Malta: Guided Shore Dives in Malta for Certified Divers

When thinking about Malta, many envision its stunning coastlines, historic sites, and clear waters, perfect for exploring beneath the surface as well. For those with certification, a guided shore diving experience here offers a fantastic way to see the island’s marine beauty up close without the crowds of boat excursions. At just $153 per person for a 3-hour adventure, this tour is a practical and authentic dive into Malta’s protected marine world.

What we love about this experience is how tailored it feels — your guide will customize the dive plan based on your certification level and experience, ensuring you see the best that Malta’s shore diving has to offer. The marine park environment provides safe, well-equipped spots to explore shallow reefs, swim-throughs, caverns, and even wrecks within recreational limits. A big plus is the chance to interact with Mediterranean marine creatures like octopuses, and if luck’s on your side, spot amberjacks and tuna hunting around wrecks and reefs.

One potential consideration is that the exact dive sites are chosen the day before based on weather and participant experience, so it’s good to stay flexible with your plans. This tour suits certified divers looking for a relaxed, guided experience that combines the beauty of Malta’s underwater scenery with expert support. It’s especially ideal if you prefer shore-based diving in a protected environment rather than boat rides.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Location: Shore dives in Malta’s protected marine park
Highlights: Reef exploration, wreck dives, marine life interactions
Duration: 3 hours, with two back-to-back dives
Group Size: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring personal attention
Price: $153 per person, including equipment and transfers
Flexibility: Reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for full refund

Appreciate having local insight? Here are other guided experiences in Mellieha we've examined

A Detailed Look at the Malta Shore Diving Experience

The Setting: Malta’s Marine Park

From the outset, what we love about this tour is the location — the shoreline of Malta within a designated marine park. This protected environment means you’re diving in a well-maintained, safe area with excellent facilities, making your experience comfortable and worry-free. The clear waters and relatively gentle currents provide an ideal setting for divers of different skill levels to enjoy the underwater sights.

The Dive Centre and Logistics

We loved the way the process is organized. Upon arrival at the diving centre, you’ll meet your guide — often multilingual, speaking Italian, English, German, Spanish, or French, which caters to a broad range of travelers. The staff will ask you to complete a medical declaration and register, then help you select your rental equipment if needed.

The transfer to the dive site is straightforward — a short drive from the centre to the chosen location, with the exact site determined the day prior based on weather conditions and your experience level. This flexibility helps ensure you’re diving in optimal conditions, which is crucial for safety and enjoyment.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Dives: Reef and Wrecks

The core appeal of this tour lies in the variety of diving options. Depending on your certification and comfort level, you might explore shallow reefs, swimming through caverns, or tackling wrecks within recreational limits.

The reefs are teeming with Mediterranean marine life, and while not as tropical as others, Malta’s waters still offer special interactions. You might encounter octopuses, and if you’re lucky, see amberjacks and tuna hunting around the reefs — sightings that truly enhance the sense of discovering an underwater wilderness.

While you're exploring Mellieha, here are other experiences we've looked into

What Makes the Experience Stand Out?

Our favorite aspect was the personalized guidance from experienced instructors, which ensures you get the most out of your dives without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Another highlight is the quality of the facilities — the protected sites are equipped with everything needed for a comfortable dive, including easy shore access and safety gear.

The back-to-back dives with an hour’s surface interval offer a perfect balance: enough time to rest and enjoy the surroundings, with the option to buy food and relax at the site. The guide’s local knowledge, combined with the relaxed pace, means you’ll enjoy a stress-free exploration.

Possible Drawbacks

A key consideration is the dependence on weather conditions. Since the exact dive spots are chosen the day before, you might find that what was expected to be a calm day turns a bit more challenging. Also, the tour isn’t suitable for children under 10, or those with certain health issues like heart or respiratory problems, which could limit participation.

Who Should Consider It?

This experience is best suited for certified divers eager to explore Malta’s underwater world in a relaxed, guided setting. If you prefer shore-based diving in protected environments with easy access to facilities, you’ll find this ideal. It’s also perfect for those who want a personalized experience, with small group sizes and guidance from knowledgeable instructors.

Why This Dive Tour Offers Good Value

At $153, this experience provides a lot of value given the inclusions: your guide, weights, tanks, transfers, and optional rental equipment. When you compare it to boat excursions or self-guided dives, the peace of mind and convenience of having a knowledgeable guide lead you through Malta’s best shore sites make it worthwhile.

On top of that, the chance to see marine life interactions — especially the curiosity of octopuses and the spectacle of hunting fish — adds a memorable touch that many other dive experiences may lack. The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the flexibility of booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a seasoned diver seeking new underwater spots or someone who already appreciates Malta’s underwater scenery, this guided shore diving tour strikes a good balance of adventure, comfort, and value. It’s an excellent way to explore Malta’s protected marine environment, particularly if you prefer shore access over boat trips or want a more relaxed, intimate experience.

The knowledgeable guides, well-maintained facilities, and the chance to interact with Mediterranean marine creatures make this a memorable outing. Just remember to be flexible with the exact site choice and weather conditions — but that’s part of the adventure in this beautiful, accessible dive spot.

For divers looking to connect with Malta’s underwater world in a safe, guided, and friendly environment, this tour is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Do I need to bring my own equipment?
No, rental equipment is available as an option, but weights, tanks, and guides are included in the price.

Is the tour suitable for all certified divers?
Yes, as long as you are certified, the guide will tailor the experience to your level, whether shallow reef exploration or wreck diving within recreational limits.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, with two dives back-to-back and a surface interval in between.

What is included in the price?
Your guide, weights, scuba tank (200 Bar), transfers to and from the site, and optional rental equipment are included.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, your diving certification, and your dive log.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, not suitable for children under 10, or people with heart, respiratory issues, or prone to seasickness. Divers must be certified.

Where are the dives conducted?
Dives take place at protected sites along Malta’s northern coast, with specific sites chosen the day before based on conditions.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak Italian, English, German, Spanish, and French, accommodating a broad range of travelers.

This guided shore dive experience in Malta offers a perfect mix of professional guidance, beautiful underwater scenery, and authentic interaction with marine life. It’s an excellent way for certified divers to enjoy Malta’s protected coastal waters without the fuss of boat trips or complicated logistics, making it a practical choice for a memorable underwater adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: