The big advantage to a scuba video magazine is that it provides a much better sense of what it's like to to dive a site than a print magazine can offer, which could be a real plus in planning a vacation. Introduced at the end of 1986, Sea Fans is one of the oldest video periodicals. And while the latest issue's featured destination, the Caribbean's Grand Cayman island, is a popular dive location, hosts Jimmy Ibbotson (of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) and head scriptwriter Lynne Eisaguirre also profile such out-of-the-way spots as Akumal, Mexico, on the Yucatan peninsula, where they trek though the jungle to dive a sinkhole called the Temple of Doom. There's also an equipment section on depth gauges, as well as a photo clinic. Made by the same people who produce Set Sail, Sea Fans isn't as hokey. Still, the overall "we're-in-paradise" tone can get saccharine. "Bring good bug spray" is about as close as they get to exploring real potential problems. ($59.95, 800-622-8767)
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