Books: Destinations

The world;’s largest marine park and most extensive reef system, Australia’s Great Barrier Reef is an incredible network of islands and coral-covered fringing reefs, mangroves and sand cays. Explore the submerged mountaintops of the Coral Sea reeds, witness humpback and minke whale migrations, see car-size cod and dive into history as you investigate the Yongala’s watery grave. Excellent visibility shallow waters and a thriving dive industry mean world-class and accessible diving and snorkeling for any level of expertise. From Lady Elliot Island to the Torres Strait, this guide describes the best dives on the Great Barrier Reed and Coral Sea, with full-color photos throughout.

• dive site depth range and conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside practicalities
• diving services and environmental organizations
• 17 easy-to-read maps

With 25 island groups strewn across miles of transparent blue seas, the Bahamas offers an extensive variety of marine adventures. Dive with sharks, swim with dolphins, and explore sunlit reefs, mysterious blue holes, natural wrecks and vertigo-inducing walls. Highlights include Shark Rodeo at Walker’s Cay, wild dolphins at Little Bahama Bank and New Providence’s movie-set wrecks. Topside, indulge in great dining and nightlife on the main islands, or take off for the pristine beaches and rich culture of the Out Islands. This guide describes 108 of the archipelago’s top sites, with full color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range, access and conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside activities and attractions
• diving services and live-aboards
• 15 easy-to-read maps

Blessed with two lengthy and very different coastlines, the Baja Peninsula has a virtually unmatched range of underwater environments. Off its Pacific shores, divers and snorkelers can explore thriving kelp forests and observe cool-water marine life. The Sea of Cortez offers prolific temperate and tropical marine life, colonies of playful sea lions, historical shipwrecks and even a coral reef. The sourthern Cortez and the Revillagigedos attract divers who come to experience close-up encounters with hammerhead sharks and manta rays. This book describes 53 of Baja California’s best dive sites, with full colour photos throughout.

• dive site depth range and water conditions
• marine life descriptions and behaviour
• driving directions and advice for independent divers
• comprehensive dive services listings
• 19 easy-to-read maps

Indonesia’s Bali and Lombok islands are the epitome of a tropical getaway. Beautiful beaches, fascinating culture and reliable transportation and accommodations make this an ideal travel destination. Underwater, Bali’s reefs, wrecks and walls are home to colorful and diverse marine life. Many of the islands’ best diving and snorkeling sites are close to shore, so diving here is not only enjoyable, but convenient. This insiders’ guide gives detailed descriptions of 59 sites, with full-color photos throughout. You’ll get specific information on:

• dive site depth range, access and conditions
• common, hazardous and unusual marine life
• topside activities and attractions
• comprehensive list of dive services
• 11 easy-to-read maps

In the former cradle of the Mayan empire, Belize is one of the world’s top ecotourism destinations. Topside, tropical rainforests are populated by exotic birds, monkeys and wild cats, while offshore lie the world’s second-largest barrier reef and three of the Western Hemisphere’s four coral atolls. Shallow reefs ring the more than 450 cayes and islets, while towering walls plunge into the sea. More than 400 fish species and a host of corals and invertebrates shelter in the warm Caribbean waters. This book explores 66 of the best dive sites off Belize, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site topography and access
• common and hazardous marine life
• diving services on the mainland, cayes and atolls
• travel logistics and topside attractions
• 10 easy-to-read maps

Bermuda offers an unbeatable combination of wreck and reef diving opportunities. From lush coral reefs to shipwrecks spanning five centuries of nautical history, Bermuda has some of the most far-flung islands on earth. This guidebook not only describes 36 of the most popular, varied and interesting sites within the main Bermuda island group, but shows you what they look like, with full colour photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• depth and visibility
• suggested diving expertise
• common and hazardous marine life
• top-side practicalities, from accommodations to weather and natural history
• shipwreck history and a registry of 160 notable wrecks
• photography tips and techniques
• 6 easy-to-read maps

40 dive sites around Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles. Dive Highlights: Best Caribbean shore dives, Klein Bonaire, Washington Slagbaii National Park dives.

