The Antarctic Dive Guide is the first and only dive guide to the seventh continent, until recently the exclusive realm of scientific and military divers. Today, however, the icy waters of Antarctica have become the extreme destination for recreational divers wishing to explore beyond the conventional and observe the strange marine life that abounds below the surface. This book is packed with information about the history of diving in Antarctica and its wildlife, and features stunning underwater photography. The Antarctic Dive Guide covers 31 key dive sites on the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia and includes maps and detailed guidance on how best to explore each site. Essential information is also provided on how to choose and prepare for travel to this remote region, and diving techniques for subzero waters. This book is an indispensable resource for anyone considering diving in Antarctica, and an exciting read for anyone interested in this little-explored underwater world. This fully revised and updated third edition: * Covers 4 new dive sites* Features revised and updated information for the other 27 sites covered* Includes new sections on the Sea Leopard Project and natural product chemistry from Antarctic marine organisms

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements 5 A brief history of diving in Antarctica 6 The continent of Antarctica 9 Diving in Antarctica Planning your visit 12 The practicalities 17 What to expect 23 Leopard Seals - a scientific perspective 26 - a diver's perspective 32 The Sea Leopard Project 34 Underwater photography and videography in Antarctica 35 Other ways to capture the underwater realm of Antarctica 42 Common benthic life of the Antarctic Peninsula & South Georgia 44 Echinoderms (including sea stars, sea cucumbers, brittle stars and sea urchins) 44 Gastropods (including limpets and nudibranchs) 45 Ascidians (including tunicates and salps) 46 Worms 47 Fishes (including notothenids) 47 Cnidarians (including anemones, hydroids, jellyfish and soft corals) 50 Sponges 51 Algae 51 Sea spiders 52 Natural product chemistry from Antarctic marine organisms 53 THE DIVE SITES (see below for full list) 58 Guidance for visitors to the Antarctic 124 Marine Wildlife Watching Guidelines 126 Glossary 134 Photo credits 141 Suggested further reading 143 About the author 143 About the other contributors 144 THE DIVE SITES 58 How to use this guide 58 Key to icons used in the guide 58 DIVE SITES OF THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA 59 1Elephant Island, Point Wild 60 2Tay Head 62 3Paulet Island 64 4Bald Head, Crystal Hill 66 5Cape Well-met 68 6Cecilia Island and Barrientos Island (Aitcho Islands) 70 Deception Island 72 7Sewing Machine Needles (Deception Island) 73 8Neptune's Bellows (Deception Island) 74 9Whaler's Bay (Deception Island) 75 10Mikkelsen Harbor 76 11Hydruga Rocks 78 12Enterprise Islands - Governoren Wreck 80 13Orne Harbor 82 14Cuverville Island 84 15Neko Harbor 86 16Paradise Harbor - 'The Shag Wall' 88 17Port Lockroy (British Base A) 90 18Janus Island, Arthur Harbor - Bahia Pariso 92 19Booth Island 96 20Pleneau Island 98 21Petermann Island 100 22Prospect Point (British Base J) - Perch Island 102 23Detaille Island (British Base W) 104 24Stonington Island (British Base E) 106 DIVE SITES OF SOUTH GEORGIA 109 25Cooper Bay 112 26Godthul 114 27Grytviken, Cumberland East Bay 116 28Hercules Bay 118 29Prion Island 120 30Albatross Island 120 31Elsehul 122