Bonaire bound for the 1st time next Feb. So what is the definitive book(s) we should buy for getting familiar with and identifying all the underwater life?

Get the Reef Set from Paul Humann and Ned DeLoach. If you can't get the entire set, you could start with the Reef Fish Identification book and/or the Reef Creature Identification (Florida Caribbean Bahamas) books from this set. I own the set and can say that these books have been invaluable in helping identify all the creatures I have seen in Bonaire. http://www.amazon.com/Reef-Set-Creature-Coral-Volumes/dp/1878348337/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-8058831-4315817?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1191711081&sr=8-1

The Reef Fish Behaviour book is a good supplement to your reading as well. http://www.amazon.com/Reef-Fish-Behavior-Florida-Caribbean/dp/1878348280/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b/103-8058831-4315817

Philip, welcome to Bonairetalk.
Natalie nailed it.

Thanks Natalie. We have birthday and xmas presents coming along and this is perfect.

Steve - thanks for the welcome. I've been hanging around here for a bit reading all the wonder stuff and suffering from PBA.

Philip,
I would avoid the box set as pictured. I can't tell if that is the latest edition.

I have the second edition of fish and creatures (is there a second edition on the coral anyone?)

good reading, well organized books.

mare
the critter nerd

Philip,
I'll be in Bonaire in Feb. too. There is a list of Feb. travelers at http://www.oldbonairetalk.com/newsgroup/messages/27/326116.html?1191367165.
Try to make to Gibi's on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM for dinner with other BTers.

Mare thanks for the tip. Great pic of u btw.

Steve - we will ensconce at Sorobon BR Feb 9 - Mar 1. First trip, so will snorkel the reef. I expect we will get the full fledged Bonaire disease and end up diving in a year or so - and forever thereafter - it's getting so much easier to travel there now especially with Delta adding an Atlanta run.

I just looked and I have the 3rd edition of Reef Fish, copyright 2002. It has a different binding than some of the older editions in that the older are spiral bound and the newer edition is bound like a regular book.

thanks for chiming in Jim,
mare

Does anyone know if the books are available on cd? It would be nice to store them on the laptop that I carry on trips.

Hi, Philip! I found this DVD in case this might fit your bill. I learned so much from Paul Humann's book(s) and the DVD, as well.

I also have a plastic card (about 10" x 5") that you can take into the water with a few of the fish ID's on it. These can be picked up at most of the stores and dive shops....very basic, but nice to have with you.

Hope this help! You will LOVE Bonaire!!! CArole

http://www.fishid.com/cgi-bin/shop.cgi?action=show&product=RNET_DVD&session=YZGdGsie

Thanks for the tip Carole. And all!

The underwater card sounds vy cool.

C.B.,
Thanks from me too. I have always wanted the Humann books on DVD, but thought they wouldn't do it because piracy issues. Yipee! This will reduce my airline baggage weight too!

(Message edited by steve3453 on October 7, 2007)

The software is also available on island in CD or DVD format at Bonaire Dive and Adventure, Chat n' Browse, Divi Flamingo and Photo Tours downtown.

Thanks, Susan

I didn't see a CD version of the software online. My old travel laptop could run that.

I am a big fan of your wonderful book!

Kiwi, check this out...

http://reefnet.ca/products/

I have the rattle, and the subsee...the subsee is amazing to look at coral with...

(Message edited by cyndelee on October 8, 2007)