Exploring the Philippines

For the last 2 weeks and for about 3 more I will be exploring the Philippines as part of an assignment for Lonely Planet to update the Diving and Snorkeling Gudie to the Philippines.
For week we went to the Sulu Sea aboard the Expedition Fleet's Stella Maris. We enjoyed glassy seas. This is a World Heritage reserve and is producing
beautiful seasonal days and exciting dives.

We also visited Donsol, which is known for its whale sharks. But we also dived Manta Bowl and enjoyed the Donsol fiesta.


We're now exploring the reefs of Anilao at Outrigger and then we move on to Malapascua.

The Philippines has lot of variety. We're trying to sample it all for the upcoming updated dive guide due out January 1, 2010.

Keep posted for more PI exploits.

Best,

Tim of the Deep

BONAIRE, A Caribbean Marine Park Now Avaliable!!

OK, now both of the Caribbean books are done. Here's Bonaire. It's a wonderful place where the reefs surrounding the ENTIRE island are a marine park.

Bonaire Bounty

Caribbean Marine Park

By TIM ROCK

Book Preview

If you've been there, you know its for people who are dive crazy. You see people dive at 3 a.m. An amazing place.

Best,

Tim of the Deep

Now Available: Grand Cayman

OK, As promised, here's a look at Grand Cayman.

Grand Cayman

Coral, Critters and...

By TIM ROCK

Book Preview

The next book in the works is Bonaire, the diver's island.

Best,

Timbo

Photoshelter Up and Pumping

Over the past couple of months I have been trying to get images into my new Photoshelter site and have about 6,000 now up and in Galleries:

http://pa.photoshelter.com/c/timrock


This is a great site as it caters to pro photo buyers but also anyone who might want to purchase a small print, mug, etc.

Have a look and pass the word if you like what you see.

Also, I am just finishing up two new BLURB.com books. One is Grand Cayman Island.

The other is BONAIRE.

These beautiful Caribbean destinations will run 160 and 200 pages. Should be available in a couple of days.

Best,

Timbo

Shark Allies

A Hawaii-based save our sharks organization has gotten its website up and running:

http://www.sharkallies.com

Hawaii Shark Encounters and Stefanie Brendl is the main driving force behind this organization. She has a real passion for what she does and education is the main ingredient in getting their message across.

Please support them as best you can. The sharks of the world need all the help they can get.

Tim

THINKTANK is still doing this!!!

The HOT DEAL Continues for Camera Buffs:


We sell Aquatica, Ikelite and Think Tank photo equipment. All of this gear is great. I use Ikelite strobes and cords with Aquatica housings, arms and ports. I haul it all around (as well as my MAC Powerbook) with Think Tank products. This is gear designed by professional photographers for photographers. Photographers own the company and use their own gear. Its nothing but the best. Its strong, lightweight and really protects the camera and computer gear.
Think Tank has offered us a deal. They will give one of their quality free bags for every purchase over $49.50. So get something you need that's functional and get one of Think Tank's free products when you enter this code:
AP-207
Go to this link:
Double Blue Think Tank Deal
Shop with our code and get the free deal.
Enter: AP-207.
Happy Shopping.

Timbo

Just back from Yap

Yap's Outer Is...

A Diving Guide to M...

By TIM ROCK

Book Preview

I am just back from some amazing manta dives in Yap. Will post photos soon. Manta Ray Hotel was looking good and Mnuw pub was great fun.

I showed the dive staff this new Outer Islands of Yap diving guide and got some input and proper spelling. This book is being done for the Yap Visitor's Bureau.
Also, we had some manta visits in Miil Channel. There were 3-5 rays a day cleaning. The males were trying to get shiggy with the females as this is that time of year, but they didn't seem interested in anything but a nice cleaning. Sorry guys.
Here are a couple of shots.






Also, there was one NEW Manta! I am lobbying for it to be named Rocky!
And the Manta Ray Taro Leaf spa is now open and its a wonderful spot. There are three massage tables and masseuses so there is never any waiting.
Yap is great.