The 5 Essential Reasons To Attend Scuba Show Long Beach 2026: Your Ultimate Guide To North America's Biggest Dive Event
The Scuba Show Long Beach, California, is back for 2026, cementing its status as the single most important annual event for the North American diving community. Scheduled for May 30–31, 2026, at the Long Beach Convention Center, this event is far more than just a trade show; it is the 39th annual celebration of marine life, advanced dive technology, and global adventure travel, drawing thousands of enthusiasts from across the globe.
The 2026 Scuba Show promises to be the biggest and freshest yet, featuring over 91,000 square feet of exhibit space, hundreds of exhibitors, and a packed schedule of educational seminars and interactive workshops. Whether you are a newly certified Open Water Diver looking for your first set of gear or a seasoned technical diver planning your next expedition, this two-day experience offers unparalleled access to the dive industry’s most respected experts, cutting-edge equipment, and exotic travel opportunities. This year also marks a significant expansion, as the Scuba Show has adopted a "One Show, Two Locations" model, highlighting its growth as the premier consumer dive expo.
Event Biography & Essential 2026 Details
The Scuba Show is the longest-running and largest consumer dive show in the United States, a tradition that began decades ago and has evolved into the cornerstone event for the Western US dive market. Held annually in the vibrant coastal city of Long Beach, California, the show serves as a crucial meeting point where manufacturers, dive resorts, training agencies, and environmental organizations connect directly with the public. Its history is tied closely to the growth of recreational diving in California, a state with a rich cold-water diving heritage.
Key Event Details for Scuba Show Long Beach 2026:
- Event Title: The 39th Annual Consumer Scuba Show – Long Beach
- Dates: Saturday, May 30, 2026, and Sunday, May 31, 2026
- Location: Long Beach Convention Center, Hall A, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
- Scale: Over 91,000 square feet of exhibition space, featuring hundreds of exhibitors and a comprehensive seminar schedule.
- Focus: Latest Scuba Gear, Dive Travel, Underwater Photography, Training & Safety, and Ocean Conservation.
The show's significance lies in its ability to bring the entire global dive industry under one roof, offering attendees a unique chance to compare hundreds of products and destinations in a single weekend. It is the definitive place to get a sneak peek at the future of diving technology and network with dive legends.
1. Discover the Latest Scuba Gear and Technology
One of the primary draws of the Scuba Show is the massive exhibition hall, a veritable playground for gear enthusiasts. Attendees have the unique opportunity to see, touch, and compare the newest innovations before they hit the general market. This is where the future of diving equipment is unveiled, from advanced rebreathers to compact dive computers.
The Gear Zone: What to Look For
The 2026 show will feature hundreds of exhibitors showcasing the latest gear, providing a hands-on experience that no online retailer can match. You can expect to find:
- Cutting-Edge Dive Computers: Demonstrations of new AI-integrated and multi-gas dive computers with advanced safety features.
- Innovative Exposure Suits: The newest dry suits, wetsuits, and thermal protection designed for both cold-water diving (popular in California) and tropical environments.
- High-Performance Regulators: The chance to discuss performance and maintenance with representatives from top-tier brands.
- Underwater Photography Equipment: A dedicated section for the rapidly evolving world of underwater imaging, featuring the latest cameras, strobes, and housing systems.
Specific exhibitors like American Dive Co. and many others will be on the 2026 floorplan, offering special show-only deals and expert advice, making it the perfect time to upgrade your personal equipment.
2. Plan Your Next Adventure: Dive Travel Destinations
For many attendees, the Scuba Show is the ultimate travel planning resource. The event is packed with representatives from hundreds of global dive resorts, liveaboards, and tourism boards, all gathered to help you book your dream vacation. This is where the world of dive travel opens up, allowing you to explore everything from the warm waters of the Caribbean to the remote ecosystems of the Indo-Pacific.
