First Experience Scuba Diving

Malta’s clear coastal water makes a fine setting for your first scuba experience. This 2.5-hour session gives you the strange, exciting feeling of breathing underwater, then lets you practice basic skills before exploring to a maximum depth of 5 meters.

I like the small group of no more than four, since nervous beginners get real attention instead of being lost in a crowd. I also like that the price includes the complete kit, transport to the shore site, a training session, and a second exploratory session.

The main catch is that you must already be able to swim and feel comfortable putting your face in the water. This is an introduction, not an internationally recognized licence, and strict health rules apply.

Key points at a glance

• Two underwater sessions: Start with practice, then use your new skills on a shore session to 5 meters.
• Maximum four people: The small group allows instructors to watch each beginner closely.
• Full equipment included: You receive the scuba kit and wetsuit equipment needed for the activity.
• Online preparation first: Complete the theory material before arrival and practice the basic hand signals.
• Patient instruction matters: Francesca, Alex, Julia, Matteo, and other instructors are praised for calm explanations and close supervision.
• Plan around flying: Wait at least 12 hours after the activity, with 24 hours recommended, before flying.

Starting at Diveshack20 in Sliema

You meet at Diveshack20 on Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui-Si-Sana in Sliema. The center is conveniently located near public transportation, so you can reach it without arranging a private transfer.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but transportation between the center and the shore site is included. That distinction matters: you handle your own trip to Sliema, then the operator handles the local transfer for the session.

Expect a WhatsApp message, or an SMS or email if you do not use WhatsApp, before the activity. It contains the online learning link, essential instructions, and the exact start time. Keep an eye on your phone, since the start time can shift with weather, sea conditions, traffic, parking, group punctuality, and physical readiness.

Arrive on time rather than very early and expect the staff to follow a set process. You will complete documents, discuss health requirements, and check the fit of your equipment before heading out.

The online lessons are worth your time

Before you arrive, you complete online theory material in your language. This is not busywork. It introduces the underwater environment, basic safety, equipment, and communication.

I would read it carefully and practice the hand signals before the day itself. One practical account specifically recommends doing this homework, and that advice makes sense: once you are in the water, you cannot rely on a long spoken explanation.

The material also helps you decide if this activity suits you. You need English speaking and understanding for the session, even though the online material may be available in your language. If you are worried, use the online stage to prepare questions for the instructor.

Equipment fitting and the safety briefing

At the center, the instructors explain the equipment and safety rules. You will also try on the kit so the team can check that everything fits properly.

Bring your own swimsuit and towel. Neither is included. The equipment supplied includes the complete scuba kit, and the wetsuits have kept participants comfortable even during an April session. Still, water temperature varies by season, so do not expect a tropical-water feel simply because Malta has a warm climate.

The briefing covers the basic skills needed for the first session. Instructors explain how to manage the equipment, how to communicate underwater, and what to do during the practice work. The best experience comes when you listen closely and tell the instructor at once if something feels wrong.

Nerves are normal. Several instructors, including Francesca, Alex, Emma, Marcell, and Julia, have been praised for giving beginners time to settle down. The team stays close in the water and checks that you are comfortable.

That said, the instructor cannot remove every challenge. You must be willing to place your face in the water and breathe through the regulator. A person who cannot do that may not be able to continue, even with patient support.

The first session is for learning, not sightseeing

The first underwater session is a training session. Think of it as your test run, where you learn how the equipment feels and practice the basic skills under direct supervision.

This part may feel slower than you expect. That is a good thing. A rushed introduction would leave you trying to solve equipment, breathing, balance, and communication problems at the same time.

Your instructor works with you as you adjust. If you feel anxious, say so. The team’s job is to keep the pace controlled, but they need clear feedback from you. A calm start also gives you a better chance of enjoying the second session.

The small group helps here. With no more than four people, the instructor can focus on individual problems instead of delivering a single fast lesson to a large crowd.

The second session reaches 5 meters

Once you have practiced the basic skills, you continue with a shore session to a maximum depth of 5 meters. This is shallow by scuba standards, which is exactly why it works for a first try.

The water around Malta is known for clear conditions, and the setting can make the experience feel rewarding even at this modest depth. You might see shoaling fish, sea urchins, a barracuda, and other marine life. Sightings are never guaranteed, and weather can affect visibility.

The second session is where the activity shifts from practice to exploration. You have already handled some of the basic tasks, so you can pay more attention to the underwater world. Do not expect a long expedition or a certified training course. The real goal is to find out how you feel underwater and learn the foundation for future scuba courses.

One useful point from the experience is the emphasis on respecting the sea. You should touch nothing underwater. That includes marine life, rocks, and anything else you encounter. This keeps you safer and protects Malta’s coastal environment.

Malta’s weather can change the plan

Sea conditions shape this activity more than a land-based sightseeing tour. Choppy water and poor visibility can reduce the appeal of the session, even when the instructors are doing everything right.

