Wearing gloves will give your hands thermal protection from the cold, along with protection from coral and other sharp objects.

Gloves come in a variety of thickness’ and materials. Warm water divers and snorkelers use thin cloth gloves to protect their hands from the environment, while colder water divers choose to wear thick neoprene to compensate for the cold. Gloves also have various materials that cover the palm to enhance durability. The most popular gloves also have Velcro closures on the wrist to allow easy entry, yet allowing the diver to close the wrist to minimize water movement.

Warm Water Scuba Diving Gloves
These gloves are designed for SCUBA diving in water 70 to 85+ degrees. They are rugged and thin (Maximum 2MM thick). The palms are usually reinforced with Amara (synthetic Suede) or a rubberized liner for grip and durability.