Product Description
Located to the north of Venezuela, Bonaire is a paradise for divers and snorkelers of all levels. This guide describes the best sites to explore, from beautiful reefs to sunken wrecks.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 92 sites.
Insipiring full-color photos throughout.
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions.
Guide to marine life.
Island dive operations and topside attractions.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Good Deal
This little book is great: up to date info, good pics, details, easy to read.

Almost, but not quite so 4/5
Notice how the title of the book is "LP Diving AND SNORKELING Bonaire?"Well, let's just say that Tim needs to: 1) update the book - it's from 2006; and 2) get some additional info in here about the phenomenal snorkeling opportunities (or change the title.)I understand it's primarily a diving guide, and that's fine, but if you add the bit about snorkeling, well, then my expectation is that it will contain plenty of information about snorkeling opportunities.It doesn't.Nevertheless, I give kudos to a well done book because if you combine this info with the tourist guides/maps from Bonaire you'll find everything you need.The reality is that the Bonaire Tourist Center in downtown Kralendijk will have EVERYTHING that you need and it will do a better job of highlighting the snorkeling spots, and you'll save the $16 or whatever I paid for this book.

The bottom line:could be better, but works quite well as a supplemental guide book.Once you're in the water you'll understand why the dive sites are so popular.I happened to be pretty impressed with the snorkeling and IMHO, the book falls a bit short in that department.In case you're wondering, no - I don't dive.But you don't have to dive to appreciate the incredible marine life in the waters of Bonaire - it is an amazing place - and is by far the BEST snorkeling my wife & I have ever encountered.Forget Grand Cayman, or St. John, or Cozumel - I could live out the rest of my life on this underwater paradise.

Recommended, but you don't have to buy it since you can get everything that is inside the book elsewhere, for FREE.

THE PHOTOS ARE NICE - DIVE DESCRIPTIONS COULD BE BETTER
I HAVE BEEN USING THE BONAIRE SHORE DIVING MADE EASY book for several years.I found the overall dive descriptions (shore entries, conditions, etc) to be better in this book than in the diving & snorkeling Bonaire book.

The diving & snorkeling Bonaire book also contains some misleading medical advice.For example - the Sea Urchin paragraph states that you should avoid contact with sea urchins (very true).It then states that you should treat by administering CPR until the pain subsides.Interesting advice!

The photos are the best part of the book.

Far 2nd Place
This book comes in at a far away 2nd place to Susan Porter's "Bonaire Shore Diving Made Easy""BSDME"

Good book for shore diving
This book does have good descriptions on the various dive sites (shore and boat) in Bonaire - we read the summary the book had before our 25 dives last trip.Only thing that is lacking is some good overall Bonaire info, like resturants, places to stay, and map. ... Read more

Product Description
Rod Farb, a PADI divemaster with decades of diving experience, has led innumerable dive trips to the wrecks off the North Carolina Coast. Shipwrecks is the chronicle of his underwater adventures diving the "Graveyard of the Atlantic." Now, this acknowledged classic is in its second edition, with over 100 new pages of additional information. Farb's accounts of eight new wreck dives have been added, along with an extensive description of the expedition dive of the great Civil War ship the U.S.S. Monitor. Divers and historians will find this completely revised and updated second edition, with almost 80 near shore and offshore wreck sites, to be the best volume on shipwrecks in the regions. This edition of Shipwrecks features: A comprehensive overview of each wreck, instructions for diving from both a boat and the beach, vivid descriptions of Rod Farb's underwater adventures, masterful underwater photographs and illustrations as well as appendixes with information about underwater photography, charter dive services, the divers alert network, and state and federal statutes governing underwater salvage. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

This should be standard equipment to dive NC!
I've had this book since it was released in 1991. I actually met Rod Farb at a NC Diving Event. I live in NC and do a fair amount of diving off the coast and always, always, always take this book with me.

