Beneath the Blue Planet: A Diver’s Guide to the Ocean and Its Conservation

Take a Deep Dive into the Secrets of Our Blue Planet

"The author is one of the most experienced in the world. A fascinating and engaging toom. Well worth the read. A valued forever reference." —Amazon review

#1 New Release in Scuba Travel Guides

Venture into the thrilling realm of underwater exploration with Beneath the Blue Planet by the founders of the popular Reef Smart Guides series for snorkelers and scuba divers. A perfect travel gift for nature lovers and a rich source of shark facts, this book unearths the secrets of the ocean, from coral reefs to the world of deep diving.

Dive into the ocean's untold stories. Discover the captivating universe that exists beneath the waves. From the diverse inhabitants of the coral reefs to the deepest, most mysterious corners of the ocean, Beneath the Blue Planet unveils everything you've ever wanted to know about our underwater world.

Experience the thrill of ocean exploration. This immersive guide provides fascinating shark facts, explores the incredibly beautiful world of coral reefs, and encourages sustainable tourism for divers. Designed for anyone who loves the ocean, this book is a treasure trove of knowledge, making it an excellent travel gift for adventure seekers.

Immerse yourself in Beneath the Blue Planet and:

• Unearth the hidden world of ocean reefs, and understand their essential role in marine ecosystems
• Gain invaluable insights into snorkeling and deep diving, enhancing your ocean exploration adventures
• Explore intriguing shark facts, providing a closer look at these fascinating marine creatures
• Discover practical ways to contribute to ocean conservation, turning your love for the seas into meaningful action

If you've read Oceanology, National Geographic A Diver's Guide to the World, or100 Dives of a Lifetime, and are a fan of the Reef Smart Guides dive and snorkel travel series, you’ll love Beneath the Blue Planet.

Dr. Alex Brylske is a self-described “story-teller for the ocean.” Over his 40-year career he has written hundreds of articles, curricula and books that have influenced education in both the scuba industry and the marine conservation community. During the 1980s, Alex was the educational program development manager for PADI, where he designed and wrote many of the programs and materials used around the world today to train divers of all levels. During his tenure as Professor of Marine Science and Technology at the College of the Florida Keys he conceived and taught numerous field-based courses on coral reef ecology, conservation, management, restoration, and assessment while serving as the institution’s Diving Safety Officer. Alex’s numerous honors include NOAA’s Walter B. Jones Memorial Excellence Award for Ocean and Coastal Resource Management and the 2012 DAN Rolex Diver of the Year, one of the most prestigious awards in diving.

Peter McDougall was born and raised in Canada where he received his undergraduate and Master’s degrees from McGill University. His focus on behavioral ecology and coral reef ecology led him to two field seasons at Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados. In 2003, Peter moved to the United States and began a career in science communication and writing, publishing in both peer-reviewed academic journals and the popular press. He has written on a variety of coastal ecosystem issues, including extensive work surrounding the science of ocean acidification. He is a PADI Rescue Diver with over 300 dives in 19 years of experience. Peter resides in Osprey, Florida. 

Ian Popple was born and raised in the United Kingdom where he earned his undergraduate degree in oceanography from the University of Plymouth. He worked for five years at Bellairs Research Institute in Barbados, supporting research projects across the region, before completing his Master’s in marine biology at McGill University in 2004. He co-founded a marine biology education company, Beautiful Oceans, before founding Reef Smart in 2015 to raise awareness and encourage people to explore the underwater world. Ian has published in both the scientific and mainstream media, including National Geographic, Scuba Diver Magazine and the Globe and Mail. He is a PADI Dive Master with over 3,000 dives in 25 years of diving experience. Ian resides in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

Otto Wagner was born and raised in Romania where he graduated from the University of Art and Design in Cluj, Romania. He moved to Canada in 1999 where he studied Film Animation at Concordia University in Montreal. In 2006, Otto turned to underwater cartography and pioneered new techniques in 3D visual mapping. He co-founded Art to Media and began mapping underwater habitats around the world. Throughout his 25-year career, Otto has received numerous awards and international recognition for his work, including the Prize of Excellence in Design from the Salon International du Design de Montréal. He has also illustrated seven books. Otto is a PADI Advanced Diver with over 500 dives in 15 years of diving experience. Otto resides in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.