Saudi Arabia Diving Tourism Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Diving Type (Scuba Diving, Free Diving), By Age Group (10-20 Years, 20-30 Years), By Tourist Type, By Gender Type, And Segment Forecasts, 2025 - 2030

Saudi Arabia Diving Tourism Market Trends

The Saudi Arabia diving tourism market size was estimated at USD 38.2 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.5% from 2025 to 2030. Saudi Arabia is home to breathtaking underwater ecosystems, especially in the Red Sea, which is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and crystal-clear waters. This unique marine environment provides an exceptional diving experience, attracting both novice and experienced divers seeking adventure and exploration. The rich biodiversity, including colorful fish species, stunning coral formations, and intriguing underwater topographies, enhances the region's appeal.

Saudi Arabia has emerged as the fastest-growing tourism destination among G20 countries. The country's tourism sector has experienced an astonishing +121% surge from pre-pandemic international tourism levels, as reported by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) Tourism Barometer. This recovery of the tourism sector can be attributed to Saudi Arabia's significant investment in the industry and its pioneering efforts in future-proofing the tourism sector. The substantial growth reflects the country’s commitment to becoming a leading player in the global tourism landscape. According to an article by Arab News published in June 2023, the travel and tourism sector in Saudi Arabia grew by 12% over its pre-pandemic market size. Saudi Arabia witnessed a record-breaking 7.8 million international arrivals in 2023, signaling a significant increase in visitor numbers. The country set an ambitious target of reaching 30 million arrivals by the end of 2023 and 70 million arrivals by 2030.

There is a growing emphasis on sustainable diving tourism practices in Saudi Arabia. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of their activities and seek diving operators and destinations that prioritize conservation efforts, promote responsible diving practices, and support marine ecosystem protection. The Saudi Arabian government’s Red Sea Global (RSG) launched two new brands in February 2023 to boost regenerative tourism. The RSG project offesg different hotel experiences, several water sports, and the exploration of the Red Sea’s incredible submarine world through its brands WAMA and Galaxea. It has collaborated with the Saudi Water Sports & Diving Federation and PADI International to ensure all diving facilities are developed on the norms for sustainable tourism and serve as a model for the market growth.

The market offers a range of diving experiences, from beginner courses to advanced technical diving, catering to various skill levels and preferences, which attracts a broader audience. One prominent player in this sector is Dive Arabia, a leading dive tour operator that provides a comprehensive range of diving experiences. Their offerings include introductory courses for beginners, such as the PADI Open Water Diver certification, which equips newcomers with essential skills and knowledge for safe diving. For more experienced divers, Dive Arabia organizes advanced courses, including specialty dives like wreck and night diving, as well as guided excursions to some of the most stunning dive sites in the Red Sea. This commitment to inclusivity and environmental responsibility positions Dive Arabia as a key contributor to the growing popularity of diving tourism.

Diving Type Insights

Scuba diving accounted for a market share of around 75% in 2024. Scuba diving is majorly among children and adolescents, fueled by a surge in specialized courses tailored to younger audiences and significant advancements in safety measures. Many diving schools now offer age-appropriate training programs, such as PADI's Bubblemaker and Seal Team courses, designed to introduce children to the underwater world in a fun and safe environment. These programs focus on basic scuba skills but also emphasize marine conservation and environmental awareness, fostering a sense of responsibility among young divers. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia is emerging as a premier destination for scuba diving tourism, particularly along its stunning Red Sea coastline for spots including Farasan Islands, and Sharm Obhur known for their diverse marine life and vibrant coral reefs, offering an unforgettable diving experience.

The demand for free diving is expected to grow at CAGR of 13.6% from 2025 to 2030. Increasing popularity of wellness and adventure travel, which emphasizes experiences that promote physical and mental well-being favor the growth. In addition, social media and the influence of travel bloggers and adventure athletes have raised awareness about the beauty and excitement of freediving, showcasing breathtaking underwater scenes that inspire others to try the sport. The availability of specialized training programs and certification courses has made it more accessible, appealing to both beginners and seasoned adventurers.

Tourist Type Insights

Diving tourism by international tourist accounted for a share of around 60% in 2024. International tourists are an important growth contributor to the market as they may travel specifically for diving or incorporate it into travel plans. Popular diving sites in the country such as Farasan Islands, Al Fahad Shipwreck, Yanbu Barge Wreck, Car Cemetery, Kormoran Wreck, Al Lith Coral Reefs, and Dammam Artificial Reef are gaining traction among international tourists. Saudi Arabia was actively promoting its diving tourism industry to international travelers. The country's stunning Red Sea coast, with its clear waters, diverse marine life, and historical shipwrecks, has been a key attraction for diving enthusiasts from around the world.

