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26 October 2026

Why You Won’t Need a 5 mm: Understanding Wannadive’s Warm-Water Wetsuit Policy

If you are planning your Bonaire dive trip and wondering whether you should reserve a 5 mm wetsuit, here is the simple answer: Wannadive rents only 3 mm Cressi shorty wetsuits, and thicker 5 mm or full-length suits are not available for rent. That clarity matters because the last thing any diver wants is to arrive with the wrong expectations about comfort, packing, or rental options.

This guide explains Wannadive’s warm-water wetsuit policy, what it means for your trip planning, and how to decide whether the standard rental setup is right for you. You will also find practical tips for booking, packing, and preparing for shore dives, guided dives, boat dives, and courses.

Wannadive’s Wetsuit Policy at a Glance

For guests who want a quick answer, here it is in one place.

What wetsuits does Wannadive rent?

Wannadive’s rental inventory includes 3 mm Cressi shorty wetsuits.

Does Wannadive rent 5 mm wetsuits?

No. Wannadive does not rent thicker 5 mm wetsuits.

Does Wannadive rent full-length wetsuits?

No. Full-length wetsuits are not available for rent.

Are there junior sizes available?

Yes. Children’s wetsuits are available for junior divers, and Wannadive also rents BCDs as small as size XXS and small-fit masks.

That straightforward rental policy helps guests plan efficiently before they arrive.

Why a 3 mm Shorty Fits the Wannadive Experience

Wannadive Bonaire is built around a broad, guest-friendly diving operation. The company has two full-service dive shops, one north of town and one south of town, and both are available to guests. Alongside diver education, boat diving, guided diving, repair services, and rental equipment, Wannadive supports the kind of flexible diving that Bonaire is known for.

A focused wetsuit rental setup supports that efficiency. By standardizing on 3 mm Cressi shorty wetsuits, Wannadive keeps the rental process simple and easy to understand. Guests know exactly what is included, and they can decide in advance whether that level of thermal protection matches their personal preference.

In warm-water diving, many divers prefer lighter exposure protection because it can feel less restrictive, dry faster, and work well for repeated shore entries and exits. That does not mean every diver feels the same. Thermal comfort is personal. Some people run warm, while others prefer more coverage even in tropical conditions.

That is exactly why understanding the policy before you travel is so useful.

What This Means for Your Trip Planning

The key takeaway is not just that Wannadive rents only 3 mm shorties. It is that you should plan around that fact early.

If you are comfortable diving in a 3 mm shorty, the rental option is straightforward. If you know from past experience that you prefer a thicker suit or full-length coverage, you should make your own packing decision before your trip.

You can plan with confidence

Because the policy is clear, you can avoid common travel issues such as:

This is especially important if you are planning multiple days of diving. Repeated dives can feel different from a single dive, and comfort often becomes more noticeable over the course of a full dive holiday.

Who Should Pay Extra Attention to the Wetsuit Policy?

Some guests can book a 3 mm shorty without a second thought. Others should consider their preferences more carefully.

Divers who tend to get cold easily

If you generally feel cold underwater faster than your buddies, take note. A rental 5 mm wetsuit is not available, so personal planning matters.

Divers booking several dives over multiple days

Even in warm water, multiple dives can change how your body feels. If you have a full schedule of shore diving, boat diving, or guided diving, think about what exposure protection helps you stay comfortable day after day.

Students taking a course

Wannadive offers diver education from the first steps all the way to dive instructor level. If you are enrolling in a course, comfort can help you focus better on skills and learning. Knowing the rental setup in advance helps you prepare properly.

Families with junior divers

Families will be glad to know that children’s wetsuits are available for junior divers. That said, it still helps to think ahead about fit, comfort, and what each young diver prefers wearing in the water.

How to Book Rental Equipment the Smart Way

Booking with Wannadive is easy: contact the team via the website or email with your preferred dates and diving plans. Let them know:

Wannadive will check availability and confirm the options with you. It is recommended to book guided dives, boat dives, courses, and rental equipment in advance, especially during busy periods.

