Scuba Books - Page 4

A Diver's Guide to Reef Life

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Top Guide 5 out of 5 stars.
9 of 11 people found this review helpful.

ANDREA AND ANTONELLA FERRARI have spent years amassing the photographs and information contained in A Diver's Guide to Reef Life, and it shows.
With 1200 tropical species, ranging from coral polyps, gorgonians, sea squirts, sponges, nudibranchs and all of the main fish groups, this is a truly comprehensive work, and probably the only reef guide most divers will need to take with them on a trip.
Covering the Red Sea, Indo-Pacific and many Caribbean species, the book comes in a handy, almost square format with just three species per page, allowing good-sized images of high quality.
The authors describe each species carefully, and where possible give information on behaviour to assist with identification. For example, the reader learns that the orangeband surgeonfish (Acanthurus olivaceus) "can switch its main body colour from dark olive to tan to dark blue in seconds" and that there are 40 different species of triggerfish. One section shows juvenile specimens of some of the commonest fish, demonstrating how unlike their adult forms they can be.
Photographically, Reef Life is excellent, with every shot a genuinely representative view of the animal or fish described. The book also contains a good general introduction to coral-reef ecology, and titbits of information are spread throughout the text: "94 million tonnes of fish are now taken globally each year, compared to 19 million tonnes in 1950."
The Ferraris also produced the Macrolife Guide to Underwater Malaysia, in my opinion the best of its kind. Now they have created an indispensable companion volume that will serve every diver well.
Tim Ecott, author Neutral Buoyancy: Adventures in a Liquid World

Editorial Review:

This colorful photographic field guide describes about 1,200 species of common invertebrates, fishes, reptiles and mammals that occur on and around the world's coral reefs and mangroves. 6-1/2" x 7", 478 pages, 1,300 color photos.

Dive in Style

Tim Simond

List Price: $40.00 By: Thames & Hudson Amazon Marketplace: 13 new & used starting at $22.67

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The first book to combine lifestyle inspiration with a practical guide to the fast-expanding universe of scuba diving and snorkeling.

With millions of practitioners worldwide, scuba diving has changed radically in recent years: once perceived as an extreme sport practiced by a small group of enthusiasts, it has emerged as a leisure activity with mass appeal.

Spanning the globe from Australia to Zanzibar, the Mediterranean to the Maldives, this book's twenty-six destinations—including four luxury dive boats—offer something for everyone, pairing each region's most spectacular dive sites with the ultimate places to stay. Step aboard the Turks and Caicos Aggressor II in the Caribbean to swim with humpback whales and their newborn calves, or simply watch their tails slap from the comfort of the boat's outdoor hot tub. Float over an endless carpet of coral on the Great Barrier Reef, or take a private picnic to one of Lizard Island's pristine white-sand beaches. Backward-roll into a scene of circling sharks straight out of a James Bond movie at Muri Muri, or play it safe and soak up the breathtaking beauty of Bora Bora.

• Dazzling color photographs showcase the marine life particular to each locale
• Lively and informative texts describe the accommodations, dive center, and diving conditions at each destination
• "At a glance" features give an instant overview of practical information for divers
• 743 color illustrations.

Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Cozumel (Lonely Planet Diving and Snorkeling Guides)

George Lewbel, Larry R Martin

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Found most of the sites I dived in this book! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I took this with me this past May to Cozumel, where I went diving. I was happy to be able to read and hi-light the pluses and minuses of the water conditions there. I always order these Lonely Planet books months BEFORE my trip, not only to see if it is really where I want to go, but also as my guide when I am there!

They contain, JUST ENOUGH INFORMATION, without overkill. Nice colorful photos, and the end section always makes you educated on the dangers in the ocean as well!

Editorial Review:

Cozumel is home to crystalline waters and colorful reefs, and boasts some of the best diving in the world. From Palancar Reef to the botanical wonderland of Tormentos, this book offers inspiration and advice to divers and snorkelers of all levels.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 21 sites.
Full-color photos throughout.
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions.
Guide to marine life.
Island dive operations and topside attractions.

