Florida's Shark Diving Industry Generates
Hundreds of Millions for Florida's Economy
Shark diving is a thriving marine
ecotourism industry that supports thousands of jobs, attracts visitors from around the world, and creates economic value by keeping sharks alive.
Visitor Spending
- Airfare and local transportation
- Hotels and vacation rentals
- Restaurants and coastal bars
- Dive charters and guide services
- Photography and high-end camera equipment
- Dive gear and retail purchases
- Note: Visitor data indicates repeat visits to Florida's coastal hubs.
Jobs Supported
- Boat captains and specialized crew
- Dive instructors and divemasters
- Underwater photographers and curators
- Hospitality and tourism professionals
- Marina staff and technicians
- Small business owners and local entrepreneurs
Visitor Spending
- Airfare and local transportation
- Hotels and vacation rentals
- Restaurants and coastal bars
- Dive charters and guide services
- Photography and high-end camera equipment
- Dive gear and retail purchases
- Note: Visitor data indicates repeat visits to Florida's coastal hubs.
Jobs Supported
- Boat captains and specialized crew
- Dive instructors and divemasters
- Underwater photographers and curators
- Hospitality and tourism professionals
- Marina staff and technicians
- Small business owners and local entrepreneurs
Beyond the Boats
The economic footprint of shark diving is felt far offshore. Visitors support a vast network of terrestrial businesses including independent hotels, long-term rentals, local bars, full-service dive shops, retail outlets, marinas, specialized camera businesses, and land-based tour operators. This ecosystem provides a renewable revenue stream for coastal communities across the state.
Tourism, Jobs, and Small Businesses
Florida in a Global Shark Tourism Economy
Why Updated Data Matters
The landmark 2017 Oceana study relies on data from 2016,
a decade ago. Since then, the sector has seen explosive growth driven by social media exposure, a surge in professional underwater photography, and a global shift toward conservation-based tourism.
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Congress is considering legislation that could eliminate
an entire marine tourism industry and are working with outdated snapshots of a rapidly evolving industry that supports thousands of local Florida jobs.
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Sound public policy should be informed by current economic information, current tourism trends, and the experiences of the businesses, researchers, and communities that depend on Florida's shark-diving industry.
Help Us Update the Data
The Florida Shark Diving Impact & Conservation Survey will help us provide policymakers with the current information they need before making decisions that affect our coastal economy. Your input helps us document the full scale of our sustainable industry.
✔ Tourism Spending
✔ Jobs Supported
✔ Business Revenue
✔ Conservation Value
✔ Scientific Research
✔ Educational Programs
✔ Community Impact