The Drowned Places: Diving in Search of Atlantis

by Damian Le Bas

'The most compelling and evocative of underwater odysseys' KATE HUMBLE
'Breathtakingly good' TRISTAN GOOLEY
'The most captivating book on diving that I have ever read' MENSUN BOUND

Entranced by history and myth, captivated by the wonders of nature, Damian Le Bas explores the meaning we find in sunken ruins around the world

Thousands of years ago, an island off the Straits of Gibraltar went to war with Athens. The battle was lost, and overnight the island sank beneath the waves – or so legend tells.

As a boy, Damian Le Bas was captivated by the story of Atlantis. As an adult, he dreams of diving to discover its ruins. After the death of his father, torn between his lifelong desire and the taboo Romany culture places on the ocean, he comes across a dive shop. He can’t help but go in.

Under the waves, Damian enters a breathtaking world. As he masters the skills of this exhilarating sport, diving with seals in the Farne Islands, exploring submerged Roman ruins in Naples and mapping the sunken city of Port Royal, he is entranced by wonders both man-made and natural.

Plato's writings on Atlantis were a parable about the hubris of humankind; in witnessing our effects on oceans and ocean communities, Damian finds echoes of this in the modern world.

A spellbinding love letter to diving, The Drowned Places is also a profound examination of the power that myth has over us, and what happens when it crosses over into reality.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, History

268 pages, Hardcover

Published April 17, 2025

Reviews

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I recommend reading this while playing the Blue Planet II soundtrack in the background. This was the best way to experience this book. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the ocean and everything that calls the ocean home, as well as the exploration into the places that have been taken over by the ocean (both naturally and humanly). Devoured this book in two days

[Anna-Maria Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful, captivating read by Damian Les Bas and one that I struggled to put down. Exploring the mythology of the sinking of Atlantis, Les Bas embarks on discovering real-world ‘Atlantises’ alongside his own journey on learning how to dive as well as dealing with the loss of his father.

With writing rich in knowledge, Les Bas brings to life these submerged cities in a vivid way and writes compellingly about diving, both it’s wonders as well it’s terrors.

As someone who doesn’t have experience in diving, this book certainly inspired me to go out there and have my own underwater odyssey!

[Heather Warning · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had moments I enjoyed, particularly the romantic, almost poetic portrayal of diving. But ultimately, it wasn’t quite what I expected. While the historical tangents were interesting, I found myself wishing for more focus on the diving experiences themselves. A decent read for those who enjoy a mix of history and adventure, but not fully my cup of tea.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poetically written account of grief, learning to dive and a travelogue of archeological and historic sites that have been drowned as well as the wildlife that inhabits them.

[Batjutsu · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable emotional and physical journey, deep diving into the topic of Atlantis and want it means to Damian, which is a lot. An interesting mix of personal experience and history & myth.