First Experience Scuba Diving

Breathing underwater changes your view of Malta. This beginner-friendly scuba session combines clear sea conditions, hands-on instruction, and a maximum group size of four, so you get close supervision from the start. I especially like the small-group format and the fact that the price includes the full equipment kit, transport to the sea site, a training session, and a second shore session.

I also like the patient teaching style reported from instructors such as Francesca, Alex, Emma, Julia, and Matteo. They have helped nervous beginners settle in, learn the equipment, and manage the first few minutes underwater. The main consideration is that this is a real physical activity for swimmers, not a casual boat ride. You must complete online preparation, understand English, meet health requirements, and be comfortable putting your face in the water.

Key points to know before booking

• Two underwater sessions: You first practice basic skills, then take part in a second shore session to look around.
• Maximum depth of 5 meters: This keeps the experience controlled and suitable for a first attempt.
• Groups of no more than four: You should receive more direct attention than in a large class.
• Full kit included: Tanks, wetsuit, mask, regulator, and other required equipment are provided.
• Meet in Tas-Sliema: The starting point is Diveshack20 on Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui-Sana, with no hotel pickup.
• Written medical approval may be required: Several health conditions require clearance before you can enter the water.

Starting at Diveshack20 in Tas-Sliema

Your day begins at Diveshack20, located on Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui-Sana in Tas-Sliema. The meeting point is near public transportation and easy to reach within the Sliema area, but you should allow extra time. Late arrival can mean missing the session, and the operator does not guarantee participation or a refund when health rules or timing requirements are ignored.

The advertised activity lasts about two hours and 30 minutes. That includes check-in, preparation, instruction, equipment fitting, travel to the sea site, and time in the water. The exact starting time and location can change because of sea conditions, traffic, parking, group punctuality, and the physical ability of participants.

Before the appointment, you should watch your phone for a WhatsApp message, or an SMS or email if you do not use WhatsApp. This message provides the online learning link, essential instructions, and the confirmed start time. I would not treat the booking confirmation as the final word on timing.

Bring your own swimsuit and towel. The equipment is included, but those two simple items are not. If you want an underwater camera or a rented towel, arrange it with the center ahead of time rather than assuming it will be available on the day.

Online preparation before you touch the water

The online material is an important part of this experience. It explains basic scuba knowledge, safety, equipment, and the hand signals used underwater. You should complete it before arriving, not while rushing through the check-in process.

Several people have specifically found the pre-session learning useful. I recommend paying attention to the hand signals, since you cannot speak normally once you are underwater. The preparation also gives you a chance to decide if the activity feels right before you put on the equipment.

At the center, the instructor gives a safety briefing and explains how the kit works. You will learn how to breathe through the regulator, clear your mask, manage basic problems, and communicate underwater. The staff can help with forms and equipment fitting, but you will get more from the session if you arrive ready to listen and ask focused questions.

Learning the basics with a small team

The group limit of four is one of the strongest features here. For a beginner, small numbers matter. You have more opportunity to ask questions, and the instructor can watch your comfort level instead of managing a crowd.

The instructors receive especially strong praise for patience and reassurance. Francesca has been described as kind, calm, and fun during the land-based teaching. Alex has helped nervous beginners feel secure, while Emma and Marcell have been praised for staying attentive when one person felt uneasy. Julia is also singled out for her friendly teaching and experience.

The staff team is international, and instruction is offered in English. You need to understand English well enough to follow safety directions and underwater signals. If you are unsure about your language ability, contact the center before booking.

The experience is designed for swimmers with a moderate level of physical fitness. You do not need previous scuba experience, but you do need to be comfortable in the water and willing to follow instructions. This is not the right choice if you are looking for a dry, passive sightseeing activity.

The first training session at a maximum of 5 meters

The first session is used to practice. You will enter the water with the instructor and work through the basic skills at a controlled depth. The emphasis is on breathing, equipment use, communication, and staying calm.

For many beginners, the first breath through a regulator is the hardest moment. It can feel strange to breathe through your mouth while your face is underwater. A good instructor will give you time to adjust rather than push you forward too quickly.

That patient approach seems to be a major reason this activity works well for first-timers. Instructors have stayed close to nervous participants, checked that they were comfortable, and helped them continue at a manageable pace. One participant became anxious and stopped, while a partner continued. That is a useful reminder that the activity can feel very different from person to person.

You should be honest about your comfort level. If you cannot place your face in the water or feel unable to control your breathing, tell the instructor immediately. The staff can provide support, but they cannot remove the basic requirements of scuba.

The second shore session and Malta’s sea life

Once you have practiced the basic skills, the second session gives you time to look around. The maximum depth is 5 meters, so this is an introductory outing rather than a long or technically demanding underwater trip.

Malta’s clear water is a strong reason to choose this activity. People have seen shoaling fish close to the surface, sea urchins, several fish species, and even a barracuda. Visibility is not guaranteed, though. Choppy weather has caused poor conditions on some days, and the operator may move the activity to a better location when possible.

The experience takes place from shore, not as a large boat excursion. That keeps the format simple and makes it easier to focus on the basic skills. It also means you should not expect a long journey to distant reefs or a guaranteed wreck visit.

