Breathing underwater changes everything. I love the small group size of up to 4 and the included full gear kit, so you can spend your energy learning instead of shopping. One thing to consider: if you have listed medical issues, you need written doctor approval before you go in the water.

This is built as a short, beginner-friendly scuba try session with coaching before and during the water time. You’ll do online theory first, then get hands-on instruction during two underwater practice outings, including a shore session limited to 5m. It’s a great way to test the waters, but it is not an internationally recognized certification course.

Quick hits before you book

• Small-group coaching (max 4 people): you get time to ask questions and redo skills without feeling rushed.
• Online theory in your language: you’ll use a learning portal (divessi.com is mentioned) before you meet the instructors.
• Two underwater practice blocks: one is a training session and the other is a shore session with a max depth of 5m.
• Instructors you can trust with nervous first-timers: names like Francesca, Julia, Emma, Alex, and Davide show up repeatedly for patience and clarity.
• You bring towel and swimsuit: the kit is included, but not those two basics.
• Weather affects timing: conditions can change the plan, and the operator may adjust the schedule.

What you’re really signing up for in Malta

This is a half-day-style experience that’s mostly about skill-building and confidence, not long, free-form exploring. You’ll get a briefing, fit into a full kit, and then practice core scuba skills in controlled, beginner-friendly conditions.

You’re also not stuck guessing what to do once you arrive. The day includes online pre-work, a safety talk, and a step-by-step routine so you know what’s happening next.

Your prep starts at home: eLearning, hand signs, and mental readiness

Before you show up, you’ll complete online theory materials in your language. You’ll get a link in advance via WhatsApp (or SMS/email if you don’t use WhatsApp), and you’ll use it to learn the basics you’ll need underwater.

Here’s the practical part: do the homework and practice the hand signals the instructors teach. One review specifically calls out that practicing beforehand helps a lot, especially if you’re the kind of person who freezes when everything is new.

Also plan your headspace. First-time scuba is exciting, but it can feel intense when you first put your face in the water and switch to regulator breathing. If you’re anxious, the structure matters, and this format is designed to slow you down.

Medical and swimming requirements you must take seriously

This operator is very explicit about safety screening. You should check the linguistic, swimming, and health requirements before booking, because serious conditions require written approval from a physician.

They note that if you have any listed medical condition, you must obtain written clearance before diving, and if you can’t provide it, you should contact them to join a snorkelling alternative instead. Pregnancy is included in the listed conditions, so make sure you’re reading the requirements closely, even if you feel fine.

If you’re wondering what counts as a listed issue, the list includes items such as heart/lungs/blood problems, eye/ear/nasal issues, recent surgeries, neurologic conditions, diabetes/stomach or intestinal problems (including diarrhea), and taking prescription medications (with a stated exception for birth control and some anti-malarials other than mefloquine).

Where you meet and what happens before you go in the water

You’ll meet at Diveshack20, Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana, SLM3111, Sliema. The activity ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not dealing with a complicated drop-off puzzle.

Transportation to and from the water site is included, but hotel pickup and dropoff are not. So if you’re staying outside central areas, you’ll want to plan an easy way to get to Sliema on time.

The pre-water flow is usually: check-in, paperwork, and equipment fitting. A small-group setup helps here, since you’re not waiting behind a big line of people while you’re trying to get comfortable.

The two underwater sessions: what to expect (and what “beginner-friendly” means)

Your experience includes 1 training underwater session and 1 shore session with a maximum depth of 5m. That depth limit is the big comfort factor: you’re learning technique in shallow water, not wrestling with complicated depth or current.

In practice, your first session is where skills get taught and repeated until they click. You’ll practice breathing with the regulator, handling your equipment, and learning basic safety rules.

The second session is the “try it again” moment. Shore-based conditions make it easier to manage for first-timers, and the 5m cap keeps things controlled while you get a feel for buoyancy and movement underwater.

If you’re hoping for long roaming time, temper expectations a bit. This course is about training and confidence, so the schedule is structured, and instructors prioritize safety and skill checks over speed.

Malta’s underwater life: the fun part you’ll remember

Malta is famous for clear water in many seasons, and in feedback from first-timers, you’ll often hear about seeing fish near the surface. One person mentions shoaling fish, including a barracuda and sea urchins, plus lots of other species.

