Wetsuit choice for Lembeh, Bunaken, Sangihe in November

[matador]

Hello there,

I am planning to join a liveaboard around Lempeh, Bunaken and Sangihe islands diving 3-4 times a day in November and I was wandering which is the best choice of wetsuit for that area during that time.

I have been to liveaboards around the area (Komodo, E.Timor) and did off shore diving always with a shortie without any issues. I did have a rather unpleasant experience diving Manta point in Bali on a 3mm shortie with avg. temperature hitting 18C, so I thought I better double-check whether the Bunaken and the islands around Sangihe are any similar in terms of currents and water temperature. I take it Lempeh should be ok ...

Thanks

 

[highdesert]

We've done the same three destinations, same time of year, probably the same boat. I wore a full 3mm for the entire trip, and was very comfortable. The water will probably be 27-29 C, about 80-83 F. You should not encounter any currents that bring colder water. Be careful diving near the hot water vents of the volcano Karengetang ... you could come out boiled.

 

[matador]

.... Be careful diving near the hot water vents of the volcano Karengetang ... you could come out boiled.

it is the same liveaboard then ;-)

with 27-29 C I am more than happy with a 3mm shortie but maybe a full suit would be a better protection around Karengatang...
lets see if some other people add their 2c and help me decide.

thanks highdesert

 

[highdesert]

Don't worry ... the guides know where the vents are. They aren't going to parboil you for giggles.

 

[OnTheSpot]

I would go with the 3mm full wetsuit as well for that area. 3 or 4 dives a day can begin to take it's toll on the body and even with warm water temperatures that you should expect there, you can begin to feel a bit cool during and after the dives especially night dives. The protection as you've mentioned is also a consideration for choosing a full suit.

 

[AlMitch]

I dive with a 1mm full suit in Bangka/ Lembeh and it was ok for a 10 day LOB in Raja Ampat too. I prefer the full suit as it protects you from any stinging little guys in the water. A 3mm shorty would be fine for warmth.

 

[pughio83]

I wear a rash and shorts in lembeh and bunaken diving 3 times daily and occasional night. Rarely get cold and prefer the freedom, but get occasional Sting lol! I did same in lembongan and was fine down to 23-24C as I don't get cold easily. Once thermocline hit 17C at crystal bay, I was nippy to say the least!

 

[Wingy]

I have never needed anything other than a lavacore vest and hoody for nightdives under a 3mm full anywhere in Indo. Can only recall coming in from a dive feeling ''cold'' once in late May, November has always been hot when ive been in N. Sulawesi.

 

[jbb]

Ok, so I'm on the colder side of the spectrum. I was in Raja and Lembeh and dived a 5mm with a hood. I am a photographer so tend to hover around little critters trying to get a decent image a lot. I must say the hydroids in Raja are prolific and I seem to sensitive to them. My hands were reacting to the stings my blistering. I had to apply hydrocortozone at least 3 times a day. Lembeh wasn't nearly so bad. I will bring gloves next time as I noticed others were wearing them. I usually don't bring them along because where I normally dive they are prohibited.