Scuba Diving Equipment Market Size - By Equipment (Diving Masks & Goggles, Regulators & Octopuses, Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs), Wetsuits & Drysuits, Fins), By Consumer Group, By Distribution, By Price Range, By End Use & Forecast, 2024 – 2032

Scuba Diving Equipment Market Size

Scuba Diving Equipment Market size was valued at USD 2.1 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 4% between 2024 and 2032. The growth of the market can be attributed to the growing coastal tourism. According to the World Economic Forum, coastal & marine tourism accounts for nearly 50% of global tourism. This growth is driven by the rising disposable income of individuals which provides them more financial freedom to invest in leisure activities, including scuba diving.
 

This additional spending power allows people to afford not just the basic equipment but also high-quality gear, which is essential for safe & enjoyable diving experiences. Additionally, with increased income, individuals are more likely to book diving courses, participate in guided dives, and travel to premium diving destinations, further driving the demand for various scuba gears.
 

Governments are increasingly recognizing the economic potential of marine tourism, which includes scuba diving. By promoting diving destinations and marine conservation areas, they attract both domestic & international tourists. Supportive measures to encourage adventure tourism including scuba diving, leading to increased demand for related gear. For instance, in July 2023, Saudi Arabia announced plans to invest USD 800 billion in its tourism sector. The Ministry of Tourism outlined extensive plans, reflecting a commitment to boost the industry.
 

These significant investments are aimed at enhancing infrastructure, developing attractions, and positioning Saudi Arabia as a prominent global tourist destination. Additionally, scuba diving has become increasingly popular as a recreational activity due to its appeal to adventure seekers and underwater enthusiasts. This growing interest is driven by the excitement of exploring marine environments, discovering coral reefs, and observing marine life. The increased participation in recreational diving fuels demand for scuba diving equipment as more individuals seek to engage in this activity, thereby driving market growth.
 

In many regions around the world, the availability of certified dive training programs is limited. Without access to proper training, potential divers may feel unprepared to dive safely. This lack of training directly impacts the market for scuba diving equipment, as new divers are less likely to purchase gear if they cannot obtain the required certification and skills. Furthermore, scuba diving equipment is expensive, including the costs for tanks, regulators, wetsuits, and dive computers. The high cost of purchasing or maintaining this equipment can be a barrier for entry-level divers and limit market growth.
 

Scuba Diving Equipment Market Trends

The scuba diving industry is experiencing a surge in online sales and distribution, offering divers greater convenience and diverse product options. E-commerce platforms including DiveInn, LeisurePro, and Amazon's dedicated scuba gear section provide enthusiasts with a broad range of equipment choices. The trend is driven by the ease of browsing, comparative shopping, and the ability to access a global marketplace, making it simpler for consumers to find specialized or competitively priced scuba gear from the comfort of their homes.
 

Furthermore, scuba diving equipment manufacturers are integrating modern technologies, such as GPS, wireless communication, and underwater photography capabilities, into scuba diving equipment to enhance the overall diving experience. For instance, in June 2024, Suunto, a Finland-based scuba diving equipment manufacturer launched Sunnto Ocean, a new sports-watch styled dive computer, with in-built features including GPS and 95 different sports modes.
 

Furthermore, advanced breathing systems, particularly rebreathers, have transformed the scuba diving landscape by offering extended dive times, enhanced safety, and greater comfort. Their ability to improve gas efficiency and reduce environmental impact makes them essential tools for both recreational and professional divers.
 

Scuba Diving Equipment Market Analysis

Based on the end user, the market is categorized into recreational divers, professional divers, military, and public safety divers. The recreational diver’s segment held a market share of around 60% in 2023 and is expected to reach over USD 2 billion by 2032. The expansion of dive tourism is contributing significantly to the growth of recreational diving. Many destinations offer attractive diving sites, and tourists often engage in recreational diving while on vacation. This trend increases demand for equipment suited for recreational use.
 

Also, the rising interest in underwater exploration and leisure diving activities, coupled with increasing disposable income, propels the demand for high-quality scuba gear. Manufacturers are responding with user-friendly, technologically advanced equipment, catering to the expanding recreational diving community.
 

