Help! Dry tortugas in 2 days

Question

Should we rent wetsuits or shortie wetsuits for a day trip to dry tortugas on Tuesday? I’m concerned about the lower temps predicted. We are currently on islamorada for 2 nights then driving straight to KW airport for the seaplane. So we would need to rent on islamorada or close to kw airport. Thanks!

Answer

Great question — this is a smart thing to think about. Whether or not you should rent a wetsuit (especially a shorty) for your day trip to Dry Tortugas depends a lot on how sensitive you are to cool water, how much time you’ll spend in the water, and exactly what the forecasted water temperature is around your trip.

How Cold Might the Water Be?

Historical data shows that water temperature in Dry Tortugas in winter (e.g., January) averages around 72 °F (22 °C), but can drop lower.
Trip reports from snorkelers suggest that water can feel “chilly” in those winter months — some say the high-60s to low-70s °F is possible.
Because ocean surface water isn’t super warm, wearing a wetsuit increases how long you can comfortably stay in the water.

Shortie vs. Full Wetsuit: What’s Best for You?

A shorty wetsuit (3 mm or similar) is likely the sweet spot: gives extra warmth for mid-70s°F water without overheating or being too bulky. Many dive shops in the Keys rent shorty wetsuits.
If you’re especially sensitive to cold, or if there’s wind chill on the boat, you might *consider* a 3 mm full wetsuit, but that’s probably more than most people need for a day trip.
If you’re very heat-tolerant or the water is forecast to be at the warmer end of its range (e.g., high 70s), swimming without a wetsuit could be okay — but there’s a risk you’ll feel cold after a while or limit how much time you spend snorkeling.

Where to Rent Near You (Islamorada / Near Key West)

Key Dives (Islamorada): This PADI dive shop rents shorty wetsuits (among other gear).
Islamorada Dive Center: They have 3 mm and 5 mm wetsuits available for rent.
Sea, Key West: This gear shop in Key West rents 3 mm wetsuits for a day (~$18/day).

My Recommendation for Your Trip:

- Rent a shorty wetsuit (3 mm) from Islamorada (e.g., at Key Dives) before you fly to Key West. - On the day of your trip, put on the wetsuit during the boat ride (if the wind is cool) so you're warm when you enter the water. - Use it for snorkeling or swimming — it will help you stay in comfortably longer without getting too cold. - Bring a rash guard or snorkel vest too — for extra insulation when you're out of the water.

Bottom Line: Given winter water temperatures in the Dry Tortugas, a 3 mm shorty wetsuit is a smart choice — not strictly mandatory, but very helpful for comfort. And yes — you can rent one in Islamorada or Key West, so you don’t need to carry one from home.

Help! Dry tortugas in 2 days

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