Rod's knowledge and experience is evident in every page. The author gives a brief history of each wreck, exact coordinates to locate the wreck, how the wreck rests at the bottom, and unique facts about the resting site. The book also include dive charters all over the Carolina's and a great resource guide.

When I say brief history, I mean to the point and concise but the author tells you interesting facts, such as, what company built the ship, other names the ship had, how it came to rest in the graveyard of the Atlantic. In some of the shipwrecks he retells accounts of the crew and their rescue or demise.

Each wreck listed has everything you need to know to plan your day of diving and develope a safe fun dive plan. From depth of the water the wreck is resting in, to the artifacts you can discover in the sand, and if you can retrieve anything from the wreck. He even shows diagrams and pictures of the layout of the wreck on the bottom of the ocean.

This is a facinating book if your interested in shipwrecks of all kinds and a must have if you are an avid scuba diver off the coast of NC. All sorts of wrecks are contained in the pages of this book from the purposely sunk for artifical reefs, to the casualties of storms, and the fatalities of War.

See you on the bottom!
girldiver:)

Good wreck histories and descriptions
Having lived on the Outer Banks growing up, but not getting into diving until recent years, I was suprised at the extent of the wrecks off the North Carolina Coast, and the WWII historical perspective.On the positive side, this book presents an extensive history of many of the wrecks, depths, temperatures, and dive charters operating to the wrecks.On the negative side, I was expecting more gear and equipment recommendations, and explanation of techniques used on the wrecks, but didn't find it.

"THE" book for the beginning and experienced wreck diver!
Extremely well written and packed with lots of useful information. My only regret is that I did not have this book before I went on my first wreck dive. Book goes into detail on wrecks up and down the NC coast - a must for anyone with an interest in diving the Graveyard of the Atlantic. Not only are wrecks given a full review, but also charter companies with boat specs and strengths and weaknesses of each charter.You cannot call yourself a serious wreck diver without this wreck bible.

One of the best references for the Atlantic diving community
Mr. Farb has imparted an impressive degree of research and personal diving experience in this second edition to his original 1985 work.The reader will find comprehensive histories of each wreck featured, detailed maps ofthe wrecks as they presently exist, and useful advice on how to dive eachwreck.Even sport fishermen will find this work useful, as each wreckdescription contains useful information on what species inhabits the area. Experienced divers and recreational fishermen are yearning for a 3rdedition, however, since time and weather have impacted many of these wrecksand some mysteries have been solved, such as the location of the"Ario" wreck, while new mysteries have been uncovered (are thePapoose and Hutton wrecks reversed?).Additionally, each wreck descriptionshould include precise GPS or Loran coordinates to assist first timevisitors to the wreck sites. Many locations in the 2nd edition, whenprovided, are often inadequate for the reader to find the wrecks.

A must-get book for wreck divers
Rod Farb has long been known as one of the experts on finding and exploring shipwrecks.This book passes some of his knowledge onto the rest of the diving community, as well as to anybody interested in maritime history. Farb has obviously done an excellent job of researching his material. 'Shipwrecks' doesn't just contain a list of wreck descriptions, as other similar books do.In addition, Farb has written some narrative about the history of each ship that gives the reader a feel for the vessel itself. ... Read more

Product Description
This illustrated guide provides details of 21 dives around Fiji's 300 islands. The information for each site includes: depth and visibility; required diving expertise; bottom terrain; currents; marine life; safety tips; history, geography and climate; and local dive shops and charters. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Limited and outdated information in a handy size.
As a master diver who has dived over 50 years and has visited many of Fiji's dive sites, I would advise any potential diving visitor to save their money here and buy the newer and much more complete Lonely Planet "Diving and Snorkeling Fiji" by renowned dive guides Casey Mahaney and Astrid Witte (also available on Amazon). Just be aware- Fiji has so many and varied dive sites visited by day operations and liveaboards NO book can really do justice comprehensively. Nope, no connections with LP or Mahaney, I just want to save other divers the trouble... and if you love diving, you will LOVE Fiji diving!

