5 comments about The Complete Diving Guide: The Caribbean, Volume 3 (Puerto Rico/US Virgin Islands/British Virgin Islands).

1. I have been meaning to review this book for some time as it is one of the most thumbed books on our book shelf. My wife and I run a charter yacht in the Virgin Islands and many of our guests are keen divers. We bought The Complete Diving Guide for our own use initially but it has since become part of the yacht's library as our guests find it so useful and enjoyable to read. (as our copy is getting rather worn I'm pleased to say that many of them buy their own copy after having seen ours). It is rare to find a book that is so comprehensive and which presents a vast amount of information in such a readable manner. In particular we find the island and dive site maps useful along with the descriptions of the dives and the underwater route maps. I can direct our guests at the tyupe of dive that I think they would enjoy and they can read about it beforehand. They can also choose the dive store they would like to use. I'd thoroughly recommend it to anyone planning to do some diving in the Virgin Islands (it even covers the Spanish Virgin Islands).



2. Once again we have an excellent and very useful publication aimed at amateur and professional diver alike. This is a true guide which concentrates on providing all the relevant and peripheral information that any Scuba Diver will want to know in respect of any of the Caribbean destinations covered. The maps and diagrams are particularly useful - and very easy to follow.
   
   We live in an age where diving instructors and dive guides "have" to know what they are doing and it is interesting to see those professionals are using this book and not any of the glossy alternatives. Sadly, we also live in an age where many diving publications fall short. Too much false information - and even total lack of information is hidden behind excellent underwater photographs as publisher after publisher seeks to beguile, confuse and even mislead the potential buyer. Not so with this book!
   
   My direct experience has been to find this series of books contain exactly the information divers require before during and even after their trip. Very well written, it includes all the general information on diving, facilities, climate, sea, regulations, boats, cruise liners, resorts, hotels, flora, fauna, shipwrecks, photography and safety. It then moves on to cover each of the target Caribbean countries which are the main subject of the book before concluding with a Glossary, Bibliography and Accident and Emergency Information.
   
   We can all find pretty pictures on the internet - without even having to pay to see them. Information, however, especially reliable information, is much harder to find. If you are contemplating a trip to any of the countries featured in this book, you will find all - and I do mean "ALL" the information you require right here. That might be at the expense of some pretty pictures - but hey, once you get there, you can take those yourself.
   
   In summary, once again we have "A Complete Guide" - which is exactly what it says on the cover.
   
   NM



3. This is one of the most thorough and up to date dive travel books I've ever read. We used a lot of the information on diving and related material on our recent trip to P.R. and found it very helpfull and accurate.



4. This book is very thorough on the coverage that I was looking for. I recommend this book. Actually, I couldn't find any other books that covered Puerto Rico.



5. The book is designed to offer a good list of places to scuba relying on the use of dive operators - it lists many. Its use for a couple who just wish to go alone (in a buddy system, of course) is limited, since the locations are not exactly defined. The book also offers a lot of advice as to many facets of diving in these areas. In general, it is an excellent book with the caveat of not giving exact coordinates nor reference points by which to find the specific spots.

No comments about Top 10 Virgin Islands (EYEWITNESS TOP 10 TRAVEL GUIDE).

No comments about Moon Bermuda (Moon Handbooks).

1 comments about The Leeward Islands Cruising Guide.

1. Pavlidis' books have everything in them that you might ever want to know. However, they are not well indexed or organized. They are the best available and when you are cruising, you will have the TIME it takes to dig out the pearls, and there are many. Steven is a deep researcher, making his own soundings in harbors, reliably, and digging in to every restaurant. He is simply not a good organizer of facts. You get to do the digging..
   We know this wonderful man personally, from cruising with him, and we respect his research..

5 comments about Frommer's Portable Aruba (Frommer's Portable).

1. I purchased this book and have used it on two vacations to Aruba. I refered to it several times while I was there. Maps are very helpful, as are the restaurant reviews!



2. We found Frommer's and Fodor's travel books to possess the best of information on Aruba. My husband Alan stated he didn't feel like a novice coming into this lovely tropical paradise thanks to these guides.
   
   The books were pretty right on when it came to restaurant prices, only a few had varied their charges. One restaurant was a nice surprise as we were expecting to pay twice as much.
   
   To add to the information, besides the buses running to the capital city of Oranjestad, they also have $1.00 taxis and these vans function well when you don't want to wait for the next bus. Oranjestad is a must visit for shopping, eating and touring.
   
   The books also didn't include the native poverty that exists beyond the resorts and touring areas. Few Arubans own a decent hacienda. This was a shock to my husband and me as we were expecting to see average living styles.



3. This was not my first time using a Frommer's travel guide for the purpose of having the best time possible in an unknown place. I purchased the book a day before my Aruba trip, read it on the plane and actually kept it in our rental car for consistant reference. As far as I'm concerned - these travel books tell it like it is, good or bad. I can't imagine anyone giving this book less than 5 stars! Buy it!