Comprising some 40 islands and cays in the northeast corner of the Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands are low-key and uncommercial. Topside, they offer lush subtropical forests and endless pristine beaches. Underwater, divers and snorkelers delight in coral-covered pinnacles, caverns, walls and shipwrecks, including the famed 19th-century RMS Rhone. Once a notorious pirate hideaway, today’s British Virgin Islands continue to be a sailors’ paradise and are counted among the Caribbean’s premier yachting destinations. This book describes 63 of the British Virgin Islands’ best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• depth range, access and conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside activities and attractions
• diving services, live-aboards and yacht charters
• 8 easy-to-read maps

Recognized as the birthplace of diving in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is one of the world’s top dive destinations with its clear waters, plunging walls and prolific marine life. Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman offer varying diving attractions. Experience Grand Cayman’s Stingray City, “the world’s best 12ft dive,” and Little Cayman’s Bloody Bay Wall, legendary for its near-vertical drops just below the surface. At Cayman Brac, explore the hemisphere’s only diveable Russian wreck. This book describes 56 of the Cayman’s best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range, access and water conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside activities and attractions
• diving services and accommodations
• 9 easy-to-read maps

Hard-coral jewels in the heart of Micronesia, Chuuk Lagoon, Pohnpei and Kosrae offer unrivalled variety. Dive into history while exploring artifact-laden Japanese shipwrecks in Chuuk (formerly “Truk”) Lagoon. Hike in Pohnpei’s lush rainforests and dive its teeming inner lagoon. Marvel at Kosrae’s protected reefs, which host some of the Pacific’s healthiest corals. The tropical waters around these remote islands keep the year-round diving and snorkeling exceptional. From the shipwreck graveyard of Chuuk Lagoon to Pohnpei’s remote atolls and Kosrae’s pristine reefs, this guide coves 64 of the area’s best dive sites, with full-colour photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range and suggested diving expertise
• common and hazardous marine life
• Chuuk’s WWII history, Pohnpei’s Nan Madol ruins and Kosrae’s marvelous mangrove reserves
• 14 easy-to-read maps

Located off Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsular in the warm, tropical waters of the western Caribbean, Cozumel Island, with its crystalline waters and colorful reefs, boasts some of the best diving in the world. From the grand coral canyons of Palancar Reef to the botanical wonderland of Chankanab, Cozumel continues to be a top destination for all levels of underwater exploration. This guidebook, illustrated with full-color photos, describes some of the most popular and interesting dive sites Cozumel has to offer.

You’ll get specific information on:
• depth and water condition
• suggested diving expertise
• insider safety tips
• common and hazardous marine life
• island dive operations
• top-side practicalities, from accommodations to weather and natural history

Discover abundant marine life and world-class dive sites in Cuba’s reefs, wrecks and walls. From the underwater valleys of Cuba’s most popular dive destination, Isla de la Juventud, to the playground of wrecks off the coast of Varadero, there is something for divers of all abilities. Even Castro and Cousteau were lured by the island’s warm waters and exceptional visibility. This guide describes 61 of Cuba’s best dive sites with background briefings on its history, culture and complicated politics, illustrated by full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range, access and water conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside activities ranging from hikes to nightclubs
• comprehensive list of dive services
• 16 easy-to-read maps

The Caribbean’s “Nature Island,” Dominica offers an enticing variety of underwater environments and topside activities. Look for evidence of the island’s volcanic origins in the submerged crater and gas vents of Soufriere Bay. Explore pinnacles and walls that support an abundance of tropical fish. On land, hike to a seething volcanic lake or a refreshing waterfall set deep in the rainforest. Dominica attracts divers and travelers seeking a relaxed and unspoiled tropical setting. This book describes 41 of the island’s best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information including:
• dive site depth range and conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside attractions and detailed descriptions of 10 hikes
• comprehensive list of dive services
• 7 easy-to-read maps