Mediocre Basic Guide to Fiji Diving
This book gives limited information on approximately 20 dive sites in Fiji.The descriptions and photos are adequate, but are relatively brief.The book makes few recommendations, but provides a decent place to startrough planning of an independent dive vacation. ... Read more

Product Description
This new and exciting guide will help both novice and experienced divers plan the underworld trip of their dreams. All types of diving environments are included, from coral reefs and kelp forests to shipwrecks, caverns, and caves. It includes exciting dives for advanced divers and also features:

• The best places to get certified and the top-rated dive centers worldwide
• Diver-friendly lodging from affordable to luxurious, plus other adventures to take while on shore

Customer Reviews (5)

Right On Information!
I found this book to be incrediably useful.I purchased the guide book before my trip to North Carolina and found the detail about Nitrox availability, camera friendly dive boats, and dive shops to be right on the mark!I've never seen this kind of detail available in any other diving guide book.
I definatley recommend this book to any diver planning a diving vacation.
Kuddos to Jean Pierce for this great guide book!

SUBJECTIVE VIEWS, INTERESTING CHOICES, GOOD SUGGESTIONS
A diver for just two years, I have already used this Unofficial Guide on at least three occasions.Yes, the choices presented are highly subjective (as most diving guides tend to be), but there are a wide range of locales and choices to get one started.I have begun all of my diving vacations by referring first to this guide...then researching more thoroughly on the internet.Usually, I end up using one of the dive operators and diving resorts which the book has suggested and finish the process by making reservations via the internet or by phone.If you enjoy reading more comprehensively about diving before making your decision, look elsewhere...if you are like me and prefer to glance at something more condensed or capsulized, check out "World's Best Diving Vacations."

Interesting and Informative
This book is a must have for anyone traveling to diving/snorkeling destinations.My husband and I recently used it while traveling to Long Island Bahamas.Information on lodging, restaurants and points of interest were right on the mark.We have recommended this book to friends who found it very useful also.

Divers and non-divers alike would benefit from this guide.The author writes in an informative and interesting style, giving personal and historical information.It is enjoyable and easy to read.I pick it up for pleasure to read about places I want to travel to in the future.

This guide makes it possible to travel with confidence to completely unfamiliar places, knowing what to expect when you get there.Don't go diving without it.

Indispensible for the traveling diver
This Unofficial Guide is a must-have if you like to keep your gear-bag packed for your next adventure. Jean Pierce has been there, done it and dived it.Having dived from Palau to Peurto Rico, myself, I thought I knew all there was to know about getting to the world's best diving, but this book has opened my eyes to even more. Informative, and written from a diver's eyes (as opposed to the travel agent's); it gives you the information you need to know if you want to get maximum bang for your diving dollar and diving time. I believe in traveling light, but I will always find room for this book in my bag -- it's just that necessary.

Extremely limited perspective
An absolute waste of money! As it turns out, I've been diving recently at many of the locations listed plus quite a few others. Given the title, I thought the list would be quite comprehensive. I expect there will always be differences of Opinion on subjects like this, but I can't figure out the logic of the locations chosen. The authors maintain that ease of travel is important to them, then list Heron Island Australia, but leave out locations like Bali. My biggest criticism, however is the long list of East Coast USA choices. ... Read more

Product Description
This excellent study guide to a scuba certification course begins with snorkeling and finning in a pool, then moves on to the more complex skills of using scuba gear for open-water diving. Part of the Learn in a Weekend series. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great book!
This is a great book for everyone that wants to get certified. It has lots of insteresting pictures. I really easy too understand to. It starts out with learning how to use a snorkel then it gets into deeper stuff like how to deal with a diver who has nitrogen narcosis. Its a great book for the price. ... Read more

Product Description
The Complete Diving Guides to scuba diving in the Eastern Caribbean, including descriptions of ALL dive sites, dive stores and operators. Island maps show the location of dive sites and stores. Dive sites are illustrated by underwater maps and photographs.

