Insights from Cline’s 1st Quarter 2026 Global Dive Business Survey
THE 1ST QUARTER 2026 SURVEY shows an industry that is suffering travel pressures, compared to previous years’ Q1. Retailers remain the largest respondent group, but their share declined from 56% in 2025 to 46% in 2026, while independent instructors and resorts represented a larger share of the 2026 response pool. This matters because the 2026 results may reflect a slightly broader industry view, not just traditional retail.
The most encouraging data is in the outlook section. Looking into Q2, 39.1% expect gross revenue increases in 2026, slightly above 2025 and 2024. Certification outlook is notably stronger, with 44.2% expecting increases, compared with 36.1% in 2025 and 33.0% in 2024. Equipment outlook also improved, with 38.7% expecting increases.
Overall, Q1 2026 looks like a cautious, uneven recovery environment. Actual Q1 performance weakened versus 2025 in gross revenue, certifications, and equipment, but forward-looking sentiment improved. The industry appears challenged in current sales activity, yet operators are still expecting a stronger spring and early summer.
Certifications are the biggest concern. New diver acquisition remains the industry’s most important challenge.
The industry enters Q2 2026 challenged, but not defeated. The opportunity now is to convert spring and summer interest into new certifications, continuing education, local participation, travel bookings, and equipment sales.
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