Countless reefs, walls and pinnacles painted in a patchwork of soft corals earned Fiji its reputation as the soft-coral capital of the world. The 332-island archipelago offers remote, pristine sites, thrilling drift dives and more than 1,000 tropical fish species. Feed hungry reef sharks at the Supermarket, pay a dental visit to cleaner shrimp or seek sanctuary in the sun-dappled Alacrity Rocks. From the snowy slopes of Great White Wall to the teeming depths of the E6 seamount, this book highlights 74 of Fiji’s best sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site topography and depth range
• typical diving conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside information, from dive resorts and live-aboards to Fijian culture and customs
• 16 easy-to-read maps

A 107-mile ribbon of highway spans the lime-green waters and more than 200 islands that comprise the Florida Keys. Just offshore, a necklace of dive sites parallels the archipelago. Divers have easy access to shallow reefs and spectacular wrecks, such as the Adolphus Busch Sr. or the U.S. Coast Guard cutters Duane and Bibb. Visitors to the Keys can swim with dolphins, celebrate the sunset or stay in an underwater lodge. This book describes 61 of the best sites in the region, from Biscayne Bay to the Dry Tortugas, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site topography and access
• common and hazardous marine life
• diving services for the entire Keys
• travel logistics and topside attractions
• 10 easy-to-read maps

Dubbed the ’Hard Coral Capitals’ of Micronesia, the islands of Guam, Rota & Yap offer a unique mix of underwater environments and topside cultural diversity. Go on an underwater history adventure exploring the war wrecks and military ordnance on Guam, witness the grace of sea turtles on Rota, or swim with the manta rays in the pristine Yap channels. From the clear blue waters of Guam’s Blue Hole, to the grey reef sharks at Shark City on Yap, this book describes 62 of the best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• depth and visibility
• suggested diving expertise
• common and hazardous marine life
• top-side practicalities, from accommodations and dining, to hikes on Guam and native dances on Yap
• 9 easy-to-read maps

Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or an experienced diver, you’ll find underwater adventure in the Hawaiian Islands. Swim with schools of tropical fish in easy-to-access bays and explore intriguing underwater lava formations. Beautiful beaches and varied diving are only part of Hawaii’s appeal. You’ll also find activities for the entire family, from whale watching to windsurfing to waterfall walks. This book describes 64 of the best dive sites in Hawaii’s five dive regions - Oahu, the Big Island, Maui County (Maui, Molokini Crater, Kahoolawe, Lanai and Molokai), Kauai & Niihau, and Midway Islands - with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range and conditions
• common, endemic and hazardous marine life
• topside attractions for each dive region
• comprehensive list of dive services
• 13 easy-to read maps

Once a haven for pirates, 67 sleepy islands and cays off the Honduras mainland are now a budding ecotourism destination. The clear, warm waters are home to every fish species found in the Caribbean, as well as most hard corals, gorgonians and sponges. Renowned for wall diving, the region also boasts several wrecks, shallow reefs and fascinating blue water sites. Visitors can swim with dolphins, while lucky divers may spot a passing whale shark. This book describes 74 of the best dive sites, with full-colour photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site topography and access
• common and hazardous marine life
• diving services for the major islands
• travel logistics and topside attractions
• 13 easy-to-read maps

Scattered like rings across the Indian Ocean, the 26 atolls that comprise the Maldives are a diver’s mecca. Encompassing channels, pinnacles and walls, the sites here have lyrical names that match their beauty. While hard corals recover from recent coral bleaching, the reefs still thrive with vibrant soft corals, sponges and anemones. Prolific fish life ranges from funny little blennies to massive, friendly Napoleonfish. Divers are transported to the reefs on colorful traditional dhonis and luxurious safari dive boats. This book describes 78 of the best sites in the Maldives, with full-color photos taken in the wake of El Niño damage.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site topography and access
• safari boats, including contact information
• resort islands across the archipelago
• travel logistics and topside attractions
• 13 easy-to-read maps

The nutrient-rich waters off the Northern California coast support a kaleidoscope of colorful fish and invertebrates sheltered by dense kelp forests, underwater canyons, inshore pinnacle and offshore rocky reefs. Playful sea lions, harbor seals and sea otters are just a few of the other attractions that divers regularly enjoy. This book describes 46 of the best scuba and free-diving sites throughout Central and Northern California - including Monterey Bay, Carmel Bay, and the Big Sur, Sonoma and Mendocino coasts - with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range and conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• diving services, campgrounds & state parks
• equipment and safety, plus expert advice on underwater photography
• 10 easy-to-read maps

