Your first breath underwater is the real wow. In Malta, this first scuba try mixes online prep, hands-on coaching, and two controlled water sessions in a small group. It is built for turning nervous beginners into steady, confident beginners fast.

I like that your scuba kit is included in the price, so you do not need to hunt down rentals or figure out sizing at the last minute. I also like the teaching style, with instructors named across experiences such as Francesca, Aoiffe, Matteo, and Alex who focus on safety basics and keeping you calm.

One consideration: this is not an internationally recognized certification course, so if you want credentials, you will need the operator’s longer scuba courses instead. Also, if you have serious medical conditions or you arrive too late to meet safety and paperwork rules, you may not be able to continue.

Quick hits for your first scuba trial in Malta

• Max 4 people means more time with your instructor and less waiting around.
• Online theory before you go so you start the day understanding equipment and safety.
• Two water sessions including a training session plus a shore session with a maximum depth of 5m.
• Gear is included (you just bring your own swimsuit and towel).
• English speaking/understanding required for the briefings and instructions.
• Health screening is strict and may require written medical approval before you can participate.

Before you arrive: the online homework that actually helps

This experience is designed as a short, beginner-focused “try scuba” format. The key difference versus random snorkeling is that you do real skills work with a safety-first structure. Before your session, you complete online theory materials in your language, then you show up already knowing the basics.

You will get an eLearning link and start-time instructions by WhatsApp (or SMS/email if needed). Keep an eye on your phone in the day leading up to your booking. The operator also emphasizes that timing can shift with weather, sea conditions, traffic, and parking, especially in peak months.

If you like to feel prepared, do the pre-work seriously. One practical tip that shows up in real first-time feedback is to practice the basic hand signals before you arrive. When you are wearing a regulator, you lose the normal ability to talk, so those signals become your “communication backbone.”

Day-of flow: briefing, equipment fit, and skills practice

At the start, you meet at Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana, SLM3111 Tas, Tas-Sliema, Malta, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. The session is roughly 2 hours 30 minutes, but the operator notes it can change due to the day’s conditions and group pacing.

From there, you get a safety briefing, then the instructor helps you with equipment and the essential scuba skills. Expect a mix of land practice and in-water coaching. Because this is specifically for first-time participants, you should feel like the course is paced around learning, not performance.

You also need to match the safety requirements for the day. The experience is for swimmers only, with a moderate physical fitness level expected. It is also English-required, so if you understand English well enough to follow safety instructions, you are in the right lane.

If you start to feel anxious, that is not a deal-breaker on its own. Instructors are trained to work patiently through early steps like regulator handling and controlled breathing. Your job is simple: listen, ask questions when you can, and do not rush your own comfort.

Two underwater sessions: training first, then a shore spot at 5m

The experience includes two water sessions. The first one is the training session, where you practice the core skills with direct instructor support. The second is a shore session with a maximum depth of 5m.

Why this matters for you as a beginner: this format lowers the pressure. You are not thrown into a long, complicated outing. Instead, you learn in one controlled cycle, then you get a chance to apply those skills again in a calmer setting.

You will explore the underwater world around Malta, and the water can be crystal-clear. Still, the operator is upfront that conditions drive the day. Choppy water or reduced visibility can happen, and in those cases you might not get the exact experience you pictured. That said, the program is still built to keep things safe and structured.

Gear and small-group attention: why it feels different from a big tour

Your price includes the complete diving kit, a safety briefing, and online theory. That means you are not juggling extra costs for rentals or scrambling to size equipment while the clock is running. It also includes transportation to and from the water spot, though hotel pickup and dropoff are not included.

Here is the real value of the small-group limit of 4 travelers: your instructor can watch you closely. That close attention matters most during the early moments when your body is new to the sensation of breathing underwater and your hands are learning tasks like clearing and signal communication.

Also, remember what is not included. Bring your own towel, and bring your own swimsuit. Plan to arrive ready to change. If you show up without those basics, you will lose time while you figure it out.

If photos matter to you, you might want to ask ahead about camera options. Some scuba experience providers in Malta offer underwater photo gear, but the only safe approach is to coordinate ahead of time if that is important to your trip plan.

Malta logistics without the headache: meeting point, timing, and transport

You start in Sliema and meet at a location that is near public transportation. That is handy if you are staying somewhere central or you do not want to depend on taxis just to get gear and instructions.