Volume 2 gives you everything you ever need to know about scuba diving on these fantastic Caribbean islands: Anguilla, St Martin & St Maarten, St Barts, Saba, Statia, St Kitts, Nevis, Antigua, Guadeloupe. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Yet another first rate publication from these two experts.
As I said when reviewing Vol. 1 of this series of book, it is always interesting to see which ones are preferred by the Dive Guides at the sharp end. Take it from me, they are all using this book and if it's good enough for them then it's more than good enough for me. Not once have I found any of the three volumes in my possession to be lacking in any way.

The book is well written and includes plenty of general information on diving, facilities, climate, sea, regulations, boats, cruise liners, resorts, hotels, flora, fauna, shipwrecks, photography and safety. The book then covers each of the Caribbean countries which form the main subject matter before concluding with a Glossary, Bibliography and Accident and Emergency Information.

If you want a book full of pretty pictures - then look elsewhere. This is a true guide which contains all the information you will require. It does not fool you by pretending to be something it is not - as is the case with far too many so-called "Guides," but instead concentrates on providing all the relevant and peripheral information that any Scuba Diver will want to know before and during a trip to any of the Caribbean destinations covered. The maps and diagrams are particularly useful - and very easy to follow.

My advice is to look at the "information" given in this series of books and don't get side-tracked by something more flashy. Do not be tempted away from this one - it is a straight forward, no nonsense guide containing everything you will want to know.

In summary, any book claiming to be "A Complete Guide" has to include an awful lot of information.This one has achieved just that and will not disappoint the purchaser.

NM

The ultimate dive guide
I'd definitely give this guide full marks. It's without doubt the most comprehensive of the guides I looked at for the area I was travelling to(the Virgin Islands). It had everything we could have wanted to know andit definitely meant we did some better diving than we'd have done withoutit. We particularly liked that it gave us information about the British andUS Virgin Islands and as they are less than 5 miles apart it's simple todive both areas. They have some really different types of diving and we'dhave missed out on a lot without the guide. We bought the book before wewent but we took it along with us and used it all the time. One of thethings we enjoyed reading was the descriptions of the dives andthe sectionsabout the marine life. We've been diving for over 10 years and I've learntmore from this book than I have in my previous years of diving.

A must for the crusing yachts bookshelf.
The Complete Diving Guide (2) is a must for anyone diving the Netherlands Antilles. I used it while cruising in the area on my yacht in St. Maarten and dived in Saba, Statia and Anguilla on the strength of the informationin the guide book. It tells you where the best dives are and how to divethem. The maps show you where the dives are and there is a lot of generalbackground about what the diving will be like. I was surprised how muchinformation the authors included and there's no woffle, it's all good valuefor money. ... Read more

Product Description
From wrecks to reefs, the Florida Keys offer a treasure trove of diving opportunities, for advanced divers and novices alike. This book describes the best dives in the region, from Biscayne Bay to the Dry Tortugas.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 64 sites.
Full-color photos throughout.
Maps of dive regions.
Guide to marine life.
Travel logistics and topside attractions.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Good guide, but lacking detail
This guide is helpful, but could be more informative.We will be diving from our own boat, and could use more information about the dives themselves, rather than the history of the site or wreck.The guide should also have GPS coordinates, description of the moorings, etc.

informative
This is a great book, and I take it along every time I go diving in the Keys (about once or twice a month).All of the popular dive sites are featured in this book, and there are a lot of pictures that truly represent the diving in the area.I have found the information to be highly accurate when describing the sites, though somewhat vague at times.This book is small in size, so I can even zip it up inside my log book so it stay dry.

A Good Guide for the Keys
This book is very informative, with good pictures and descriptions of the most popular dive spots in the area of the Florida Keys ... Read more

Product Description
A Guide to Scuba Diving. ... Read more

Product Description

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

Customer Reviews (6)

Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Bonaire
This guide is quite dated, whereby most information is no longer current.I'd recommend saving your money and purchasing the Dive Guide by Jack Jackson, unless you enjoy periodicals that are a decade+ old.In its day, I'm sure it was adequate...