Global Destinations and Exclusive Deals
The Travel Zone is a must-visit for anyone looking for their next dive trip. You can browse booths representing:
- Caribbean Hotspots: Resorts in Bonaire, Cozumel, and the Cayman Islands.
- Pacific Gems: Liveaboards cruising the waters of Palau, Fiji, and the Galapagos.
- Luxury and Boutique Resorts: Specific entities like Anse Chastanet Resort & Scuba St Lucia will be present, offering insights into luxury dive experiences and all-inclusive packages.
- Local California Diving: Information on Channel Islands trips, kelp forest diving, and local dive charters.
Crucially, many exhibitors offer "Scuba Show Exclusive" discounts and prize giveaways, including free trips and gear packages, making ticket price a worthwhile investment for the potential savings on a major dive vacation.
3. Elevate Your Skills with Expert Seminars and Workshops
Beyond the exhibition floor, the Scuba Show is a powerhouse of education, featuring a non-stop schedule of seminars, workshops, and expert talks. These sessions are designed to cater to all skill levels, from beginner divers to seasoned professionals, offering deep dives into a variety of technical and recreational topics.
A Taste of the Seminar Schedule
The speaker lineup for the 2026 event will cover a diverse range of subjects, ensuring that attendees can gain valuable knowledge and professional development. Key seminar themes typically include:
- Underwater Photography and Videography: Workshops on lighting, composition, macro photography, and editing techniques.
- Marine Conservation: Talks on protecting endangered species, coral reef restoration, and sustainable diving practices, often featuring organizations like the Aquarium of the Pacific.
- Advanced Diving Techniques: Sessions on technical diving, wreck penetration, cave diving, and rebreather operation.
- Dive Safety and First Aid: Critical updates on dive medicine, emergency procedures, and dive accident management.
- Marine History and Exploration: Fascinating presentations on historical shipwrecks and modern deep-sea exploration.
The interactive nature of the seminars, which often include Q&A sessions and live demonstrations, provides an invaluable learning experience from the industry's most respected figures.
4. Experience Unique Attractions and Photo Opportunities
The Scuba Show is known for its festive and interactive atmosphere, offering several unique attractions that make the experience memorable and shareable. It’s a chance to fully immerse yourself in the dive culture both physically and visually.
Must-See Attractions at the Long Beach Convention Center
For the 2026 event, be sure to check out these engaging features:
- The "Great White Shark Cage" Photo Booth: A popular, Instagram-friendly photo station where attendees can pose inside a replica shark cage, providing a fun, adrenaline-pumping visual without getting wet.
- The Scuba Show Film Festival: A showcase of the best recent underwater films and documentaries, often featuring appearances by the filmmakers themselves.
- Prize Giveaways: Massive door prizes, often including all-expense-paid dive trips to exotic locations, are a staple of the weekend.
- Jewelry and Art: Vendors like Alohi Kai Jewelry offer unique, ocean-themed art and accessories, providing perfect souvenirs.
These attractions transform the show from a simple marketplace into a full-scale cultural event, celebrating the passion and community spirit of diving enthusiasts.
5. Connect with the Conservation Community
In the modern diving world, conservation and environmental stewardship are inseparable from the hobby. The Scuba Show places a strong emphasis on ocean health, providing a platform for critical discussions and action-oriented initiatives.
Ocean Conservation at the Forefront
Attendees have a unique opportunity to engage with leading conservation organizations and learn how their dive choices impact the marine environment. Key areas of focus include:
- Sustainable Dive Travel: Learning how to choose eco-friendly resorts and minimize your environmental footprint while traveling.
- Local & Global Initiatives: Organizations dedicated to cleaning up local California beaches and global efforts to protect endangered marine species.
- Educational Exhibits: The proximity and involvement of the Aquarium of the Pacific mean that educational materials on ocean conservation are a significant feature of the show.
By connecting with these groups, divers can move beyond observation to become active participants in protecting the underwater world they love, reinforcing the show's role as a conscientious leader in the dive industry.
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