Book Review: The Shark Watcher’s Manual
The Shark Watcher’s Manual: A Guide to Species and Where to Find Them by Austin Gallagher
Love diving with sharks? Then this is a book you cannot ignore!
This book is a good read, written by someone who is an expert in the field and clearly has a deep love for sharks. It has sections on shark biology, ecology, photography, conservation and diving with sharks. Then is has details on how to identify many species of sharks that divers encounter, with illustrations, that includes distribution information and hotspots on where to see them. It has suggestions on how to stay safe while in the water with sharks, and it is refreshing to see that a section on how to keep the sharks safe is included too.
The final section of the book is perhaps the most useful for those who want a guide on where to choose their next shark diving trip. There is lots of great information in the location directory: what species are found in what locations, what the diving is like and the best time of year to see particular sharks. All collated by continent. It is easy to navigate and will surely inspire you to book that next shark diving trip.
The book is filled with inspirational images from shark dives around the world. It even has some good tips on how you can get better shots of the sharks you are diving with.
I particularly liked the Case Study pages. There are filled with the authors personal experiences. Including one from Cat Island, where I have just returned from. Here, in the case studies, the Shark Watcher’s Manual offers a real insight into particular aspects of shark diving, where you can get a feel for what it is really like to be in the water with these magnificent animals.
For anyone that loves to see sharks on a dive, The Shark Watcher’s Manual is an excellent resource. I will certainly be dipping in and out of it. To check if any of my upcoming travels will offer me an opportunity to get into the water with these magnificent animals.
What the publisher says:
An ocean encounter with a shark is one of nature’s most awesome experiences. There is no better way to understand sharks than to get up close and personal with great whites, hammerheads, and tiger sharks. The Shark Watcher’s Manual provides a complete handbook for encountering and studying these magnificent creatures in the wild. It covers everything the shark enthusiast needs to know about diving, conservation, safety, and photography. Written by a world-renowned authority, this is the essential companion for newcomers to shark watching and seasoned divers, offering an authoritative, fact-filled guide to finding and identifying sharks of all kinds.
- Gives readers a foundation in the natural history of sharks while debunking common myths
- Shares invaluable tips from an experienced shark diver and photographer
- Provides an essential illustrated guide to identifying and encountering 24 of the most sought-after species
- Features a detailed directory of more than 170 of the world’s very best shark watching sites, with information on species hot spots, times to travel, and regional conservation efforts
- Includes a wealth of photos, infographics, and maps
- A must for divers, ecotourists, and armchair travelers
About the Author:
Austin Gallagher is an award-winning marine biologist, explorer, and social entrepreneur. Internationally renowned for his research on sharks, he is founder and CEO of Beneath the Waves, a nonprofit organisation focusing on ocean conservation, and a producer and host for programs such as Shark Week on Discovery Channel.
Book Details:
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Price: £28.00
ISBN: 9780691273204
Published: May 19, 2026
