Franko Maps & Guides

26/06/2024

Back after a long time, the laminated edition of our Cayman Islands dive map for your wall.

26/06/2024

From our Cayman Islands distributor.

06/12/2023

Great time at the gift show. Looking forward to Las Vegas next year. We highlighted our new walking guides, and the popular Moosehead Lake map.

03/09/2023

Bubbles up!

It seems that so many wonderful people are leaving this world, and now Jimmy Buffett is one of them. I’ve known Jimmy for some time and found him to be one of the kindest and most generous people.

I remember once on holiday when I had forgotten to bring my guitar and was itching to play. He said he would get me one of his, but I said, ‘I’m left-handed’. So, Jimmy had his roadie restring one of his guitars which he loaned me for the duration of the holiday. He then followed this act of generosity by giving me my own beautiful left-handed guitar that had been made by one of his guitar-making pals. It’s a beautiful instrument, and every time I play it now it’ll remind me of what a great man Jimmy was.

He had a most amazing lust for life and a beautiful sense of humour. When we swapped tales about the past his were so exotic and lush and involved sailing trips and surfing and so many exciting stories that it was hard for me to keep up with him.

Right up to the last minute his eyes still twinkled with a humour that said, ‘I love this world and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it’.

So many of us will miss Jimmy and his tremendous personality. His love for us all, and for mankind as a whole.

Last, but not least, is his songwriting and vocal ability. If someone made an interesting remark he repeated it in his gorgeous Louisiana drawl and said, ‘That’s a good idea for a song’. Most times it didn’t take too long for that song to appear. I was very happy to have played on one of his latest songs called ‘My Gummy Just Kicked In’. We had a real fun session and he played me some of his new songs. One, in particular, I loved was the song, ‘Bubbles Up’. And I told him that not only was the song great but the vocal was probably the best I’ve heard him sing ever. He turned a diving phrase that is used to train people underwater into a metaphor for life when you’re confused and don’t know where you are just follow the bubbles - they’ll take you up to the surface and straighten you out right away.

So long, Jim. You are a very special man and friend and it was a great privilege to get to know you and love you. Bubbles up, my friend.

Love, Paul

Photograph by Rob Rich

24/08/2023

We're partnering with Bella Terra Art for this set of Lahaina map and magnet. Both companies have made donations to Maui relief.

1/ Map of Lahaina's historic district before the tragic fire on a laminated card, 5.5" x 8.5". A map of West Maui is on the reverse. 2/ Lahaina Lighthouse fridge magnet. Sturdy magnet with view of the white concrete tower overlooking Lahaina harbor, as it looked before most of the historic town was....

22/08/2023

Why coral matters.

A marine heat wave is warming the waters off the coast of Florida, pushing temperature readings as high as 101 Fahrenheit and endangering a critical part of sea life: the coral reef. Catrin Einhorn, who covers biodiversity, climate and the environment for The Times, discusses the urgent quest to sav...

10/08/2023

Expressing our deep sadness at the loss of lives, culture, history and beauty of the town of Lahaina. Please feel free to make a helpful donation here: www.bit.ly/mauimutualaide

11/07/2023

This Summer our focus is on the historic town of Galena. Discover the enchanting beauty of this hidden gem nesteld in the hills of Northwestern Illinois. Experience great architecture, outdoor adventure and the Ulysses S. Grant museum. Stroll along Main Street's boutique-lined sidewalks. Make sure to pick up the Franko Maps Galena Walking Guide!

20/06/2023

Super excited to have the most up-to-date guide to the Hawa’i’i Volcanoes National Park.

24/06/2022

Excited to be creating the new Blue Whale Migration card. Order early to get the best info on the largest animals on Earth.

11/11/2021

Kids Sea Camp store: Buy scuba equipment by Scuba Pro, diving accessories, clothing, kids gears, clothing, and gear for tech and PADI Pros

19/01/2021

Our California Delta map has been updated and is available now from online retailers. Coming soon to marinas and other retailers in the Delta area.
https://bestmapstore.com/products/california-delta-adventure-map?_pos=2&_sid=f4839baf8&_ss=r

Detailed waterways map of the San Joaquin and Sacramento Rivers. Ideal for boaters and fishermen. Side 1 shows the area from Sacramento on the north to Tracy on the south, and from Stockton on the east to Pittsburg on the west. Side 2 picks up where side 1 leaves off in that it details Sacramento an...

19/01/2021

19/01/2021