First Experience Scuba Diving

Malta has a way of making the underwater world feel possible. This first-time scuba experience pairs online prep with hands-on coaching, plus two guided shore sessions so you practice skills and then enjoy a relaxed wander underwater.

I especially like that everything essential is handled for you, including your complete diving kit, so you can focus on learning. The small-group setup also means you get real attention, but one key consideration is that this is a try-scuba course, not an internationally recognized certification.

Key Details Worth Knowing Before You Go

• Max four people keeps the instruction personal, not crowded.
• Online theory first means you arrive knowing the basics and the key hand signals.
• Two shore sessions: one training practice and one second explore at a max depth of 5m.
• Gear is included, but you still need to bring a towel and swimsuit.
• Not a certification course, so if you want a license later, you’ll need to book training separately.
• Medical approval may be mandatory if you have listed conditions, and swimming ability is required.

Entering Malta’s First-Scuba Bubble in Sliema

If you’re picturing some intimidating training program, this is the opposite vibe. The goal here is simple: help you learn how scuba works by doing it with an instructor right next to you. You get a half-day structure that mixes short theory, safety rules, equipment checks, and then controlled underwater practice.

The timing is designed to keep things moving but not chaotic: it runs about 2 hours 30 minutes total, and it’s scheduled to fit typical shore-session logistics. You meet at a location in Tas-Sliema, Malta (near public transport), and the activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps your day easy to plan.

That said, Malta in peak season can be busy, and the exact flow may shift with weather, sea conditions, and traffic/parking. I like that they’re upfront about timing changes, because you’re not left guessing when you’re there in high summer.

What You Do Before You Ever Hit the Water

This experience starts before you show up. Before your day begins, you complete online theory materials in your language. You also get an eLearning link and exact starting time updates ahead of the session through WhatsApp (or SMS/email if WhatsApp isn’t available), so your best move is to keep an eye on your phone.

Why this matters: scuba is mostly about calm, routine steps. If you arrive having already seen the basics, the instructor can focus on coaching your body in the water rather than teaching every concept from zero. In the feedback, people repeatedly highlight that the best first dives are the ones where you do the light homework and practice the required hand signals ahead of time.

Equipment Included, With One Smart Reality Check

You don’t need to track down gear rentals. The price includes the complete diving kit, plus a safety briefing and the two supervised shore sessions (training plus second explore). Transportation to and from the dive site is also included.

Two practical things to remember though:

1. Bring your own towel and swimsuit. Those are explicitly not included.
2. Arrive with an open mindset about fitting and safety checks. You may need to try equipment to get the right fit, and the session runs on a schedule.

One thing I learned from the mixed feedback is that timing and comfort matter. If you arrive before the scheduled time, you might still be waiting for the professional team to be ready, and check-in can feel rushed if you’re trying to solve questions last minute. Your best strategy is to arrive early enough to breathe, but stick close to the actual start time they confirm with you.

The Dry Briefing and Skill Practice (What “First Time” Actually Means)

On the day, instructors brief you on equipment, safety rules, and scuba skills. Then you do the first in-water training session. This is not about performance. It’s about learning the basics in a controlled setting with close supervision.

The training format is built around gradual comfort:

• You practice core handling and safety habits.
• You learn what to do when something feels strange.
• You get coached through the moment-to-moment tasks so you’re not guessing underwater.

From what people describe, instructors tend to be patient and very attentive, including when nerves show up early. I also like that they’re clear this is for swimmers only and they screen health requirements seriously. That’s not just paperwork. It’s part of making the experience safer for you and everyone else in the small group.

Your Second Shore Session Around Malta (Up to 5m)

After the training session, you get a second shore-based scuba experience with a maximum depth of 5 meters. This is where the tone shifts from learning mode into enjoyment mode.

What you might see depends on the day, but the common theme in the experience reports is good visibility and plenty of sea life. People have mentioned shoaling fish near the surface, plus sightings like barracuda and even sea urchins. In April, expect it to feel cold, and that’s part of the reason the gear fitting and briefing matter so much. Even in cooler months, staying comfortable helps you relax and enjoy.

Also, shore sessions are a smart choice for first-timers. You’re not dealing with open-water complexity, and the instructor can stay close as you get used to buoyancy and breathing.

If you’re curious about extras: some people note there can be an upgrade option (like a ship-related add-on). If that interests you, it’s worth checking with the provider ahead of time so you can plan your day without rushing decisions.

Safety First: The Medical Rules You Cannot Ignore

This is the section where you take the course seriously, even if you’re excited. Your safety is prioritized, and the requirements are spelled out clearly.

You are required to check:

• linguistic requirement (English speaking/understanding is required)
• swimming requirement (it’s for swimmers only)
• health requirements

If you have any listed medical conditions, you must obtain written medical approval from a physician before diving. The guidance also notes you can obtain approval from a physician in Malta, available at every pharmacy every morning.

If you cannot provide written consent, you’re directed to join the snorkelling tour instead. That is a big deal: they are not treating this as optional paperwork. It’s a gate for safety.

