Cozumel to Host International Diving Congress 2026 in October

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The island will host the International Diving Congress Cozumel 2026 from Oct. 15 to 18, turning the destination into a gathering point for dive professionals, industry representatives and marine conservation experts. It will be the second consecutive year the island serves as host.

Dive safety, training, reef conservation and marine life protection are among the topics on the agenda, according to César Zepeda Escamilla, a local tourism entrepreneur and diver.

Zepeda said participants will include shark specialists and representatives from organizations and companies such as PADI and equipment maker Cressi, along with other industry exhibitors. The full program has not yet been made public.

The forum will focus in particular on training for people working in the diving industry, given the conditions of dive sites around the island. While basic diving techniques remain the same, Zepeda said procedures and standards are continually updated to reduce risks and adapt to each destination’s characteristics.

“Standards are still being refined, and the activity is being polished to make it safer,” he said.

One factor that sets Cozumel apart is its marine currents, which favor drift diving but also require experience and preparation from operators and visitors. Zepeda added that the congress will help people beginning their professional diving careers learn procedures and safety measures, while also giving them a chance to exchange experiences with specialists.

“Important topics are covered related to diving safety and training for people who are just starting to dedicate themselves to this,” he said.

The agenda also includes reef conservation and the protection of marine species. Zepeda said he has observed changes in local wildlife over the past two years and credited anti-poaching efforts with helping sustain species such as lobster and pink conch. He also reported sightings of hammerhead and reef sharks, as well as a greater presence of green, hawksbill and loggerhead turtles.

The Cozumel Reefs National Park maintains scientific monitoring programs for corals, fish and other organisms to assess the health of its ecosystems.

In addition to natural conditions, Zepeda highlighted the island’s medical infrastructure for treating diving-related incidents and providing hyperbaric medicine. He said the combination of infrastructure, training and specialized events helps keep Cozumel competitive in the diving tourism market.

“You can dive all year round, with good temperatures and good visibility,” he said.

Holding the congress for a second straight year, he added, will again position Cozumel as a meeting point to discuss both the tourism industry and the environmental and safety challenges linked to diving.