Atlantic Onboard Internships was present at Boot Düsseldorf 2026 as part of a broader conversation on how nautical tourism, marine science and sustainability can be meaningfully connected.
Within Europe’s most prominent boat show, the initiative contributed to discussions around responsible maritime activities, onboard learning and collaboration between companies, researchers and educational projects in the blue economy.
Next you can find a bit more of our experience there.
An international showcase for blue innovation
The Boot Düsseldorf boat show (one of the world’s most influential maritime events) once again brought together thousands of professionals, companies, and institutions linked to boating and the blue economy.
In this context, Atlantic Onboard Internships, promoted by the Twinned by Stars project and co-funded by the European Union and the Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), took part to strengthen partnerships and showcase business models that integrate education, science and sustainability.
Scientific tourism with real impact
On January 20, 2026, at 12:00, a presentation at the Blue Innovation Dock of the European Boating Industry (EBI), located in Hall 10 of the exhibition venue, highlighted the value of responsible maritime activities.
First, Gisela Dionisio, marine biologist, shared her organization’s experience in combining tourism and science—an approach that turns every sea trip into an opportunity for research, learning and awareness of ocean ecosystems.
Next, Misael Morales Vargas, marine biologist, presented his work in cetacean observation and marine sciences. He emphasized best practices in whale watching, the use of scientific data to understand biodiversity, and the key role of local companies as conservation partners. Both examples showed that nautical tourism can go beyond leisure to become a tool for knowledge and marine protection.
An invitation to add talent and purpose
Following the talks, the Atlantic Onboard Internships platform was introduced. It is designed to connect education-driven maritime companies with students and young professionals eager to learn in real-world settings. The message was clear: join a network that promotes onboard learning experiences aligned with sustainability, innovation and social responsibility. For participating organizations, the platform provides international visibility, access to motivated talent, and a concrete way to help train the next generation of maritime professionals and nature advocates.
The day at Boot Düsseldorf closed with a shared takeaway: the future of maritime activities depends on placing sustainability at the core and embedding conservation and awareness actions into every proposal. Initiatives like Atlantic Onboard Internships demonstrate that sector growth can go hand in hand with ocean health. At a time of major challenges for marine ecosystems, building bridges between business, science and education is not just an opportunity—it is a necessity.