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

Malta’s clear water, underwater caves, reefs, and wartime wrecks make this more than a routine holiday swim. This five-hour scuba outing gives certified Open Water divers two chances to explore, with the site chosen around weather, sea conditions, and your ability.

I like the small maximum of 15 people and the personal approach. Newer divers have received patient help, including one hesitant diver who settled in after an instructor stayed close and calm. I also like the air-conditioned transport and the two separate safety briefings.

The main drawback is that the schedule is not fixed to the minute. Traffic, parking, weather, sea conditions, punctuality, and the group’s fitness can all change the day. Also, the information about equipment is inconsistent, so I would confirm exactly what is supplied before paying.

Key points at a glance

• Two separate underwater sessions: You get two guided scuba outings rather than one longer visit, with a briefing before each.
• Sites match your ability: Open Water divers and people with higher certificates can be placed at suitable reefs, caves, or wrecks.
• Patient support for newer divers: The instructors can adapt the outing when you need extra time to settle in.
• Clear water and wartime wrecks: A WWII wreck has been part of the route, along with chances to see marine life such as jellyfish.
• Meeting point in Sliema: Start at Diveshack20, Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana, at 8:00 am, then return there at the end.
• Weather and health rules matter: You need to swim, understand English, meet the health requirements, and wait 24 hours before flying afterward.

Two scuba outings from Malta’s Sliema waterfront

This trip is designed for certified scuba users, not beginners taking their first lesson. You meet at Diveshack20 on Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana in Sliema at 8:00 am, then travel by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to the day’s coastal sites.

The exact locations are not fixed in advance. That is normal for a Malta scuba day, since water conditions and the ability of the group affect site choice. You might explore a reef, enter a cave, or visit a wreck. The plan is adjusted to your experience level rather than forcing every person into the same route.

The activity lasts about five hours, though that includes transport, preparation, briefings, and time between the two sessions. You return to the same meeting point rather than being dropped at a different part of the island.

I would treat the 8:00 am time as an important starting target, not a promise that every part of the day will run like a train timetable. You are told to watch WhatsApp, SMS, or email for final instructions and any timing changes. In July and August, traffic, parking, crowds, and late arrivals can have a bigger effect.

What you may see beneath Malta’s clear water

The appeal here is variety. Malta is known for clear coastal water, and this outing may take you to a reef, cave, or wreck according to conditions and your certification.

A reef gives you the classic coastal scuba setting: rock, open water, and marine life. A cave adds a sense of adventure, but it also makes careful guidance and comfort important. You should pay close attention to the briefing and tell the instructor honestly if enclosed spaces make you uneasy.

The wreck option adds a strong historical note without turning the day into a shore-based history tour. One outing included a WWII wreck in clear water, which gives you an idea of the kind of site that may be available. The exact wreck is not guaranteed, so book this for the chance to see Malta’s underwater sites, not for one named vessel.

Marine life can be modest but memorable. A newer diver saw two jellyfish during the outing. That detail is useful because it sets the right expectation: you may see interesting creatures, but this is not a wildlife guarantee or a staged aquarium visit.

The recommendation to avoid July and August is worth taking seriously if your dates are flexible. More people in the water can disturb marine life and make the sites feel less calm. Peak summer is also when road traffic and parking can add pressure to the timetable.

Two briefings make the day easier to manage

You receive two safety briefings, one for each scuba outing. That matters because the sites may differ, and a reef swim has different points to discuss from a wreck or cave visit.

Expect the instructors to cover the plan, safety points, and what to do underwater. The supplied details do not give a full script, so I would use this time to ask direct questions about depth, entry and exit, current, visibility, the route, and how the group will stay together.

This is especially useful if you are an Open Water diver with limited recent practice. One person found the opening moments stressful and considered giving up. The instructor remained patient, allowing that diver to continue with a son and enjoy the session. That suggests the staff can offer reassurance, but you still need to speak up before a problem grows.

The two-briefing format also gives you a chance to reassess after the first outing. If you feel cold, tired, anxious, or uncomfortable, tell the staff before going back into the water. Moderate fitness is required, and you must be a swimmer.

A good match for newer certified scuba users

This outing is not only for highly experienced people. It is open to Open Water divers and those with higher certification levels, and the route can be tailored to your ability.

That flexibility is one of the strongest reasons to consider it. A certified person who has not been underwater recently may want a gentler site and more support. A more experienced person may prefer a wreck, cave, or another site that offers a stronger sense of exploration.

The group limit of 15 is not the same as a private trip, but it keeps the maximum manageable. Your actual group may be smaller, though that is not promised. If you want one-to-one instruction, ask the centre before booking.

The experience also works for families with older children if the certification rules and consent requirements are met. Minors who join without a parent or tutor need written consent. The minimum age is not provided, so do not assume a young person can participate just because they can swim.

English is required. You need to understand instructions well enough to follow safety procedures, communicate with the guide, and respond to changes underwater. This is a practical requirement, not a casual language preference.

Equipment, swimwear, and what to bring

The highlights say a complete scuba kit is provided, so the advertised idea is that you do not need to bring your own gear. Yet the inclusion details also say use of scuba equipment is not included. That conflict needs clearing up.

Before you book, ask Aquatica Diving Centre exactly what the $118.35 price covers. Confirm whether tanks, regulator, buoyancy device, wetsuit, mask, fins, and weights are supplied, and ask if any item carries an extra charge. This is the most important practical question in the booking information.

You must bring your own towel and swimsuit. Do not expect either item to be supplied. Comfortable clothing for the air-conditioned vehicle is sensible, but the only stated personal essentials are your towel and swimwear.

