Malte : Baptême de plongée sous-marine, Première Expérience

When we think of Malta, we often picture its historic sites, stunning coastlines, and lively culture. But for those curious about exploring beneath the waves, the Baptême de plongée (introductory scuba experience) offered by French Touch Diving in St. Paul’s Bay provides a truly memorable and accessible way to get your toes wet in the Mediterranean. For around three hours, you’ll learn the basics of diving from experienced, French-speaking instructors and enjoy a guided underwater session in crystal-clear waters, often lasting about 40 minutes at a maximum depth of 12 meters.

What we love about this experience is the small group size—limited to just four participants—which ensures personalized attention and safety. Plus, the friendly, relaxed atmosphere at the dive club makes even nervous beginners feel at ease. Another highlight is the comprehensive safety briefing and expert guidance, which mean you’re in good hands, even if you’ve never held a regulator before.

That said, one potential consideration is the requirement to be in good health and physical condition, as the activity involves basic swimming ability and no recent health issues. Also, the activity isn’t suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or anyone with certain medical conditions. If you’re looking for an engaging, safe, and well-organized introduction to scuba diving, this tour is especially suited to first-timers who want to dip their fins in the sea with confidence.

Key Points

• Personalized Instruction: Small groups mean more attention and a relaxed learning environment.
• Experienced Guides: All instructors are fluent in French and have extensive diving experience.
• Inclusive Equipment & Safety Briefing: Full gear provided, with thorough safety instructions before the dive.
• Ideal for Beginners: No prior experience needed, just good health and swimming ability.
• Flexible & Convenient: Tours run daily, with a duration of about 3 hours and included transport to the site.
• Limited Spots: Booking early is advised due to small group sizes and high demand.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Experience

Starting Point: French Touch Diving in St. Paul’s Bay

Your adventure begins at French Touch Diving, a boutique, 100% francophone dive club in Malta. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted in a friendly manner, and the process of signing in, filling out a quick form, and trying on your gear (wet suit, mask, fins) is straightforward. The club’s intimate size promotes a convivial vibe that immediately puts first-timers at ease.

The Transport & Site Selection

After a brief 5-minute ride to your dive site, you’ll find yourself in beautiful St. Paul’s Bay, a shallow and calm area perfect for beginners. The water here is crystal-clear, offering excellent visibility—key to feeling comfortable and enjoying your underwater adventure.

The Safety Briefing & Equipment Preparation

Your instructor, fluent in French, takes time to explain everything clearly. Expect a detailed briefing covering safety rules, hand signals, and equipment use. We appreciated how the instructor emphasized what to do if something goes wrong and reviewed exercises like clearing water from your mask and regulator recovery.

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The Underwater Session: What to Expect

Once ready, you’ll set out with your group for a roughly 40-minute underwater experience. During this time, you’ll learn fundamental skills like breathing underwater, equalizing your ears, and moving comfortably in the water. The instructor will guide you through simple exercises that build your confidence—like mask clearing and regulator sharing—which are crucial for safety but also add to the fun.

The underwater scenery in Malta, with its clear waters and interesting marine life, is a delight. While the tour is a beginner session, you may still spot colorful fish and even some small marine creatures, making it a visually rewarding experience.

Unique Elements That Stand Out

One aspect that frequently gets praised in reviews is how the activity is tailored to each participant’s comfort level. The small group size ensures you’re not rushed or overshadowed, and the friendly, professional demeanor of the instructors fosters a relaxed atmosphere.

As one reviewer noted, “une équipe au petit soins,” or “a caring team,” which is evident during the entire activity. This personalized approach means even shy or nervous participants find it easier to relax and enjoy.

Return & Reflection

After the dive, you’ll return to the dive center, where you can debrief, ask questions, and share your experience. You might find yourself already dreaming of a future trip to Malta for longer, more advanced dives.

Evaluating the Value

At around 3 hours, this experience offers excellent value for first-time divers. The included gear, safety briefing, and transport mean you won’t have to worry about additional costs, making it straightforward and stress-free. The limited group size enhances safety and comfort—especially important in a beginner experience.

Compared to larger, less personal dive trips, this one provides more individualized attention. If you’re looking for a trustworthy, friendly introduction to scuba in Malta—especially if you speak French—this tour is a smart choice.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience suits adventurous travelers who want a safe, supportive environment to try scuba diving for the first time. It’s ideal for those who value small-group intimacy and personalized instruction. It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health issues, but if you’re in good health and confident in swimming, this will be a memorable highlight of your Malta trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience to join?
No, this is designed as a first-timer activity. You don’t need any previous diving experience to participate.

How deep will I go during the dive?
The maximum depth is approximately 12 meters, which is shallow enough to feel safe but still offers a good underwater view.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimwear, a towel, and water. Cameras are not allowed during the dive, but you can always take photos before or after the activity.

Is this activity suitable for non-swimmers?
You need to be comfortable swimming, as the activity requires it. Non-swimmers should consider other options.

Are the instructors fluent in languages other than French?
All instructors are French-speaking, but the focus on clear, simple instructions makes language less of a barrier.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Final Thoughts

If you’re dreaming of trying something extraordinary during your Malta visit, this beginner scuba experience offers a blend of safety, friendliness, and authentic underwater discovery. It’s perfect for travelers who want to test the waters without committing to longer, more complex dives. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, which is especially appealing for first-timers or those a little apprehensive about diving.

While it’s not suitable for everyone—especially those with certain medical conditions or limited mobility—it delivers genuine value for those eager to explore Malta’s marine wonders in a safe, relaxed setting. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a new adventure, this activity promises a fun, authentic start to your underwater journey.

In the end, it’s about creating memories and building confidence in the water—something you’ll carry with you long after your Malta trip ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: