Malta is a fantastic place for scuba diving, thanks to its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and accessible dive sites near major towns like St. Paul’s Bay and Mellieha. Whether you’re new to diving or a seasoned diver, Malta offers options that cater to every level. We especially like the First Experience Scuba Diving because it’s perfect for beginners eager to try diving without prior certification — plus, it’s rated 5 out of 5 with glowing reviews from first-timers.
If you’re considering your ideal Malta diving trip, this guide will help you compare some of the best options, each with its own unique appeal. From quick introductory sessions to full private experiences, Malta’s underwater world awaits, and there’s a tour suited to your skill level and interests.
1. First Experience Scuba Diving
This beginners’ scuba diving experience is designed for those who want a taste of underwater exploration without any prior certification. It lasts around 2 hours 30 minutes and includes a briefing with a professional instructor, a shore training dive, and a fun dive to a maximum depth of 16 feet (5 meters). The small-group setting (max 6 travelers) ensures plenty of personal attention, making it ideal for nervous first-timers or those who want a relaxed introduction.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on safety and fun. All your gear is included, and the instructors are experienced and reassuring, which is reflected in the perfect 5-star reviews. Visitors often mention the attentive guides and the confidence they gain during the dive, even if it’s their first time underwater. The tour is well-suited for travelers who want a quick, hassle-free taste of scuba without commitment or certification requirements.
Bottom line: This is the best choice for beginners wanting a safe, straightforward, and fun introduction to diving in Malta’s calm waters.
2. First scuba diving experience with instructor – Malta
This private, personalized diving experience lasts about 3 hours and is tailored specifically for first-time divers. Starting with a dedicated instructor, participants receive an in-depth briefing and training, then progress to shallow and open water dives. The focus is on building confidence and familiarizing divers with marine life, making it perfect for newcomers who want more individual attention.
Rated 4.5 based on 71 reviews, many divers appreciated the patient guidance and professionalism. Reviewers often mention how encouraging the instructor was, especially for nervous divers. The experience takes place from St. Paul’s Bay, giving you access to Malta’s best marine environments, including the chance to see octopus, moray eels, and other marine creatures.
Compared to the first tour, this private experience offers more tailored instruction and a slightly longer duration, making it ideal for those who want a more personalized approach. It’s especially good if you value one-on-one coaching or are unfamiliar with underwater activities.
Bottom line: If you prefer a private, personalized introduction with detailed guidance, this experience offers excellent value and comfort for first-timers.
3. Diving experience in Malta
This tour provides a comprehensive introduction to scuba diving, focusing on safety and marine encounters in Malta’s renowned marine park. Lasting around 3 hours, it is designed to make novice divers comfortable while exploring some of the most vibrant aquatic life, including octopus and moray eels. The activity is led by experienced instructors in Malta’s only marine park, which guarantees excellent visibility and marine biodiversity.
The tour has earned a perfect 5-star rating from five reviews, with participants praising the instructor’s professionalism and the quality of the experience. It’s suitable for those who want a deeper dive into Malta’s underwater environment without certification, and it offers a great chance to experience the thrill of breathing underwater.
What makes this option stand out is its location in Malta’s marine park, ensuring better marine life encounters. The focus on safety and fun makes it an excellent choice for first-timers seeking a more immersive experience.
Bottom line: This option is best for travelers wanting a guided underwater experience in Malta’s most marine-rich environment, with great reviews backing it up.
4. Scuba Diving Class in Mellieha
For those considering a longer-term commitment to scuba, this scuba diving class in Mellieha offers a comprehensive introduction combined with a boat dive all included in the price. Lasting around 4 hours, it’s ideal for aspiring divers who want to learn skills and experience the thrill of breathing underwater.
This experience is unique in Malta because it includes a boat dive, allowing participants to explore deeper or more adventurous sites, unlike shore-based try dives. The program is structured to give a taste of the full scuba experience, including basic skills and safety procedures, making it perfect for those considering certification or looking for a more in-depth introduction.
Rated 5 stars from one review, guests appreciated the high-quality instruction and the opportunity to explore Malta’s waters from a boat. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a deeper dive into scuba, with the chance to see Malta’s marine life in a more extensive setting.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you’re thinking about pursuing scuba certification or want a thorough, hands-on introduction with an exciting boat dive.
$127.95 per person
5. 2 Scuba Fun Dives for Certified divers in St Paul’s Bay
If you’re already certified and looking to explore Malta’s waters, this experience offers two fun dives in St. Paul’s Bay. Lasting about 5 hours, it’s tailored to your skill level, with small groups ensuring personalized guidance. You’ll benefit from complete diving gear and detailed briefings for each dive, with a focus on safety and marine life encounters, including wrecks and reef sites.
Rated 4.5 based on five reviews, divers loved the flexibility and the chance to see Malta’s underwater highlights, like WWII wrecks and colorful reefs. The small-group setting allows for tailored experiences, whether you’re interested in wreck diving, reef exploration, or specific marine species.
This tour is best suited for certified divers who want a relaxed, guided experience in a safe environment. It’s a good choice for those who want to maximize their diving time without the hassle of logistics or gear worries.
Bottom line: Ideal for certified divers wanting a well-organized, personalized exploration of Malta’s underwater sites in a small-group setting.
How to Choose Your Malta Scuba Experience
When selecting a scuba tour in Malta, consider your experience level, budget, and interests. If you’re just starting out, the First Experience Scuba Diving or private First scuba diving experience with instructor are excellent options, especially if you prefer small groups and personalized guidance.
For those thinking about certification or wanting a more comprehensive class, the Scuba Diving Class in Mellieha provides a boat dive and in-depth training. If you’re a certified diver looking for some local exploration, the 2 Scuba Fun Dives in St Paul’s Bay offers flexibility and the chance to see wrecks and reefs.
Timing is also key; the best underwater visibility is typically in the warmer months from late spring to early fall. Book early, especially in summer, as tours fill up quickly.
Malta offers a diverse range of scuba diving experiences that fit every skill level and interest. For first-timers, the quick and safe introductory dives let you enjoy the underwater world worry-free. For more advanced or certification-ready divers, Malta’s wrecks and vibrant marine parks provide plenty to explore. Whether you want a private guide or a small group adventure, the options are plentiful. Consider your comfort level, budget, and how much diving you want to do, then pick the tour that best aligns with your plans. Dive into the clear waters of Malta — once you start, you’ll want to come back again and again.