4. We just got back from Aruba. We had a wonderful time. The guide was not much help. We read through the guide before we arrived and we did not open it once once we arrived, we actually left it in Aruba on purpose. We found much more updated information from the Internet and the visitor guides at the resort. There's Internet access at most of the resorts, so my advice is to save your money and use online resources. There are a lot of great websites www.restaurantsaruba.com, tripadvisor.com.
   
   As far as snorkeling, just drive towards the lighthouse you will see snorkeling boats near the shore, those are the best spots (the beaches just before the lighthouse). Lots of great fish to see. You can rent the snorkeling equipment from the Pelican Pier, it is on Palm Beach. I would stay away from the other side of the island unless you want to get lost and frustrated, the roads are not marked well and there are lots of dirt roads. There is a cool point at the end of the island, but it was just worth our frustrations.
   
   Our favorite things, were gambling, relaxing at the beach, snorkeling, and eating. A must eat is Madame Janette, make sure you make reservations as soon as you arrive. This is the best restaurant; ask to be in the garden. You can also make reservations online through the website. If you are visiting in the winter I would suggest you make reservations before you visit. [...]
   
   
   The only other thing I that looked like a blast but we could not do, because I am pregnant, is rent an ATV. They were lots of having fun on the dunes.
   
   The party bus. If you are a party person and like to dance, you would enjoy this. They pick you up at your hotel you go up to the lighthouse have a glass of champagne and then go to a beautiful estate where you have dinner and get to know some of you fellow drinkers. Then you go to 3 bars. There were two buses of us on a Wednesday night. So I if you do it on the weekend I am sure there are more people. It was entertaining. Of course I was sober since I am pregnant. They give you tickets so your first drink is free at dinner and the 3 bars.
   
   Spa and salon? Well I was going to go to a Spa but after 2 salon visits I opted not to. It would be fine if you know Spanish, but if you do not I suggest you ask for someone who is fluent in English. Otherwise it is a guessing game. It cost about the same if you did it in the US.
   
   Food and service. They take their time in Aruba. Meals usually take 1-2 hours, so if you are starving I suggest you hit one of the fast food joints. The service and locals are wonderful and nice. On off season most everything is closed on Sunday.
   
   Bargains - hit the local flea market. I found great deals on Silver, I wish I only boght more.
   
   We will be going back to Aruba. It so far has been our favorite vacation spot and we have been to many. Thailand, Japan, Mexico, Key West, Vegas, Sedona, New Zealand, Florida we are well travelled. Have a drink and enjoy this One Happy Island! If you have anymore questions ask a taxi driver once you are in Arbua, they know everything!



5. This book was very helpful on my honeymoon. I would recommend getting the most up to date version though, as things change rapidly.

No comments about A Cruising Guide to The Northwest Caribbean.

5 comments about Cozumel: The Complete Guide.

1. I have been coming to Cozumel for 12 years and this year I purchased this island directory. My wife and I had a great time trying out all the new and out of the way restaurants we didnt even know existed. This book is well worth the money and I recommend it to everyone visiting Cozumel even if you have been there before.



2. I have been a Cozumel resident for five years. I had the opportunity to view this guide book last week for the first time. While it appears to those who are unfamiliar with the island as a wonderful resource, buyer beware. There are numerous errors in the book which include but are not limited to: incorrect phone numbers, website addresses, e-mail addresses, improper spellings of establishments, and establishments that no longer exist...one in particular has not existed in over five years!
   
   The author has good intentions, but she did not do her homework and did not do a thorough fact check before publishing this book.



3. I tend to disagree with the most recent review of this book. I have been a LONG TIME part time resident of the Island, since 1987. I purchased this book for use by my guests, and have actually used it myself. I agree there are a few editorial errors, and some just barely out of date information, but 95%% of this book is valuable information, with out of the way dining options, that would seldom be found on the internet, and small shops who also do not find their way to the internet or printed guidebooks. Guidebooks are a difficult thing to keep current to the minute, as by the time it prints there are already changes. Used in conjuction with the Cozumel Can Do map, this is a terriffic resource.



4. Great reference for the island of Cozumel with a lot of detailed hints (reads like someone's diary). And as far as we've found, the author is right: Cozumel is usually a small blip in books dedicated almost solely to Cancun (or the entire Yucatan Peninsula). If you're spending more than one day on the island, definitely worth it.



5. I bought this book because I have a trip planned to Cozumel in a few months. And as others have found, you cannot find a book dedicated solely to Cozumel, just a chapter or two, so this book has great info. However, I was disappointed that there were no color pictures or more of them! Pictures would be much more helpful, especially when listing beaches. All-around good buy, though.

1 comments about Understanding Belize: A Historical Guide.

