Dive into a world of wonder and adventure with our curated list of popular books about scuba diving and the ocean. Whether you’re a seasoned diver or simply fascinated by the mysteries beneath the waves, these captivating marine books are sure to transport you to the underwater world. Explore tales of daring underwater explorations, encounter enchanting marine life through vivid descriptions, and gain a deeper understanding of the fragile yet awe-inspiring ecosystems that make up our oceans.
Keep scrolling to discover our selection of the best scuba diving books. We’ve included books about scuba diving in general, the ocean, and underwater world exploration.
Scuba Diving Best Sellers
Every year, PADI refreshes its list of the best gifts for scuba divers – but several of these best-sellers remain ever-present. These popular books for scuba divers are also a great starting point for newcomers to the hobby or certified divers wanting a first book in the dive section of their home library.
1. 50 Places to Dive Before You Die
This is one of the most renowned scuba diving books available. Through the pages of this beautifully presented destination guide, you’ll travel to 50 destinations chosen by some of the world’s top diving experts. Explore the Cayman Islands and Raja Ampat from the comfort of your sofa, while also taking in the “If You Go” suggestions for when it’s your turn.
3. Dive Atlas of the World: An Illustrated Reference to the Best Sites
From wrecks to walls and caves to blue holes, this 300-page global guide is an easy way to immerse yourself in diving without having to touch the water. It is also written by experienced dive authors, meaning almost everything you read inside comes from first-hand experience.
4. 100 Dives of a Lifetime
Explore the best 100 dives on Earth. Written by Carrie Miller this edition is packed with over 350 photographs from National Geographic. If you are planning your next dive trips, this title provides you with not only a bucket list but a blueprint for exploring our ocean planet. Even the most seasoned divers will find it tough to work their way through each of the dive sites listed here!
5. A Diver’s Guide to the World
No library of scuba diving books would be complete without a world guide – and this is one of the best. National Geographic’s dive travel experts Carrie Miller and Chris Taylor spent more than 250 hours underwater in 50 destinations around the world while researching this comprehensive guide. From Komodo and the Caribbean to North Carolina, Japan, France, and so many more inspiring (and often unexpected) locations, this edition leaves no stone unturned. Dive into the image-filled pages and start checking off destinations as you dive your way around the world.
The Best Books for Long Flights
Traveling to a faraway dive destination and have hours to kill? These novels about the ocean will have you lost in their pages before you know it. Don’t be surprised if you’re touching down sooner than you want to be with one of these page-turners in your hands.
6. The Soul of an Octopus
Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover or Paperback
Learn about the remarkable superpowers of this often misunderstood cephalopod. The book is packed with fun facts and heartfelt stories and also comes in a special audio/visual edition for the Amazon Kindle.
7. Deep: Freediving, Renegade Science, and What the Ocean Tells Us About Ourselves
Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover or Paperback
On the surface this book seems like an introduction to the sport of freediving. While that is certainly true, what you’ll actually discover is something much more. This gripping read explores marine mammal superpowers and the limits of what may truly be accessible to us as humans. This is one of the best books on freediving for both experienced freedivers and everyday readers looking for an interesting page-turner.
8. Shadow Divers
Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover or Paperback
Jump into an engrossing true story about two divers who risk everything to solve a historical mystery. Join them as they brave strong currents, drop to fear-inducing depths, and figure out what caused a World War II German U-boat to be sitting sixty miles off New Jersey’s coastline.
9. The Silent World: The International Bestseller by the Father of Underwater Exploration (National Geographic Adventure Classics)
You can’t read about the underwater world for too long without coming across the name Jacques Yves Cousteau. Not only did he introduce millions to the wonders of the ocean, he was also one of the pioneers of the original scuba gear. Discover his early chronicled adventures in this international bestseller.
10. Scubapsyche: Dive Beneath the Surface
This collection of essays, authored by clinical psychologist, scuba diving instructor, and writer, Laura Walton explores the intersection and overlap between scuba diving and psychology. This in-depth look at how diving challenges the mind, body, and senses is a gripping read that inspires self-reflection and analysis of our own thoughts, feelings, and the sensations we experience as divers dealing with various situations underwater.
Regardless of where you are in your scuba diving journey, Scubapsyche provides a unique perspective to help divers develop their understanding and appreciation of the relationship between diving and the human mind.
Children’s Books About the Ocean
A book about the ocean or marine life is a great way to inspire kids to care about the underwater world and spark curiosity for exploration. Try any, or all, of these fun and educational books.
11. If Fish Could Talk
Honestly, what more do you need than the book’s title? The very idea of fish being able to talk would have us there and ready to listen to everything they had to say.
13. Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact
While space and the sea couldn’t be much further apart, this book teaches kids that they have a lot more in common than you might have guessed. The included STEM topics also make this a great choice for teaching kids at the same time as you’re entertaining them.
14. Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
Kindle, Hardcover or Paperback
Inspire kids (and adults) with the true story of how Eugenie Clark earned the nickname “Shark Lady” and helped teach the world to love these misunderstood creatures, rather than fear them.
15. Pete the Cat: Scuba-Cat
Kindle, Audiobook or Paperback
Young kids (ages 2-6 years) will love to see Pete the Cat’s world change as he adventures under the sea as ‘Scuba-Cat’. This 32-page ‘My First I Can Read’ book is wonderfully illustrated and perfect for even the youngest of aspiring scuba divers!
Deep Dives into Ocean Exploration
These books are some of the best ocean exploration books on the market, but they definitely should not be classed as “light reads.” If you’re looking to dive deeper into topics that may interest ocean lovers, such as cephalopods, maritime history or whales, we highly recommend the books below.
16. Other Minds: The Octopus, the Sea, and the Deep Origins of Consciousness
Kindle, Hardcover or Paperback
Author, philosopher and scuba diver Peter Godfrey-Smith, explores a unique octopus community in Australia and shares some deep thoughts about the nature of consciousness as well as fascinating insights about cuttlefish, squid, octopuses and the ancient nautilus.
17. Mystery of the Last Olympian: Titanic’s Tragic Sister Britannic
Everyone knows about the fate of the Titanic. But do you know what happened to her sister ship, the Britannic? This is your chance to find out.
18. Spying on Whales
Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover or Paperback
Discover everything you have ever wanted to know about the secret lives of these giant, intelligent creatures. From their evolution to their diet, this book contains plenty of whale-y interesting information.
19. The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean
Kindle, Audiobook, Hardcover or Paperback
As new modern day, cutting-edge technologies develop, scientists and explorers are able to dive miles beneath the surface. In this edition, author Susan Casey explores just how important the deep ocean is to the future of our planet. This is a must-read for ocean-lovers, conservationists, and anyone with a curiosity for the deep in these fast changing times.
Ready to Get in the Water?
Don’t be surprised if reading one of the best books for ocean lovers gives you the urge to don a wetsuit and get some first-hand experience for yourself. Whether it’s diving historic wrecks, learning how to freedive or observing marine animal behavior, simply get in touch with your local PADI Dive Shop and get your underwater story started.
What are some of your favorite books about marine life, the underwater world or scuba diving stories? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook.
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