2 Scuba Fun Dives for Certified divers in St Paul’s Bay

Clear water and varied underwater sites make this five-hour Malta outing a strong choice for certified scuba participants who want more than a quick swim. Aquatica Diving Centre plans each session around your experience level, with possible access to reefs, caves, and wrecks around St Paul’s Bay.

I like the patient instruction, especially for newer Open Water participants, and I like that the package includes transport to the underwater site plus two safety briefings. The main drawback is that the equipment details are unclear: the tour information says a complete kit is provided, but another section says scuba equipment is not included. Confirm this before paying.

Key points at a glance

• Two underwater sessions in one morning: The activity lasts about five hours and begins at 8:00 am, giving you a full morning in the water without using an entire holiday day.

• Good support for newer certified participants: The sessions are adjusted to your experience, and an instructor helped one nervous participant continue after an uneasy start.

• Reefs, caves, and wrecks may be available: The exact sites depend on conditions, ability, and local planning, but a World War II wreck in clear water is one memorable possibility.

• Safety is built into the schedule: You receive two briefings, and serious medical conditions may require written approval from a doctor before you enter the water.

• Transport is practical, but hotel pickup is not included: You meet at Diveshack20 in Sliema, then use the provided transport to reach the activity site.

• The best value comes from using both sessions: At $118.35 per person, the price makes more sense for certified participants who want two properly supervised outings rather than a single introductory experience.

Starting at Diveshack20 in Sliema

Your morning begins at 8:00 am at Diveshack20, located on Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui-Si-Sana in Sliema. The supplied address is written as SLM 3111 Tas, Tas-Sliema, so check the exact map pin and keep your phone ready for the operator’s message.

This is not a hotel pickup service. You need to make your own way to the meeting point, which is near public transport. That keeps the price lower, but it also means you should allow time for traffic, parking, or a delayed bus. The company contacts you by WhatsApp, SMS, or email before the session with instructions and a confirmed start time.

That message matters. The stated start time and total length can change because of weather, sea conditions, traffic, parking, punctuality, and the physical abilities of the group. In July and August, when roads and activity sites are busier, allow extra time.

Once you arrive, expect to confirm your details, discuss your experience, and prepare for the first session. English is required, both for communication and for understanding the safety instructions. If you cannot comfortably follow spoken English, this is not the right activity for you.

Two briefings before the water

The safety approach is one of the strongest parts of this outing. You receive two separate briefings, rather than one quick explanation before everything begins.

That matters because the conditions and plans can differ between the first and second session. A briefing gives you a chance to understand the site, check the plan, ask about your equipment, and settle your nerves before entering the water.

The instruction appears especially useful for newer Open Water participants. One father and son had limited experience, and the session was adjusted to suit their ability. The father initially felt panicky, but the instructor stayed patient until he felt able to continue. That kind of calm support can make the difference between an enjoyable morning and an early exit.

You still need to take responsibility for your own preparation. You must be a swimmer, have a moderate level of physical fitness, and hold an Open Water certification or a higher qualification. This is not an introductory lesson for someone who has never used scuba equipment.

How the first underwater session works

The exact route is not fixed in the information provided, and that is sensible. Malta’s sea conditions, the group’s ability, and local site planning all affect the choice.

You may visit a reef, cave, or wreck. A reef can offer a relatively straightforward setting for checking your comfort and skills. A cave adds a different kind of interest, but you should listen carefully to the briefing and follow the instructor’s limits. A wreck can be the most memorable option, yet it may require more confidence and careful supervision.

The first session is your chance to get settled. If you have not been underwater for some time, tell the instructor at the beginning. The operator says each outing is tailored to your experience, so an honest conversation about your comfort level is useful.

One particularly encouraging detail is the report of two jellyfish seen during a session. That does not guarantee you will see them, but it shows that the local water can offer small wildlife encounters as well as larger features such as wrecks and caves. Keep expectations sensible. Marine life is never scheduled, and the company cannot promise a particular animal or site.

After the first session, you return to the support vehicle or meeting area for a break and preparation for the next one. The total activity lasts about five hours, but the timetable can shift. Do not plan a tight appointment immediately afterward.

The second session and possible Malta wreck interest

The second outing gives you another chance to enjoy the water once you have adjusted to the equipment and conditions. For a newer participant, that second session can be more relaxed because the initial nerves have passed. For a more experienced certified participant, it provides extra time to explore a different site or extend the morning’s underwater experience.

A World War II wreck in clear water is one possible highlight. The supplied information does not identify the wreck or promise that every group will visit it, so treat this as a possible site rather than a guaranteed part of the schedule.

That uncertainty is worth accepting. A responsible operator should choose a suitable location rather than force a particular wreck visit when weather, water conditions, or group ability make it unwise. If you have your heart set on a specific wreck, ask Aquatica Diving Centre before booking.

The second briefing also gives the guide a chance to explain changes. If the group is mixed, the plan may be adapted so that newer certified participants receive more support while stronger participants are not left without enough to do. The maximum group size is 15 people. That is not a private outing, but it is small enough to allow organized supervision when everyone follows instructions.

Equipment: confirm what your $118.35 covers

At $118.35 per person, the price is reasonable if it covers the complete scuba kit, transport to the activity site, two briefings, and two underwater sessions. It becomes less attractive if you must rent major equipment separately.

Here is the problem: one part of the information says a complete diving kit is provided, while the included and excluded sections conflict over the use of scuba equipment. Do not assume. Contact the operator and ask specifically if the price includes the tank, regulator, buoyancy device, wetsuit, mask, fins, weights, and any other required kit.

