Scuba diving books
Scuba diving books
Scuba diving books are a funny one, they’re either captivating or terrible, and there never seems to be an in-between. I’ve found that books offering “hilarious” anecdotes from an instructor’s perspective are always terrible. Thankfully, there are a range of other topics available. A lot of scuba books are travel-based, and offer information on the best places to dive. There are also a lot of “how to” books giving advice on how to improve buoyancy or air consumption. Most of these don’t really go any further than what you would learn on a course, but a couple are very insightful.
The best books, in my opinion, are those that tell a story about a particular wreck, cave, or diving expedition, or biograph one of the diving pioneers such as John Scott Haldane.
There is some overlap with the technical diving books, simply because books like shadow divers may be attractive to read even for someone who doesn’t dive. I’ll add more books to the list as and when I can.
Let me know if there are any books that you loved that aren’t listed.
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Scuba Diving: A short guide to open water training- Richard Devanney
Considering that I wrote this book, I have to give it 5 stars in every respect. More of a short reference than a book, it’s aimed at anyone who is interested in learning to dive and provides information on how to choose a course based on their intention to dive locally or on vacation.
I would be really grateful for a review if you get it.
Fifty Places to Dive Before You Die: Diving Experts Share the World's Greatest Destinations- Chris Santella
I don’t know who these experts are, but all top diving destinations such as Raja Ampat are in the book. It also provides information on each location that would help you to plan a dive trip there.
Our Blue Planet: An Introduction to Maritime and Underwater Archaeology- Ben Ford
This book provides a great introduction to the field of maritime and underwater archaeology. For anyone interested in learning more, this is a great place to start.
Nudibranchs of Britain, Ireland and Northwest Europe: Second Edition- Bernard Picton and Christine Morrow
The most comprehensive book on Nudibranchs out there. Over 195 species are included, with detailed drawings and beautiful photos.
Coral Reef Curiosities: Intrigue, Deception and Wonder on the Reef and Beyond- Chuck Weikert
If you’ve ever wondered how the lives of marine animals pan out at your favourite coral reefs, look no further than this book. It goes into detail about which marine species live in coral reefs, and what they do all day. It also outlines symbiotic relationships, such as why and how groupers join forces with morey eels to hunt. A great book for curious people, divers or not.
Underwater Photography Masterclass- Dr. Alex Mustard
With over 30 years experience in underwater photography, Alex shares his knowledge on photography techniques, camera equipment, lighting, lenses, and information on the marine life that he photographs.
Scuba Confidential: An Insider's Guide to Becoming a Better Diver- Simon Pridmore
If you’re already a qualified diver, this book provides great insight into how you can improve your diving, and over time how you can branch out to get involved in different types of diving such as technical diving.
Scuba Fundamental: Start Diving the Right Way- Simon Pridmore
If you’re thinking of learning to scuba dive, this book lays out everything you need to know.
SCUBA: A Practical Guide for the New Diver Paperback- James A Lapenta
Very heavy focus on what’s wrong with general scuba training, and tips on how you can do it better.
SCUBA: A Practical Guide to Advanced Level Training: aka Advanced Open Water Training- James Lapenta
Again, very critical of the overall dive industry and it’s approach to training beyond open water. Gives tips and advice on how to seek better training.
Reef Life: A Guide to Tropical Marine Life- Brandon Cole
Very accessible book describing the most common marine life that you’re likely to encounter as a diver. Covers everything from the open ocean, to coral reefs, to rock pools. Great accompaniment for a diver.
Scuba Professional: Insights into Sport Diver Training & Operations- Simon Pridmore
If you’re thinking of becoming a dive professional, read this book. It provides realistic account of what the diving industry is like, and how it works; warts and all. It will dispel a few myths but also lay to waste any romantic notions you have of an easy life.
Current dive professionals should also read it.
Technical Diving: An Introduction- Mark Powell
Very up to date account of what technical diving is, with a little bit of myth-busting thrown in.
This is a great read for anyone potentially interested in starting technical diving.
Shadow Divers- Robert Kurson
A gripping account of John Chatterton and Richie Kohler’s successful attempt to identify a U-boat discovered off the coast of New Jersey.
If this doesn’t make you want to dive wrecks, nothing will- one of the best scuba diving books available.
The Last Dive: A Father and Son's Fatal Descent Into the Ocean's Depths- Bernie Chowdhury
A sad true story about the fatal dive of father and son Chris and Chrissy Rouse, who were trying to identify the same U-boat as depicted in Shadow divers.
A sobering read for any diver.
Dive Atlas of the World: An Illustrated Reference to the Best Sites- Jack Jackson
Beautifully illustrated, this book will give you a lifetime of diving holiday destination ideas. Well written and pretty detailed on the top dive sites in the world.