That advice is particularly relevant if your equipment choices matter to your comfort. A clear conversation before arrival helps your trip start smoothly.

Practical Packing Advice for Divers Visiting Wannadive

Here are practical ways to use the wetsuit policy to your advantage.

1. Decide whether the rental shorty matches your comfort level

If you usually dive tropical destinations happily in a 3 mm shorty, Wannadive’s rental inventory may suit you well.

2. Think about your full dive schedule, not just one dive

Ask yourself:

These questions can help you decide what exposure protection you want for the trip.

3. Mention rental needs when you book

When you contact Wannadive, include your rental needs along with your dates, certification level, and preferred activities. That gives the team what they need to confirm your options.

4. Consider the rest of your equipment planning too

Wannadive offers an enormous dive equipment rental stock, along with tanks in multiple configurations, dive drive-in stations, boat and guided diving, and support facilities such as showers, rinse basins, storage rooms, and parking. Looking at your equipment needs as a whole can make trip planning easier.

5. Families should ask early for junior gear

If you are travelling with younger divers, it helps to mention the need for children’s wetsuits, XXS BCDs, and small-fit masks when you book.

How Wannadive’s Broader Setup Supports Easy Dive Planning

The wetsuit policy makes even more sense when you look at the wider operation.

Wannadive Bonaire describes itself as a five-star PADI IDC dive center with a mission to be the most comprehensive, safest, progressive, and fun dive operation on Bonaire, while providing service with a smile. The company also highlights what sets it apart: two fully interchangeable shops, extensive rental and tank inventories, shore-front drive-ins, and more than twenty years of that service culture.

For guests, that means the experience is designed around convenience and flexibility.

Two locations, one connected experience

Wannadive operates from:

Both shops are available to guests, which supports the shore-diving freedom many divers come to Bonaire for.

Safety remains central

Safety is central to every dive at Wannadive. Dives are led and supervised by qualified dive professionals, guests receive a thorough briefing, and rental equipment and dive cylinders are regularly inspected and maintained. Dive plans are adapted to certification level, conditions, and guest experience, and operations follow applicable Bonaire Marine Park regulations.

That broader safety-first approach adds confidence when you are planning your equipment and diving schedule.

Quick Reference Table: Wannadive Wetsuit Rentals

Question Answer
Does Wannadive rent 3 mm wetsuits? Yes, 3 mm Cressi shorty wetsuits are included in the rental inventory.
Does Wannadive rent 5 mm wetsuits? No.
Does Wannadive rent full-length wetsuits? No.
Are children’s wetsuits available? Yes, for junior divers.
Should I book rental gear in advance? Yes, especially during busy periods.

As you organize your trip, it may help to look beyond wetsuits and think about the complete diving setup. Wannadive also offers:

If you are arranging several parts of your trip at once, combining these details into one booking conversation can save time.

Practical Takeaways Before You Travel

To make this as actionable as possible, here are the main points to remember.

The short version

Best next steps for guests

  1. Review your personal comfort preferences underwater.
  2. Consider how many dives you plan to do.
  3. Decide whether the standard 3 mm shorty rental suits you.
  4. Contact Wannadive with your dates, certification level, planned activities, and rental needs.
  5. Confirm all key equipment details before arrival.

Conclusion: Clear Expectations Make Better Dive Trips

A good dive trip starts with good planning, and Wannadive’s warm-water wetsuit policy makes one part of that planning very clear. If you are happy in a 3 mm shorty, the rental setup is simple and straightforward. If you know you prefer thicker or full-length exposure protection, it is important to plan accordingly before you travel.

That kind of clarity helps you pack smarter, book smarter, and enjoy more of what matters once you arrive: great diving, solid support, and a smooth experience across Wannadive’s two full-service locations.

Ready to organize your trip? Contact Wannadive through the website or by email with your travel dates, certification level, preferred dives or course, and rental needs so the team can confirm availability and help you plan with confidence.