The World of Blackwater by Mike Bartick: is it worth buying?
You’ve probably seen the “blackwater” clips that go viral: divers floating in pitch-black open water while translucent, alien-looking creatures drift past like they’re from another planet. The catch is that most of those videos are just pretty. If you actually want to understand what you’re looking at—what that glowing larva is, why the squid is there, or how the diel migration works—you need a reference that pairs the science with the photography. That’s the job The World of Blackwater was built to do.
The World of Blackwater by Mike Bartick is a $25 identification guide for the creatures you meet when you dive at night in open ocean. It’s not a generic marine biology textbook; it’s a field-ready companion that walks you through cephalopods, crustaceans, larval fish, and gelatinous species with 420+ photos. If you’re a diver who wants to stop guessing “what is that?” or a photographer trying to sharpen your blackwater technique, this is the kind of resource that earns its shelf space.
Quick answer
| Best for | Blackwater divers, underwater photographers, and marine biology enthusiasts who want a visual ID guide for nocturnal open-ocean species. |
| Skip if | You’re looking for a beginner’s scuba manual, a free resource, or a guide focused on reef/shallow-water species only. |
| Price | $25 |
| Format | 263-page PDF with 420+ photos |
| One-line take | A dense, photo-rich field guide that turns mysterious night drifts into identifiable, learnable encounters. |
What you’re actually buying
At $25, you’re getting a 263-page PDF that reads less like a dry academic text and more like a visual field companion. The core value is the species breakdown: 21 types of octopus and squid, 13 crabs and shrimps, 45 larval fish and flatfish, 16 jellyfish and other gelatinous creatures, and 19 marine worms and pteropods. That’s a lot of “what is that?” moments answered in one place. (The World of Blackwater)
But it’s not just a list. Bartick includes a forward by G. David Johnson PhD, an introduction to blackwater diving, and a section on the diel migration and the Great Carbon Pump. That context matters because it helps you understand why these creatures are there at night, not just what they look like. There’s also a section on photographic skills, which is a nice bonus if you’re trying to capture these elusive subjects without ruining the moment. (The World of Blackwater)
The photography is the real star. With 420+ images, the guide is dense with visual detail. One Gumroad review notes, “First of all, the photography is fantastic, as I have come to expect of Mike Bartick through his macro work.” That’s a fair point—Bartick is known for his macro work, and that eye for detail translates well to the small, often transparent creatures of the blackwater. If you’ve ever struggled to ID a larval fish or a specific squid species, the visual clarity in The World of Blackwater is the kind of thing that makes the $25 feel like a steal.
Why it’s on our radar
This isn’t your average marine guide. It’s specifically focused on the blackwater niche—that unique, often overlooked world of nocturnal open-ocean diving. Most identification guides either cover reef species or go deep into academic taxonomy without the visual punch. This one hits the sweet spot: it’s specific enough to be useful for divers and photographers, but accessible enough that you don’t need a PhD to follow along. (The World of Blackwater)
The inclusion of the Great Carbon Pump and diel migration sections also sets it apart. It’s not just “here’s a squid,” it’s “here’s a squid, and here’s why it’s migrating, and here’s how that fits into the bigger picture of ocean health.” That kind of context is rare in a $25 PDF. If you’re the kind of person who wants to understand the why behind what you’re seeing, The World of Blackwater delivers that without being pretentious.
What actually matters
Before you buy, keep a few things in mind. First, the PDF is 82.4 MB and 263 pages long. That’s a substantial file, so make sure you have enough storage space if you’re planning to keep it on a tablet or phone. Second, the listing notes that the document is “best viewed for the full experience with a proprietary PDF viewer other than Adobe’s.” That’s a bit vague, but it’s worth testing the file on your preferred device before you commit. If you’re on a tablet, it should work fine, but if you’re on a smaller phone, the 420+ photos might be a bit cramped. (The World of Blackwater)
Also, this is a niche guide. If you’re a beginner diver who hasn’t done blackwater dives yet, you might find some of the species sections a bit ahead of you. But if you’re already diving at night or planning to, it’s a perfect companion. And if you’re a photographer, the photographic skills section is a bonus that could save you hours of trial and error in the water. (The World of Blackwater)
Mid-check
If the 263 pages and 420+ photos sound like the right depth for your next dive or photo project, See current options to check the latest pricing and any updates from Bartick.
FAQ
Is The World of Blackwater suitable for beginners? It’s best for divers and photographers who already have some experience with open-water or night diving. The species breakdown is detailed, and the context sections assume you have a basic understanding of marine biology. If you’re brand new to diving, you might want to start with a more general guide.
Can I use this on a tablet or phone? Yes, the PDF is designed to be viewed on digital devices. However, the 82.4 MB file size and 263 pages mean it’s best on a tablet or larger phone. If you’re on a small phone, the photos might be a bit small to see the fine details. (The World of Blackwater)
Does it include video or interactive elements? No, it’s a static PDF. The value is in the photography and the text. There are no videos, interactive maps, or quizzes. It’s a traditional guide, just in digital format. (The World of Blackwater)
Is there a print version available? The listing mentions it’s also available as an Apple iBook, but the primary format is the PDF. If you prefer print, you’d need to check with Bartick directly, as the $25 price is for the digital file. (The World of Blackwater)
Bottom line
If you’re diving in the blackwater or trying to capture those elusive nocturnal creatures, The World of Blackwater is a no-brainer at $25. It’s dense, visual, and packed with the kind of detail that makes you feel like you’re actually learning something new every time you open it. The photography is top-notch, the context is thoughtful, and the species breakdown is comprehensive. If you’ve ever wondered “what is that?” while floating in the dark, this is the guide that answers it.