On one occasion, poor conditions led the center to relocate the activity to better water. That flexibility is useful, but a new site can affect the feel of the day and the exact timing. The operator may also adjust the start time because of traffic, parking, or the pace of the group.

If bad weather makes the activity impossible, you can be offered another date or a full refund. If conditions are merely less than perfect, the session may still go ahead with a different site or reduced visibility.

I would avoid scheduling this on the final morning of your holiday. You need time for weather changes, and you should not fly for at least 12 hours afterward. Twenty-four hours is the recommended wait.

What the $96.55 price really covers

At $96.55 per person, the cost is reasonable if you want a supported first try rather than simply borrowing equipment. The fee includes online theory, the safety briefing, the full kit, the training session, the shore session, and transport to and from the activity site.

You are paying for instruction as much as for time in the water. For a beginner, that is the important part. Good equipment alone does not teach you how to breathe calmly, communicate, or respond when something feels unfamiliar.

The price does not cover a towel, swimsuit, hotel transportation, or an internationally recognized certification. There may also be separate options for an underwater camera or towel rental, so contact the center ahead of time if you need either.

There is an upgrade available through the operator’s website for a ship visit. This introductory package stays shallow and basic, so the upgrade may appeal to you if a wreck or ship is a key reason for wanting to try scuba.

Who will enjoy this most

This activity suits a swimmer with moderate physical fitness who wants a controlled introduction. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, and people who are curious about scuba but are not ready to commit to a full licence course.

Children must be at least 10 years old and need written consent from a parent or tutor. English speaking and understanding is required. The experience is not designed for non-swimmers.

It can also suit a nervous beginner, but only if you are open to taking instructions and trying the basic breathing skills. The instructors can be patient and reassuring, but they cannot make you continue if you cannot tolerate having your face in the water.

You should not treat the medical form as a formality. Pregnancy, heart, lung, blood, ear, eye, nasal, neurological, psychological, back, diabetes, stomach, and other listed conditions may require written approval from a physician before you enter the water. Prescription medication can also matter. If you cannot provide the required consent, the operator suggests a snorkelling alternative.

People aged 45 or older who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or smoke need particular care. Ask a doctor before booking rather than arriving and hoping the issue will not come up.

The instructors make the biggest difference

The strongest part of this experience is the teaching. Names can vary by date, but instructors including Francesca, Alex, Julia, Matteo, Emma, Marcell, Mark, Kas, Holly, and others have been singled out for patience, clear explanations, and close supervision.

Julia has been praised for helping a young participant gain confidence. Francesca is known for a friendly, patient approach during the land briefing. Alex has been especially reassuring with nervous beginners, while Emma and Marcell have helped couples feel safe and supported.

That does not mean every session will feel identical. One difficult experience involved confusion about the meeting arrangements, clothing, timing, and the pace of the briefing. The operator explained that the person had arrived early, declined to try the center’s wetsuit, and became too uncomfortable to continue in the water.

The lesson for you is simple: confirm the meeting instructions, arrive at the agreed time, bring the required clothing, and ask questions during the official briefing. If you feel anxious, say so clearly. The staff can support you best when they know what you need.

Booking and cancellation details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund.

If you become ill on the day, do not enter the water. Contact the operator as soon as possible, but understand that a late cancellation or missed session may not be refundable or transferable. The safest approach is to check your health before booking and leave some flexibility in your schedule.

The activity is often reserved about 16 days ahead, so advance planning is sensible during June, July, and August. The maximum group size is four, which helps explain why popular dates may fill early.

Should you book this Malta scuba experience?

I would book it if you are a swimmer, curious about scuba, and willing to do the short online preparation. The shallow 5-meter limit, included equipment, small group, and careful instruction create a sensible first step, especially if you are unsure about committing to a full course.

I would not book it as a substitute for certification, a long reef excursion, or a guaranteed marine-life encounter. I would also skip it if you cannot put your face in the water, have a listed medical issue without written approval, or need a flexible same-day cancellation option.

For the best chance of a good day, complete the lessons, practice the hand signals, bring a swimsuit and towel, confirm the exact start time, and leave at least a day before your flight. If you want to test the underwater world without signing up for a licence, this is a practical Malta introduction.

FAQ

How long does the scuba experience last?

The activity lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, though the timing can change because of weather, sea conditions, traffic, parking, punctuality, and the physical abilities of the group.

Where does the activity start?

You meet at Diveshack20, Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui-Si Sana, Sliema, Malta. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is transport included?

Transport to and from the shore activity site is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the Sliema meeting point.

How deep will the second session go?

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

Do I need to know how to swim?

Yes. The activity is for swimmers only, and you should have a moderate level of physical fitness.

Is this an internationally recognized scuba licence?

No. This is an introductory experience and does not provide an internationally recognized certification. You must contact the operator separately about a full scuba course.

What should I bring?

Bring your own swimsuit and towel. The complete scuba kit is included, but personal clothing items are not.

How old must I be to participate?

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