Hotel pickup and dropoff are not included. You make your way to Diveshack20 in Sliema, near public transport, and the included transport takes you to and from the activity location and site. The wording about transport is slightly mixed, so confirm the exact vehicle arrangement and where the vehicle meets you.

Service animals are allowed. The information does not explain how they are accommodated during the water portion, so contact the provider in advance if that applies to you.

Health screening is not a box-ticking exercise

Scuba puts pressure on your ears, lungs, and circulation, so the health rules deserve careful attention. If you have a listed or serious medical condition, written approval from a physician is required before you enter the water.

Approval can come from your own doctor or a physician in Malta. The instructions say a Maltese doctor may be available at a pharmacy each morning, but you should not leave this until the last minute. If you cannot provide the required written approval, the alternative offered is a snorkelling trip.

The listed concerns include:

• Pregnancy
• Heart, lung, or blood problems
• High cholesterol or high blood pressure for people aged 45 and over, or smoking
• Eye, ear, or nose problems
• Recent surgery or related ongoing issues
• Neurologic conditions or learning or developmental disabilities
• Loss of consciousness, migraines or headaches, seizures, strokes, or head injuries
• Psychological or addiction problems
• Back problems, hernia, ulcers, or diabetes
• Stomach or intestinal problems, including diarrhea
• Prescription medication, apart from birth control and certain anti-malaria medicines

This list is not a challenge to negotiate. If any item applies to you, get written medical clearance before the date. Ignoring the requirement can mean being refused without a refund, especially during the busy season.

You also need to wait 24 hours before flying after the activity. That rule affects your departure planning. I would schedule these two sessions early enough in your Malta visit rather than on the day before your flight.

Is $118.35 good value?

At $118.35 per person, the price can be fair for two guided scuba outings, transport to the sites, and two briefings, provided the equipment question is resolved in your favor.

The value is strongest for visitors who want a full morning of organized underwater time without arranging separate transport or choosing sites themselves. You are paying for staff, planning, safety oversight, and access to two sessions in one booking.

The value is weaker if you already own all your kit, prefer complete independence, or want a private instructor. It is also less attractive if you expected hotel pickup, a towel, swimwear, or a ferry trip to another island.

Gozo and Comino are not part of the standard price. Weekly full-day outings to those islands are available for an extra fee, and a ferry supplement applies. If your main goal is Gozo or Comino, ask for the total cost before booking this Sliema-based half-day option.

The maximum group size helps keep the price from feeling like a mass-market boat outing, but there is no promise of a private group. I would compare the final cost, equipment charges, and transport details rather than looking only at the headline figure.

Timing, transport, and the return to Sliema

The day begins at Diveshack20 at 8:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point. Since hotel pickup is excluded, leave enough time to reach Sliema and find the exact location.

The air-conditioned transfer is a welcome feature after time in the sun, especially when you are carrying wet gear or changing between sessions. Still, the supplied details do not specify the vehicle size, drive time, or exact sites, so keep your schedule flexible.

The activity may take longer than expected. One outing ran beyond the anticipated duration, but the extra time did not disrupt the day. That is a useful warning for anyone booking a tight lunch reservation or another morning activity. I would leave a generous gap afterward.

Punctuality matters. The provider says late arrival, missing health information, or failure to follow requirements can lead to refusal without a refund. In high season, that policy is particularly strict.

Cancellation and weather protection

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the amount paid is not refunded for a late cancellation.

Bad weather is handled differently. If conditions force cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is sensible for a sea-based activity, though it means you should keep a backup day open if possible.

The staff may also adjust the start time because of sea conditions, traffic, parking, physical ability, or punctuality. Watch your phone for WhatsApp, SMS, or email instructions before the session.

Who should book this Malta scuba outing?

I would choose it if you are already certified, comfortable in the water, and want two guided coastal sessions without spending a full day on Gozo or Comino. It is a good fit for newer certified people who want an instructor willing to slow down and adjust the plan.

The outing also suits an experienced parent and certified child or two friends with different confidence levels, provided everyone meets the swimming, health, language, and consent rules. The staff’s patient handling of a nervous newer diver is a strong sign for people who need a calm start.

I would think twice if you need hotel pickup, cannot communicate in English, have no recent scuba practice, or have a medical condition without written clearance. I would also avoid booking it immediately before a flight.

The equipment wording is the one issue I would not ignore. Send a message before payment or as soon as you book, and ask for a written list of included gear and any supplement.

FAQ

Where does the activity start?

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

What time does the activity begin?

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

How long does the activity last?

It lasts about five hours, including transport, preparation, briefings, and the two scuba sessions.

Who can join the activity?

Open Water divers and people with higher certification levels can join. You must also be a swimmer, understand English, and have moderate physical fitness.

Is scuba equipment included?

The tour information says a complete kit is provided, but another inclusion note says scuba equipment is not included. Confirm the exact equipment and any extra cost with Aquatica Diving Centre before booking.

Can I fly after the activity?

You should wait 24 hours before flying after the activity.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

You will be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want two guided Malta scuba sessions, value patient instruction, and are happy to meet at Sliema rather than use hotel pickup. The chance of a reef, cave, or WWII wreck, plus the small maximum group and air-conditioned transport, gives the morning a strong practical appeal.

Skip it if you want a guaranteed named wreck, a private outing, or a full-day visit to Gozo or Comino. Most important, confirm the equipment policy and your medical paperwork before committing. For a certified diver who wants a flexible, safety-minded introduction to Malta’s underwater sites, this is a sensible choice at the stated price.