Belize, Vanuatu, Costa Rica, and Beyond: Undercurrent 04/2026

Belize, Vanuatu, Costa Rica, and Beyond

sand flies, not enough rubber, rebounding reefs

from the April, 2026 issue of Undercurrent

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I'm sure every one of us, before leaving on a dive trip checks our gear thoroughly to make sure it's all working right. We want to arrive at our destinations with no worries and confidence. But, whenever I review a batch of reader reports, I find one frequent gear problem that crops up: divers failed to carry thick enough rubberwear. And even if they do, the water may still be too cold. Here's what our readers had to say.

Marcia Pedersen (Deming, WA), a very experienced diver with more than 1000 dives, went diving with Rocket Frog Divers in Guanacaste, off the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica, in February, where the daytime temperatures were 90°F. Underwater, it was 60°F to 72°F. Her reaction? "Cold! I quit diving after three days. In addition to the recommended 3mm suit, I brought neoprene socks and a light hood. After the second day of diving, I layered another 3mm from the shop. I was still freezing, and my computer read 60°F. My partner also layered to 6mm and dove for two more days until he quit. His computer read from 64°F to 72°F. Our research prepared us for the low viz, but not the cold.

"We paid for 18 dives each through the PADI package. I only did 5, and my partner did 10. It wasn't the dive shop's fault, but it was a big bummer. They said that the windy weather can bring in the cold currents and recommended returning in the rainy season when it's not so windy." www.scuba-dive-costa-rica.com

Mel McCombie (New Haven, CT), a long-time Undercurrent correspondent, always carries a solution, which she employed while diving from the Belize Aggressor III this winter, where in many spots the water dipped below 70°F. "I was very glad I brought lots of warm clothes to wear between dives. The water was also chilly, with temperatures ranging from 69-77°F. Everyone was cold except me, as I had brought my Venture heated vest and a warm hooded vest." www.aggressor.com

Venture has three battery-powered diving vests, the least expensive selling for $350. More information at www.ventureheat.com/products...

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