In February 2026, BCSS took part in the Moscow Dive Show 2026, one of the largest and most influential gatherings of divers, freedivers, and ocean professionals in Eastern Europe. Bringing together thousands of ocean enthusiasts, industry leaders, and travel operators, the Show continues to serve as a powerful platform for shaping the future of dive tourism and ocean engagement.
The exhibition attracts a highly targeted audience of active divers and water sports enthusiasts, many of whom attend specifically to discover new destinations, plan travel, and connect directly with operators. This context made Moscow Dive Show an ideal space for BCSS to position its unique model — where marine science, conservation, and immersive ocean experiences intersect.
During the Show, BCSS delivered a presentation on the Ocean Observatory, introducing audiences to our long-term environmental monitoring work in the Bazaruto Archipelago. The presentation highlighted how scientific research can be meaningfully integrated into dive and ocean experiences, offering participants not only encounters with marine megafauna, but also a deeper understanding of the ecosystems they are part of.
The response from both divers and industry professionals confirmed a growing appetite for purpose-driven travel, where exploration goes hand-in-hand with contribution to science and conservation.
Graph based on 450+ personal interviews in the venue of the Moscow Dive Show 2025, in collab with the Faculty of Sociology, Moscow Finance University
A key focus of our participation was reconnecting with long-term partners and expanding our network within both the diving and freediving communities.
We were pleased to reconnect with Team Trip, who had a strong presence at the Show and continue to be an important partner. These collaborations demonstrate the increasing demand for curated, high-value marine experiences in emerging destinations like Mozambique.
At the same time, we engaged in meaningful discussions and established new connections across the industry, including conversations with Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, TDE (Technical Diving Equipment), Open Dive, Sea Angels, Ocean People Pro, Ultimate Depth, SISO Dwana Diving, Molchanovs, to name a few.
These interactions spanned a wide range of sectors — from technical diving and equipment to freediving education and expedition travel — reflecting the increasingly interconnected nature of the ocean community.
BCSS is uniquely positioned to host small, high-quality groups for:
- educational diving expeditions
- freediving and ocean awareness programmes
- highly ethical low volume whale watching and marine megafauna experiences
- science-led ocean immersion trips
Ekaterina Kalashnikova representing BCSS at the Moscow Dive Show 2026.
Our goal is not simply to bring more people to the ocean, but to build a global community of divers who understand, value, and actively contribute to marine conservation.
The conversations held during the Show made it clear that there is a strong and growing demand for this type of experience — particularly among divers seeking more than just recreation, and looking instead for connection, knowledge, and purpose.
Participation in Moscow Dive Show 2026 marked an important step in expanding BCSS’s presence within the international dive sector. By combining scientific credibility with immersive ocean experiences, we aim to continue building partnerships that support both sustainable tourism and long-term conservation outcomes.
We look forward to welcoming new groups from across the region and beyond — and to continuing the dialogue between science and the global diving community.
More information:
For questions about this article, please contact:Â
Ekaterina Kalashnikova, Bazaruto Archipelago – Ocean Observatory Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies ekaterina.kalashnikova@bcssmz.org Â
To get in touch and collaborate with our research Center , please visit https://bcssmz.org/logistical-support-consultancy/ Â
To learn more about our Scientific Training Program, please see https://bcssmz.org/scientific-training-program/ Â