Transportation to and from the water spot is included, but hotel pickup is not. So you are responsible for getting yourself to the meeting point on time. The operator also notes they cannot guarantee participation, or issue a refund, if you are late and health and safety requirements are ignored.

Timing is another detail that can make or break your day. The operator recommends you keep a buffer for delays. It can be especially relevant during June, July, and August. Even if you plan carefully, weather and sea conditions can change the schedule.

A final practical tip: bring a way to keep your phone charged and handy for the WhatsApp or SMS updates the day before. The operator sends the eLearning link and essential instructions, and those updates can include the exact starting times.

Safety rules, medical approvals, and the limits that keep it real

This is the part you should take most seriously. Your safety is the priority, and the operator asks you to check linguistic, swimming, and health requirements before booking.

If you have listed medical conditions, written approval from a physician is mandatory before you can dive. The operator also states you can obtain a written approval from a physician in Malta, available at every pharmacy every morning. If you cannot provide medical consent, contact the operator and join the snorkeling option instead.

The list of serious concerns includes pregnancy, heart/lungs/blood issues, age 45+ with high cholesterol/blood pressure/smokers, eyes/ears/nasal problems, recent surgeries, neurologic conditions, loss of consciousness, migraine or severe headaches, seizures, strokes, head injury, psychological or addiction issues, back problems or hernia or ulcers, diabetes or stomach or intestinal problems (like diarrhea), and taking prescription medications (with limited exceptions like birth control or certain anti-malarials excluding mefloquine).

What you should do: if you are unsure whether your situation fits the requirements, ask before your scheduled day. Do not wait until the last minute. Also, if you plan flying soon after, the operator recommends waiting at least 12 hours, with 24 hours recommended after the activity.

That is not just bureaucratic. It is a practical “body needs time” rule.

Price and value check for $96.55, and who this suits best

At $96.55 per person for an approximately 2 hour 30 minute experience, you are paying for structure, instructor time, and safety systems. The big value piece is that your complete kit, briefing, online theory, and transportation to and from the water spot are included.

You still need to budget for two simple items: a swimsuit and a towel. Hotel pickup is not included, so factor in how you will get to the meeting point near public transport.

In terms of fit, this is ideal if:

• you want a first-time scuba try without committing to a full certification program
• you appreciate close instructor supervision and a short, learn-by-doing format
• you can swim and meet the listed health requirements

It is less ideal if:

• you want an internationally recognized certification from this session
• you are dealing with a medical condition that requires written approval and you cannot get it in time
• you need extensive hand-holding on communication, since English is required for briefings

A small but useful mindset shift: go in expecting practice, not perfection. If you struggle with the regulator at first, that is part of the learning curve. The course is built for that.

Should you book this first scuba trial in Malta?

If you are curious about scuba but do not want a huge time commitment or a certification pipeline on day one, I think this is a smart pick. The included gear, the short structured format, and the max 4 people setup are exactly what you want when you are trying something new.

Book it if you can follow safety instructions in English, you are comfortable as a swimmer, and you are ready to complete the online materials first. Skip it if you are hoping for a certification outcome, or if your health situation makes approval complicated, because the operator’s safety requirements are strict.

FAQ

Is this suitable for complete beginners?

Yes. This is a first scuba try for people who are new, with a safety briefing, equipment guidance, and skills practice on the first water session before the second shore session.

What exactly is included in the $96.55 price?

The price includes online theory material, a safety briefing, the complete diving kit, 1 training water session, 1 shore session with a maximum depth of 5m, and transportation to and from the water spot.

What should I bring with me?

Bring your own swimsuit and towel. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan to get yourself to the meeting point.

Where do I meet, and how long does the session take?

Meet at Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana, SLM3111 Tas, Tas-Sliema, Malta. The duration is about 2 hours 30 minutes, though timing can change based on weather, sea conditions, and other factors.

Will I receive an internationally recognized scuba certification?

No. This try program does not provide internationally recognized certification. If you want certification, you’ll need to contact the operator about scuba courses.

What medical rules do I need to know?

Some serious conditions require written approval from a physician before you can participate. If you cannot provide medical consent, you should contact the operator, and you may join the snorkeling option instead.

Can kids participate?

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

How long should I wait before flying after the activity?

The operator recommends waiting at least 12 hours before flying, with 24 hours recommended for best safety.

What happens if I cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.