We are visiting Bonaire the last two weeks of Nov. Should we invest in wet suits so that we will be warm enough? I was thinking of buying just the lycra suit to protect us from "things" that are in the water that might make us uncomfortable if we "drift" into them. We would not touch anything on purpose.

If you are just snorkeling, a lycra suit that has UV protection should be suitable. A bandana or similar wouldn't hurt either if you are folicle deficient. Spending hours in the water with the hot sun can be painful by the end of the day. I would make sure I did have a good pair of good booties for my fins though. Since there really isn't a sand beach, walking on the coral rubble on shore could be tricky and hard on your feet. Have a wonderful trip.

We go in feb every year and we do not need a wet suit, we are n the water 4 to 6 hours a day. we do however have a skin on to protect from the sun, and the tiny little stingy things!!

How common are "the little stingy things"? We were in Bonaire last March and they were pretty bad. On our other trips during the same time of the year, we didn't notice them. Just curious whether last year was just unusual or if they are becoming more and more common.
Thanks

I've found that the lycra suit for UV protection has worked best for us.

We didn't have an issue with the "little stingy things" LOL before, but last year my husband really got bothered alot, on at least two occassions!!

bought and brought one of these for last trip which was in August of 2009. Worked great and have had lycra suit forever really enjoyed this "upgrade" . I do though Dive and Snorkel. Certainly all I needed for both in the summer. Just as easy but more protection and warmer which as i've gotten older is not a bad thing.

Henderson 17oz Superior Polyolefin Jumpsuit

I finally invested in a shortie wetsuit for snorkeling. Seemed like every time we came out of the water it was because I was cold. But I get cold easily. You can always rent one to try out if you feel the need once you are in Bonaire.

I seriously considered a shortie wetsuit this time around and will probably buy one next trip. I find as I have gotten older I get cold more easily so don't stay in as long.

I think V. Cioffletti makes a good point. My wife is an avid snorkeler, in the water 4+ hours a day. By the time she reached the 35th anniversary of her 21st birthday, a wet suit and/or a shorty became a regular fixture in our luggage.

We never had a problem with the stingy things, although Jackie's brother and his wife were nibbled on pretty good on our February trip...

We were there in late Sept/early Oct and did all our diving and snorkeling in dive skins or just T-shirts & suits. Water temps were a steady 82-84 Fahrenheit.