Malta: Discover Scuba Diving in crystal clear waters

If you’re considering taking your first splash into the underwater world, Malta’s Discover Scuba Diving tour offers a practical, well-organized way to dip your fins into the Mediterranean. This experience, run by Orangeshark Diving Centre, promises to give beginners a safe, friendly introduction to breathing underwater, with enough charm and clarity to make even the most hesitant eager to explore more.

What we love most about this experience is the combination of professional instruction and stunning scenery. The guided online learning makes sure you’re well-prepared before stepping into the water, and the shallow, calm marine park setting means less worry about rough seas or difficult conditions. However, one thing to keep in mind is the limited maximum depth of 12 meters, which is perfect for beginners but might feel a bit restrictive for those looking to push their underwater boundaries.

This tour suits travelers who are curious about scuba but hesitant to commit to a full certification. It’s especially ideal for families, first-timers, or those with limited time who want a taste of what’s beneath the waves without much fuss. If you’re someone who enjoys easy access to beautiful scenery and expert guidance, this Malta experience is hard to beat.

Key Points

• Perfect for Beginners: No prior experience needed; suitable for non-swimmers and first-time divers.
• Expert Guidance: Instructors are knowledgeable and attentive, ensuring safety and fun.
• Clear Waters & Calm Conditions: The Cirkewwa marine park offers shallow, safe, and visually stunning waters.
• Online Learning: Short videos and quizzes prepare you before the water, boosting confidence.
• Small Groups: Limited to 10 participants, promising personalized attention.
• Flexible & Convenient: Check availability for different start times; includes transport and equipment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Introduction to Malta’s Discover Scuba Tour

Malta’s Discover Scuba Diving experience is designed to be straightforward, enjoyable, and accessible. It’s a fantastic way for those who have never tried scuba to see if they like it, without the commitment of certification. From the start, you’ll appreciate the organized approach: a briefing at the dive center, online tutorials, and then a drive to the dive site—all in a relaxed, small group environment.

The online learning component is a real plus. You download an app and watch quick videos, then answer some simple questions. This prep session helps you understand the equipment and basic safety procedures, which reduces anxiety and makes the actual water time more enjoyable. Reviews indicate that many participants appreciated this step: “It really helped me feel prepared before entering the water,” one traveler remarked.

Once at the dive site, the instructor introduces the gear, demonstrates how to breathe through your regulator, and guides you through three simple exercises. The shallow site, with depths capped at 12 meters, ensures that even those who are naturally nervous can focus on the experience without feeling overwhelmed. You’ll get a chance to take a tour of the marine park, which is known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life—great for photos and just soaking in the views.

The Dive Experience: What to Expect

The actual underwater tour lasts around 30-45 minutes, but the overall experience takes roughly three hours from start to finish. The process begins with a briefing at the Orangeshark Diving Centre, where the staff are friendly and eager to answer questions. This initial session is short but comprehensive, covering what you’ll do, what to expect, and safety protocols.

Following this, you’ll download the app and complete the online portion. Many reviews mention how useful this step is—“The videos were clear and helped me understand what I was supposed to do,” says one first-timer. The online part isn’t just filler; it’s a valuable prep tool that makes the transition into the water smoother.

Next, it’s time to don the gear and get comfortable in the water. The instructor will help you adjust your equipment and explain the basic exercises, which include breath control and buoyancy. Once these are mastered, you’ll enter the shallow waters of Cirkewwa, renowned for its calm, transparent waters, and an array of marine life, including colorful fish and interesting rock formations.

The guided tour of the site offers a chance to see the underwater environment. Many who have taken part say the experience is surprisingly peaceful and almost surreal. “Breathing underwater felt natural after a few minutes,” reports a participant, emphasizing that the experience is designed to be approachable.

After the dive, you’ll receive an email confirming your completion. If you’re eager to continue, the instructor will give you ideas for next steps—perhaps a full certification or advanced courses.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The price of $131 per person includes all essentials: a professional instructor, diving equipment, the online learning lesson, and transportation to the dive site. The limited group size enhances the experience, making it more personal and safer for everyone involved.

However, extras such as food, drinks, or hotel pickups are not included. You might want to bring your own water, sunscreen, and a towel for after the experience.

Practical Details and Tips

The tour is available in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German, making it accessible to a broad range of travelers. It’s not suitable for children under 10, pregnant women, or individuals with certain medical conditions, including back or heart problems, epilepsy, or recent surgeries. Non-swimmers and those with mobility issues should consider whether this shallow, guided experience is right for them.

Booking is flexible; you can reserve now and pay later, with full cancellations allowed up to 24 hours in advance. This flexibility is great if your plans are still tentative. Expect the experience to last three hours, with actual water time being a manageable 30-45 minutes.

What to bring? Swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sunscreen, and water are recommended. For safety and comfort, avoid touching marine life or bringing sharp objects, and follow all guidelines provided by your instructor.

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Why You Should Consider This Experience

Malta’s Discover Scuba tour offers a low-pressure, accessible way to try something many consider a bucket list activity. The stunning, calm waters of Cirkewwa, combined with professional guidance, make it a reliable choice for a first underwater venture. Several reviews commend the knowledgeable guides and the breathtaking views during the tour, emphasizing that these elements create a memorable experience.

Because of its focus on safety, small group sizes, and online preparatory course, it’s particularly suited for those new to diving or nervous about trying it for the first time. It’s also a great way to get a glimpse of Malta’s marine environment without a full certification commitment.

The Sum Up

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who want a taste of the underwater world with minimal fuss. The combination of expert instructors, peaceful waters, and a structured online prep makes it both accessible and enjoyable. If you’re seeking a first step into scuba, it offers excellent value—both in terms of price and experience.

You’ll love how safe and well-organized everything feels, especially given the small group setup. The stunning visuals of Malta’s marine park will stay with you long after you surface, and many travelers leave eager to explore more or even pursue full certification.

This experience strikes a good balance between adventure and comfort, making it an ideal choice for families, solo travelers, or couples. While it’s not designed for thrill-seekers or those wanting a deep dive, it’s perfect for anyone craving a gentle introduction to scuba in a beautiful setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, the experience is designed for beginners and non-swimmers, but you should feel comfortable in the water and follow your instructor’s guidance.

What is the maximum depth of the dive?
The maximum depth allowed during this experience is 12 meters, which is shallow enough for beginners and provides plenty of underwater visibility.

Do I need previous experience?
No prior experience is needed. This is a beginner-friendly introduction, with online learning helping you prepare.

How long does the entire experience last?
From start to finish, including briefing, online training, gear-up, and the water session, it lasts about three hours.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the experience is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

What languages are available for instruction?
Guides speak English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German, making it accessible for many travelers.

Are transportation and equipment included?
Yes, transport to the dive site and all diving equipment are included in the price.

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.

Is this experience safe?
Absolutely, with professional instructors, small group sizes, and a protected marine park, safety is a top priority.

In the end, Malta’s Discover Scuba Diving experience offers an appealing introduction to the underwater world—perfect for those eager to explore without diving headlong into certification. Its combination of natural beauty, expert guidance, and manageable time commitment makes it a worthwhile addition to any Malta itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: