SSI Try Scuba Diving in the sea

Trying scuba in Malta is surprisingly simple. This 1 day Try Scuba session runs Monday to Friday at 3 p.m., and you spend the time on the water learning safe basics with a maximum depth of 5 meters. I like that it is designed for first timers, with preparation before you go in, and it happens right by the Octopus Garden scuba center in St. Pauls Bay.

Two things I really like: you get a certified SSI theory briefing plus full equipment, and you stay in a very small group (no more than 4 participants with one instructor). For value, the $58 price covers the core experience, not just a talk and a promise, and you also get a focused 30 minutes in the water.

One drawback to consider: the rules are strict. You must be able to swim safely and meet health and fitness requirements, and cameras are not allowed, so if you want photos you will need to plan ahead.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small group size (max 4 participants per instructor) keeps attention tight
• Maximum depth of 5 meters is first-timer friendly and controlled
• SSI theory briefing plus full scuba equipment included
• On-site house reef at the Octopus Garden center means less hassle
• Safety-first security concept backed by clear participant rules

A 3 p.m. Try Scuba Session in St. Paul’s Bay

This is the kind of activity that fits neatly into a Malta day. The session runs Monday to Friday at 3 p.m., meeting at the Octopus Garden center behind the Gillieru Harbour Hotel in St. Pauls Bay. The total time is about 1.5 to 2 hours, so you are not giving up an entire day just to test the basics.

The scheduling also helps you avoid decision fatigue. You show up, you get geared up, you learn the safety fundamentals, then you spend your time in the water under close supervision. If you are staying nearby, the location is convenient, and the experience stays focused on what you came for.

If you are the type who likes to keep things simple, you will appreciate that there is no license requirement. You are learning skills on the spot, with a structured setup that is built around a maximum depth of 5 meters.

Meeting Octopus Garden and getting set up fast

You will meet at Octopus Garden, behind the Gillieru Harbour Hotel in St. Pauls Bay. From there, the flow is built around getting you ready quickly and safely. The activity uses their house reef right at the center, so you are not planning a big transfer to a separate dive site.

Bring only what you actually need: swimwear. Everything else is handled for you, including full scuba equipment. That matters more than it sounds. For first timers, being able to focus on instructions (instead of worrying whether you bought the right gear) reduces nerves.

One more practical note: you cannot join if you cannot follow instructions in English or German, since the instructors work in those languages. If your language skills are shaky, this is worth thinking about before booking.

SSI theory briefing before you hit the water

Before you go in, you get a theory briefing by a certified SSI professional. This is where you learn the basics you need to feel comfortable, including safe use of the equipment and how to respond during the session. The briefing is paired with instruction, so it is not just a classroom lecture.

What I like about this approach is that it respects your time. You are not asked to master a full course. Instead, you get the practical knowledge that helps you move confidently once you are underwater.

The activity also makes it clear what you can and cannot do. You are told not to touch marine life, and you are expected to follow safety rules around behavior in the water. That framing matters for first timers, because it helps you avoid the common mistake of treating the session like a sightseeing swim.

30 minutes on the water, max 5 meters

Your water time is 30 minutes with your professionals. The maximum depth is 5 meters, which keeps the session controlled and manageable while you learn how breathing and buoyancy feel in real conditions.

Because the experience happens on the center’s house reef, you are in a familiar area built for training. That usually means less stress than long-distance options, and it supports the whole goal of a first-timer Try Scuba experience.

Here is what you should expect in plain terms: you are learning the basics while you are also seeing Malta from below the surface. The instructors guide you through the key moments, and you stay within a depth range designed for beginners.

Also, you should go in knowing you are not just “trying it.” You are learning a structured activity with clear rules. If you treat it like a casual float, you might feel underprepared. If you treat it like a short training session, you will likely feel proud of yourself when it ends.

Equipment quality and the safety-first security concept

You get full scuba equipment included, plus the session is run with a high level of security thanks to their own security concept. For me, that combination is the sweet spot: you are not left to rent random gear and hope it works, and you are not just handed instructions. The setup is meant to keep the whole experience safe and well organized.

The group format adds another layer of confidence. You travel with a small guided group, with a maximum of 4 participants per instructor. That ratio means the instructor can actually watch what you are doing, help you stay comfortable, and step in quickly if you need support.

Another detail worth noting is the instructor background. The program is led by experienced German instructors, and the theory component is delivered by a certified SSI professional. If you prefer clear, structured teaching, this is a good match.

And yes, you are going to wear equipment that can feel unfamiliar at first. The good news is you have trained professionals there to guide your setup and behavior throughout the session.

Who should book this (and who should skip it)

This Try Scuba experience is built for beginners who are healthy enough for sport and comfortable following instructions. You do not need a diving license or basic diving skills, but you do need to be able to swim safely and understand English or German.

It is not suitable for several groups, including:

• children under 10
• pregnant women
• people with back problems
• people with mobility impairments
• people with claustrophobia
• non swimmers
• people with epilepsy
• people with diabetes
• people with a cold
• people with high blood pressure
• people with recent surgeries

I also want to flag the children-related detail in a careful way. The program mentions children’s instructors, but it still has an age cutoff (under 10 cannot participate). So if you are traveling with kids, plan around that rule and do not assume the presence of children-focused teaching overrides the age limit.

If you are healthy, can swim, and you are comfortable communicating in English or German, this is a strong “first taste” option. If any of the health items apply to you, you should not gamble on it, because the rules are there for a reason.

What to bring, what not to do, and Malta in your hands

The packing list is pleasantly short: bring swimwear. That is it. Since cameras are not allowed, you should assume you will not get photos from your own device during the session. If you want memories, you will need to rely on what your instructor captures, if anything is offered, or plan for other ways to document your day.

Behavior rules are clearly spelled out. You cannot touch marine life or animals. That means you are viewing Malta’s underwater life in a respectful way, not interacting with it. Littering is also not allowed, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited.

I also like that the rules include intoxication restrictions. It keeps everyone safer, and it protects the overall training environment.

If you are the kind of person who likes to stay organized, you can think of it as a short classroom lesson plus a controlled underwater practice session. Go in calm, follow directions, and you will likely find it a lot more fun than you expected.

Price and value: is $58 a fair deal?

At $58 per person, the price can look simple on paper, but the value is in what is included. You are paying for:

• a theory briefing by a certified SSI professional
• full scuba equipment
• about 30 minutes in the water with professionals
• a total activity time of roughly 1.5 to 2 hours

When those basics are covered, you are not spending extra money on gear or on separate instruction. For many first-timers, that is the whole point, because the hidden costs are often what turn an affordable plan into an expensive one.

You also get a small group setup capped at 4 participants, with instructors available in English and German. That is not just a comfort perk. It directly affects how quickly you can get help if something feels odd with the equipment or instructions.

So for me, $58 makes sense when you want a guided, structured first underwater experience without needing a license. If you were already planning a self-guided plan or had to rent equipment separately, this price becomes even more reasonable.

Should you book this Try Scuba experience in Malta?

Book it if you want a controlled first underwater session with clear safety rules, a small group, and everything you need included. The max depth of 5 meters and the 30 minutes on the water make it approachable, and the SSI theory briefing helps you understand what you are doing, not just do it.

Skip it if you cannot meet the fitness and swimming requirements, or if any of the listed health conditions apply to you. Also consider skipping if you are hoping for cameras, because they are not allowed.

One last practical check: make sure you can communicate in English or German. If you are traveling with someone who can translate, that might help in daily life, but the rules require participants to understand and speak one of those languages for the session itself.

If you match the requirements, this is a straightforward way to experience Malta from below with professionals at a beginner-friendly depth, in a format that respects your time.

FAQ

What does the Try Scuba experience cost?

The price is $58 per person.

How long is the whole experience?

The total time is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, with about 30 minutes in the water.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the Octopus Garden scuba center behind the Gillieru Harbour Hotel in St. Pauls Bay.

What time does it run?

The activity takes place Monday to Friday at 3 p.m.

Do I need a diving license or previous skills?

No. A diving license and basic scuba skills are not required.

How deep will I go?

The maximum depth is 5 meters.

What’s included with the $58 price?

You get a theory briefing by a certified SSI professional, full scuba equipment, and 30 minutes in the water accompanied by the professionals.

What should I bring, and is a camera allowed?

Bring swimwear. Cameras are not allowed.

Who is not suitable to participate?

It is not suitable for children under 10, non swimmers, people who are pregnant, and anyone with several health or safety concerns listed by the provider, including claustrophobia, epilepsy, diabetes, high blood pressure, recent surgeries, and having a cold.

Is there a flight restriction?

Yes. Diving activities are not allowed 24 hours before a flight.