but regulations have recently changed and wetsuits are now required for whale swimming.

Most people are comfortable in:

• a 2mm wetsuit

• a long sleeve neoprene top

• or a 3mm suit if you tend to get cold

Whale season takes place during French Polynesia’s winter, and we often spend long periods floating in the water waiting for encounters.

Even warm water temperatures (23–27°C / 73–81°F) can slowly pull heat from your body.

I personally love bringing a neoprene hoodie for the boat. When you get back on board wet and the wind picks up, it makes a huge difference.

Where to Buy Good Wetsuits

Some reliable brands many ocean travelers use include:

• Abysse

• Oceaner Wetsuits

• Patagonia

• Wallien

• Rip Curl

• Xcel Wetsuits

• Waihana (great for freediving suits)

Trying a suit on before your trip is always best if possible.

The goal of any gear on an ocean safari is simple: it should help you stay comfortable enough to fully enjoy the experience.

Just like a good mask or snorkel, the right wetsuit shouldn’t distract you from what’s happening around you.

It should disappear in the moment so you can focus on the ocean, the wildlife, and the experience itself.