Flanked by rugged mountains, idyllic beaches and rolling farmland, New Zealand’s 15,134 km-long coastline offers endless diving adventures. Off the North and South Islands, dive sites are scattered among subtropical islands, towering kelp forests and cold-water fiords. Highlights include the wreck of Greenpeace’s Rainbow Warrior, the Poor Knights Islands’ maze of archways and caves, Fiordland’s spectacular red and black corals and organized swims with dolphins and fur seals. You may also spot elephant seals, penguins and whales. This book explores 75 of the best dive sites around New Zealand, with full-color photos throughout.

• dive site topography and access
• common and hazardous marine life
• diving services in every region
• travel logistics and topside attractions
• 17 easy-to-read maps

The Palau archipelago in Micronesia boasts a huge barrier reef that protects the mushroom-shaped limestone Rock Islands, offering tranquil diving and snorkeling in the lagoon’s warm waters. Dramatic drop-offs at the famed Ngemelis Wall and Blue Corner makes Palau an adrenaline-pumping drift-diving paradise. Explore historic WWII shipwrecks, venture into mysterious sea caves, and snorkel ancient Jellyfish Lake. From the southern tip of Peleliu to the northern reaches of Kayangel Atoll, this guide covers 48 of Palau’s best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range and suggested diving expertise
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside activities from waterfall hikes and camping to kayaking and shopping
• accommodations and diving services listings
• 10 easy-to-read maps

Smoking volcanoes, lush lowlands and over 600 islands rimmed with coral reefs support a marine biodiversity in Papua New Guinea (PNG) that is unequaled anywhere else in the world. The warm Solomon and Coral seas offer shallow snorkeling on fringing or patch reefs, and deeper dives along the sheer walls of submerged volcanoes. History buffs will marvel at WWII wreckage found above and below the sea. Populations in the swelling cities, remote villages and settlements along the Sepik River are as varied as the country’s terrain. This guide describes PNG’s best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.

• dive site depth range and weather conditions
• common, unusual and hazardous marine life
• topside information, including cultural and natural attractions
• diving services and live-abroad information
• 15 easy-to-read maps
• includes top dives in the Solomon & Coral Seas

With more than 7,000 islands and countless coral reefs, the Philippines offers a plethora of diving opportunities. Whether it’s snorkeling alongside whale sharks, cruising with mantas or thresher sharks, exploring WWII wrecks or simply hanging out near the kaleidoscopic walls and reefs, this tropical paradise will fascinate divers of all skill levels and interests. Divers and snorkelers can don their fins and swim out from white-sand beaches to shallow coral gardens, or enjoy live-aboard diving among some of the finest dive sites in the world. This book describes more than 120 of the country’s best dive sites.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range, access and conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside activities and attractions
• diving services and live-aboards
• 23 easy-to-read maps

One of the Caribbean’s most inviting destinations, Puerto Rico offers unspoiled diving in crystal-clear waters. Jump into easy dive and snorkel sites around Culebra and Vieques, the “Spanish Virgin Islands.” The Parguera region boasts breathtaking vertical wall dives, while legendary Desecheo Island offers brilliant sponge gardens and migrating whales. Above water, Puerto Rico has something for everyone, from lush tropical rainforest and glowing phosphorescent bays to the rich cultural attractions and vibrant nightlife of San Juan. This book describes 54 of Puerto Rico’s best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range, access and conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside activities and attractions
• diving services and accommodations
• 12 easy-to-read maps

Swaying kelp forests, colorful invertebrates and playful pinnipeds are just a few of the dive highlights offered throughout Southern California and the Channel Islands. Bathed by the cool Pacific Ocean, this region’s seamounts, walls and kelp-lined shore dives provide unlimited opportunities for exploration. Encounter calico bass and sheephead at Catalina Island’s underwater park. Free-dive through emerald kelp forests, observe blue and mako sharks from the safety of a cage or explore Wreck Alley’s Yukon wreck. From the current-swept islands off the coast of Los Angeles to the sunny shores of San Diego, this book highlights 60 of Southern California’s best sites.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range, access and conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside activities and attractions
• comprehensive list of dive services
• 15 easy-to-read maps

