Diving Talks

Who is Robin Cuesta?

For Robin Cuesta, diving is far more than an adventure—it’s a tool for exploration, discovery, and the expansion of our understanding of the underwater world.

A cave diver and explorer, Robin has spent years venturing into submerged caves and remote aquatic environments where few have ever been. His passion for exploration is matched by a commitment to documenting these extraordinary places, transforming complex expeditions into powerful visual stories that inspire curiosity and respect for the hidden world beneath our feet.

Whether mapping unexplored passages, capturing striking underwater imagery, or contributing to exploration projects, Robin represents a new generation of divers who combine technical expertise, scientific curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural environment.

At Diving Talks 2026, Robin will share his experiences at the frontier of underwater exploration, revealing the challenges, discoveries, and lessons that come from pushing beyond the limits of what is known.

“Let’s Talk About Diving” is a speaker introduction series leading up to Diving Talks 2026, where some of the most respected voices in the underwater world come together to share ideas, stories, and inspiration.

LetsTalkAboutDiving

The best part of any event isn't just what happens on stage.

It's the people you meet, the conversations you have and the ideas you take home.

If diving is your passion, you'll find your people here.

📍 Lisbon
23–25 October

eventbrite.pt/e/diving-talks-portugal-2026-international-diving-show-tickets-1983346134679?aff=erelexpmlt

Can science make every dive safer?

Every year, research uncovers new insights into how we dive, how accidents happen, and how they can be prevented. But knowledge only makes a difference when it reaches the divers who need it.

Meet Cristian Pellegrini, Marketing & Communications Manager at DAN Europe and Editor of Alert Diver, one of the world's leading publications dedicated to diving safety, science, and exploration.

A dive instructor, technical and CCR diver, and cave diver, Cristian works at the intersection of scientific research and diver education. By collaborating with physicians, researchers, explorers, and industry experts, he helps transform complex scientific findings into practical knowledge that enables divers to make better, safer decisions every time they enter the water.

At Diving Talks 2026, Cristian will explore how evidence-based research, education, and effective communication are shaping the future of diving safety—and why every diver, regardless of experience level, can benefit from understanding the science behind the sport.

🎥 Watch his introduction and tell us: What does diving safety mean to you?

Cristian Pellegrini
DAN Europe (Divers Alert Network Europe)

How many discoveries are still waiting beneath the surface?

For Heather Knowles, exploration isn't about chasing the unknown—it's about uncovering history, advancing knowledge, and protecting our underwater heritage.

A U.S.-based technical diver, explorer, and co-founder of Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, Heather has dedicated her career to researching, discovering, and documenting historic shipwrecks in New England while exploring some of the world's most remarkable wrecks, caves, and mines. As a Fellow of The Explorers Club, technical diving instructor, and co-captain of the dive vessel Gauntlet, she continues to push the boundaries of underwater exploration.

At Diving Talks 2026, Heather will share how exploration combines curiosity, science, teamwork, and perseverance to reveal stories that have remained hidden beneath the sea for generations.

🎥 Watch Heather's introduction and tell us: Which unexplored place would you most like to dive one day?

"Let's Talk About Diving" is a speaker introduction series leading up to Diving Talks 2026, where some of the most respected voices in the underwater world come together to share ideas, stories, and inspiration.

Heather Knowles
NAUI Worldwide

Who is Andriana Fragola?

Some people dive to explore the ocean. Andriana Fragola dives to tell its stories.

Andriana has built a career capturing some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking underwater environments. From tropical coral reefs to the icy waters of Antarctica, her work reveals the beauty, fragility, and resilience of our blue planet, inspiring audiences to see the ocean through a different lens.

Combining technical diving skills with artistic vision, Andriana has collaborated with internationally renowned scientists, conservation organisations, and documentary productions, using powerful visual storytelling to connect people with the underwater world and the urgent need to protect it.

At Diving Talks 2026, Andriana will share the experiences, challenges, and unforgettable moments behind filming beneath the surface, offering a unique perspective on exploration, conservation, and the art of bringing the ocean’s hidden stories to life.

“Let’s Talk About Diving” is a speaker introduction series leading up to Diving Talks 2026, where some of the most respected voices in the underwater world come together to share ideas, stories, and inspiration.

🌊 We cannot protect what we do not understand.

Behind every successful marine protected area, every conservation measure, and every effort to safeguard vulnerable species lies years of scientific research.

In this edition of Let's Talk About Diving, meet Gonçalo Silva.

A marine biologist, researcher, university lecturer, and founding member of MARDIVE, Gonçalo has spent more than two decades studying the ecology, evolution, and conservation of marine fish. His work has helped shape marine protected areas and improve the conservation of species such as seahorses, while also investigating how climate change is reshaping life beneath the surface.

At Diving Talks 2026, Gonçalo will share how science is helping us better understand—and ultimately protect—the oceans, while highlighting the importance of communicating research beyond academia and engaging local communities in marine conservation.

🎥 Watch his introduction and tell us: Which marine conservation challenge do you believe deserves the greatest attention today?

"Let's Talk About Diving" is a speaker introduction series leading up to Diving Talks 2026, where some of the most respected voices in the underwater world come together to share ideas, stories, and inspiration.