An upgrade may be available for a ship visit through the provider’s own website. Check that option before booking if a wreck or boat-related site is your main goal. This standard experience is built around a controlled beginner session, not a full sightseeing tour.

What the equipment and water feel like

The full scuba kit is included in the price, which removes one of the bigger hassles for a first attempt. Wetsuits are provided, and they have kept participants warm even during April sessions. The water can still feel cold, especially outside the warmest months, so use the supplied suit properly and expect some adjustment time.

Your equipment must fit well. Allow time for the staff to check the mask, wetsuit, regulator, and other parts of the kit. If you bring your own wetsuit, do not assume the center will simply accept it without checking. One awkward experience arose from confusion about changing clothes and equipment, so it is wise to arrive prepared and ask clearly where you can change.

The center provides the required scuba equipment, but not a towel or swimsuit. There is also no hotel pickup or drop-off. Transport to and from the actual activity site is included, but you must make your own way to the Tas-Sliema meeting point and back afterward.

Health rules are serious for good reason

You must review the medical requirements before paying. Written approval from a physician is required for listed conditions, including heart, lung, blood, neurological, ear, eye, nose, back, stomach, and diabetes-related problems.

The same applies to recent surgery, loss of consciousness, seizures, stroke, head injury, pregnancy, certain psychological or addiction concerns, and some prescription medications. People aged 45 or older who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or smoke also need medical approval.

If you cannot provide the required written consent, the center suggests joining a snorkeling activity instead. Do not hide a medical issue to avoid losing your place. The sea is not the setting for guesswork, and the provider can refuse participation when health requirements are not met.

You should also avoid alcohol before the activity and arrive in a condition that lets you follow safety instructions. The supplied information specifically requires swimmers and a moderate level of physical fitness. Those rules are not fine print to skim after booking.

Is $96.55 good value?

At $96.55 per person, the price is reasonable for a first scuba experience in Malta, especially because it includes online theory material, the safety briefing, the full equipment kit, one training session, one shore session, and transport to and from the sea site.

The value is strongest if you want to try scuba without committing to a full qualification. You receive structured instruction and two chances to practice, rather than paying only for a brief underwater introduction. The group limit of four also gives the price more weight, since personal attention is central to feeling safe.

You should know what the price does not buy. This is not an internationally recognized scuba certification. If you want a license or qualification, you need to ask about the provider’s proper scuba courses instead.

The value also depends on your attitude. If you arrive late, ignore medical rules, or decide at the last minute that you do not want to continue, the operator may not refund you. If poor weather cancels the session, you are offered another date or a full refund.

The practical timing details that matter

Book with some flexibility. The activity is often reserved around 16 days ahead, and summer conditions can make timing changes more likely. June, July, and August bring extra traffic, parking pressure, and more crowded schedules.

After the session, wait at least 12 hours before flying. The recommended wait is 24 hours. This matters when planning a short Malta visit, so schedule the activity early enough in your trip rather than on the final morning.

The experience ends back at the meeting point. Since hotel transportation is not included, plan your route before you arrive. A phone with the WhatsApp updates available is useful, especially if the site or start time changes.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Read the health and timing requirements before booking, since ignoring them can leave you with a wasted payment.

Who will enjoy this experience most?

I would choose this for a confident swimmer who wants a supported first look at scuba in Malta. It suits couples, families with teenagers, and solo participants who like hands-on instruction and do not mind following a set safety process.

It is also a good match for someone who feels nervous but is willing to work through the first few minutes. The instructors have been particularly praised for staying close, explaining equipment carefully, and helping anxious beginners regain control.

I would not choose it if you dislike putting your face in the water, cannot understand English safety instructions, or want an internationally recognized qualification. Pregnant participants cannot take part, and minors must be at least 10 years old with written permission from a parent or tutor.

Should you book the Malta scuba introduction?

Book it if you want a carefully supervised first attempt, clear water, a maximum depth of 5 meters, and a small team with full equipment included. The strongest part of the experience is the human support, with instructors such as Francesca, Alex, Emma, Julia, and Matteo repeatedly praised for patience and calm instruction.

Think twice if you need guaranteed visibility, a ship visit, hotel pickup, or a certification. The sea can turn choppy, the schedule can shift, and the activity requires real swimming ability and health clearance.

For the right person, $96.55 buys more than a quick swim. It gives you a structured way to find out if breathing underwater is something you want to pursue further.

FAQ

Where does the scuba experience start?

It starts at Diveshack20, Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui-Sana, SLM3111 Tas, Tas-Sliema, Malta.

How long does the activity last?

The activity lasts approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including instruction, preparation, transport, and time in the water.

How deep will I go?

The included shore session reaches a maximum depth of 5 meters.

Is scuba equipment included?

Yes. The complete scuba kit is included in the price.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring your own swimsuit and towel. Neither is included.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. The activity is for swimmers and requires a moderate level of physical fitness.

Is the activity a scuba certification course?

No. It does not provide an internationally recognized scuba certification.

Can children participate?

Minors must be at least 10 years old and have written consent from a parent or tutor.

Can I fly after the activity?

You should wait at least 12 hours before flying, with 24 hours recommended.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.