This week sees the official launch of a fabulous new book: Ultimate Dive Sites. I was privileged to work with author Todd Thimios as editor of this book, which details 50 amazing dive sites around the world.
From the Arctic Circle to the South Pacific, the Hebrides to the Rock Islands, Milford Sound to Magdalena Bay… you’ll find a lot of travel inspiration – I’ve already extended my dive travel bucket list flicking through it!
Todd has had an extraordinary diving career. An accomplished underwater photographer (many of the photos in this book are his), he has dived and sailed around the world, completed over 3500 dives and holds a degree in marine science.
Growing up in Queensland, Australia, the son of a keen fisherman, Todd spent most of his childhood exploring the Great Barrier Reef. At 16 he became a Dive Master and by 20 he was an Instructor. Throughout his twenties, Todd was a dive guide on Lord Howe Island, before flying to the French Riviera to work in the exclusive world of private super yachts, soon becoming one of the most sought-after dive guides for billionaires and celebrities.
With his knowledge of diving, Todd helped to niche out a job previously (and still now) unheard of, a ‘Dive Scout’. Flown ahead of guests to new destinations, weeks in advance, Todd would find, film and curate ultimate dive itineraries before guiding guests underwater, including diving with orcas in the frigid waters of the Arctic and exploring virgin reefs in the remote South Pacific. Adding to his diving skillset, Todd has also trained as a submersible pilot, allowing him to dive to depths of 1000 metres (3000 feet) with clients in their private submersibles.
As editor, I was able to bring my knowledge of dive travel to the book, working with Todd to ensure readers would have – not just a beautiful book – but a useful and accurate travel guide. Each chapter includes a detailed description of the experience, plus information on where it is, how to get there, what gear you’ll need, what qualifications would benefit you and there’s even a few photography tips from Todd.
