First Experience Scuba Diving

Malta is a fine place to try breathing underwater for the first time. The sea is clear, the water is full of small fish, and this small-group session of no more than four people gives you far more personal help than a big resort class. You learn the basics, practice them close to shore, then make a second short outing to a maximum of 5 meters.

I like two things right away: the complete equipment package removes much of the hassle, and the instructors put real effort into calming nervous beginners. Francesca, Alex, Julia, Emma, and Matteo have all been praised for patient explanations and close supervision. The main caution is that this is a try-out, not a recognized license course, and the pace can feel rushed if you arrive unprepared or anxious.

At a glance: what you are paying for

• Price: About $96.55 per person for roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes.
• Group size: Maximum of four people, allowing close instructor attention.
• Included: Online theory, safety briefing, full scuba kit, a training session, a shore session to 5 meters, and transport to and from the activity site.
• Meeting point: Diveshack20, Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui-Sana, Sliema.
• Best for: Swimmers aged 10 and older who want a first taste of scuba without committing to a full course.
• Important limit: You need English comprehension, reasonable fitness, and written medical approval for certain conditions.

Starting at the Sliema dive center

Your session begins at Diveshack20 on the Qui-Sana waterfront in Sliema. The location is near public transportation, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in Sliema or nearby.

Do not confuse transport to the shore site with hotel pickup. The center takes you between the meeting point and the activity site, but you must make your own way to Diveshack20. Allow extra time, especially in June, July, and August, when traffic, parking, and late arrivals can affect the schedule.

The center contacts you through WhatsApp, or by text or email if you do not use WhatsApp. You receive the online learning link and confirmation of the exact starting time there. Keep an eye on your phone, because the final timing can change with sea conditions, traffic, parking, group readiness, or weather.

Arrive ready to work through the paperwork and equipment fitting. Bring your own swimsuit and towel. The center supplies the wetsuit and other kit, but it is wise to sort out any towel rental or camera request ahead of time rather than expecting those extras on arrival.

The short online lesson matters

Before you reach the water, you complete theory material online in your chosen language. The session itself is offered in English, so you must be able to understand spoken instructions and basic safety information in English.

I would not treat the online lesson as a formality. Learn the hand signals, understand how the regulator works, and pay attention to the parts about pressure, breathing, and clearing water. A few people have found the practical session much easier after doing this light homework first.

The online material gives you a useful preview without filling your whole morning with classroom work. Still, this is not a substitute for a full certification program. You receive an introduction to scuba, not an internationally recognized qualification or license.

Equipment, safety, and the first practice session

At the center, your instructor explains the equipment and checks the fit. The full kit is included in the price, which is a real advantage for a one-time try-out. You do not need to buy or pack specialist gear for an activity that may turn out not to suit you.

The instructor then covers basic safety rules and underwater skills. Expect the emphasis to be practical: breathing through the regulator, using hand signals, managing your position in the water, and staying calm. The exact order can vary, but the aim is to make you comfortable with the equipment before you go farther from shore.

The first session is a training outing. This is where you practice the new skills under supervision rather than simply being taken along for sightseeing. If you feel nervous, say so early. Alex, Francesca, Julia, Emma, and other instructors have been praised for taking time with first-timers, including teenagers and people who initially felt frightened.

That personal care is one of the strongest reasons to choose a four-person maximum. The instructor can watch your breathing, position, and comfort instead of trying to manage a large line of beginners.

Still, you need to do your part. Scuba requires you to put your face in the water and breathe through the regulator. If you cannot manage that basic step, the session cannot progress, even with a patient instructor. One unsuccessful attempt involved a participant who became too anxious to continue, which shows why you should be honest about your comfort level before booking.

The second shore session, limited to 5 meters

Once the basic exercises are complete, you continue with a guided shore session. The maximum depth is 5 meters, so this is a controlled introduction rather than a serious underwater expedition.

That shallow depth is a good choice for beginners. You can focus on breathing, body position, communication, and looking around without the added pressure of a deep descent. In clear conditions, you might see shoaling fish, sea urchins, and other small marine life. One outing even included a barracuda, although wildlife is never guaranteed.

The setting is the main attraction here. Malta is known for clear water, and several participants found the visibility and fish life made the first experience feel special. You should not expect a long, dramatic route or a wreck visit as part of the standard session. A ship excursion is available as an upgrade through the provider’s own website, but it is not included in this experience.

The shore format also keeps the session approachable. You are not committing to a boat trip, a full-day course, or a deep-water descent. The tradeoff is that the outing may feel brief to anyone who already has experience. One person wished for more time, and that is a fair criticism at two and a half hours.

The instructors make the biggest difference

The strongest part of this experience is the teaching. You may be assigned a different instructor, but several names have been praised for specific strengths.

Francesca has been noted for patience, clear communication, and an easygoing manner. Alex has helped nervous beginners feel safe and explained the equipment carefully. Julia has been particularly praised for working with a young first-timer. Emma is known for a warm, encouraging personality, while Matteo has been described as attentive during the water practice.

