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 and rashvests 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.
AT A GLANCE
The best heat retention and versatility: Trudive Classic -use BEL15 for 15% off!
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
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
BEST MEN’S WETSUITS:
What to wear for Swimming with Whales in French Polynesia or Tonga
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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.
Added bonus: you can choose to wear the top with boardshorts if you’re warmer than expected
💡 Best for anyone who tends to get cold and 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! 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 so you can optimise for conditions.
✔ 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 expeditions isn’t about the fanciest tech or the trendiest cut. It’s about knowing your body, your cold tolerance, and your comfort level—and choosing 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