The hum of anticipation builds as divers, photographers, conservationists, and explorers gather under one roof. Beneath the Sea 2025, North America’s premier dive, travel, and ocean exposition, is more than an industry event—it’s a convergence of passion, legacy, and the future of underwater discovery. Held March 28-30, 2025, at the Meadowlands Exposition Center in Secaucus, New Jersey, this year’s show marks its 46th annual edition, and with it, a celebration of the individuals and ideas shaping the next frontier of diving.
Beneath the Sea has always been about more than just gear and travel—it is a place where the dive community comes together to honor legends, push the boundaries of technology, and inspire the next generation of ocean explorers. This year, with nearly 200 exhibitors, over 50 seminars, and an impressive lineup of industry pioneers, the event is poised to highlight breakthroughs in underwater imaging, conservation, and deep-sea exploration, while also recognizing the achievements of those who have dedicated their lives to the sea.
Beneath the Sea 2025: Honoring the Icons of the Deep
One of the defining moments of Beneath the Sea each year is its recognition of individuals whose contributions have shaped the world of diving. The 2025 Legend of the Sea, David Doubilet, is not just a photographer—he is a visual poet of the underwater world. For over four decades, his images have transported readers of National Geographic to realms few have ever seen, from the haunting wreck of the USS Arizona to the ethereal landscapes of Indonesia’s coral reefs. His work, spanning more than 80 National Geographic features, is not merely documentation—it is a love letter to the ocean, an urgent call for conservation, and a testament to the power of storytelling beneath the surface.
Equally transformative is Margo Peyton, this year’s Diving Pioneer Award recipient. If David Doubilet’s work has captured the ocean’s beauty, Margo has built a legacy of bringing new generations into its depths. As the founder of Kids Sea Camp, she has introduced over 8,000 young divers to the sport, a feat unmatched in its scale and impact. Her efforts go beyond certification numbers—she has created a culture where families explore together, where diving is passed from generation to generation, and where young ocean advocates are born.
This year’s Divers of the Year Class of 2025 includes individuals whose work spans science, conservation, service, and exploration. Among them is Norm Berhannan, honored for his lifelong dedication to diving education and mentorship, and Dr. David Charash, a specialist in dive medicine whose contributions to hyperbaric and dive safety have helped advance the field of undersea medicine. Also joining the ranks is Cristina Zenato, a shark behaviorist, cave explorer, and environmentalist, whose work in shark conservation and underwater cave mapping has redefined human interaction with the ocean’s most misunderstood predators.
These individuals are not just award recipients—they are the architects of modern diving. Their achievements remind us that diving is not merely about adventure, but about responsibility, education, and stewardship of the world beneath the waves.
A Showcase of Innovation and Exploration
While the past is honored, Beneath the Sea is also about looking forward. This year’s expo will feature the latest advancements in dive technology, imaging, and exploration, bringing together equipment manufacturers, underwater photographers, and marine researchers to showcase what’s next for the industry.
Expect to see the next generation of dive computers, rebreathers, and AI-driven underwater imaging systems, as well as discussions on how emerging technologies are shaping deep-sea exploration. The growing integration of machine learning and real-time image processing into underwater cameras is making it possible for divers to capture clearer, more dynamic footage in low-light environments, opening new possibilities for deep wreck and cave diving.
For those who live for travel, the expo floor will be a one-stop gateway to some of the world’s most coveted dive destinations. Liveaboard operators, dive resorts, and tourism boards from the Caribbean to the Coral Triangle will be on hand to offer exclusive deals, travel packages, and insights into the best times and locations for world-class diving. With the return of adventure travel and ecotourism, Beneath the Sea 2025 will be a crucial moment for divers looking to book their next expedition.
The Future of Diving Begins Here
Perhaps the most inspiring element of Beneath the Sea is its dedication to shaping the future of diving. Friday, March 28, will mark Marine Careers Day, a vital program designed to introduce high school and college students to opportunities in marine science, conservation, and professional diving. In a world where ocean health is at a crossroads, initiatives like this are essential for cultivating the next generation of divers, researchers, and conservationists.
The Ocean Pals program, aimed at young children, continues to instill a sense of marine stewardship from an early age, while the Sea of Tomorrow Scholarship program provides financial support and mentorship to students pursuing careers in ocean-related fields. These efforts reflect a growing awareness that diving isn’t just about individual experience—it’s about collective responsibility for the marine ecosystems that make it possible.
Throughout the weekend, a series of workshops and seminars will dive into pressing topics, from wreck diving and technical exploration to the latest trends in sustainable dive tourism. With climate change affecting dive sites worldwide, these discussions will be particularly relevant, offering insights into how divers, operators, and conservation groups can work together to protect the ocean’s most fragile environments.
A Community Like No Other
More than anything, Beneath the Sea is about community. It’s about the conversations that happen in the aisles between exhibitors, the connections forged over a shared love for the deep, and the unspoken understanding that once you’ve explored the underwater world, you are forever changed.
From the Legends Champagne Reception to the V.I.P. Awards Banquet, the weekend will be filled with moments of camaraderie and celebration, where newcomers and seasoned explorers alike will come together in a shared passion for the ocean.
For those in the industry, this is the event where relationships are built, partnerships are formed, and ideas are exchanged that will shape the direction of diving in the years to come. For those new to the sport, it is an invitation into a world of discovery and adventure, a chance to find inspiration in the people and places that make diving what it is today.
Beneath the Sea 2025 is not just an expo—it’s a statement about where diving is headed, a call to adventure, and a reminder that the ocean is still the greatest unexplored frontier on the planet. WS360 will be there, bringing exclusive coverage, interviews, and deep dives into the innovations and individuals making an impact. The future of diving is unfolding. And it begins here.
WS360 is dedicated to delivering in-depth coverage of the world’s most important dive and watersports events. Stay with us for continued updates on Beneath the Sea 2025, breaking news from the expo floor, and a post-show analysis of the latest industry trends.
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