Diving Tourism Market Insights – Growth & Forecast 2025-2035

Diving tourism in Japan is booming, with hotspots like Okinawa, the Iriomote Islands, and Ogasawara Islands offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life. Efforts to preserve marine ecosystems and eco-friendly measures are key to sustaining this thriving industry.

NEWARK, DE / ACCESS Newswire / February 18, 2025 / The global diving tourism market is poised for substantial growth, with projections estimating its value will climb from USD 9.6 billion in 2024 to approximately USD 11.2 billion in 2025, and continue expanding to USD 18.5 billion by 2035. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.2% between 2025 and 2035, fueled by a rising demand for adventure tourism and eco-conscious travel experiences.

Increasing number of people getting interested in diving activities is making sure the diving tourism market floats along on its positive path.

Growth in the number of diving experts is seeing the diving classes increase in number and the consumer base for diving tourism is thus expanding.

Increasing disposable income is making sure consumers have enough financial might to pursue things that interest them, such as diving, and thus the consumer base for the market is growing.

Government concentration on the development of tourist spots is increasing the number of places that offer diving facilities. Thus, the reach of the diving tourism market is increasing.

Growth of water sports and other water-related activities is augmenting the demand in the diving tourism market.

The Rise of Diving Tourism

Diving tourism, which offers thrilling recreational experiences in the world’s oceans, seas, and freshwater environments, has witnessed significant interest as a part of the adventure tourism trend. With a focus on marine exploration, travelers are increasingly drawn to the opportunity to dive into breathtaking underwater ecosystems, from shallow reefs to deep-sea expeditions. This rise in demand is driven by several factors, including technological advancements in diving equipment, a growing awareness of sustainability, and a desire for unique, immersive travel experiences.

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Key Factors Driving Growth in the Diving Tourism Market

Technological Advancements in Diving Equipment
Modern innovations have made diving safer, more comfortable, and accessible to a broader range of people. From dry suits and underwater drones to advanced dive computers and virtual reality tools, these technologies are enhancing divers’ experiences and attracting more participants. Notable innovations such as full-face masks and underwater propulsion devices are revolutionizing the way people interact with marine life, offering a new level of comfort and engagement for divers.
Eco-Conscious Travelers and Sustainability
A growing focus on marine conservation and eco-tourism is shaping the future of the diving tourism market. Divers are increasingly seeking destinations that emphasize environmental responsibility and sustainable practices. Locations like Belize, the Philippines, and the Maldives are promoting eco-friendly diving experiences through coral restoration programs and marine conservation efforts, attracting environmentally-conscious travelers.
Increased Accessibility to Remote Diving Locations
Advancements in travel logistics have opened up previously inaccessible diving destinations. Remote locations such as Raja Ampat in Indonesia and the Galápagos Islands in Ecuador are now more accessible to divers, thanks to the development of new flight routes, private charters, and seaplane services. The rise of liveaboard dive boats further enables travelers to explore secluded underwater ecosystems and pristine marine environments.

Key Takeaways from the Diving Tourism Market

Technological advancements in diving equipment are enhancing safety, accessibility, and the overall experience for divers.
Eco-conscious travel is driving demand, with more divers seeking sustainable and environmentally responsible destinations.
Increased accessibility to remote diving locations through improved travel infrastructure is fueling market growth.
Drift diving is gaining popularity, offering a unique, low-effort experience in vibrant underwater landscapes.
The 30-40 age group is the largest revenue driver in the diving tourism market, fueled by disposable income and adventure-seeking behavior.
Digital platforms have made booking diving trips easier, contributing to the accessibility and growth of the industry.

“Drift diving and bespoke excursions are capturing the imagination of adventurers, offering them unparalleled, immersive underwater experiences that cater to those seeking unique and thrilling escapades.” – says Sudip Saha Managing Director and Co-Founder at Future Market Insights.

Diving Tourism Market Trends

Tourism companies are packaging diving activities with other tourist activities to entice consumers and thus the diving tourism market is growing with other sections of the tourist sector.

Increasingly online population is getting convinced by social media influencers to undertake diving expeditions and visit places where diving activities are rampant.

Both professionals and amateurs interested in marine biology are undertaking diving activities for learning purposes.

Betterment in diving experiences such as scuba diving and deep-sea snorkeling are attracting more consumers to diving places.

Diving service providers are tying diving activities with technology, such as sensors and data analysis, to augment the diving experience of consumers.

Though both diving equipment manufacturers and professionals have made efforts to increase safety measures while diving, consumer fear about safety remains. The diving tourism market is also cut off from the aqua-phobic population.

Pricey nature of diving activities, especially those that probe deep into the sea, is turning off potential consumers from the market.

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Challenges Faced by Diving Tourism Market

Environmental Degradation: Overcrowding in popular dive sites, coral bleaching, and pollution threaten marine ecosystems, creating challenges for sustainable tourism practices and impacting dive quality.
Regulatory Restrictions: Stricter environmental regulations and government-imposed limits on the number of divers in sensitive areas may restrict access to prime dive locations and hinder market growth.
Safety Concerns: While diving equipment has improved, safety remains a critical issue. Risks like decompression sickness and accidents can deter potential divers from engaging in the activity.
High Operational Costs: The cost of maintaining diving equipment, eco-friendly practices, and the infrastructure required to support diving tourism can be prohibitively high for operators, limiting market expansion.
Weather Dependency: Diving tourism is highly dependent on weather conditions, and unfavorable weather patterns, such as storms or unpredictable water conditions, can disrupt trips and decrease demand in some regions.

Competitive Landscape of the Diving Tourism Market

The competitive landscape of the diving tourism market is shaped by operators offering a wide range of services, from casual dives to specialized experiences like wreck diving and underwater photography. Companies differentiate themselves through technology, such as smart dive gear and VR previews, along with eco-conscious practices and personalized services like private instructors and luxury liveaboard options.

Pricing, accessibility, and a strong digital presence are key to attracting diverse customers. Operators that focus on unique dive destinations and offer competitive packages, excellent service, and sustainability can maintain a strong market position.

Recent Developments in the Diving Tourism Market

In January 2024, PADI has now introduced a new digital dive certification platform. Divers can complete both the theory and practical aspects of their certification through this platform online, thus making it more accessible for international travelers. This was particularly useful for those in remote areas or under travel restrictions. It showed that PADI is committed to making diving education more accessible and enhancing the learning experience.
In March 2024, the liveaboard dive operator, Aggressor Adventures, recently launched its new solar-powered liveaboard vessels in the Galápagos Islands. Eco-friendly and equipped with solar panels for power generation, the vessels have cut carbon emissions considerably. Aggressor is part of the larger diving tourism industry shift to reduce environmental damage. In addition to luxury facilities, these boats are perfect for eco-sensitive tourists who are willing to spend some extra bucks for responsible Galápagos marine environment exploration.

Key Companies Profiled

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Diving Tourism Market Segmentation

By Diving Type

Drift Diving
Deep Diving
Wreck Diving
Others

By Diver Type

New Diver
Casual Diver
Active Diver
Professional Diver

By Booking Channel

Phone Booking
Online Booking
In Person Booking

By Tourist Type

Independent Traveler
Tour Group
Package Traveller

By Tour Type

By Age Group

15-25 Years
26-35 Years
36-45 Years
46-55 Years
66-75 Years

By Tourist Demography

By Region

North America
Latin America
Europe
South Asia
East Asia
Oceania
MEA

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About Future Market Insights (FMI)

Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries.

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SOURCE: Future Market Insights Inc.

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