The Fragile Edge: Diving and Other Adventures in the South Pacific

Julia Whitty

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Swimming with the Swami 5 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

"All day we have been observing the surgeonfish..." Julia Whitty begins, and from that first sentence onward, the reader of "The Fragile Edge" is one of the party. Whitty is there with you, chuckling good-naturedly at the antics of an undersea creature or (more likely) of those crazy humans topside. In one of my favorite moments, an account of how the funky old hotel with its peculiar charms has been taken over by new owners whose pampered guests pay $500/night to lounge by the infinity pool is interrupted just at the moment when you think she might succumb to sentimentality or some other curmudgeonly temptation by her confession that, "I like the pool, too." Similarly, Whitty clearly and firmly presents her environmental concerns without, so to speak, wallowing in them. Instead of putting the book aside because you're tired of hearing about how the end of the world is at hand, you're motivated to keep swimming along with a guide whose curiosity and expertise extend to the natural history of molecular plants and animals, as well as the more glamorous sharks and dolphins, from Western science to Eastern metaphysics, and from dissolving atolls and bleached corals to the raw fish marinated in coconut milk served at a Tuvaluan wedding reception. Finally it's her love of the coral reefs she has come to know over many years of diving and study, rather than her fear that global warming will destroy them, that Whitty is most eager to share.

Editorial Review:

In The Fragile Edge, the documentary filmmaker and deep-sea diver Julia Whitty paints a mesmerizing, scientifically rich portrait of teeming coral reefs and sea life in the South Pacific. She takes us literally beneath the surface of the usual travel narrative, in an underwater equivalent of an African big-game safari. Hammerhead sharks rule a cascading chain of extraordinary creatures, from eagle rays to reef sharks, as the sound of courting humpback whales reverberates through the deep. Inspiring for both armchair and expert divers, The Fragile Edge reveals how science can extend our understanding of unfathomable waters, opening our eyes to the threats facing coral reefs and explaining why these fragile oases are vital to human survival. In this passionate, spiritual narrative of her adventures in the big blue, Julia Whitty emerges as one of our finest writers on the mystery, beauty, and fragility of the undersea world.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling for Dummies

John Newman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 2.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

For millions of Americans, diving offers the chance to get away from everyday life and enter a world of stunning natural beauty and fascinating complexity. And getting started is a breeze! Anyone can learn to dive safely and explore the world’s wondrous oceans – all it takes is a little training and basic equipment.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies presents all the fundamentals for anyone interested in getting dive certified or just looking for good snorkeling while on vacation. Written by PADI-Certified diver John Newman, this friendly guide covers everything you need to know to:

• Get certified
• Plan a great diving trip
• Save money on equipment
• Dive or snorkel safely

This user-friendly guide starts by helping you evaluate your underwater skills and walking you step by step through a typical certification program. Once you’re certified, it helps you pick a dive site, purchase and set up your equipment, and take care of any fears you might have. Then you’ll discover what to expect on your first dive – from which creatures are dangerous to how to protect fragile sea life. Scuba  Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies also covers these topics and more:

• Free diving
• Special breathing techniques
• Emergency procedures
• How to avoid the bends
• Handling dive anxiety
• The physics and chemistry of diving
• Staying healthy on dive trips
• Ocean ecosystems
• Rip tides and tidal waves
• Ten great dive destinations

In addition to beautiful full-color photography and all the information you need to plan a dive trip, the book also includes a handy appendix of dive organizations and publications, as well as a CD-ROM sampler from PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors). Whether you’re a novice diver or an old hand, Scuba Diving & Snorkeling For Dummies is perfect for anyone who wants to see the beauty of the ocean from a fish’s point of view.

D & S Belize (Diving & Snorkeling)

Tim Rock

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Scuba & Snorkeling in Belize 3 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

This book has great information, but be aware that it doesn't even begin to cover 1/2 the Cayes in Belize. In fact it only mentioned one that we visited while sailing for 7 days. Use this guide as an accompaniment to other info.

Great book lots of pics 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I like this book because it is right on with the dives we went on. Very Accurate. They don't chum the blue hole anymore though, thank god.

