Based on the classic Best Dives of the Caribbean, this publication focuses on the Mexican Riviera Maya, Cozumel and Akumal alone. Includes the latest and best dive and snorkel sites, each rated for visual excellence and marine life. The author's knowledge of the sites is unparalleled. From sunken planes and snorkel trails to blue holes, the best destinations beneath the waves are covered. Also covered are the best places to stay & eat, activities, sightseeing and all practical details needed for visitors. "I have bought both editions of this book, mostly because the first edition got so dog-eared that I wanted a clean one for vacation last year. The book is a marvelous source of information for both the snorkeler and the diver. The authors divide the book into chapters on individual islands, starting out with a brief but interesting history of the island, a topographical description, relative location map, best time to go, weather, and proximity to other islands. They then rate the island's diving locations, awarding from 1 to 5 stars, and provide another larger map visually locating the sites. Each site is described in detail, with info on depth, sea life, currents, visibility, photo ops and difficulty level. As if that weren't enough, they include some (but not enough!) beautiful photos, and end each chapter with yet more info on dive operators (detailed), beaches, other activities, dining, accommodations (with rates, addresses and phone numbers), medical facilities, documentation requirements, currency, driving, local customs, departure taxes, etc. I've been exploring the Caribbean for almost a decade now; I take this compact book with me everywhere. My only complaint: I wish they covered more islands!" -- (Suziekew). "The new, 2006, third edition of Best Dives of the Caribbean is packed full of dive-vacation planning information. It tells what time of year to go, the most popular dive sites with details on what to expect, depths, average sea conditions-- I get seasick if it's rough and prefer diving where the sites are ten minutes or less by boat, or better yet accessible from the beach. Indeed, some of the other one-desination guides are more suitable for the coffee table, but they don't tell me anything about the dive resorts, the $$ cost. I would not consider planning a dive-vacation to the Caribbean without consulting this gem of a travel guide. The dive resort write ups are detailed and give rates and package deals. Any, the author gives an email for additional questions." -- Janice Brink. Diver-friendly resorts and hotels are featured, along with many recommended outfitters for learning, improving and mastering your diving skills. A list of decompression chambers is given. Landlubbers will appreciate the sightseeing sections. Color photos enhance the text. Maps show dive site locations. "A must-have for divers, snorkelers, or those who just love to float in liquid turquoise." -- Brenda Fine, Travel Editor, NY Law Journal.

This new edition covers the best dive sites as well as the top attractions on land.

Explore 100 breathtaking scuba diving sites around the world--from the cenotes of Mexico to the best wreck in Micronesia--through stunning National Geographic photography, expert tips, and cutting-edge travel advice. Filled with more than 350 images from National Geographic, 100 Dives of a Lifetime provides the ultimate bucket list for ardent scuba divers and aspirational travelers alike. From diving with manta rays at night in Kona, Hawaii, and swimming with hammerheads of Cocos Island in Costa Rica to exploring caves in Belize's Lighthouse Atoll and diving beneath the ice floes of Antarctica, this exquisite inspirational book is filled with beautiful imagery, marine life guides, trusted travel tips, and expert diving advice from world-famous National Geographic divers and explorers like Brian Skerry, Jessica Cramp, and David Doubilet. Organized by diving experience and certification level--from beginner open water and wreck dives to expert cold water and cave dives--each location offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the magic of our world's oceans--from your armchair or with your scuba gear in tow.

In this masterful account in the spirit of Bill Bryson and Ian Frazier, a longtime deep-sea diver masterfully weaves together the science and history of Earth's last remaining frontier: the sea. In an age of unprecedented exploration and innovation, our oceans remain largely unknown, and endlessly fascinating: full of mystery, danger, beauty, and inspiration. In Oceans Deep celebrates the daring pioneers who tested the limits of what the human body can endure under water: free divers able to reach 300 feet on a single breath; engineers and scientists who uncovered the secrets of decompression; teenagers who built their own diving gear from discarded boilers and garden hoses in the 1930s; saturation divers who lived under water for weeks at a time in the 1960s; and the trailblazing men who voluntarily breathed experimental gases at pressures sufficient to trigger insanity. Tracing both the little-known history and exciting future of how we travel and study the depths, Streever's captivating journey includes seventeenth-century leather-hulled submarines, their nuclear-powered descendants, a workshop where luxury submersibles are built for billionaire clients, and robots capable of roving unsupervised between continents, revolutionizing access to the ocean. In this far-flung trip to the wild, night-dark place of shipwrecks, trapped submariners, oil wells, innovative technologies, and people willing to risk their lives while challenging the deep, we discover all the adventures our seas have to offer -- and why they are in such dire need of conservation.

-91 dive sites described in detail - Depth range and conditions of the sites - Full color photos throughout - Marine life descriptions and behavior - Getting there; driving and flying - Dive facilities - Accommodations; hotels and campsites - Launch ramps - Easy to read Maps - History of the areas This book is the most complete and user friendly guide to diving and snorkeling along Baja California's Sea of Cortez. Covering the terrain and marine life of 91 of Baja's best dive sites, some of them little known, are described in detail. They include sites throughout the offshore islands along Baja's peninsula and also shore diving along its coastline. Whether you are a serious diver or a holiday snorkeler, Diving and Snorkeling the Sea of Cortez will prove an invaluable reference book. The 1000 mile Sea of Cortez hugs the Baja peninsula. Known for its desolate offshore islands and incredible marine life, it lures divers and snorkelers from all over the world. This great sea along with the Revillagigedos give divers chance encounters with the giant manta rays, hammerhead sharks, playful sea lions, wrecks and marine life endemic only to the Sea of Cortez. Accommodations along this great stretch of land range from luxury resorts to campsites with huge stretches of sparkling deserted beaches and unspoiled reefs. The Sea of Cortez is unique. It is a place where once you visit; you know you'll be back. -REVISED SECOND EDITION-

From the publishers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World "A Tourist's Best Friend!" —Chicago Sun-Times "Indispensable" —The New York Times The Top 10 Ways The Unofficial Guide to Mexico's Best Beach Resorts Can Help You Have the Perfect Trip: Premier beach resort areas on Mexico's Pacific and Caribbean coasts described and evaluated, including Canc¿n, Cozumel, Acapulco, and Los Cabos Over 125 hotel profiles, from sprawling mega-resorts to secluded, romantic getaways More than 100 restaurant profiles, from fine dining to local cuisine In-depth descriptions and quick facts for each regional destination Maps that show how to get from your hotel to restaurants, beaches, attractions, and more Detailed information on the best sight-seeing and nightlife Expert guidance on selecting tours and packages The need-to-knows of traveling to Mexico, including booking airfare, required documents, insurance, and medical concerns Crash courses in how Mexican hotels, restaurants, and other institutions operate, including elementary Spanish words and phrases that will come in handy Insider advice on how, when, and where to travel in Mexico (and how to get around once you're there), with options for every budget or interest Get the unbiased truth on hundreds of hotels, restaurants, attractions, and more in The Unofficial Guide® to Mexico's Best Beach Resorts—the resource that helps you save money, save time, and make your trip the best it can be.

A complete guide to snorkeling, cavern, and cave diving the cenotes of the Riviera Maya. This book includes photographs, maps, and provides details of where and how to swim, dive, and enjoy these beautiful cenotes located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula.