January Diving Events to Put on Your Radar

January may be the start of the calendar year, but in the global dive industry it is one of the busiest months for events, bringing together divers, travel operators, manufacturers, and underwater explorers. From major European dive shows to specialist festivals and travel expos in Asia and North America, these January events set the tone for the year ahead.

Salon de la Plongée

Dates: 8–11 January 2026
Location: Paris, France

The Paris-based Salon de la Plongée is one of Europe’s most established dive events and a firm favourite with both recreational divers and professionals. Hosted at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the show brings together dive centres, liveaboard operators, training agencies, equipment brands, and underwater photographers. Visitors can expect destination presentations, equipment launches, and talks from explorers and conservationists, making it an ideal early-year event for planning dive travel and upgrades for the season ahead.

boot Düsseldorf

Dates: 17–25 January 2026
Location: Düsseldorf, Germany

Often described as the world’s largest water sports event, boot Düsseldorf plays a major role in the diving calendar each January. Its dedicated diving halls showcase training agencies, dive destinations, liveaboards, and cutting-edge equipment alongside broader water sports and marine tourism exhibits. For divers, this event is as much about inspiration as it is about industry insight, with thousands of visitors using it to plan dive holidays, compare gear, and follow emerging trends in dive technology and sustainability.

Toronto International Boat Show

Dates: 17–25 January 2026
Location: Toronto, Canada

While not exclusively a dive show, the Toronto International Boat Show attracts strong interest from divers thanks to its crossover appeal. Dive travel operators, marine adventure companies, and equipment suppliers regularly feature alongside boating exhibitors. For cold-water divers and travel-focused visitors, it is a valuable opportunity to explore dive holidays, marine accessories, and broader ocean-focused innovation during the winter months.

Ice Hole Dive Festival

Dates: 29 January – 1 February 2026
Location: Lake Okoboji, Iowa, USA

The Ice Hole Dive Festival celebrates one of the most extreme and specialist forms of diving. Held at Lake Okoboji, the event focuses on ice diving techniques, safety, and community, bringing together experienced cold-water divers and those curious about taking their first plunge beneath the ice. While niche, this festival has become a standout January event for divers seeking something beyond tropical reefs and warm water travel.

DRT Show Malaysia

Dates: 30 January – 1 February 2026
Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

The DRT Show, short for Diving, Resort, and Travel, is Asia’s leading dive travel expo and a key January event for divers planning trips in the region. Resorts, liveaboards, tourism boards, and training agencies from across Asia-Pacific exhibit at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. The show is particularly popular with divers looking for Southeast Asian destinations, eco-focused travel, and early-season booking deals.

Duikvaker

Dates: 31 January – 1 February 2026
Location: Houten, Netherlands

Duikvaker is one of the Netherlands’ largest dive events and has built a reputation for combining travel inspiration with education and community. Alongside destination and equipment exhibitors, the show typically features talks by explorers, photographers, and instructors, making it a strong choice for divers interested in learning, conservation, and trip planning as the new year begins.

Why January Diving Events Matter

January events play a strategic role for divers and the industry alike. They are where new gear is unveiled, travel plans are made, and training goals are set for the year ahead. Whether you are a recreational diver looking for inspiration, a professional seeking networking opportunities, or a travel planner mapping out the season, these January diving events offer a strong starting point.

For the most up-to-date listings and additions throughout the year, the The Scuba News Events Calendar remains a valuable resource for tracking what’s happening across the global dive community.