South Africa Diving Tourism Market Size & Outlook

The diving tourism market in South Africa is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$ 203.5 million by 2030. A compound annual growth rate of 9.4% is expected of South Africa diving tourism market from 2024 to 2030.
Revenue, 2023 (US$M)
$108.3
Forecast, 2030 (US$M)
$203.5
CAGR, 2024 - 2030
9.4%
Report Coverage
South Africa

South Africa diving tourism market highlights

  • The South Africa diving tourism market generated a revenue of USD 108.3 million in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 203.5 million by 2030.
  • The South Africa market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2024 to 2030.
  • In terms of segment, scuba diving was the largest revenue generating diving type in 2023.
  • Scuba Diving is the most lucrative diving type segment registering the fastest growth during the forecast period.

Diving tourism market data book summary

Market revenue in 2023USD 108.3 million
Market revenue in 2030USD 203.5 million
Growth rate9.4% (CAGR from 2023 to 2030)
Largest segmentScuba diving
Fastest growing segmentScuba Diving
Historical data2018 - 2022
Base year2023
Forecast period2024 - 2030
Quantitative unitsRevenue in USD million
Market segmentationScuba Diving, Free Diving
Key market players worldwideThe Natural Travel Collection, Bluewater Travel, Scuba Travel, Divers Den, Dive Adventures Asia, ZuBlu, Professional Association of Diving Instructors

Other key industry trends

  • In terms of revenue, South Africa accounted for 2.4% of the global diving tourism market in 2023.
  • Country-wise, U.S. is expected to lead the global market in terms of revenue in 2030.
  • In Middle East & Africa, South Africa diving tourism market is projected to lead the regional market in terms of revenue in 2030.
  • Saudi Arabia is the fastest growing regional market in Middle East & Africa and is projected to reach USD 77.3 million by 2030.

Scuba diving was the largest segment with a revenue share of 78.3% in 2023. Horizon Databook has segmented the South Africa diving tourism market based on scuba diving, free diving covering the revenue growth of each sub-segment from 2018 to 2030.


South Africa is a popular destination for diving tourism, offering a wide range of captivating dive sites along its diverse coastline. The Sardine Run in South Africa is a natural phenomenon that occurs along the country's east coast, drawing diving enthusiasts from around the world.

This annual event, typically taking place between May and July, involves massive shoals of sardines migrating along the coastline. It creates a spectacular sight as predators such as dolphins, sharks, and seabirds gather to feed on the abundant sardines.

This has been a significant boost to the local economy local accommodation, eateries, and tourism establishments in South Africa. An article by Independent Online published in June 2023 reports that the annual Sardine Run has been hailed as a major boost for tourism in the Eastern Cape.

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Diving Tourism Market Companies

Name Profile # Employees HQ Website

South Africa diving tourism market size, by diving type, 2018-2030 (US$M)

South Africa Diving Tourism Market Outlook Share, 2023 & 2030 (US$M)

South Africa diving tourism market size, by diving type, 2018-2030 (US$M)

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