Caribbean submarine ride is a thrilling way of viewing what is under the sea without getting wet, though this comes with a restricted area with a controlled environment, and what to wear when on the submarine is of much concern. When compared to snorkeling or scuba diving, it is dry and air-conditioned inside a submarine tour, though when out of the submarine, it is hot and humid, and the climate is tropical, and there might be variations in temperatures; this is why people should dress accordingly. And another smaller reason is that everything is tight on the submarine; steps are too narrow, there is a lack of storage, and, therefore, oversized clothes or too many accessories can become a nuisance.
The Best Clothing Choices for Comfort and Practicality
A submarine trip in the Caribbean will require lightweight, breathable material, cotton or linen, or even moisture-absorbing synthetic fabric. Wearing a short-sleeved or a light blouse with comfortable shorts or loosely fitting pants will guarantee that one will not have problems moving around during boarding and inside the submarine. Because the temperatures may be different from the hot dock to the cooler underwater cabin, layering is important- a light sweater or a long-positioned shirt that one is able to tie easily around his/her waist is a very good consideration. It is advisable to wear flat and non-slippery shoes like sandals with grip or boat shoes because the steps and floors of the submarine might be slippery.
What to Avoid Wearing on a Submarine Tour
Denim or wool should be avoided because they may get hot during the humid conditions in the Caribbean and in a small submarine. A cumbersome jacket or huge bag is not an option since there is not much space to store it on the vessel. Flip-flops, high heels, or any shoe that has no grip should be avoided so as to avoid slipping, noting falling. Dark colors may be perceived to be convenient, but to reflect heat, bright or light colors ought to be employed instead, to increase the colors of underwater images on the windows of the submarine.
Essential Accessories to Bring (and What to Leave Behind)
A mini-crossbody bag or a waist pack will suit just right to carry what is needed, only to protect the skin, a phone, and a pair of sunglasses, and not take up too much space. To help reduce glare when observing marine life through the windows of the submarine, you can use polarized sunglasses and not hats that can block others. If you intend to record the experience, the smaller camera, or maybe even the phone, with a safe strap, will serve instead of cumbersome photo tools. Do not wear too much jewelry, which can get into tiny holes, or too much perfume or cologne, which is suffocating in the closed cabin.
Dressing for the Weather: Sun Protection and Sudden Changes
It may be a hot Caribbean morning, and wearing reef-friendly sunscreen on board before the start is an absolute must. A long-sleeved cover-up, with a lightweight design, ensures additional protection against the sun on the way to the submarine after leaving the dock. But you will not have to wear heavy layers as the cabin in the submarine is climate-controlled, so a thin wrap will be enough in case you feel cold due to the air conditioning. Should it rain, a foldable nylon raincoat comes in handy, and you should never carry an umbrella, because it will not be convenient during boarding.
Special Considerations for Underwater Photography
When taking quality photos is the priority, dress in solid colors, neutral or bright colored clothes to reduce reflection on the glass of the submarine. Avoid stripes or patterns since they cause distractions in photos. As flash photography is usually required to be denied because of the possible scarring in marine animals, a phone with decent low-light performance or a small camera with image stabilization can do the trick. You can save your device by using a wrist strap to avoid accidentally dropping it in a cramped area.
Final Tips for a Hassle-Free Submarine Tour Experience
Be an early bird so that you get time to board the bus without being in a hurry, and triple-check the specifications the tour operator has on what to wear and what not to wear. Drink water to keep yourself hydrated, but not very much just before the tour, because they may not have the restrooms available. Above all, dress comfortably and wear a garment that is useful to you because what you need is to be fascinated by the beautiful underwater scenery rather than to be bothered with wearing a dress that is not convenient at all.
