Best Caving & Spelunking Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Caving and spelunking enthusiasts will find great pleasure in exploring the depths of the earth with the help of informative and engaging books. These books provide a comprehensive guide to the world of caves and tunnels, offering insights into the geological formations, unique flora and fauna, and the history of these natural wonders. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced caver, there are books available that cater to all levels and interests. From instructional guides to thrilling adventure stories, these books are a must-have for anyone who is passionate about exploring the underground world.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

100 Slopes of a Lifetime Cover #TOP 1
100 Slopes of a Lifetime
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Surviving the Wild: Essential Bushcraft and First Aid Skills Cover #TOP 2
Surviving the Wild: Essential Bushcraft and First Aid Skills
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Reef Smart Guides Bonaire: Scuba Dive. Snorkel. Surf Cover #TOP 3
Reef Smart Guides Bonaire: Scuba Dive. Snorkel. Surf
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Caving & Spelunking Books

100 Slopes of a Lifetime

Megroz, Gordy
Nov 23, 2021
100 Slopes of a Lifetime Cover
100 Slopes of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Ski and Snowboard Destinations

100 Slopes of a Lifetime is the ultimate guide for skiers and snowboarders looking for their next adrenaline-fueled adventure. With 100 experiences for all levels, from beginner to expert, readers will discover the world's most breathtaking and challenging slopes. The book includes stunning National Geographic photography, expert advice, and insider travel tips, making it a must-have for any winter sports enthusiast. Gordy Megroz, a correspondent and former editor for Outside magazine, has done an excellent job compiling a comprehensive and innovative guide that showcases the world's best ski and snowboarding destinations. This book is a must-read for anyone looking to explore the greatest snow-play adventures the world has to offer.

#TOP 2

Surviving the Wild: Essential Bushcraft and First Aid Skills

Enyart, Joshua
Mango
Jul 13, 2021
Surviving the Wild: Essential Bushcraft and First Aid Skills Cover
Surviving the Wild: Essential Bushcraft and First Aid Skills for Surviving the Great Outdoors (Wilderness Survival)

If you're looking for a comprehensive guide to surviving in the wild, look no further than Surviving the Wild by Joshua Enyart. Enyart, a former Army Ranger and Green Beret, provides readers with essential skills and a step-by-step wilderness survival strategy. The book covers everything from navigation and tools to first aid and edible plant identification. Enyart's logical, systems-based approach to survival and preparedness makes this book stand out from other survival guides. Overall, Surviving the Wild is a must-read for anyone who wants to be prepared for any outdoor adventure or emergency situation.

Reef Smart Guides Bonaire: Scuba Dive. Snorkel. Surf

McDougall, Peter
Popple, Ian
Wagner, Otto
Reef Smart Guides
Dec 15, 2018
Reef Smart Guides Bonaire: Scuba Dive. Snorkel. Surf Cover
Reef Smart Guides Bonaire: Scuba Dive. Snorkel. Surf. (Best Netherlands' Bonaire Diving Spots, Scuba Diving Travel Guide)

The Reef Smart Guides Bonaire is a comprehensive scuba diving, snorkeling, and surfing travel guide for Bonaire. It includes detailed descriptions and 3D-mapping technology of the region's top dive and snorkel sites, species guide, and information on accessing the best locations for marine activities. The book is an indispensable resource for divers, snorkelers, kitesurfers, and windsurfers planning to visit Bonaire island, the shore diving capital of the Caribbean. Overall, the book is an excellent addition to any diving collection and a must-have for anyone seeking to make the most of their time in the water in Bonaire.

#TOP 4

How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It

James Wesley Rawles
Plume
Sep 30, 2009
How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It Cover
How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It: Tactics, Techniques, and Technologies for Uncertain Times

The ultimate guide for disaster preparation, "How to Survive the End of the World as We Know It" is a must-read for anyone concerned about the uncertain times we live in. James Rawles, founder of SurvivalBlog.com, provides essential tactics and techniques for surviving completely on your own, from how to filter rainwater to which seeds to buy for your garden. Rawles even offers a chapter on disaster-proof financial security. This book is the preppers' bible, and a valuable resource for anyone looking to protect themselves and their loved ones in the event of a disaster.

Skateboard Tricks: Step By Step Instructions & Videos To Help You Land Your Next Trick!

Boyd, Jack
Feb 25, 2021
Skateboard Tricks: Step By Step Instructions & Videos To Help You Land Your Next Trick! Cover
Skateboard Tricks: Step By Step Instructions & Videos To Help You Land Your Next Trick!

If you're a kid between the ages of 8-12 and love skateboarding or want to learn some new tricks, then the book "Skateboard Tricks: Step By Step Instructions & Videos To Help You Land Your Next Trick!" is perfect for you. This book offers a comprehensive guide to learn dozens of incredible skateboard tricks with easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions and explanatory shots. You will learn basic and advanced skateboarding tricks, awesome flip tricks, grab tricks, air tricks, slide tricks, and ramp tricks. The book also includes guidelines on skateboard safety. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for kids who want to impress their friends with their new skateboarding skills.

