“Welcome to Dry Suit diving in Santorini, our SSI Dry Suit Specialty course in Santorini will teach you how to use drysuits in both warm and cold water diving…”
1. History
The first modern dry suits appeared in the 1950s. In 1956, Bev Morgan introduced a suit made from expanded neoprene with a watertight pressure zipper, oral inflator, and latex seals. This was soon followed by the Swedish-designed “Unisuit” from Poseidon, adding low-pressure inflator and exhaust valves—features still used today. In 1971 Stig Insulán patented the semi-automatic variable-volume exhaust valve, revolutionizing buoyancy control.
2. Benefits
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Thermal comfort & extended dive season – Dry suits allow you to layer undergarments and stay warm, making cold-water and multi-dive days much more enjoyable
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Better trim & buoyancy control – Properly used, the air bubble in your suit can help optimize body position underwater, and acts as backup buoyancy
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Protection – Full separation from water helps against contaminated or hazardous environments—ideal for public safety or dive‑in‑public water sites
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Long‑term value – Dry suits often outlast wetsuits and can be more cost-effective per dive in the long run
3. Can You Use It in All Temperatures?
While dry suits excel in cold water (typically under 15 °C), they are adaptable across a wide range thanks to thermal layering. However, overheating is a risk in warm climates—or even on warm surfaces. Choose your timing for donning the suit with care .
4. Types & Materials
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Neoprene Dry Suits – Like thick wetsuits but impermeable, offering inherent insulation and a snuger fit. Heavier and often requiring more weight, but easier to repair
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Membrane (Trilaminate) Dry Suits – Made from layers (nylon, butyl rubber) in a trilaminate combo. Lightweight and travel-friendly but need separate undergarments for warmth
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Seals – Neoprene, latex, or silicone cuffs. Silicone is UV-resistant and more comfortable, latex is durable, neoprene is robust but less stretchy .
5. Cleaning & Maintenance
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Rinse thoroughly after dives—focus on the zipper, inflator, and dump valves.
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Hang to dry in shade and good airflow—avoid direct sunlight.
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Grease plastic zippers for watertight sealing
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Store dry, cool, and completely moisture-free to prevent mildew.
6. SSI Dry Suit Course & Training
SSI’s Dry Suit Diving Specialty covers:
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Intro to equipment setup & suit theories.
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Proper weighting, buoyancy & trim techniques.
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Emergency procedures unique to dry suit use.
Can I Use a Dry Suit When Diving in Santorini?
Absolutely — and at our SSI training center, we teach divers how to make the most of it!
Water Conditions in Santorini
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Summer (August): sea temperatures average around 25 °C (77 °F)
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Even at these temps, dry suits offer excellent protection and comfort — especially for longer dives or those sensitive to cold
Using a Dry Suit with Underwear in Summer
You can comfortably use a dry suit in Santorini’s warm summer waters by wearing light thermal underwear:
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A thin polypropylene or fleece layer is ideal.
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Balances insulation without overheating — driesuit will keep you dry and warm on the surface, but you won’t overheat underwater, especially if the dive is active
Why Choose a Dry Suit in Santorini
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Surface Comfort: Dry suits keep you comfortably dry between dives — invaluable when getting on/off the boat or during pre/post-dive sessions.
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Temperature Control: Lite underwear lets you adjust warmth levels — great for long dives or chillier mornings/evenings.
SSI Dry Suit Diver Course at Our Center
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We teach the full SSI Dry Suit Diver Specialty here in Santorini.
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Course includes theoretical sessions, confined-water practice to master buoyancy and trim, followed by 2 open-water dives in Santorini’s stunning caldera.
https://www.divessi.com/en/advanced-training/scuba-diving/dry-suit-diving