The
Cenotes of the Riviera Maya
Steve Gerrard
Appointed with page after page of incredible photographs of the mysterious underwater world, this book is more than just a complete guide for snorkeling, cavern and cave diving the Cenotes of the Riviera Maya. This book includes over 200 color photographs that show the breath-taking wonder of the crystal clear water and incredible sights of subterranean Mexico. Not just a coffee table book, Cenotes provides practical details of where and how to swim, dive and enjoy these beautiful caves located on the Caribbean coast of Mexico's Yucatan peninsula.
244
pages, soft cover
ISBN: 0-967 7412-0-3
Recenties:
"An
exquisite photographic and narrative documentary of the cenote ex
perience.
"For those of us privileged to have logged bottom time with Steve Gerrard,
"The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya" serves as a wonderful keepsake of
the experience of entering this extraordinary realm. The book is a brilliant
guide to the cenotes whether you plan to snorkel or complete full cave dives.
"Steve's obvious commitment to safe cave diving is evident throughout the
book and the courses he teaches. His dedication to continuing cave diving
education is demonstrated in the detailed accident analysis chapter of his book.
"Don't just question what it's like. Get trained and experience the wonder
yourself! If Steve's grandmother can do it-- so can you!"
Cayman Brac, Cayman Islands, BWI
BOOK
REVIEW -- Immersed, Vol 5, No 2, page 62
The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya
By Steve Gerrard
Published by Steve Gerrard
Puerto Aventuras
Quintana Roo, Mexico
When the book The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya arrived for review, the
note inside the package described it as a coffee-table book about cave diving.
It definitely had the size and appearance of this type of publication, and, at
first glance, this is what it appeared to be. Upon flipping open the book for
quick look at the photography however, it quickly became evident that there was
much more here than great underwater cave photography.
Steve Gerrard has an extensive background in cave diving, training and
exploration. His association with the National Association of Cave Diving is
well known and respected. Actively exploring Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula since
1986, Steve has gathered information that gives a complete idea of what will be
required and expected there. Many of the dives made by Steve and his fellow
explorers have opened up entire systems that are unparalleled in their beauty.
Some of the explorations have set records that still stand, and cave divers the
world over are enjoying the benefits of their dedication.
The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya is subtitled "A Complete Guide for
Snorkeling, Cavern and Cave Diving the Cenotes of the Riviera Maya." Dive
teams with mixed abilities and training levels will benefit from the
descriptions of the dive sites, allowing cave divers to select systems that meet
their level of training and experience. Cave diving by its very nature requires
specialized training, equipment, planning and preparation. The book includes
information regarding safety and proper education, including who to contact to
get the required training. Topics range from the history and geographic layout
of the area to the exploration of the cenotes.
The chapters on snorkeling, cavern diving and cave diving offer advice on making
the dives, difficulty of entries, packing for the trip, recommended equipment
and site maps. Other chapters include information on accident analysis,
decompression, techniques and the environment of the cenote. ("Cenote"
is a word derived from the Mayan language. It means an "underground area
that is perpetually filled with water.")
A feature of the book that takes a little time to learn is the use of symbols
that classify the dive sites. It is possible to look at the pages of a system or
area and learn about the depth, facilities, distances explored, and fees (if
any). There are 22 different symbols providing pertinent facts, so earmark page
32 until the symbols are committed to memory. Full-color photographs give the
diver an exciting and eyepleasing look at the unique environment of the cenote.
The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya can be classified as either a field guide
or coffee-table book. At US$49.95 my copy will remain on the coffee table, and I
will refer to it before the trip!
- Pete Nawrocky
Immersed, Vol 5, No 2, page 62
Used here with permission