There’s also a list of situations where the activity may not be appropriate, including pregnancy and a range of heart, lungs, blood, eye/ear/nasal problems, recent surgeries, neurologic conditions, back problems, diabetes or stomach/intestinal issues, and certain prescription medication situations. If any of these apply, do yourself a favor and contact them early so you don’t lose time on the day.

Price, Value, and What You’re Really Paying For

At $96.55 per person, this is a budget-friendly way to try scuba with real structure. The value comes from what’s bundled:

• online theory materials
• safety briefing
• complete kit
• one training session
• one shore session with a max depth of 5m
• transportation to and from the water site

What is not included is also important. There’s no hotel pickup and dropoff, so you’ll need to handle getting to the meeting point yourself. Also bring a towel and swimsuit.

Is it a bargain? For first-timers who want coaching and a controlled start, the included instruction and gear reduce the hidden costs and uncertainty. If you tried to cobble together a kit rental plus instruction separately, you’d likely pay more once you include everything you need. For the price, the biggest “value” is time on task: you get hands-on practice in a small group rather than spending your day figuring things out.

A final pricing tip: the experience is commonly booked about 16 days in advance. If you’re traveling during peak summer, book earlier so you have more scheduling options.

The People Make It: Instructors and the First-Time Mindset

A big chunk of why this works for beginners is the way instructors teach. People highlight names like Francesca, Holly, Aoiffe, Matteo, Emma, Marcell, Alex, Julia, Davide, Mark and Kas, Georgia, and Yolanda. While different instructors bring different personalities, the pattern is consistent: clear communication, patient coaching, and an emphasis on safety.

In particular, multiple accounts mention reassurance when someone feels nervous at the start. That matters because first-timers often panic for normal reasons, like the face-in-water moment or dealing with the regulator. The course is designed for you to get support right through that learning curve.

One more mindset point: you’ll do better if you treat it like a skill-building lesson, not a thrill ride. If you can follow the instructor’s guidance and stay calm with the hand signals, the whole experience clicks faster.

Practical Day-of Tips for Sliema and Your Underwater Comfort

Here’s how to make the day smoother:

• Do the online theory before you arrive. Practice the hand signs if you can.
• Bring a towel and swimsuit, and arrive ready to change and get fitted.
• Keep your phone on you for WhatsApp or SMS updates about exact starting time.
• If you’re nervous, say so early. Instructors are used to first-timers who feel anxious.
• If you plan to fly soon after, note the safety guidance: wait at least 12 hours, and they recommend 24 hours before flying.
• Expect weather-related changes. In choppy conditions, they may relocate the plan to keep water conditions safe.

Also keep in mind the group size is small, with a maximum of four people. That’s excellent, but it also means punctuality matters. If you’re late and you ignore health requirements, they may not be able to guarantee participation.

Who Should Book This Try-Scuba Course

This is a strong fit if:

• you can swim
• you have moderate physical fitness
• you want supervised hands-on learning, not a long classroom day
• you’re okay treating this as a first taste, not a license

It may not be the best fit if:

• you have medical conditions that require clearance and you cannot provide the written approval
• you’re dealing with pregnancy, serious heart/lung/blood issues, certain eye/ear/nasal problems, recent surgery, neurologic conditions, or other listed restrictions
• you’re looking specifically for an internationally recognized certification

If you want to learn more formally, the course notes that it does not provide an internationally recognized certification for scuba. You can contact them about scuba courses if that’s your goal.

Should You Book It?

I’d book this if you want a controlled, friendly first scuba experience in Malta, with gear included, a small group, and a clear path from theory to skills to a second relaxed underwater session. The value is strong because you’re paying for coaching time, not just a rental.

I’d hesitate if you’re not comfortable with the learning moments, you know you have medical limitations, or you’re planning to arrive late or unprepared. In those cases, it’s better to get clarity before the day so you don’t end up frustrated.

If your goal is confidence and a safe introduction, this course is built for that.

FAQ

How long is the first-time scuba experience?

It runs for about 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.), including the start time.

Where do I meet for the activity?

You meet at Diveshack20 on Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana, SLM3111, Tas-Sliema, Malta. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the scuba equipment included in the price?

Yes. The price includes a complete diving kit, plus an included safety briefing and two supervised shore sessions.

Do I need to complete anything before the session?

Yes. You complete online theory materials in your language before the big day. You’ll also receive an eLearning link and exact start time via WhatsApp (or SMS/email).

How deep will we go during the shore session?

The shore dive has a maximum depth of 5 meters.

Is this course an internationally recognized scuba certification?

No. This try-scuba course does not provide an internationally recognized scuba certification.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your own towel and swimsuit. Transportation to and from the activity area is included, but hotel pickup and dropoff are not.

Do you pick me up from my hotel?

No. Hotel pickup and dropoff are not included. You’ll need to get to the meeting point on your own.

What are the age requirements for participation?

Minors must be at least 10 years old and need tutor or parental written consent.

Do I need written medical approval?

If you have listed and serious medical conditions, written approval from a physician is mandatory before diving. If you can’t provide it, you should contact them and join the snorkelling tour instead.