Other instructors named in the feedback include Mark, Kas, Marcell, Holly, Davide, Georgia, Yolanda, and Vinnie. The point is not to request a particular person as a guarantee. Staff schedules change. Instead, expect a professional instructor who should remain close to you and check that you are comfortable.

The center also places emphasis on respecting the sea. You are taught not to touch marine life or the seabed. That is a small but valuable lesson, especially for a first outing when excitement can lead people to grab at anything they see.

Weather can change the quality of the session

Malta often provides clear water, but sea conditions still matter. Choppy water can reduce visibility and make entry, practice, and movement harder. In one case, the center moved the activity to a better location because conditions were poor, and the instructor stepped in to keep the session going.

That flexibility is useful, but it cannot remove every effect of wind and waves. You might see less marine life, feel more movement near the surface, or find it harder to relax. Water temperature also changes through the year. Wetsuits are supplied, and they kept several people comfortable in April, but one person still found the water cold.

The activity requires good weather. If the center cancels because conditions are unsafe, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The normal cancellation rule allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. A late cancellation or late arrival is a different matter, so do not assume you can change plans at the last minute.

Health and swimming rules deserve attention

This is for swimmers only. You also need a moderate level of physical fitness and the ability to understand English instructions.

The medical screening is serious. Written approval from a physician is required for listed conditions, including pregnancy, heart, lung, or blood problems, certain eye, ear, or nasal issues, recent surgery, neurological conditions, seizures, strokes, head injuries, diabetes, back problems, hernia, ulcers, and some stomach or intestinal problems.

The rules also cover people aged 45 or older who have high cholesterol or blood pressure, or who smoke. Prescription medication can require approval too, with birth-control and certain anti-malarial exceptions noted by the operator. If you are unsure, ask before the activity rather than arriving and hoping the issue will not matter.

A doctor’s written approval may be obtained from your own physician or from a physician in Malta. If you cannot provide the required consent, the center suggests a snorkeling alternative. That is a sensible backup if you want to see Malta’s sea life but should not use scuba equipment.

Pregnancy rules are especially clear: do not take part while pregnant. One booking included a partner who watched rather than participated because she was expecting.

What the $96.55 price really covers

At $96.55 per person, the value is good if you want a complete first introduction without buying equipment or committing to certification. You receive the online lesson, instruction, two water stages, kit, and transport between the center and the site.

The short duration helps keep the price and commitment manageable. You can fit it into a Malta itinerary without giving up a full day. The small group also matters: private instruction normally costs more, while this format still gives you close supervision.

The price is less attractive if you are already certified or have tried scuba before. A 5-meter shore session may feel limited, and the course does not provide a license. If your goal is to continue underwater, ask Aquatica Diving Centre about its full certification courses instead.

You should also budget for items not supplied. Bring a swimsuit and towel, and check in advance about an underwater camera or towel rental. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off.

Who should book this Malta scuba introduction?

I would choose this for a curious swimmer who wants to find out if scuba feels comfortable. It suits couples, families with older children, and first-timers who like the idea of a short, guided introduction rather than a full course.

It is also a good match for someone who feels nervous but can follow instructions and put their face in the water. The small group and patient coaching can make a real difference. Tell the instructor about your anxiety at the start, and do not rush yourself simply because the rest of the group looks ready.

I would not choose it for a non-swimmer, someone with an unresolved medical concern, or anyone seeking an internationally valid qualification. It is also not ideal if you expect a long underwater route, a wreck, or guaranteed perfect visibility.

Remember the flight rule: wait at least 12 hours after the activity before flying, with 24 hours recommended. Plan the session early enough in your Malta stay to leave room for a weather change or a second attempt, rather than placing it immediately before your flight home.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if you want a gentle first taste of scuba in Malta and value direct instruction, included equipment, and a very small group. The clear water, shallow maximum depth, and attentive teaching create a sensible starting point.

Before paying, complete the medical check honestly, confirm that you can work in English, read the online material, and leave extra time around the scheduled start. If you want certification or a longer underwater outing, contact Aquatica Diving Centre about a proper course instead. For a first try, however, this is a practical and fairly priced introduction.

FAQ

How long does the scuba activity last?

The activity lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, although the exact timing can change because of weather, sea conditions, traffic, parking, punctuality, and participant ability.

Where does the experience begin?

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

Is transportation included?

Transportation to and from the dive site is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach the Sliema meeting point yourself.

What is included in the price?

The price includes online theory material, a safety briefing, the complete scuba kit, one training session, one shore session to a maximum depth of 5 meters, and transport to and from the activity site.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring your own swimsuit and towel. The center provides the scuba equipment, but towel and underwater camera arrangements should be checked ahead of time if you need them.

Is this a scuba certification course?

No. This is an introductory experience and does not provide an internationally recognized scuba qualification. Contact Aquatica Diving Centre about its full scuba courses if you want a license.

Who can participate?

Participants must be swimmers, understand English, and have a moderate level of physical fitness. The minimum age is 10, and minors need written consent from a parent or tutor.

Can I fly after the activity?

You should wait at least 12 hours before flying after the activity. A 24-hour wait is recommended.