Malta: PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
If you’re already comfortable with basic scuba diving and looking to see more of Malta’s underwater treasures, this course offers just that—along with a few new skills to take your diving to the next level. Priced at $590 per person, it spans two days and includes five carefully chosen adventure dives, from navigation to wreck exploration, all led by friendly, multilingual instructors at the Orangeshark Diving Centre.
What we love most: First, the opportunity to dive down to 30 meters safely, opening up a whole new world of marine life and underwater features. Second, the flexibility to choose adventure dives like wreck or scooter dives, tailoring the experience to your interests and the weather.
A potential consideration? It’s a fast-paced schedule—covering theory, navigation, deep diving, and three additional adventure dives in just two days. This might be a stretch for total beginners or those who prefer a more leisurely pace.
This course is best suited for certified divers eager to expand their skills and explore Malta’s diverse underwater scenery. If you’re curious about wrecks, buoyancy, or underwater scooters, and enjoy learning in small groups, this program could be perfect for you.
Key Points
- Comprehensive Certification: Gain your PADI Advanced Open Water Diver certification in just two days, allowing you to dive deeper and explore more challenging sites.
- Variety of Dives: Choose from five adventure dives, including navigation, deep diving, wreck exploration, buoyancy, and underwater scooters—tailored to your preferences.
- All-Inclusive Equipment: High-quality gear, a dive computer, and tanks are provided, making your experience seamless and safe.
- Small Group Setting: Limited to six participants, ensuring personalized attention from experienced instructors.
- Flexible Learning: Theoretical knowledge can be completed online beforehand, so your practical dives focus on skill development.
- Ideal for Explorers: Perfect for divers looking to build confidence and discover Malta’s underwater secrets in a short, intensive course.
A Detailed Look at the Malta PADI Advanced Open Water Diver Course
If you’re contemplating taking your diving skills further, this two-day course in Malta offers a practical path to more adventurous underwater exploration. Malta, with its clear waters and abundant marine life, is an excellent backdrop for this certification. The course is led by a team of multilingual instructors, which makes communication straightforward, especially if you’re more comfortable in Italian, French, Spanish, or English.
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What’s Included and How It Works
For $590, you receive five adventure dives, five knowledge development sessions (theory), all high-quality gear, a dive computer, tanks, transfers, and the official PADI certification fee. The inclusion of e-learning material allows you to prepare at your own pace, making the practical days more focused and enjoyable.
The course schedule is structured to be completed over two days, with one day dedicated to completing three dives and the other finishing the remaining two. The initial arrival at the dive center is recommended about 30 minutes before your scheduled start, allowing time to gear up, meet your instructor, and review the plan for the day.
The Core Dives
The mandatory dives are the navigation dive—which sharpens your underwater orientation skills—and the deep dive to 30 meters, giving you a taste of what more advanced diving is like. These are critical because they set the foundation for your confidence and safety at greater depths.
Beyond these, you choose your additional dives based on weather conditions and personal interest. Common options include wreck dives, peak performance buoyancy, or even a dive with underwater scooters—which adds an element of fun and novelty. The flexibility here appeals to those who want a personalized experience, and the instructors can advise on what fits best.
What’s the Experience Like?
Diving in small groups (limited to six) means you’ll get plenty of individual attention. The high-quality gear ensures comfort and safety, and the scuba tanks are filled with 200 bars—more than enough for a relaxed, unhurried experience.
One reviewer mentioned that the “instructor was very professional and made us feel safe at all times,” which is vital for such an intense, two-day program. Another appreciated the opportunity to try underwater scooters—a fun twist that adds a bit of adrenaline and a fresh perspective on underwater mobility.
More Great Tours NearbySite Visits and Underwater Highlights
While the specific dive sites aren’t detailed here, Malta’s coastline is renowned for its wreck sites, vibrant reefs, and caves. The central focus is on learning navigation and depth control, skills that are immediately applicable to future adventures. The clear waters make for good visibility, often exceeding 20 meters, making underwater exploration particularly rewarding.
Practicalities and Logistics
Your transportation to the dive sites is included, which simplifies planning. The small group size makes for a more intimate, less rushed experience, and the two-day schedule allows you to balance theory and practical skills without feeling overwhelmed.
What to bring? A hat, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, water, snacks, waterproof camera, and comfortable clothes are recommended. Since the course is suitable for non-swimmers and those with respiratory issues, it’s quite accessible—though not for those with heart problems or who are heavy smokers.
What’s the Value?
At $590, this course offers solid value considering that it includes all gear, instruction, and certification. The ability to dive to 30 meters safely opens up many new dive sites in Malta and beyond. For those with a passion for underwater exploration, this is a quick but thorough way to boost your skills and confidence.
Who Would Enjoy This?
If you’re a certified diver eager to improve your navigation skills, try new adventure dives, or simply want to make the most of Malta’s underwater scenery in a short time, this course fits well. It’s especially suited for those who prefer small groups and personalized instruction. If you enjoy trying different activities—like wreck exploration or underwater scooters—this course offers a taste of each in a focused format.
FAQ
Is this course suitable for beginners?
This course is designed for certified divers, so you need to already hold an Open Water certification. If you’re a beginner looking to get started, consider a basic introductory course first.
Can I complete the theory online?
Yes, the e-learning material can be completed beforehand, which helps focus the practical sessions on skills like navigation and depth control.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers five adventure dives, five theory sessions, high-quality gear, tanks, dive computer, transfers, and the PADI certification fee.
How many dives will I do each day?
Typically, you’ll do three dives on the first day and two on the second, allowing time for instruction, practice, and debriefing.
Is the schedule flexible?
Check the availability for starting times. The two-day schedule is fixed, but you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans flexible.
What if I don’t want Wreck or Scooter dives?
You can discuss options with your instructor—they will advise which dives suit your interests and the weather conditions.
What should I bring?
Bring essentials like a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, snacks, waterproof camera, comfortable clothes, and your diving certification.
Are there any restrictions?
Yes, this course isn’t suitable for people with heart problems, respiratory issues, or non-swimmers. Also, smoking, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed on site.
Who Should Consider This Course?
This PADI Advanced Open Water Diver course is excellent for those already certified who want to expand their depth limits and explore new underwater activities safely. It’s perfect if you prefer a small, personalized group and want to maximize your Malta diving experience in just two days. It suits travel-savvy divers eager to learn new skills or add exciting dives like wrecks and scooters to their repertoire.
If you’re looking for a well-organized, fun, and practical way to deepen your diving knowledge while enjoying Malta’s beautiful waters, this course will serve you well. Just be prepared for a quick, intensive experience that demands focus but delivers a sense of achievement and new adventures.
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