New edition supposedly coming out
I was going to buy this book, but a new updated edition is supposed to be in the works.Per my Dive Shop, this is one of the Pisces dive guides, this one published in 1991.Apparently Lonley Planet bought the series and is updating and reissuing each book.The Bonaire book I'm told is due out in July of 2001.

Otherwise I have found this series to be excellent.

Been There Done That
The book gives a good overview of some of the more popular dive sites listing type of entry, depth & current information. It also rates the dives as Novice, Intermediate, or Advanced. The photography is good as are the dive descriptions. However, the book is dated and the map of the dive sites is not numbered correctly and doesn't list the names of many of the sites on the southwest beaches. Also, two of the most popular dive sites, the Town Pier & Salt Pier now have some restrictions on them that are not listed in this book. Overall, I think it's a good general overview of the sites and attractions of Bonaire.

Very good introductory book for diving on Bonaire.
This is a very good introductory book for diving on Bonaire. It lists and describes several of the best dive sites on Bonaire and Klein Bonaire. It also provides some general tourist information for Bonaire, which many first-time Bonaire divers may find very interesting. The book is also compact and is great for traveling.

Very informative!
I found this book to be very helpful. It contains excellentcoverage of Bonaires' dive sites. I dive in Bonaire about once or twice a year and have been using this book to plan my shore dives and read about sites before I visit them. I've just returned from a 5 day trip to Bonaire. Guess what I brought along ... Read more

Product Description
This 224-page title plumbs the depths of the underwater world of scuba divers and snorkellers. Informative essays include details on marine life and conservation, planning and equipment needed, as well as a guide to 18 top diving destinations in North America and the Caribbean. A Travel Tips section offers carefully selected lodging, camping and dive operator information. The work is lavishly illustrated with more than 250 spectacular photographs as well as 17 specially commissioned maps. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Handy Little Travel Book
Well organized by region, with a useful table at the end of each section, listing such things as travel, lodging, camping, local dive shops, etc.

Jack of all trades, master of none
I found that this book tries to cover really lot of things. It could be a good coverage (actually, it's not bad) but when I finished reading it, I didn't get much of it, except from it's good pictures.
Perhaps, it should take a more local look, not that global.

Great Book!
I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a new dive site or looking to find a new place to vacation. The book is VERY well illistrated like all books in the Discovery series. ... Read more

Product Description
"In order to appreciate the Symphony of the Sea,
One must understand each of the Instruments of Nature."

SCUBA dictionary is your underwater adventure guide. Each volume profiles 40 species of corals, fish, and invertebrates detailing their unique features and reinforcing these points with corresponding photographs. Divers are instructed on how to locate, conserve, and photograph the species profiled in order to better enjoy their dive. Waterproof and tear resistant, SCUBA dictionary is designed to be read on the dive boat and referenced on the dive. Don't miss out on that once in a lifetime photo because you did not understand what you had the chance to see. The waterproof guide also works as an excellent companion to UW Naturalist/Advanced Certification classes.

* Profiles 40 different species of Corals, Fish & Invertebrates of the Caribbean Sea

* Discover interesting facts + behaviors for each species identified

* Describes Where & How to find species profiled.

* Waterproof + Tear Resistant (perfect for dive boats)

* Identifies highly poisonous marine species

* At 3" x 4" it fits easily into your BC pocket or dive bag.