You need to bring your own towel and swimsuit. Those are clearly excluded. Wear a swimsuit under the equipment and pack a towel for afterward. Since transport is provided to the site but hotel pickup is not, you also need to handle your journey to Sliema.

The mobile ticket is handy, but the practical benefit is the direct contact before the session. Keep the confirmation and the operator’s messages available on your phone. This is especially important if the exact meeting time changes.

Why the five-hour length affects value

Five hours is long enough to make the morning feel substantial, but it does not consume your whole day. You get two separate sessions rather than one short taste of the water, which is helpful for building comfort and making the equipment cost worthwhile.

The price also includes the service that surrounds the water time. You are not simply paying for access to the sea. You receive two briefings, supervision, and transport from the meeting point to the local site. If equipment is included, the package becomes a stronger value for a visitor who does not want to pack or arrange a full kit independently.

The tradeoff is that you must be ready early and accept a flexible schedule. A five-hour estimate is not a guarantee that you will finish at a precise time. Traffic, parking, weather, sea conditions, and group pace can all affect the day.

The activity also has a maximum of 15 participants. Ask about the expected group size if personal attention is a major concern. The available feedback points to caring and patient instructors, including Holly and Lee, but guide assignments can vary.

Safety rules you should take seriously

The health screening is detailed, and you should read it before booking. Written medical approval is required for listed serious conditions. The operator says approval can come from your own physician or a physician in Malta, with doctors available at pharmacies each morning.

Conditions and circumstances that may require approval include:

• Pregnancy
• Heart, lung, or blood conditions
• High cholesterol or high blood pressure for people aged 45 or older
• Smoking for people aged 45 or older
• Eye, ear, or nasal problems
• Recent surgery or related ongoing problems
• Neurological conditions or learning or developmental disabilities
• Loss of consciousness, migraines, headaches, seizures, strokes, or head injuries
• Psychological or addiction-related issues
• Back problems, hernia, or ulcers
• Diabetes
• Stomach or intestinal problems, including diarrhea
• Prescription medication, except birth control and most anti-malarial medication, with mefloquine specifically excluded

Do not hide a condition to avoid paperwork. If you cannot provide the required medical approval, the operator suggests joining a snorkeling tour instead.

You also need to wait 24 hours before flying after this activity. That rule affects your itinerary. Do not schedule these sessions on the final day before a flight, especially if your departure is early.

The best season for calmer wildlife encounters

The company recommends avoiding July and August for the best experience. More people around Malta can startle aquatic animals, and the peak season also brings heavier traffic and more pressure on parking.

This does not mean summer is impossible. It means you should expect more people, more schedule changes, and a greater need to arrive early. June, July, and August are specifically noted as periods when timing can be less predictable.

A quieter period may also suit you if you want a calmer learning environment. Newer certified participants often benefit from less pressure around the meeting point and fewer distractions near the water. Again, the operator does not promise a particular level of marine life, so book for the quality of the activity rather than a guaranteed wildlife show.

For an extra fee, the company offers weekly full-day outings to Gozo and Comino. Those are separate options, not part of this St Paul’s Bay package. Ask for current details before assuming a ferry supplement or full-day extension is included.

Who should book this experience?

This outing suits you if you:

• Hold an Open Water certification or a higher qualification
• Are comfortable swimming and have moderate physical fitness
• Want two supervised sessions rather than a single short introduction
• Prefer reefs, caves, or wrecks to a standard beach activity
• Appreciate patient instruction and flexible planning
• Can communicate in English
• Are able to reach Sliema by 8:00 am
• Can remain in Malta for at least 24 hours afterward before flying

It is less suitable if you are not certified, cannot swim, dislike early starts, or need hotel pickup. It is also a poor fit if your schedule depends on finishing at an exact time.

Families should check the consent rules carefully. Minors who join alone need written permission from a parent or tutor. The supplied information does not give a minimum age, so ask the operator before booking for a child.

Cancellation and weather notes

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded, and last-minute changes are not accepted.

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The company also warns that late arrival, ignored health rules, or missing information can lead to refusal of participation without a refund, particularly in peak season.

That policy is strict, but the practical lesson is simple: answer messages promptly, arrive early, and deal with medical questions before the day of the activity.

Should you book these two Malta scuba sessions?

Book it if you are already certified and want a guided morning with two underwater sessions, especially if patient instruction matters to you. The possibility of reefs, caves, a World War II wreck, and jellyfish makes the outing more varied than a basic swim, while the two briefings add useful structure.

Before paying, settle the equipment question. Ask Aquatica Diving Centre exactly what the $118.35 includes, then confirm the meeting point, expected finish time, and any medical paperwork. If those details work for you, this is a practical way to experience Malta’s clear water without giving up an entire day for a longer Gozo or Comino trip.

FAQ

Where does the activity begin?

It begins at Diveshack20, Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana, SLM 3111 Tas, Tas-Sliema, Malta.

What time does the activity start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am, although the exact time can change because of weather, traffic, parking, sea conditions, group ability, or punctuality.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Transport to and from the activity site is included after you meet at the stated starting point.

Who can participate?

The activity is for swimmers who hold an Open Water certification or a higher certification level. Participants should have moderate physical fitness and be able to understand English.

How many underwater sessions are included?

Two fun scuba sessions are included, along with two safety briefings.

Is scuba equipment included?

The information is inconsistent. One section says a complete kit is provided, while another excludes the use of scuba equipment. Confirm the equipment arrangement with Aquatica Diving Centre before booking.

What should I bring?

Bring your own towel and swimsuit. You should also keep your booking confirmation and the operator’s messages available on your phone.

Can I fly after the activity?

You should wait 24 hours before flying after the activity.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.