Billed as America’s largest consumer scuba and dive travel show, Beneath the Sea has been a New Jersey tradition since 1976. Beneath the Sea is a not-for-profit corporation that is dedicated to increasing awareness not just about scuba diving, but about issues surrounding the world’s waterways, lakes, and oceans. This exposition has a little something for everyone – even kids are welcome to attend.
Beneath The Sea - When
The Beneath the Sea expo is held annually, usually toward the end of March; the 2020 show takes place March 27 - March 29. Exhibitors begin arriving on Thursday, and on Friday morning, seminars begin. Exhibits open to the public on Friday evening, and re-open on Saturday morning. The fun continues through Sunday afternoon, so if you can’t make all three days, you can definitely manage to have a good time even if you stay for just a short time.
Beneath The Sea - Where
The Meadowlands Exposition Center, which hosts major events year-round has the space required to host an event as massive as the Beneath the Sea Show. It is located just a few minutes outside of New York City in Secaucus, New Jersey. Easy to access from all major interstate arteries including the Garden State Parkway and the New Jersey Turnpike, it’s only a few minutes away from Teterboro Jetport and Newark Liberty International Airport. There is plenty of parking available if you choose to drive.
Beneath The Sea - Event Highlights
In addition to presentations from equipment manufacturers and travel agencies, there are special presentations for technical divers, public safety divers, and people interested in marine careers. There is also an international imaging competition that allows underwater photographers and videographers the opportunity to engage in a friendly competition with their peers from all over the world.
Kids will enjoy the annual Beneath the Sea Ocean Pals poster contest and sweets party, and everyone will have fun enjoying award ceremonies, eating great food at the banquets, and dancing ‘til midnight or later at parties open to exhibitors and attendees alike.
Whether your mission is to gain valuable knowledge, see what’s new in dive gear, enjoy watching films about diving and ocean issues, or just have fun hanging out and partying with fellow divers from all over the world, Beneath the Sea will allow you to do just that and a whole lot more. You can normally find early bird tickets online, and tickets are also available at the door. To save money on admission, sign up to become a Beneath the Sea member, and get some additional benefits when you do.
Beneath The Sea - Places to Stay and Things to See
There are five national hotel chains within easy walking distance from the expo center, and an additional six national hotel chains just about a five-minute drive away. Check rates and make reservations in advance if you plan to stay for the entire expo – you’ll be much more likely to get the kind of accommodations you want at a rate that appeals to you.
If you can bear to tear yourself away from the expo, or if you plan to stay in the area for an extended period of time, you’ll find no shortage of New Jersey and New York attractions to keep you busy. From wreck diving to visiting the Statue of Liberty and other landmarks, this area absolutely will not disappoint.