All About Dive Equipment
The Differences Between Wetsuits and Drysuits for Scuba
By Jaruda Suppakarnpanich Date 18 Jun 2025
Learn the key differences between wetsuits and drysuits for scuba diving, and which suits work best for Thailand's warm waters and tropical conditions
The water hits your skin at 24°C and feels perfect, but at 20 meters deep, it’s unbearably cold. Scuba exposes the body to extreme conditions, and divers do their best to protect themselves. For beginners, understanding the different types of exposure protection determines your comfort and safety underwater, and further, proper exposure protection shields you from temperature loss, marine life encounters, and underwater hazards.
Two primary exposure protection suit types dominate the diving world – wetsuits and drysuits – with each serving distinct purposes and excelling in different conditions. It’s important to know the differences between wetsuits and drysuits before your dive, as choosing between them depends on where you dive, how long you stay down, and what conditions you'll encounter. Let’s explore more.
The Safety Benefits of Exposure Suits
Exposure suits protect divers in three critical ways.
Temperature Regulation - prevent hypothermia, which can occur even in seemingly warm water as your body loses heat faster underwater than in air.
Physical Protection - shield skin from coral scrapes, jellyfish stings, and sharp surfaces that populate most dive sites.
UV Protection - essential during surface intervals and shallow dives where sun exposure intensifies through water.
When choosing which one to wear, remember that water temperature dictates suit selection more than air temperature.
How Wetsuits Work
Wetsuits are named as such because they trap a thin water layer against your skin. Your body then heats this water, creating thermal insulation. Wetsuits are made of Neoprene, the thickness determines warmth levels - 2mm suits work for tropical waters, while 7mm suits handle cooler conditions.
Wetsuit advantages:
- Quick drying after dives
- Lower cost than drysuits
- Easy maintenance
- No special training required
Limitations:
- Compression reduces insulation at depth
- Limited warmth in cold water
- Potential chafing on long dives
How Drysuits Work
In contrast, Drysuits seal water out completely. Waterproof gaskets at wrists, neck, and ankles create total isolation and keep water completely out. In fact, insulation actually comes from layers of undergarments worn beneath the suit.
Two drysuit types dominate the market: neoprene and membrane. Both feature air valves for buoyancy control and squeeze prevention during descent.
Beyond insulation, understanding the difference between wetsuit and drysuit inflation systems matters for safety. Drysuits require active air management, making training essential before use; this is not the case for wetsuits.
Drysuit advantages:
- Superior cold water protection
- No compression loss at depth
- Precise thermal control
- Complete water isolation
Limitations:
- Higher cost ($800-1200+)
- Specialized training required
- Complex maintenance needs
- Bulkier for travel
Diving in Thailand: Which Suit Works Best?
Thailand's 24-28°C waters make the wetsuit vs drysuit choice straightforward, as wetsuits are ideal for tropical diving conditions.
This is mainly because water temperatures stay consistent year-round. Even during cooler months (November-February), temperatures rarely drop below comfort levels, eliminating the need for a drysuit. In addition, most Thai dive sites offer excellent visibility and manageable currents.
A 3mm wetsuit is sufficient for most dives in Thailand. That said, advanced divers might choose 5mm suits for deeper profiles or extended bottom times.
Recommended exposure protection for Thailand:
- Beginners: 3mm full wetsuit
- Experienced divers: 2-3mm wetsuit based on preference
- Deep/technical diving: 5mm wetsuit maximum
Making Your Final Choice
In the end, water temperature will drive your wetsuit vs drysuit decision. A good rule of thumb is that above 23°C favors wetsuits, below 18°C demands drysuit consideration.
Key factors to evaluate:
- Temperature: Primary deciding factor
- Cost: Wetsuits cost $100-400, drysuits start at $800
- Training: Wetsuits need no special certification
- Maintenance: Wetsuits require minimal care
- Travel: Wetsuits pack smaller and lighter
Crucially, a proper fit matters more than a brand name does. Make sure your suit fits correctly before you buy it, as loose suits destroy thermal efficiency and tight suits restrict circulation and movement.
Trust Giant Stride Travel for Scuba in Thailand
The difference between wetsuits and drysuits becomes clear in practical application. For most recreational diving, especially in tropical destinations like Thailand, wetsuits provide optimal protection without complexity or excessive cost. Thailand's consistent tropical conditions also make this decision straightforward - a quality wetsuit provides all the protection you need while maximizing comfort and flexibility.
Contact Giant Stride Travel to plan your diving in Thailand adventure. Our expert partners ensure you're properly equipped and guided to the best sites, where your new wetsuit will serve you perfectly in some of the world's most spectacular diving conditions.
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