Scuba Diving Books

Since Hawaii has a number of islands, each with a ton of dive sites, this book only has general and somewhat limited information for specific areas. I would have preferred a Diving & Snorkeling MAUI guide, but as far as I know Lonely Planet doesn't make one. The Diving & Snorkeling Hawaii book would be fine if it was a bit longer (this one is pretty short), but then it would be a pain to pack.

Good all round description of dive sites and resorts. All you need to plan your holiday.

This small book (64 pgs.) is filled with good, albeit summarized, information about diving opportunities all over Florida. The Keys information details a few of the larger sites and wrecks, and has nice charts. We like this book, especially for the price. A "hell, why not?" book that's definitely worth it.

The book is out of print and almost 20 years old (1986). But the descriptions of and location of dive sites is of course still relevant and very informative. Dive shops come and go as well as accomodations so this must be taken into account also... Aged and all, it's still the best all around all Mexico diver's guide book on the market.

I was someone thinking about taking up scuba diving and I wanted to find a book that would give me some basic information. This book fit the bill perfectly. I found it to be well written and attractively laid out. However, If your already a certified diver, this book won't tell you anything you don't already know. It could be gifted to friends your trying to convince to take up diving.

This book is a good reference source about diving in southeastern Florida. Because of the Keys, many people don't realize the quality of diving that can be found off the coast of Miami/Ft. Lauderdale. The book describes many sites in detail and also provides depth, visibility, and difficulty information.

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 details about how you should approach each site. For example: when giving information about one site they said, "...keep your fins away from the bottom because it is covered with fine sediment, which when disturbed will immediately reduce visibility."

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

The photographs are absolutely marvelous. They really make the book a treasure.

The only criticism I have is that I would like a little more detail on the maps. I also would have liked some background about the geological history and environment that has spurred the fantastic coral growth.

The book provides an excellent guide to dive sites from Monterey Bay northward to the mouth of the Russian River. Each dive site includes recommendations for diver ability (novice to advanced), descriptions of entries and exits, and details of the surf, water and environmental conditions. It also includes such important issues as parking, legal (and illegal) places to unload equipment and don gear, and nearby dive stores.

The beautiful photos are also useful for sharing the diving experience with non-divers!

This guide is a quick reference for lots of interesting places to dive in Texas. It provides a nice table at the beginning of each entry giving depth, visibility, water conditions, ease of entry, nearest place to get tanks refilled and suggested dive ability.

Color pictures, both in and out of the water, are provided for practically every dive site listed.

On the strength of this guide, I'll be buying guides from the same publisher to other dive destinations.

E-mail links, contacts, maps and description of each site plus how to get there and when to go all very helpful