4 comments about The Dive Sites of the Bahamas.

1. This is a great book to pick up if you're even thinking of going to the Bahamas. Great pictures, comprehensive dive site reviews PLUS the book is loaded with lots of extras that make it one of the best dive books I've seen. Pages of fishID info with color photos, dive medicine, travel tips -- all in a very attractive package.



2. The title says "Dive Sites of the Bahamas" and it delivers. Specific descriptions, exact locations, and details on the dive site (depth, currents, visibility, etc.)

   My only wish would be for more. Essential for anyone planning a dive trip or cruise to the Bahamas.




3. The Amazon description of this book said it included "locations" of the dive sites. The Author furthers states the book includes "access and location" of the dive sites. Wrong and wrong. It's a good book for general information of the Bahamas and has some nice pictures but worthless as a guide to the dive sites. It is very safe to assume a purchaser of the book is a scuba diver and has plans to use it for that purpose. The advertising for this book should include a statement "Coordinates Not Included". While this book has some nice pictures and good general information about the Bahamas, most of the information is freely available on the internet. I purchased the book for the detail. Location of a dive site to me means how to get there and that would include GPS coordinates, at least. There are no compass bearings either. "East Of Treasure Reef", or "The Next Mooring East From Site 3 Along The Inner Reef System" doesn't cut it.



4. Any avid diver has heard of the wonderful diving just 2 miles off the south tip of the west end. And then you go driving around in your boat forever looking for it, stopping occasionally to stick your face in the water. 2 hours later and plenty pissed, you give up.
   
   GPS does away with all this. Dive bouy or no, you hit your spot first time every time. In fact with WAAS you can easily come within 15 feet of the mark with no problem. It borders on criminal to put out a dive book that has no GPS coordinates, and my printing of this book has none. Save your money until Lawson Wood gets a clue.

No comments about A-Z of Bahamas Heritage (Macmillan Caribbean a-Z).

No comments about Bahamas Insight Guide (Insight Guides).

1 comments about Frommer's Bahamas 2006 (Frommer's Complete).

1. As with all Frommer's books I have used in the past, Frommer's Bahamas is filled with excellent tips and information. I highly recommend a Frommer's guide book for any destination.

1 comments about A Book of Shells : A Shell Game.

1. A wonderful book for those who wish to engage in the game of collecting shells - beautifully illustrated and written. While the book is written at an adult level, an engaging card game is included to amuse and educate young shell collectors. Mactaggart is clearly passionate about shell collecting and her enthusiasm comes through loud and clear. The author's discussion of the ethics of shell collecting is especially apropos. Thou shalt not kill a living animal for its shell, nor support such behaviour in others. Her simple philosophy and respect for the islands shines through the pages of this book, for readers young and old.

1 comments about Bahamas: Out Island Odyssey.

1. While this book definitely has entertaining moments, I found its dual nature as both travel guide and travelogue distracting. I would have preferred the specifics of where they stayed, etc. in an appendix at the end. The best parts are those that give brief glimpses of how life is conducted in the locales visited. At times the supercilious attitude of the author toward other tourists is more grating than funny. Paul Theroux, she is not.

   The book falls into an awkward gap; It does not have thorough, detailed information about tourism options on the Out Islands as a true travel guide would have, and also does not present itself as a polished travel account. Perhaps in trying to be both, it fails at being neither?

   If you are planning a trip to the Out Islands, this book would make an entertaining, if short, read.

4 comments about Ready About: Voyages of Life in the Abaco Cays.

1. has something for everyone. treasure hunting. island living. pets. boating. rescue at sea. very genuine. well written.

   dave gale is a good story teller.




2. Excellent story about life in the Abacos. You truly get the feeling of what they were going through and how wonderful it was(is)and also of their struggles. A must read for anyone interested in the out islands.



3. Dave Gale has a lovely perspective not just on island life but on life as a whole. It's easy to think that a tropical paradise such as the Bahamas would simply provide a simple, idyllic existence, but as he describes it I was amazed at the richness and variation, hardships and quirky characters. All in all, a very enjoyable read.



4. The Bahamas and the Caribbean are a special passion for me so it comes as no surprise that I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Having lived on an island before I can tell you that Dave Gales' accounts of island life are without question. Elbow Cay and the rest Abaco are some of the best Bahamas has to offer along with the other so called Out Islands. If you have ever wondered what it was or would be like to live on an island make this a part of your library.

No comments about Caribbean: The Greater Antilles, Bermuda, Bahamas (Nelles Guides).

5 comments about Best Dives' Snorkeling Adventures : A Guide to the Bahamas, Bermuda, Caribbean, Hawaii & Florida Keys.

