Customer Reviews

The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya

5 star:		(24)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is a goldmine of information for the traveler to the Riviera Maya. Cave divers, Cavern Divers, Open Water Divers, Snorklers and Swimmers alike will find this book indispensible.

While some of the best above and under water cave photography in the world is contained within this book, it is the detailed information that allows the adventurer to veer off the beaten path to some of the most beautiful locales in the Yucatan.

As a frequent traveler to the Riviera Maya, this book has led to many locations I would never have found on my own. The author does an excellent job of detailing the many hundreds of cenotes in the area, including location, access, site rating and description, along with a photograph of most all locations. I heartily recommend this book to anyone with an interest in the Riviera Maya.

For those who wish to dive in the cenotes located in the Yucatan, this book is an OUTSTANDING reference source. For those who wish to own a book that presents beautiful underwater cave photography, this book is a MUST PURCHASE. "The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya" is a complete guide to the area's beautiful dive sites. But even more than that, I found it to include a comprehensive discussion about the scientific history of the area; the skills and techniques necessary to be a good cave diver; important points about conservation of the fragile cave environment; and it even provided valuable information about how to pack for the trip to the Riviera Maya! Steve Gerrard is truely deserving of being credited as "an expert" in cave diving--with over 25 years devoted to this sport, he knows what he is talking about. And, he conveys the information in a manner that he has become known for--that of "Teacher". Steve loves to teach others about cave diving, and to see divers thrill over the cave diving experience. This book conveys the beauty and magic of the underwater cave environment. The underwater photography is a First Class WORK OF ART. Just as important, Steve--ever the Teacher--explains important points about safely diving within the overhead environment.

Five Stars Plus. As a certified cave diver of two years, I have found that Steve's book is the most concise, informative, and conclusive book I've read on cave diving. It not only discussed diving in the Riviera Maya, but provides a succinct overview of the preparation and equipment needed to dive in caves. Not only are the pictures highly professional, but they also capture the true to life experience of diving in the cenotes. As other reviewers have stated, I support the comments that this book allows other non-cave divers (as in my family) to get a feel for the underwater cave experience and help explain why we want to go there. James Yeary, Krum, TX

This astounding book rivals the quality of any National Geographic publication I have seen-with its detailed scientific and historical content about the region and the Mayan culture and its excellent land and underwater color photography. I am a diver and have visited the area several times, so I have a natural interest in Steve's book.. However, I am also an editor and pubisher, and I marvel at the production quality of this book. The layout and design is user friendly, and the use of accent colors and the color photograhs make it first rate. My husband and I each bought our own copies, and I purchased a second copy as a gift. You do not have to be a diver or snorkeler to appreciate Cenotes; anyone interested in ecology and preserving our fragile environment will find it fascinating. Congratulations Steve, for realizing your dream and thank you for sharing it with others.

The Cenotes of the Riviera Maya is a must read for all cave divers and other divers considering cavern and or cave courses. My husband and I are so astonished by it that we are forever showing everyone we know, even if they only look at the fantastic photos. Most of the people we know think we are crazy for cave diving and this book is our way of showing them the beauty that draws us to cave diving. I have had the pleasure of diving with Steve Gerrard and have also had the privilege of being photographed by him. I am so proud of those photos! Our first visit to the Yucatan was in 1999 and after receiving this book we couldn't help but book our flight to go back this year! It reminded us of all of the truly amazing sights we had seen and of the others we will surely venture upon. I believe the book covers all aspects including, history, conservation, site reviews, accident analysis, techniques, planning for your trip, and training agencies. Very well rounded. I believe that dive instructors should also use this book as one of their teaching tools. Steve Gerrard has created a masterpiece with this book. His knowledge and photography are a blessing to the diving community!

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 the realm of the cenote. 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 his book. His dedication to continuing cave diving education is demonstrated in the detailed accident analysis chapter.

This book is "must" reading for those planning to dive the caves of Mexico or simply dreaming of it. The spectacular photography combined with the in-depth description of each cenote is indispensable. Considerable effort has been made to describe the cenote environment, its fauna and physical features.

Since "You don't need to be a diver to enjoy the crystal clear cenotes" a good review of snorkeling is provided. It is, however, in its discussion of cavern and cave diving that the book excels, drawing on Steve Gerrard's considerable experience in cave diving instruction and exploration. Equipment configuration, techniques, and accident analysis are all discussed, even a chapter on planning and packing for your dive trip.

The reader is well rewarded by the years of careful preparation of this book. It scores five stars.

ESTEBAN,   CONGRATULATIONS ! .

Your book is really amazing, I think you should be really proud of it, you have put together a clasic, I think your book is and will be considered the best reference guide for the Yucatan area cenotes, the photos are great, and the information you hand out on it has no price, now when a person asks what do I see in the caves (at least in the ones over there), I just have to show them your book, no further questions will be asked. 

I bought this book expecting a guide to Yucatan dive sites. I got that, plus much more. The book contains articles describing the history and uniqueness of this exotic dive country. It also gave me an insight of the land owner relationship with the divers and the environmental concerns. Of course, you can't overlook the amount of beautiful photography depicting the stellar formations that are part of these dives, as well as photographs of the dive sites. Of course, maps on how to get to every dive site and detailed descriptions of each are included. Overall, this is the ultimate guide for sightseers, snorklers, cavern divers, and cave divers looking for a great dive vacation in the Yucatan peninsula!

While I admit that this is an EXCELLENT resource for cave diving in the Yucatan, and is definately worth 5 stars and the trouble of purchase, there is NO way I can be advocate for some internet jockey raping people for $291 for this book which I bought brand new for $35.00. These people need to either lay off the dope or learn to share.. because that is OUT OF THIS WORLD!!! If you really want to spend that kind of money, hire a guide or send it directly to steve, but dont buy it here for over $40 usd!
Shop before you buy.. this is not the only source!
(simple cave diver looking out for the like..)