Scuba diving in the tropics

[area51tazz]

As a PADI MSDT, I can verify all of this. Good on ya Blue Nike.

I do agree that most of the cool stuff is at shallower depths... but it's just so much fun to get close to it..snorkeling doesn't do it for me anymore :P I still dive in a brief and a neoprene surf vest if the water is warm enough...but you do have to pay attention to the coral and animals that are near you.

Originally Posted by Blue Nike

Although the water is warm (low 80s) compared to what you find in the higher latitudes, immersion in it for an hour or more can easily chill you -- divers don't move very fast at depth, so they don't generate a lot of extra body heat. Also, the suit offers protection against brushing against coral, and protects the skin against chafing from the heavy scuba gear. At usual diving depths, sun protection is not an issue.