Best Swimming Books of 2025

100 Dives of a Lifetime: The World's Ultimate Underwater Destinations is a must-have for anyone who loves scuba diving or has a passion for travel. With stunning National Geographic photography and expert tips, this book takes readers on a journey to 100 of the most breathtaking scuba diving sites around the world. The book is organized by diving experience and certification level, making it easy for readers to find the perfect destination for their skill level. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, this book is filled with beautiful imagery, marine life guides, and trusted travel tips. Overall, it's an exquisite inspirational book that will leave readers eager to plan their next diving adventure.

Winter Swimming: The Nordic Way Towards a Healthier and Happier Life is a beautifully illustrated book that explores the benefits of cold-water swimming in Scandinavia and around the world. Dr. Susanna Søberg, a Danish scientist, explains the "cold-shock response" and how our body adapts to very cold temperatures, leading to positive effects on our physical and mental health. The book highlights the activation of "brown fat" and its benefits for multiple health conditions. Overall, this book provides a thorough account of the benefits of winter swimming and is a must-read for those interested in exploring this popular pastime.

"Why We Swim" by Bonnie Tsui is an immersive and beautifully written exploration of our relationship with water. From Olympic champions to a Baghdad swim club, Tsui shares captivating stories of those who are drawn to the water. As a swimmer herself, she investigates what it is about water that seduces us and why we keep coming back to it. This book is an unforgettable and eye-opening perspective on swimming and human behavior. It's a must-read for anyone who loves the water or is curious about why we are so drawn to it.

The Wild Cure is a captivating true story of Dean Hall's journey to become the first person in history to swim the entirety of Oregon's longest river, the Willamette, despite battling leukemia and lymphoma. His dream was deemed impossible by many, but he persisted, and it ultimately became the very thing that had the power to save him. The book is part memoir and part oral history, told through braided interviews with his family and friends who were closely involved during his journey. It raises the important question of what it means to truly be alive. The Wild Cure is an inspiring and unique read, perfect for travelers and explorers who seek inspiration and motivation.

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.

Total Immersion is a comprehensive guide for anyone who wants to improve their swimming skills. Terry Laughlin, with over 30 years of experience, provides a mindful approach to swimming that focuses on fluid movement instead of athletic ability. The book includes skill drills, a holistic approach to becoming one with the water, and guidance on how to improve fitness and form. It also features a land-and-water program for achieving a strong and supple body. Laughlin's methods have been successful for swimmers of all abilities, from novice to elite. Overall, Total Immersion is an excellent resource for those looking to enhance their swimming technique.

Moon Michigan is a comprehensive guidebook for travelers who want to experience the best of the Great Lakes State. From charming small towns to vibrant cities and untouched wilderness, this book offers flexible itineraries for all kinds of travelers. The author, Paul Vachon, provides expert advice on when to go, how to get around, and where to stay. With full-color photos and detailed maps throughout, Moon Michigan is an excellent resource for anyone planning a trip to Michigan.

The Golden Rules by Bob Bowman is a motivational book that presents ten key concepts for achieving world-class excellence in life and work. Bowman, who coached Michael Phelps, shares his wisdom and experience in nurturing talent, setting goals, taking risks, and visualizing success. He emphasizes the importance of dedication and simplicity in achieving one's goals. The book is illuminated by spirited anecdotes that inspire readers to get motivated and achieve their dreams. Overall, The Golden Rules is a must-read for anyone seeking to excel in any pursuit and is a unique guide to achieving world-class excellence.

If you're a busy homeowner looking for a comprehensive guide to pool maintenance, "Pool Maintenance for Beginners" is a must-have. This book offers practical, step-by-step processes that save time and make pool maintenance effortless. From chemical balancing to solutions for common pool problems, this book has it all. Plus, the three bonus tools offered in the book make pool maintenance even easier. Whether you're a first-time pool owner or a seasoned pro, this guide is an invaluable resource for keeping your pool crystal clear year-round.

The Ultimate Dive Log Book is the perfect tool for Scuba divers of all levels to record their important and necessary dive information. Created by actual Scuba divers, this log book includes spaces for date, location, conditions, equipment, dive data, dive verification, and more. It even provides spots to record important water conditions that are often overlooked in other log books. With a compact size of 6" x 9" and luxurious matte-finish cover, this log book is perfect for travel and makes an excellent gift. Overall, this is a must-have for any Scuba diver looking to keep track of their diving experiences.