For five millennia people have gathered along the shores of the Red Sea, but only in the past five decades have recreational divers delved beneath the waves. They flock here to explore the incredibly diverse underwater topography and marine life, as well as shipwrecks such as the Thistlegorm and the wrecks of Sha’ab Abu Nuhas. On land visitors can wander ancient ruins and buzzing souqs or tour the desert atop a camel. From the towering walls of Ras Mohammed to the offshore islands of The Brothers and Zabargad, this book describes 108 of the best Red Sea sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive sites access and topography
• typical diving conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside information for eight countries
• 18 easy-to-read maps

Tahiti, Morea, Bora Bora - names that evoke warm South Pacific fantasies. French Polynesia boasts legendary topside beauty and a variety of diving adventures. Join a shark feed, swim with manta rays or snorkel alongside humpback whales. Pelagic encounters top a list of underwater highlights, including dramatic topography, prolific marine life and even a few shipwrecks. From the ripping passes at Rangiroa to the sheltered lagoon of the Society Islands, this book details nearly 50 of French Polynesia’s best sites, with full-colour photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site topography and conditions
• diving services and live-aboards
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside attractions from Polynesian dancing to pearl farms
• 14 easy-to-read maps

Bathed by the waters of two oceans, Thailand’s rich and varied diving environments are home to colorful coral reefs and an impressive diversity of marine life. Dive the shallows of Ko Tao or watch for whale sharks at the current-swept Richelieu Rock. Set out on a live-aboard for Thailand’s offshore islands or Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago and the Burma Banks. Or simply relax on a beautiful white-sand beach backed by lush tropical vegetation. With its spectacular natural scenery, rich culture and well developed infrastructure, this Southeast Asian kingdom is an ideal vacation destination. This book describes some of the best dive sites accessed from Thailand with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range, access and conditions
• common, hazardous and unusual marine life
• topside activities and attractions
• diving services and live-aboards
• 20 easy-to-read maps

The twin island nation of Trinidad & Tobago boasts natural beauty and rich cultural attractions. Tobago, the “little sister” island is one of the emerging stars of Caribbean diving. On thrilling drift dives, ride the current past the world’s largest brain corals. For a tamer experience, dive or snorkel the shallow Buccoo Reef. At Speyside you can regularly swim with manta rays. Above water, Trinidad & Tobago offers first-class bird-watching, beautiful beaches and a lively Carnival celebration. This book describes 49 of the best dive sites, from popular Tobago spots to Trinidad’s less-explored Bocas Islands, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range, access and conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside activities and attractions
• diving services and accommodations
• 12 easy-to-read maps

Rising up from their shallow limestone banks, the Turks and Caicos Islands are set like jewels amid warm turquoise waters. Jump in and encounter tropical fish, sea turtles, wild dolphins, sharks, rays and maybe even humpback whales. Descend along bottomless walls lushly covered with corals and sponges. Explore deserted cayes, where the protected rock iguanas thrive. With miles of white-sand beaches, excellent visibility, unspoiled reefs, spectacular walls and abundant marine life, this British Crown Colony is an increasingly popular dive destination, yet it remains peaceful and easy-going. This book describes 44 of the region’s best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site depth range, access and conditions
• common and hazardous marine life
• topside activities and attractions
• comprehensive list of diving services
• 10 easy-to-read maps

Rolling green slopes, swaying palms and powdery beaches set the scene in America’s little corner of the Caribbean. More than 2 million tourists a year visit the US Virgin Islands, flocking here for the tropical climate, duty-free bargains and diving beneath warm, crystal-clear seas. Sites feature lush reefs, walls and intact wrecks that shelter more than 500 species of fish. Nondivers can snorkel atop coral gardens, visit and aquarium or tour the reefs on a 65 ft submarine. This book describes 53 of the territory’s best dive sites, with full-color photos throughout.

You’ll get specific information on:
• dive site topography and access
• topside activities and attractions
• common and hazardous marine life
• dive shop and cruise line listings
• 7 easy-to-read maps