1. Plenty of travel guides cover Belize; but much fewer narrow the focus to its history and culture. UNDERSTANDING BELIZE tells the story of the country, from its early days as a haven for pirates through its current attraction as an ecotourism focal point. Black and white photos and a timeline accompany a rare survey of the nation that will appeal not just to travelers, but to any interested in the individual histories and evolution of the South American countries.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

No comments about Barbados (Footprint Barbados Pocket Guides).

5 comments about Explore Puerto Rico Fifth Edition.

1. 
   This book takes you off the beaten path and into small towns and villages, through the rainforest (there are pages on El Yunque) and down to explore caves. Pariser likes to explore not only the terrain of Puerto Rico with its natural forests, beaches and snorkeling spots, but he also likes the local color and likes to meet the local people. Every festival day is covered and every little town seems to have one. Of course there are listings of hotels and guesthouses, restaurants and lunch spots, not only in San Juan, but in the surfing mecca of Rincon, in Ponce, and plenty of other places. Bus routes and driving directions are given. A visit to the small island of Culebra is another adventure.
   Old San Juan gets strong coverage, plus there is a good section where typical Puerto Rican menu items are translated (you'll need that outside of the big hotel area since many residents do not speak English). A quick Spanish Vocabulary in the back gives you the most common phrases at a glance.
   The history and culture sections are sprinkled throughout the book with lots of opinions on everything from colonialism to greenhouse emissions to the ritual of sea turtles laying their eggs. Pariser packs a lot into a single guide and his historical sidebars are fascinating.



2. 
   Puerto Rico means "rich port" and this guide will introduce the reader to all of the riches that the island has to offer including the only tropical National Forest in the U.S. Detailed visitor information is provided for the major cities, small towns and the outer regions of the main island but this guide also dedicates several pages to each of the two other islands just off of Puerto Rico: Vieques and Culebra. There is even information about the least known of the offshore islands, Mona Island. Readers will find descriptive accounts of music, festivals, foods, sports & sporting events, hiking tours, accommodations and entertainment. Learn how to spot migrating humpback whales between December and May, search the skies for the Puerto Rican parrot that is nearly extinct and explore the diminishing Mangroves that dampen waves and winds. Other interesting information is provided about native arts and crafts, locally produced beer and rum, sugar and coffee plantations, vanilla production and exportation. I visited Puerto Rico twice before reading Explore Puerto Rico and it helped me see that I discovered only a small fraction of what the island has to offer. I'll definitely use this guide on my next visit. Review by JoAnna Carey, Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life



3. Explore Puerto Rico is a guide and travel overview for the island of Puerto Rico. This book includes a wide range of information, everything from background knowledge on the island's natural and cultural environment through places to stay while on the island to interesting things to do at every stop along the way.
   
   There are nine sections in Explore Puerto Rico: Introduction; Practicalities; San Juan & Environs; Northeastern Puerto Rico; Vieques; Culebra; Southeastern Puerto Rico; Southwestern Puerto Rico; and Northwestern Puerto Rico. The introduction section contains an overview about Puerto Rico. This detailed information includes land, climate, flora, fauna, history, government, economy, culture, and religion of this area. This section also includes general information on transportation, accommodation, dining, and entertainment while enjoying Puerto Rico.
   
   The next chapter, Practicalities, contains contacts and general information on visas, codes of conduct, and health during travel to this island. Each entry contains a short paragraph about each of these general topics including contacts.
   
   The rest of the sections in Explore Puerto Rico focus on particular parts or regions of the island. The first portion of each section describes a little about the particular region including the history. After this overview, specific examples of transportation, accommodation, restaurants, shopping, tourist information, services, and sights are depicted in detail. Each entry contains a short paragraph about the establishment including contacts and potential costs. Also provided in each of these sections is ample information, complete with contacts, on what activities are available in each island region. Several black and white and colour maps and photographs accompany each section.
   
   Explore Puerto Rico is a valuable guide for anyone planning on traveling to Puerto Rico. This key information is provided for easy reference while planning or while traveling. However, this book will also be just as interesting for the armchair traveler as this book contains ample information about the natural environment, history, and culture on this amazing island as well as some extremely stunning colour photographs.



4. I enjoyed reading this book, which clearly approaches Puerto Rico as someone who loves it, not just as a tourist. (I knew I'd found a good book when it referred to Dubya as "Shrub.")
   
   But the phone numbers are just appallingly out of date. I called probably twenty or thirty and only one picked up. The book offers free online updates, which is very generous, but not very practical. I bought a guidebook because I'd left my laptop at home. I hope they'll update the book itself soon, as it's a great book, but accurate information is really vital.



5. The book is thorough with a good bit of detail (although some reviewers said some was inaccurate) but this is a travel guide and not a political book. He is aparantly against the military, people with conservative leanings, the Coors family and probably the European explorers. I think if he writes another travel book he needs to leave out the little quips and inuendos.