As divers, most of us are familiar with PADI – the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. Offering education for divers of every level, this organization’s motto says it all: “The Way the World Learns to Dive.” As you might expect, the annual PADI Dive Festival is absolutely incredible. Let’s take a look at the basics.
PADI Dive Festival - When
The PADI Dive Festival takes place over the course of three fun-filled days starting Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4. Sao Paulo’s weather is typically mild this time of year, with daytime temperatures averaging about 77 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re coming from a cold climate, you’ll feel as if you’ve just arrived in paradise.
PADI Dive Festival - Where
This exciting festival is hosted at the Transamerica Expo Center in Sao Paolo, Brazil. Located just a few kilometers from the malls, tourist attractions, speedway, and airport, the center is easily accessed by car or public transportation. With approximately 100,000 square meters of space, 7 halls, 2 mezzanines, and a foyer, the Transamerica Expo Center is known for being one of the best Convention and Exhibition Centers in Brazil.
PADI Dive Festival - Event Highlights
As the PADI Dive Festival is by far the largest and most important diving event in all of Latin America, it’s not surprising that there is plenty to see and do. Events include clinics covering a wide variety of dive-related topics, workshops for divers of every persuasion, and fantastic talks given by dive experts from all over the world. If you’re hoping to get the opportunity to see and interact with some of the most famous faces in diving, this is definitely the place to do it.
Besides the many informative lectures and programs on offer, the PADI Dive Festival features numerous vendors, including dive schools from Brazil and further afield, travel companies and liveaboards with special packages designed just for divers, and of course, a huge array of scuba gear manufacturers. Tour operators, beach hotels, and conservation agencies are also well-represented.
As you might expect of PADI, this event is top-notch. Each year, a spectacular dive pool is set up, not only so non-divers in attendance can try scuba, but so attendees can try the latest in scuba gear before making any purchase decisions.
Artists, underwater photographers, and underwater videographers are also in attendance, and if you feel like improving your own digital imagery skills, you’ll find a variety of photo and video workshops available.
Last but not least, there are plenty of social events both on and off site, and many fantastic prizes are awarded over the course of the weekend.
PADI Dive Festival - Places to Stay and Things to See
Sao Paulo has a wonderful selection of hotels and inns at prices to please any budget. As this event attracts thousands of people from all over the planet, it’s wise to make arrangements well in advance of the planned dates, particularly if you hope to acquire lodging near the convention center.
If you have the opportunity to spend a little extra time in Brazil, you can certainly find some fantastic dive sites to explore; in addition, you’ll find a wealth of historic and cultural attractions topside, along with marvelous cuisine. So pack your gear, bring your favorite dive buddy along, and enjoy a great time immersed in dive culture in one of the most beautiful places in the world.