Yes, you can wear a wetsuit instead of a stinger suit, and in many cases, it provides even better protection. Both suits act as a physical barrier against the stinging tentacles of Box Jellyfish and Irukandji found in tropical waters like the Great Barrier Reef. A stinger suit is typically made of thin Lycra or Nylon, designed primarily to prevent stings and provide UV protection without adding warmth. A wetsuit, made of neoprene, provides the same physical sting protection while also offering thermal insulation and buoyancy, which is helpful for longer snorkeling sessions. However, the downside of a wetsuit in tropical 2026 climates is that it can lead to overheating if you spend too much time on the boat or in very shallow, warm water. Additionally, wetsuits are more buoyant, making it harder to "duck dive" underwater. If you are sensitive to the cold or want the extra safety of floating easily, a thin (2mm) "shorty" wetsuit is an excellent alternative to a traditional stinger suit during the summer "stinger season."