Dive Atlas of the World

Jack Jackson
IMM Lifestyle Books
Sep 27, 2016
Dive Atlas of the World Cover
Dive Atlas of the World: An Illustrated Reference to the Best Sites (IMM Lifestyle Books) A Global Tour of Wrecks, Walls, Caves, and Blue Holes from Lawson Reef to the Red Sea to the Great Barrier

The "Dive Atlas of the World" is a comprehensive guide to the world's top dive sites. It offers an inspirational tour of 300 pages, fully updated, and based on first-hand experience, making it an essential reference for divers who want to experience the best diving locations on the planet. This book features superb quality underwater photography that showcases famous wrecks, a wide range of marine habitats, and a huge diversity of species. The appendix offers lists of travel and dive information, climate, best time to go, contacts, dive operators, and emergency facilities. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for divers of all levels and interests.

#TOP 7

Will to Wild: Adventures Great and Small to Change Your Life

Stanger, Shelby
Jun 6, 2023
Will to Wild: Adventures Great and Small to Change Your Life Cover
Will to Wild: Adventures Great and Small to Change Your Life

Will to Wild by Shelby Stanger is a guidebook that encourages readers to embrace adventures, big or small, and pursue their wild ideas. The author, an experienced adventurer, shares her insights and inspiration gleaned from years of covering adventurers. The book includes practical tips and tactics from world-famous rock climbers, ultra-runners, and even a suburban mom who started teaching women to scale frozen waterfalls in her mid-fifties. With a mix of personal stories and practical advice, Will to Wild is an excellent motivational read for those looking to break out of their comfort zones and bring their own wild ideas to life.

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles

Liu, Charles
Menasha Ridge Press
Mar 19, 2018
60 Hikes Within 60 Miles Cover
60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Phoenix: Including Scottsdale, Glendale, and Mesa

60 Hikes Within 60 Miles: Phoenix: Including Scottsdale, Glendale, and Mesa is the ultimate guide for hiking enthusiasts who want to explore the breathtaking beauty of Phoenix. Written by Charles Liu, a hiking expert and Arizona writer, the book features the top 60 hikes within a 60-mile radius of the city. Each hike comes with detailed descriptions, GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles, making it easy for hikers to navigate and explore the trails. The book is perfect for both locals and visitors who want to experience nature and explore the city's wilderness preserves.

#TOP 9

In Search of Captain Zero

Allan Weisbecker
TarcherPerigee
Sep 16, 2002
In Search of Captain Zero Cover
In Search of Captain Zero: A Surfer's Road Trip Beyond the End of the Road

In Search of Captain Zero: A Surfer's Road Trip Beyond the End of the Road is a memoir by Allan Weisbecker that follows his journey to find his disappeared friend, Patrick, in Central America. Along the way, Weisbecker encounters various challenges, including bandits and lost waves. The book is a Booksense 76 Top Ten selection for September/October and has been praised by Outside magazine as "A subtly affecting tale of friendship and duty." Weisbecker's writing style is engaging, and his experiences provide a unique perspective on the surfing culture and the search for meaning. Overall, In Search of Captain Zero is a compelling read for both surfers and non-surfers alike.

Roaming: Roark's Adventure Atlas

Flemister, Beau
Burkard, Chris
GORDON, DYLAN
Johnson, Jeff
Smith, Drew
Mar 29, 2022
Roaming: Roark's Adventure Atlas Cover
Roaming: Roark's Adventure Atlas: Surfing, skating, riding, and climbing around the world

Roaming: Roark's Adventure Atlas is a must-read book for anyone who loves exploring new destinations and seeking adventure. This unconventional guidebook features stunning images, itineraries, and testimonies collected by expert guides who have traveled to 16 global destinations. From surfing in Iceland to rock climbing in Argentina, this book takes you on a journey to the road less traveled. The book is beautifully captured by world-renowned photographers Chris Burkard, Dylan Gordon, Jeff Johnson, Drew Smith, and Chris McPherson. Overall, this book is a modern bible for adventure enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is there a difference between caving and spelunking?

In general, the primary difference between the two is the person's motive behind exploring the cave. If they are simply going into a cave for enjoyment and an adrenaline rush, then it is referred to as spelunking. On the other hand, exploring caves from a conservation or biological standpoint is called caving.

2. How do I get started in caving?

The most common, and generally accepted standard process to start caving is to begin by finding a grotto (caving club) near where you live, contact an officer of that grotto or attend a meeting, and express an interest in going on a “beginner” caving trip.

3. Is spelunking hard?

Spelunking (also known as caving) is the recreational exploration of caves. The difficulty level and danger, not unlike hiking or rock climbing, varies widely. On one end of the spectrum, there are certainly family-friendly caves that can be walked through leisurely, or even on a guided tour, using a paved path.

4. What are cavers called?

A spelunker is an explorer of caves. If you hope to one day be a spelunker, you probably have a love of dark, damp spaces and headlamps.

Editor's Notes

During our caving & spelunking book research, we found 1,132 caving & spelunking book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,981 customer reviews through our big data system to write the caving & spelunking books list. We found that most customers choose caving & spelunking books with an average price of $22.59.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.