BEST MEN’S WETSUITS FOR EXPEDITIONS: Swimming with Whales in French Polynesia
When you’re out on the boat in Moorea all day, swimming with whales, watching sharks and taking in the raw beauty of the Pacific Islands, you need a wetsuit to keep up. Here are our recommendations for snorkelling wetsuits with high performance, excellent warmth and optimum flexibility.
Let’s find you the perfect wetsuit a and outdoor performance gear for swimming with whales.
Heading off to swim with whales in French Polynesia or Tonga this season? Looking for the perfect wetsuit for long days snorkelling? You’re in the right place.
Welcome to the ultimate list of the best wetsuits and ocean wear that’ll perform beautifully. We’ve included our personal favourites, discount codes, and a few pro tips we’ve learned the hard way.
Looking for women’s wetsuits too? Check out our picks for best womens’s wetsuits for whale swimming expeditions.
AT A GLANCE
The best heat retention and versatility: Trudive Classic -use BEL15 for 15% off!
The best for anyone who wants to stand out underwater: MADE FOR IT- use code WEKNOWMADEFORIT for 15% off!
The best all rounder: Honestly, any 3/2mm Full Length Steamer - We love this simple Quiksilver option
Extra Layers
The best neoprene top for protecting the upper body - O’Neill Reactor 1.5mm Neoprene Long Sleeve Top
The best rashvest for hot blooded types looking for sun protection: Volcom Long Sleeve UV50 Rashvest
BEST MEN’S WETSUITS:
What to wear for Swimming with Whales in French Polynesia or Tonga
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means if you buy something, we might earn a small commission. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but it helps us keep creating helpful gear guides like this one.
the best wetsuit choice for…… performance, warmth and versatility
TRUDIVE WETSUITS
use code BEL15 for 15% off!
Trudive offers high-performance freediving wetsuits in stunning colours and sleek shapes. Our faves:
Men’s Super Elastic Wetsuit - This wetsuit is ultra flexible and made with durable, sustainable limestone neoprene. Available in a heap of colours and various thicknesses (3.5mm is our recommendation)
Added bonus: you can choose to wear the top with boardshorts if you’re warmer than expected
💡 Best for anyone who gets cold or appreciates versatility.
Don’t forget to use the code BEL15 at checkout for 15% off!
the best wetsuit choice for…… a classic, all-around staple
3/2 SURF STEAMERS - Quiksilver, Patagonia, Billabong, Project Blank, etc.
We love this simple, winning choice by Quiksilver
A true staple for any travelling snorkeller, freediver or surfer, a surf steamer will:
give you extra time in the water
project you from the UV rays and stingers
give you enough flexibility and comfort to wear all day
Can easily be opened, pulled down or taken off if you’re too warm.
💡 “3/2” refers to the wetsuit thickness! The body thickness is 3mm and the arms are 2mm.
We recommend a 3/2 too for the whale season water temp in Polynesia, Tonga, etc.
the best neoprene top for…… protecting the upper body
1.5mm NEOPRENE TOP
This classic wetsuit top from O’Neill is PERFECT
You run hot? During warmer days many of our male guests prefer to wear a simple neoprene vest and board shorts.
The long sleeve vest gives you protection from the sun and the stingy things
the 1.5mm thickness is just enough neoprene to retain that body heat a little longer.
💡 Great to throw on with board shorts and easy to pack in the suitcase.
the best wetsuit choice for…… standing out underwater (and supporting a local Aussie brand)
MADE FOR IT WETSUITS
15% off with the code WEKNOWMADEFORIT
Founded and designed by Aussie ocean lovers, Made For It represents ethical mindedness, and designs that feel as great as they look.
Made For It are sponsoring Immersia’s upcoming swim-with-whales expedition in Moorea with some guest goodies, and we are stoked to share this discount offer with our guests + followers!
The Local Famous Steamer wetsuit - a 4mm suit full length surf suit to optimise your body temperature in the water, and to make you stand out from all those boring single colour men’s wetsuits
💡 One of our favourite things about this brand is that they sell their ‘imperfect’ suits at a discount instead of wasting them.
Final Tips from the Immersia Ocean Crew
✔ Don’t wait until your trip to try out your wetsuit. Get used to your wetsuit in water early.
✔ Bring at least one warmer (surf steamer or a 2-piece) wetsuit and one lighter (neoprene top) wetsuit option. you may get colder than you think during long days on the boat.
✔ Need help choosing your perfect whale swimming wetsuit? DM us or ask in your local ocean group chat.
Finding the best men’s wetsuit for whale expeditions is about knowing your body, your cold tolerance, and your comfort level. You wanna choose something that lets you feel effortless and strong in the water.
We hope this helps you find you the best wetsuit combo out there. We want you to look so good even the whales compliment you.
Have the best time swimming with whales. We hope it changes you like it changed us. Oh, and join us next time!
The Immersia Freediving Team
GOVERNMENT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FRENCH POLYNESIA 2025:
The French Polynesian Government RECOMMEND for all whale swim guests to be equipped with the following for safety reasons:
Option 1: Neoprene Wetsuits (minimum 3 mm)
✔ Shorty or full suits
✔ Must cover at least half the body
✔ Well-fitted and zipped closed
Option 2: LifeJacket (50 N Buoyancy Aid Vests (ISO 12402-5 Standard)_
✔ Keeps mouth and nose above water
✔ Examples include:
- Jetski or tow-sport vests
- Multi-activity vests: kayaking, paddleboarding, etc.
- Full-coverage life vests designed for swimming
The above has been translated from ISO 12402 and Article 10 of Resolution No. 2009-16/APF
This blog article has been updated on 22 July 2025 to reflect these changes.