Based on the equipment type, the scuba diving equipment market is divided into diving masks & goggles, regulators & octopuses, Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs), wetsuits & drysuits, and fins. The wetsuits & drysuits segment held a market share of around 25% in 2023. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the increasing awareness of safety and comfort in scuba diving. The demand for high-quality, comfortable, and well-fitting wetsuits are driven by these safety and comfort considerations, leading to growth in the wetsuit segment of the market.
 

Furthermore, drysuits are essential for diving in cold water environments and extend the diving season by providing insulation against cold temperatures. This need for extended diving opportunities and protection in cold water conditions drives demand for drysuits, contributing to market growth in regions with colder water temperatures.
 

North America held a dominant scuba diving equipment market share of over 38% in 2023. The region is poised for substantial growth owing to the increasing participation in recreational diving, a growing awareness of underwater conservation, and a rising trend of adventure tourism. Favorable economic conditions, coupled with a strong infrastructure for water-based activities, further contribute to the region's prominence in the scuba diving market. With a demand for high-quality equipment and services, North America emerges as a key growth hub in the evolving landscape of scuba diving.
 

The U.S. scuba diving equipment market is driven by technological innovations and high consumer spending on recreational activities. Investments in advanced diving gear and collaborations between equipment manufacturers and diving schools are driving the market. Further, rising marine tourism is propelling market growth. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, in 2021, the U.S. marine economy contributed USD 432 billion to the overall economy, accounting for nearly 2% of the nation’s GDP.
 

China's scuba diving equipment market is expanding rapidly, driven by a burgeoning middle class with a growing appetite for adventure sports. The government's efforts to promote domestic tourism and develop marine parks are key drivers. Companies, including Poseidon and Seac, are establishing local partnerships and retail outlets to cater to this market.
 

Scuba Diving Equipment Market Share

Johnson Outdoors Inc. (SCUBAPRO) and Aqualung Group hold a market share of around 4% in the scuba diving equipment industry in 2023. Johnson Outdoors Inc. focuses on investing in research and development (R&D) to create modern products such as high-performance regulators, advanced dive computers, and improved wetsuits and drysuits. This helps the company to maintain its competitive edge and meet the evolving needs of divers.
 

Aqualung Group focuses on global expansion by entering new geographic markets and strengthening its presence in existing ones. This includes establishing new distribution networks and partnerships with local dive centers and retailers. By expanding its market reach the company capitalizes on growing demand for scuba diving equipment worldwide.
 

Scuba Diving Equipment Market Companies

The major players operating in the scuba diving equipment industry are:

• Akona
• Apeks Marine Equipment Ltd.
• Aqua Lung
• Atomic Aquatics
• Beuchat International S.A.
• Cressi Sub S.p.A.
• Dive Rite
• Hollis
• Johnson Outdoors Inc. (SCUBAPRO)
• Sherwood Scuba
   

Scuba Diving Equipment Industry News

• In May 2024, Sport Dimension Inc. acquired Stohlquist watersports brand, which earlier was part of Aqualung Group.  This acquisition marks a strategic move for both companies, as Sport Dimension aims to enhance its portfolio in the watersports sector.
   
• In April 2023, Shark Biologist launched Australia's first women's wetsuit brand BOLDE, prioritizing sustainability. The wetsuits are crafted from premium Japanese limestone-based neoprene, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based neoprene. This innovation aligns with the brand's commitment to environmental responsibility, providing female divers with high-quality gear while minimizing the ecological impact of traditional wetsuit production.
   

The scuba diving equipment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of revenue (USD Million) and shipments (Units) from 2021 to 2032, for the following segments:

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Market, By Equipment Type

• Diving masks & goggles
• Regulators & octopuses
• Buoyancy Control Devices (BCDs)
• Wetsuits & drysuits
• Fins
• Others

Market, By Consumer Group

• Men
  • 18-35 years
  • 36-55 years 
  • 55 and above
• Women
  • 18-35 years
  • 36-55 years 
  • 55 and above

Market, By Distribution

• Online retailers
• Supermarkets & hypermarkets
• Specialty stores

Market, By Price Range

• Low-mid end equipment
• High-end equipment

Market, By End User

• Recreational divers
• Professional divers
• Military and public safety divers

The above information is provided for the following regions and countries:

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
• Europe
  • UK
  • Germany
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Russia
  • Nordics
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • South Korea
  • Southeast Asia
  • Rest of Asia Pacific 
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Mexico
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America
• MEA
  • UAE
  • South Africa
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Rest of MEA