Editorial Review:

The world's second-longest barrier reef, three of the Western Hemisphere's four coral atolls, more than 400 fish species and a host of invertebrates sheltering in warm Caribbean waters make Belize an irresistable destination for divers and snorkelers alike. This guide will introduce you to the wonders both underwater and topside that have earnt the country its reputation as an ecotourism hotspot.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 82 sites
Full-color photos throughout
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions
Guide to marine life
Travel logistics and topside attractions

Scuba Diving

Dennis K. Graver

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 7 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

Learning what to do, how to do it, and when to do it is essential in underwater sports. Scuba Diving provides a clear, thorough, and captivating educational experience for all who want to take the plunge. Packed with beautiful, full-color photographs and detailed diving instruction, this newest edition of the popular resource is the preferred guide for recreational divers, diving instructors, and students. Dennis Graver sheds light on the undersea world and how to experience it safely with essential details on diving equipment, skills, and planning. Also included are sections on diving history, boat diving procedures, use of computers, dive tables, buddy check procedures, and lifesaving.

Scuba Diving is so complete and authoritative that it serves as the official manual of the YMCA Scuba Diving Program. Whether you’re a beginning or intermediate diver or a diving instructor, make sure you have all the bases covered before you go underwater. This guide will ensure a safe and successful dive every time you take the plunge.

The Florida Keys Dive Guide, Revised Edition

Stephen Frink, William Harrigan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Described as "an excellent investment for divers" in the press, Abbeville's exciting scuba diving travel books combine the best in underwater photography with the most complete, in-depth, and practical information on the world's most popular diving sites.

Three-dimensional maps in full color illustrate twenty-seven of the most spectacular dives in the Florida Keys. These maps offer what no book has ever before provided: the information needed to plan your dive down to the last detail. You can review the exact layout of each site--including depths, sizes, and distances between reefs and wrecks or any hazards--and even the lighting conditions for optimum underwater photography. The short chapters covering each dive provide crucial data about depths, currents, weather variables, and plant and animal life. The book ends with a full-color visual encyclopedia of the most common fish that inhabit the area.

New to this updated edition is coverage of the Spiegel Grove, the world's largest artificial reef, sunk off of Key Largo and opened to divers in June 2002.

The experts' lively text has been vetted by Diving Science and Technology Corp. (DSAT), which is a corporate affiliate of Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI), making these the most reliable guides for the expert as well as the first-time diver.

Other Details: Full color throughout.

Submerged: Adventures of America's Most Elite Underwater Archeology Team

Daniel Lenihan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Fascinating account of a career in passionate underwater conservation 4 out of 5 stars.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.

Sometimes it's hard to tell by the title what a book is all about. "Submerged -- Adventures of America's Most Elite Underwater Archeology Team" certainly sounds interesting, but I wasn't quite sure about to the exact nature of the volume. Turns, out it is the recollection of the founder and former chief of the United States National Park Service Submerged Cultural Resources Unit, a group of National Park Service divers, scientists and other professionals seeking to document and catalog shipwrecks. The "SCRU team" is thus a legitimate part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, yet it is one that's about as far removed from stereotypical deskbound civil service as one can imagine. Over a period of 25 years, author Daniel Lenihan created and crafted a team of divers whose skills and sense of adventure was second to none, yet also a group that combined astonishing underwater feats with a keen sense of archeological and anthropological imperatives.

Lenihan describes his own introduction to cave diving as one of the pioneers who developed and advanced the state of the art when the sport was young and so many died in their often ill-conceived pursuits that the government considered closing off the Florida cave systems. Like most divers, young Lenihan was intrigued by finding and recovering artifacts but, unlike most, he quickly discovered that removing them meant destroying perhaps their most intrinsic value, that of learning from the past, the setting where they were found, the condition they and their surroundings were in. In the early 1970s he studied anthropology at the University of Florida, then joined the National Park Service as a "Park Ranger/Archeologist." Lenihan's quest essentially became a fight against the mindless destruction of shipwreck sites by treasure and artifact hunters by finding and documenting them so they could be properly protected as national cultural resources, just like those above ground.

The book, divided into three parts ("Caves, Dams, Shipwrecks, and Dreams;" "The SCRU Team;" and "Reaching Out") and 22 chapters, documents Lenihan's lifelong quest, their early missions, and how his team's influence and reputation grew until it was called to work in all parts of the world, often in conjunction with the US Navy and other governmental entities. We learn about the development of underwater surveying techniques, ranging from simple measuring and triangulation all the way to sophisticated high-tech scanning and mapping systems later on.