The demand for diving tourism by domestic tourist is expected to grow at CAGR of 12.1% from 2025 to 2030. Domestic tourists are more likely to regularly engage in scuba diving and other water activities. The market is likely to be driven by domestic tourists owing to the accessibility and convenience of domestic diving sites than international destinations. Furthermore, affordable packages and deals is anticipated to support the participation of domestic tourists. Residents of cities near the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, such as Jeddah, Yanbu, and Dammam, find it convenient to plan short trips to coastal areas for diving and other water-related activities, likely driving the segment growth.

Age Group Insights

Diving tourism among 30-40 years age group accounted for a share of around 40% in 2024. The age group of 30-40 is considered a prominent segment for diving tourism as people within this range are typically more financially stable and have the time to travel. In terms of diving certifications, individuals within this age group are often already certified divers, which means they are likely to participate in more advanced diving activities such as wreck diving or night diving.  The growth in disposable income and financial stability has led to increased affordability and accessibility of scuba diving trips, certifications, and equipment among the age group of 30 to 40. The rising tourist enthusiasts in this age group are an important market driver.

The demand for diving tourism among the 20-30 years age group is expected to grow at a CAGR of 14.0% from 2025 to 2030. This demographic is increasingly attracted to activities that offer both physical challenge and personal growth, with diving providing an exhilarating way to engage with nature. Social media plays a significant role in this trend, as platforms like Instagram and TikTok allow young travelers to share their diving experiences, inspiring others to seek out similar adventures. The emphasis on experiential travel and a growing interest in eco-tourism also encourage young adults to explore diving destinations that promote marine conservation and sustainability. Collectively, these factors contribute to the rising popularity of diving tourism among the 20 to 30-year-old demographic.

Gender Insights

Diving tourism among men accounted for a market share of around 64% in 2024.There is a prevalent perception that men are inherently more suited for diving due to their physical attributes, such as greater muscle mass, higher lung capacity, and increased upper body strength, which can facilitate mastery of this demanding underwater sport. These traits can be particularly advantageous in certain types of diving, including cave diving, night diving, and wreck diving, where physical exertion may be required. Furthermore, it is noted that men are generally more inclined to pursue adventure and exploration activities than women, which could positively impact the market among male participants.

The demand for diving tourism among women is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.8% from 2025 to 2030. The emergence of women-focused dive groups and organizations has fostered a supportive community, encouraging more females to pursue diving regardless of skill level. Moreover, female-friendly diving courses and travel packages have made the sport more accessible and appealing to women seeking recreational and educational opportunities. Increased representation of women in diving through media, social platforms, and events has further inspired others to join, creating a positive feedback loop that fuels interest and participation.

Key Saudi Arabia Diving Tourism Company Insights

The market is rapidly evolving, driven by the country's strategic initiatives to promote its pristine underwater environments, particularly along the Red Sea coast. Key players include local dive operators, international travel agencies, and emerging eco-tourism firms, all vying for market share in this niche sector. Major destinations such as the Farasan Islands and the Red Sea coral reefs attract domestic and international divers, leading to increased investment in infrastructure and services, including diving schools and eco-friendly resorts.

In addition, government support through initiatives like the Saudi Vision 2030 plan aims to diversify the economy and position Saudi Arabia as a global tourism hub, enhancing collaboration among stakeholders and promoting sustainable practices. As a result, competition is intensifying, focusing on unique experiences, high-quality services, and environmental sustainability to capture the interest of adventurous travelers.

Recent Developments

• In July 2024, The "We Want You" campaign launched by SSI aims to promote global diversity and inclusivity by showcasing the talents and contributions of individuals from all walks of life in the diving community. The campaign encourages participation from diverse backgrounds and highlights the importance of representation in sports. As part of this initiative, SSI invites individuals to share their stories and experiences, fostering a more inclusive diving and marine conservation environment. This effort aligns with SSI's commitment to promoting safety, education, and a welcoming atmosphere for all divers.

• In September 2023, The Reef-World Foundation partnered with DiveAssure and ZuBlu to promote sustainable diving practices and marine conservation. This collaboration aims to educate divers through the Green Fins Diver e-Course, which empowers participants to adopt environmentally friendly diving practices. The partnerships also offer discounts on dive insurance and travel bookings for course participants, enhancing their commitment to sustainability in marine tourism. These initiatives emphasize the importance of responsible tourism for preserving ocean ecosystems.

Saudi Arabia Diving Tourism Market Report Scope

Saudi Arabia Diving Tourism Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at the regional and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends and opportunities in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the Saudi Arabia diving tourism market report based on diving type, tourist type, age group, gender type, and region:

• Diving Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Scuba Diving

    • Deep Diving

    • Drift Diving

    • Wreck Diving

    • Others

  • Free Diving

• Tourist Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Domestic

  • International

• Age Group Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • 10-20 Years

  • 20-30 Years

  • 30-40 Years

  • 40 Years & Above

• Gender Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Men

  • Women