1. This is the best book for snorkeling I've ever found. The other books are so vague, they don't tell me much of anything. This one describes all the neat places to walk in from the beach and go snorkeling, how rough or calm the area is, how to get to various snorkeling beaches once I get there, whether the kids can safely swim in each area. It also has all the resorts that have snorkeling off their beaches, which is really nice for people traveling with small children and the airlines and travel stuff we need.



2. I found the reviews very helpful in deciding where I wanted to plan my nest trip... I went to the Galapagos with Aquatic Encounters, and it was so fantastic, it is beyond description



3. This is must-have book for both the beginner and experienced travelling snorkeler. It is a thoughtful guide to the best places to visit and great tips on what to look for in the way of unique marinelife once you get there. It should be a companion in every dive bag.



4. The book has very brief descriptions of snorkeling sites at a large number of different places. Most, but not all are Caribbean islands. There are also descriptions of other "traditional" snorkeling places, such as the Yucatan Penninsula and Hawaii. And there are two large sections on snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and the Galapagos Islands. Several snorkeling sites are listed at each separate location, and useful advice and information is given for most. All sites are rated on a 1 to 5 "starfish" point system. About the only criticism I have of the book is that much of the hotel information seems to be pulled directly from the hotel's advertising about themselves. A little more independent commentary would be nice. The information is still useful as a starting point. Finally, for each location, there is useful information on weather, how to get there, and when to go. If you have the first edition of this book, I see little reason to purchase this new edition, however. I do wish a few other sites or activities had been included, in particular snorkeling with whale sharks off Northwest Australia. That's something that interests me, but there seems very little information on it out there. If you travel to snorkel, and don't have the First Edition, GET THIS ONE!



5. Everything you've ever wanted to know about snorkel swimming is in this great book, from "The Basics" to "Underwater Photography." Anyone in average health, who can swim, can don a mask and peer beneath the waters. Its low-impact aerobics and a great way to keep fit. Snorkeling has become a family affair with fish-watching and photography the main focus.
   
   You will find tips on a variety of snorkeling trips and activities in this informative book. Choices vary from sail-snorkel trips on shallow-draft catamarans or trimarans, glass-bottom-boat tours, snorkel-with-the-dolphins tours; the list goes on and on. Each snorkeling site is graded for interesting marine life, visibility, and water clarity with one to five "starfish."
   
   Helpful hints concerning snorkels, how to choose the proper fins, anti-fog solutions, and how to avoid sunburn are all discussed. Dos and Don'ts advise that you always swim with a dependable buddy and warnings as to what not to touch.
   
   The best reef-front resorts, starfish-rated beaches and boat-entry sites are included as well as Manatee tours. Where to find shallow shipwrecks, the best coral gardens, underwater photo trips and snorkeling cruises are all included in this wonderful book. Also included are twelve pages of fantastic underwater photography.
   
   If you are a snorkeling enthusiast, this book is a must have. It is a valuable guide to snorkeling sites and islands. Information includes detailed maps, photos, tours offered, and important information you need to make a wise vacation choice.

4 comments about Frommer'sCaribbean 2004.

1. Frommer's has always been tremendously helpful when my husband and I plan our vacations. We have followed their advice in the past through the Caribbean and Italy, and their recommendations were right on point. For years, I have recommended them to friends and family as some of the most reliable, informative travel books out there.

   I was excited to see the 2001 Caribbean from Frommer's and ordered it immediately. When I received it, I went straight to the Aruba section since we had just booked our second trip to that island for next May. I couldn't believe what I was reading! If you haven't been to Aruba before, the information contained in the 2001 book won't help you at all. It was obvious that the writer hasn't been to the island in some time - I found many of the reviews to be outdated, lacking accurate descriptions and exclusive of many fine restaurants on the island.

   In my eyes, Caribbean 2001 has really put a dent in my high regard for the Frommer's reputation. Will think twice about recommending them again....




2. This book provides a good overview of most of the Caribbean islands. Each island is its own chapter with island highlights, useful tips, hotel and restaurant recommendations. There are also overall Caribbean recommendations, travel info, and money saving tips at the front of the book. Frommer's rating system is "unique", but the reviews are descriptive and helpful. This is an excellent starter book for the Caribbean - especially if you are not sure which island(s) you want to visit. Combined with web searches and frommers.com, it becomes an excellent resource for planning a Caribbean vacation.



3. I love to travel, so I had to review at least one travel book.
   Best part of the book is that it gives you a brief look at each island. That way you can get a feel for what you may like
   for your vacation choice. I like the way the book is laid out.
   (Important note: I have never been to the caribbean, so I may not know what I'm talking about, haha). Have a nice day. (-:



4. As per usual, this Frommer's guide book has all the information you need, written in a informative but casual manner, and contains an appropriate amount of opinion so you know what to expect. I like knowing up front that some beaches are better than others and having the facts to back up the claim. I appreciate the sheer volume of information that has been compiled and presented in a very easy to read guide book. Well done!