I did my first dives in Jamaica and the rental kit had seen better days (trails of bubbles coming out of peoples BCDs) but I think that would depend on the outfit. At Christmas we dived in bikini and T shirt and the water was 29/28 degrees c, on the day that it was 28/27 degrees I felt a little cool. All the americans we dived with had full 5mm wetsuits on. Having a bit more experience now and also having been stung by wee beasties I would probably do a full wetsuit as well just for the protection. I you have your own kit I would take it all (except lead) but if not why not check out your local dive shop for a hire? Ours was surprising helpful and good value. For the kids it was good to to use regs and guages they knew (in Bar rather than the jamaican ones which were in PSI).
Jamaica is fun, lovely people, really friendly. But in Ocho Rios you need to be ready to say no to taxis, hair braids, grass, guides etc to just about everyone !
Enjoy
Jules