* Helps connect new divers with the explosion of life around them

* Unique tips help to rejuvenate interest in divers who have 'seen it all before'

* 5 Year Warranty on the life of the book

* Covers: Cozumel + the Yucatan, Belize, Bonaire, Roatan (Bay Islands), Cayman Islands, Bahamas, Turks & Caicos, Dominica, Florida Keys, Saba, Barbados, Aruba, Curacao, Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Cuba, Los Roques, Virgin Islands & Puerto Rico

* Go GREEN (SCUBA dictionary is printed at a plant that is 100% Wind Powered) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

SPECTACULAR SCUBA MARINE LIFE GUIDE!!
I'm a recreational diver at the moment and I love this reference guide to some ofthe amazing stuff you can encounter while diving! Although it's just a small sample of what you'll run into underwater, it's a very informative and helpful guide to browse through before and after your dives to give your dive a fun scavenger hunt!It comes with a retractable clip that prevents it from getting lost or misplaced. A great gift for those considering becoming a scuba diver and veterans alike. Even if you don't go diving it will take you into the amazing underwater world through the wonderful pictures along with a description of the marine life shown.

A Neat Idea!
I like its physical size since its large enough to easily utilize while checking out interesting animals, yet not overly big and clumsy so as to interfere with your equipment. With the animal's photo on one side of the page and its environmental aspects discussed on the opposite side, e.g., size, hiding areas, and behavior, it helps enlarge one's knowledge and appreciation for subject. And I first tested its `waterproof' capability in my marine aquarium, where it was left for 30 minutes, then removed and cleaned in freshwater. Still looks like new, and I'll test it somewhat further when I go to the Caymans in the near future. I'm already looking forward to Vol. 2. Bob Goemans

Best little sea book ever.
Just in the first five minutes I learned to much about the world under the sea.Great book.

Great resource, clever idea!
Waterproof materials, GREAT photos, extremely useful information.I would recommend this clever reference guide to any diver.I can't wait for more scuba dic volumes!Retractable device a must, too.... places marine species identification literally at your fingertips.

Useful tool
I was skeptical at first when I saw this, but I was getting bored just knowing the names of the fish I came across.I thought this would turn out like Fish Flips(eg only names of fish listed for each pic), but it has a LOT more to offer.There are written descriptions for each pic, that don't just list facts, but also explain how to find & approach sea life (eg. Size, time of day, hiding spots/location, animals behavior, etc.), I found this really useful, because after tooling around with my camera, I was getting tired of only getting snapshots of fishtails.The book held up great UW; the pages just got sticky bc I didn't rinse it off initially, but I left it overnight in fresh water and there was no problem after that. Since i started taking along scuba dic for dives, it's been abused more times than tina turner, & its still in good shape....thus far. I do think it's better to get familiar with it on your surface interval vs trying to learn underwater. But all in all, it's a really good idea. ... Read more

Product Description
Recognized as the birthplace of diving in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands are among the world's top dive destinations with their clear waters, plunging walls and prolific marine life - including the famous rays of Stingray City. This book describes the well-established dive operations and the best sites in the region, some just minutes from the beach.

In This Guide:

Detailed dive information to 68 sites
Full-color photos throughout
Easy-to-read maps of dive regions
Guide to marine life
Travel logistics and topside attractions
... Read more

Product Description

31 dive sites around Jamaica, including Negril, Montego Bay, Runaway Bay, Ocho Rios, Port Antonio, Port Royal/Kingston. Dive highlights: Montego Bay Marine Park, the Reggae Queen wreck. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

INFORMATIVE AND BEAUTIFUL TOO
I had purchased a Pisces Book once before so was expecting the same informative style.The Smit's book surpassed my expectations.The descriptions of the dive sites are very complete with specific detailsabout how you should approach each site. For example: when givinginformation about one site they said,"...keep your fins away from thebottom because it is covered with fine sediment, which when disturbed willimmediately reduce visibility."

I found the section on PotentiallyHazardous Marine Life fascinating and quite blood chilling.The method forstaring down a barracuda was gripping but not something I want to try.

The photographs are absolutely marvelous. They really make the book atreasure.

The only criticism I have is that I would like a little moredetail on the maps. I also would have liked some background about thegeological history and environment that has spurred the fantastic coralgrowth. ... Read more

Product Description
Dive GTMO - Scuba Diving in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba -Soft Cover - B&W Edition - is an informative guide to the various aspects of scuba diving and snorkeling in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. ... Read more