Diving Tourism Market Report 2026

The diving tourism market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $4.5 billion in 2025 to $5 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to growth of coastal tourism destinations, increasing popularity of adventure travel, expansion of dive training certification programs, rising global interest in marine ecosystems, availability of specialized diving tour operators.

The diving tourism market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $7.56 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing investments in sustainable marine tourism, rising adoption of advanced diving equipment, expansion of digital marketing for niche tourism, growing demand for experiential travel, increasing regulatory focus on reef protection. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing focus on marine conservation tourism, rising demand for certified eco-diving experiences, expansion of underwater photography and exploration tours, growing use of digital dive planning tools, enhanced safety and training standards.

The growing popularity of water sports activities is expected to drive the expansion of the diving tourism market. Water sports activities include a wide range of recreational and competitive pursuits conducted on or in the water, such as surfing, sailing, boating, kayaking, and water skiing. This rising interest is fueled by increasing adventure-seeking behavior, improved access to aquatic destinations, and greater awareness of health, fitness, and wellness benefits. Diving tourism contributes to water sports activities by offering specialized underwater experiences that attract enthusiasts, broaden adventure opportunities, and encourage marine conservation and sustainable management. For example, in August 2024, the National Sporting Goods Association, a U.S.-based sports participation organization, reported that the open-water segment’s Total Participation Points increased by 1.6% in 2023 compared with 2022. Therefore, the growing demand for water sports activities will support the growth of the diving tourism market.

Major players in the diving tourism market are focusing on strategic investments and brand expansion to attract more tourists, promote sustainable practices, and enhance the long-term appeal and health of diving tourism destinations. These initiatives aim to offer exceptional underwater experiences while advancing sustainability and marine conservation efforts. For instance, in February 2023, Red Sea Global (RSG), a Saudi Arabia-based real estate development firm, introduced two new brands, WAMA and Galaxea, to provide remarkable guest experiences at RSG destinations. The WAMA brand focuses on water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding and sailing, utilizing the region's natural beauty. The Galaxea brand, named after a local coral species, offers diving experiences that highlight the area's marine biodiversity, including endangered species and ancient coral formations. Both brands emphasize sustainable tourism practices, with Galaxea collaborating with the Saudi Water Sports and Diving Federation and PADI International to maintain high standards in diving facilities.

In April 2024, Ocean First, a US-based scuba diving company, acquired Weaver’s Dive & Travel Center for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition allows Ocean First to enhance its wholesale travel services and expand its youth science camps, research initiatives, and K-12 marine science education programs. Weaver’s Dive & Travel Center, also based in the US, specializes in customized, exotic dive adventures and services.

Major companies operating in the diving tourism market are PADI Travel Ltd, Aggressor Adventures LLC, Emperor Divers, Equator Diving, Worldwide Dive and Sail International Ltd, Pro Dive International, PT. AquaMarine Diving - Bali, Blue O Two Limited, Sea Bees Diving, Regaldive, Divebooker.com, Scuba Junkie, Caradonna Dive Adventures Inc., Aquatic Adventures Inc., Bluewater Travel Inc., Deep Blue Adventures Inc., Dive Butler International Limited, LiveAboard.com, Undersea Hunter Group, Dive The World International Co. Ltd., Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Fleet, Liveaboard Adventures, Nautilus Liveaboards, Scuba Travel, Liquid Diving Adventures.

Europe was the largest region in the diving tourism market in 2025. The regions covered in the diving tourism market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the diving tourism market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The diving tourism market includes revenues earned by entities by provide services such as guided dive tours, dive training and certification, liveaboard diving, and marine conservation tours. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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