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Tariffs, Travel & Temporary Turmoil: Why the Scuba Industry Is Thriving — Especially for California Divers

Tariffs, Travel & Temporary Turmoil: Why the Scuba Industry Is Thriving — Especially for California Divers

Posted by Kaileigh Sandberg on on Apr 11th 2025

We get it — with all the buzz around tariffs, political impact, and temporary turmoil in the global economy, you might expect things to be slowing down in industries like scuba diving and travel. But here’s the truth: both are not just surviving — they’re booming with same'ol prices.

From U.S.-based gear manufacturers dropping prices, to tropical dive trips getting more affordable, and local California dive shops offering unbeatable value, this is one of the best times in recent memory to be a diver.


Scuba Gear: Lower Prices, Better Value — Especially for U.S.-Made Brands

Contrary to expectations, many U.S.-made scuba gear brands are thriving in this economic climate. Thanks to shifting supply chains and increased demand for domestic products, leading names like Atomic, Bare, and Scubapro are now offering lower prices and higher value than ever before.

This means it’s a great time to invest in new dive gear without paying inflated international shipping costs. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight BCD for travel, a top-tier regulator, or a rugged drysuit for California’s cooler waters, we’ve got you covered.

And with tariffs making some imported gear more expensive, American-made products are becoming the smarter, more affordable choice — without sacrificing performance or reliability.


California Diving: Local Sites, Global Vibes

If you’re based in California, you’re in luck. The Golden State offers some of the most diverse diving in the world — from kelp forests in Catalina and La Jolla, to wrecks and reefs in the Channel Islands. And now, gearing up for those adventures is easier than ever.

Our local dive shop is able to compete like never before, thanks to direct relationships with domestic manufacturers and a shift in consumer habits that favor local shopping. That means better pricing, personalized service, and real advice from divers who know California diving inside and out.

So whether you’re hunting nudibranchs in Monterey or chasing bat rays through kelp in Malibu, we’ve got the gear — and the deals — to keep you diving strong.


The Travel Industry Is Thriving — Especially for Scuba Travelers

Yes, really. Despite talk of global instability, the travel industry is booming — and scuba travel is leading the way.

We’re seeing lower airfare, competitive group travel packages, and unprecedented deals to world-class dive destinations like:

  • Cozumel – Caribbean reefs and drift diving at its finest

  • Bonaire – Shore diving capital of the world

  • Fiji – Soft coral paradise

  • Maldives – Manta rays, whale sharks, and luxury liveaboards

  • Philippines – Critter heaven and island-hopping adventures

With temporary turmoil in other industries, scuba travelers are taking advantage of falling prices to book dream trips now. There’s truly never been a better time to explore the underwater world beyond California.


Work with Our In-House Travel Agents

Don’t know where to start? Our in-house travel agents specialize in scuba vacations, and they’re here to help you plan your next big underwater adventure.

Whether you’re a new diver booking your first tropical trip or a seasoned dive traveler looking for your next liveaboard, we’ll connect you with the best destinations, resorts, and package deals available right now. Let us help you build a travel plan that’s budget-friendly, exciting, and totally dive-focused.


Shop Local, Dive Global

From local businesses to global dive destinations, the current economic landscape is actually working in favor of divers. We’re able to offer:

  • Scuba gear deals on top brands like Bare, Atomic, and Scubapro

  • California diving equipment suited for local shore and boat dives

  • Travel packages to tropical destinations at unbeatable prices

  • Personalized service from real divers who know your needs

Whether you’re diving cold water in California or prepping for a tropical escape, we’ve got everything you need to make it happen — right here at your local dive shop.


Come Visit Us!

Stop by our dive shop to check out the latest promotions on scuba diving equipment, get expert gear advice, or speak with our in-house travel team to plan your next trip.

Despite what the headlines say, the world of diving is alive, well, and more accessible than ever. So don’t wait. Gear up, dive in, and go explore.