Lenihan describes such diverse operations as diving the frigid waters around Isle Royale (a national park in Lake Superior) to map and document the wealth of shipwrecks surrounding it; to doing the first actual underwater survey of the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor; to locating wrecks around Fort Jefferson in the Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico; to potentially hazardous dives to the USS Saratoga at the bottom of Bikini Atoll that was used for nuclear tests in the 1940s and 50s; to discoveries around Micronesian islands. He describes almost impossible-to-get-to excursions into Kauhako Crater on Molokai; underwater searches in the Aleutians where tactical side-maneuvers had played a large role in the outcome of the more major seabattles of WW II; grisly rescue and recovery missions in poorly accessible locations where even Navy divers deferred; and making sure French divers properly surveyed and protected a sunken Confederate raider, the CSS Alabama, in the English Channel off the coast of France. Learning, developing, training, passing on always figure large in Lenihan's work, as does a healthy respect of the dangers of diving, and the ensuing meticulous preparation and following of diving protocol and procedures. There are many other examples, all wonderfully described in Lenihan's style that merges good storytelling with precise technical information and always a nod of appreciation towards those who helped him and his team, plus a good deal of pride in their accomplishments.

"Submerged" presents all of this in a holistic way -- recollections, experiences, reports, suggestions. Lenihan includes adventures of his youth, including cave diving trips to Mexico with such pioneers as Sheck Exley who later perished in one of the very caves they had explored, as well as hopes for the future.

This is a book about diving both as a passion and as a tool for the greater good of mankind, in this instance the preservation of underwater heritage. "My conviction, which has emerged from thirty years of diving, is that shipwrecks and underwater caves are places where one can touch the past in the most special ways," writes Lenihan who also described himself as someone who once "associated with professors and students who thought SDS, SNCC, and Abbie Hoffman were too damn conservative." Out of that counter-cultural mindset grew a sense of responsibility for our submerged heritage, and the drive to make it real, that sets a shining example of what can be accomplished when passion and purpose merge in a career, and that fortunate synthesis Lenihan successfully shares in this eminently readable and highly recommendable book.

SCRU is now the Submerged Resources Center of the National Park Service. Its website at http://home.nps.gov/applications/submerged/ contains a wealth of interesting materials, including additional materials and images of many of the SCRU projects described in the book. Some detailed reports are availabled as PDF files at http://www.cr.nps.gov/history/hisnps/submerged.htm -- C. H. Blickenstorfer, scubadiverinfo.com

Editorial Review:

Adventure nonfiction at its best by the co-author, with Gene Hackman, of Wake of the Perdido Star.

Submerged is Daniel Lenihan's remarkable story of 25 years as founder and head of the Submerged Cultural Resource Unit (SCRU)—ranging from ancient ruins covered by reservoirs in the desert Southwest to a World War II submarine off the Alaskan coast; from the Isle Royale shipwrecks in the frigid Lake Superior to the USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor; from the HL Hunley, the first submarine in history to sink an enemy ship, in Charleston Harbor to the ships sunk by atomic bombs at Bikini Atoll, and much more.

151 Dives in the Protected Waters of Washington State And British Columbia

Betty Pratt-Johnson

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Editorial Review:

By boat, from shore, or by dive-kayak, enjoy exciting dives in Washington and British Columbia’s famous emerald waters. • Includes nautical charts, maps, photographs and GPS coordinates for every boat dive. • Provides contact information for 40 dive shops, 7 charter boats, and 13 marinas. • Scuba divers are drawn to the waters of Washington and British Columbia for their abundant sea life, artificial reefs, and fascinating wrecks. In 151 Dives, Betty Pratt-Johnson focuses on the waters she knows best: that of Washington and British Columbia. She has personally completed each dive and chosen them for this new guidebook based on the special features that divers go searching for: wrecks, marine parks, and sealife such as octopus, wolf eels, dolphin, salmon and countless varieties of cold water corals, among others.

There are dives here that will appeal to both snokelers and scuba divers, with a good selection accessible from both points on shore or from a boat. Diving in Washington’s Puget Sound is an adventure into the same waters that make British Columbia an international diving destination.

BETTY PRATT-JOHNSON is the author of two "bibles" of the diving world: 99 Dives: From the San Juan Islands in Washington to the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island in British Columbia and 101 Dives: From the Mainland of Washington and British Columbia. Both books won the prestigious Outdoor Writers of Canada Book Award of Merit. Betty’s writing and photographs have appeared in Diver, Oceans, BC Outdoors, Western Living, Reader’s Digest, and The New York Times.