That matters for beginners. When you can see interesting life while you practice skills, you feel less like you’re working a checklist and more like you’re actually experiencing something.

But weather is real. One account notes choppy water and poor visibility due to conditions, and the team worked to relocate to better water. Translation: you might not get perfect conditions, but the operator is trying to improve the water situation rather than just pushing ahead blindly.

Instructors: the difference between panicking and feeling safe

This is where the experience earns its high satisfaction score. Multiple instructors are praised for being friendly, communicative, and patient—especially with first-timers and nervous students.

Instructors named in the feedback include Francesca, Julia, Holly, Emma, Marcell, Alex, Davide, Georgia, Yolanda, Aoiffe, and Matteo, plus an instructor named Vinnie in one account. The common theme is clear guidance on equipment and skills, with extra care for students who get nervous early on.

One very practical tip comes from those same experiences: listen closely on the surface and don’t rush the early steps. If you ignore the face-in-water part or you’re fighting it, you may not progress the way the instructors plan.

Also, small-group coaching helps a lot. With a max of 4 people, an instructor can keep eyes on you rather than coaching from a distance.

Gear, towel, and swimsuit: what’s included and what you must bring

The price includes a complete diving kit plus the safety briefing and the two underwater practice sessions. So you shouldn’t need to rent everything separately.

But you do need to bring a towel and a swimsuit. That sounds basic, but it’s also the kind of thing that becomes annoying if you forget, especially when you’re dressed for the day and trying to keep momentum.

Wetsuits are referenced in feedback, including comments about staying warm even in April. Still, don’t assume you’ll be comfortable if the weather turns; bring your own mindset for cool water, especially outside peak summer.

Price and value: is $96.55 a fair deal?

At $96.55 per person for roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, the value is strongest when you consider what’s bundled.

You’re getting:

• online theory materials
• a safety briefing
• complete gear
• two structured underwater practice parts (including a shore session capped at 5m)
• transportation to and from the water site

What’s not included is just as important:

• towel and swimsuit
• hotel pickup/dropoff (you travel to the meeting point yourself)

For a first-timer, kit inclusion can be a big deal. It means you’re not paying extra to rent the right equipment sizes or wasting time figuring out what to bring.

If you’re comparing options, also remember this is not an internationally recognized certification course. If your goal is a license right away, you’ll want to ask about their scuba training courses instead.

Fitness, language, and timing: plan for the real Malta schedule

You should have a moderate physical fitness level, and it’s for swimmers only. That doesn’t mean you need to be an athlete, but you should feel comfortable in open water and with basic movement while breathing through a regulator.

Instruction is in English, so you’ll want to understand the basics of the language used during briefing and underwater coaching.

Timing can change. The operator notes the session duration may shift due to weather, sea conditions, traffic, parking availability, participant abilities, and punctuality—especially during peak months like June, July, and August. Build in buffer time so you’re not arriving flustered.

They also recommend waiting at least 12 hours (and preferably 24 hours) before flying after the activity. That’s smart planning for comfort and safety.

Who should book this beginner scuba try, and who should switch to snorkelling

This is best for people who want a structured first experience with lots of coaching. If you like learning step-by-step, practicing skills, and getting immediate feedback, you’ll probably find this a smooth way to test your comfort level.

You should also book if you want a chance to see Malta’s underwater life without needing prior gear knowledge. The included kit and the online prep do a lot of the heavy lifting.

You should strongly consider a snorkelling alternative if you can’t meet the medical requirements or you’re not eligible to dive due to health restrictions. And if you’re pregnant, you’ll need to follow the medical rules listed, not just go by how you feel that day.

Should you book this scuba session in Malta?

Yes, book it if you want a first-time scuba try with hands-on instruction, small-group attention, and a shallow, beginner-controlled setup. The included gear and the online theory make it easier than many “show up and wing it” experiences.

Before you go, do the pre-work, practice the hand signs, and be honest with yourself about your anxiety level—especially when it comes to putting your face in the water and following instructor cues. And pack the simple stuff: swimsuit and towel.

Skip this if you’re hoping for a full certification outcome or if you know you can’t meet the medical clearance and health screening requirements. In that case, you’ll save time and stress by choosing the alternative that fits the rules.