2 Scuba Fun Dives for Certified divers in St Paul’s Bay

Malta’s clear water, reefs, caves, and wartime wrecks make this two-session scuba outing a strong choice for certified participants who want more than a quick dip from the shore. You meet at Diveshack20 in Sliema at about 8:00 am, then travel in an air-conditioned vehicle to the day’s sites.

I like the way the instructors adjust the pace to your ability, especially if you are newly certified or need a calm start. I also like the practical safety setup: you receive two briefings, one for each session, and the guides keep the group small, with a maximum of 15 people. The main drawback is that the exact sites and timing can change with weather, sea conditions, traffic, parking, and the group’s pace.

Key points

• Two guided underwater sessions: Expect a full morning and early afternoon, with the schedule shaped by conditions and group readiness.
• Reefs, caves, and wrecks: The area around St Paul’s Bay can offer varied scenery, including a possible WWII wreck site.
• Good for newer certified participants: The guides can tailor the plan to your experience, and patient instruction matters if you feel nervous at the start.
• Equipment and transfers are arranged: The experience describes a complete scuba kit and air-conditioned transport, though you should confirm equipment details before booking.
• Strict health rules apply: Some medical conditions require written approval from a physician before you enter the water.
• Plan around your flight: You must wait 24 hours after the activity before flying.

Why two Malta sessions beat a rushed single outing

A single underwater session can leave you just getting comfortable when it is time to return to shore. Two sessions give you a better chance to settle your breathing, get used to the equipment, and enjoy the second site with less fuss.

The first session usually functions as both an introduction to the day and a check of how you are handling the water. The guide can see how comfortable you are, then adjust the pace and level of challenge. If you are newly certified, this is valuable. You do not need a complicated plan or a high level of experience beyond Open Water certification, but you do need to be a swimmer and have enough fitness for the activity.

The second session is where the day may feel more rewarding. You already know the routine, your equipment is familiar, and you can give more attention to what is around you. The potential sights include reefs, caves, and wrecks. The exact choice depends on sea conditions and the group’s ability, so book this for variety rather than one guaranteed landmark.

The day lasts about five hours. That is longer than the time spent underwater, since you also need transport, equipment preparation, briefings, changing, and surface intervals. Do not schedule a tight afternoon commitment.

Starting at Diveshack20 in Sliema

You begin at Diveshack20, Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana, Sliema, at approximately 8:00 am. The activity also ends back at this meeting point, which makes the return plan simple if you are staying nearby or using public transport.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You are responsible for reaching the meeting point, so allow extra time in the morning. The operator warns that traffic, parking, punctuality, and seasonal crowds can affect the start time. Before the session, you should receive instructions and confirmation through WhatsApp, or by text message or email if you do not use WhatsApp.

Keep your phone available. A small timing change can matter when transport and sea conditions are involved, and the operator says late arrival may mean missing the activity without a refund, especially in the busy months.

The meeting point is near public transportation, but the information provided does not specify a particular bus route or travel time. Check your route the day before rather than assuming you can arrive at the last minute.

The two briefings and the safety routine

You receive two safety briefings, not just one general talk before leaving shore. That is a useful feature because each underwater session may have its own site, entry plan, hazards, and route.

Pay close attention even if you have logged many hours underwater. A familiar skill does not mean an unfamiliar site is simple. Listen for information about the entry, exits, depth, route, conditions, and what to do if you become uncomfortable.

The small-group limit of 15 people helps, though the actual number on your session may vary. A group of that size is not private, so you should not expect one instructor to remain beside you every second. The important point is that the program is designed for different experience levels, rather than forcing everyone into one fixed pace.

That flexibility seems especially useful for new Open Water participants. One participant had trouble with panic at the beginning, and the instructor remained patient until the person could continue. That is the sort of support you want from a guide: calm attention, not pressure to prove yourself.

Choosing between reefs, caves, and a WWII wreck

The attraction here is variety. A reef can offer a straightforward route and a chance to watch marine life. A cave adds a sense of exploration, but it may require greater comfort with visibility, buoyancy, and confined spaces. A wreck offers structure and historical interest, though the amount you see depends on the site and conditions.

One reported outing included a WWII wreck in clear water. That does not mean every session visits the same wreck, so treat it as a possible highlight rather than a promise. The activity description allows for reefs, caves, and wrecks, but site selection is subject to the sea and the needs of the group.

You may also see marine life in the open water. Two jellyfish were spotted during one session. That is a small detail, but it points to the right expectation: you are visiting a natural setting, not an aquarium. Encounters will be unpredictable, and the best moments may be brief.

The operator recommends avoiding July and August if possible. More people around the island can startle marine life, and high-season traffic can slow the day. June, July, and August can also bring more complications with parking, road traffic, and punctuality. If you have flexibility, a quieter period may give you a calmer day above and below the surface.

How the instructors handle different ability levels

This activity is open to Open Water certified participants and people with higher certification. It is not a beginner lesson for someone without certification, and it is not intended for non-swimmers.

The guide adjusts the plan to the group’s ability. That matters if you are traveling with a family member or friend whose comfort level is different from yours. One father and son had different levels of confidence, and the session was adapted rather than run as a one-size-fits-all exercise.

The instructors named in the experience include Holly and Lee. They were described as caring and pleasant to be around, and one outing with them included the WWII wreck. You should not assume they will lead every date, but their involvement gives you a sense of the friendly, attentive approach the center aims for.

If you tend to panic during the first few minutes, tell the instructor before entering the water. Clear communication gives the guide a chance to slow down, review the basics, or adjust the plan. You should never hide discomfort to keep up with a group.

What the $118.35 price includes

At $118.35 per person, the cost is reasonable if you need transport, two guided sessions, and a full set of scuba equipment. You are paying for more than time underwater. The package also covers the briefings and transport to and from the activity site.

The supplied information says a complete diving kit is provided, so you do not need to bring your own regulator, tank, or other standard scuba gear. However, the package notes also list the use of scuba equipment under items not included. That is a clear inconsistency. I would confirm exactly what equipment is covered before paying, especially if you need specialty gear or have personal preferences.

Bring your own towel and swimsuit. These are specifically excluded. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also excluded, as is any ferry supplement for optional full-day outings to Gozo or Comino.

The weekly Gozo and Comino full-day trips cost extra. They are not part of this St Paul’s Bay experience, but they could appeal to certified participants who want a longer day and more locations. Ask the provider for current details before making plans.

Health requirements you should take seriously

Scuba activity requires more than a simple yes at checkout. The operator lists several conditions that may require written medical approval, including heart, lung, blood, neurological, ear, eye, nose, and back problems. Pregnancy, recent surgery, diabetes, loss of consciousness, seizures, strokes, head injury, hernia, ulcers, and some ongoing stomach conditions are also listed.

People aged 45 and over with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a smoking history may need approval. The same applies to participants taking prescription medication, apart from the exceptions specified by the operator.

If a listed condition applies to you, arrange written approval from your doctor before arriving. The information says a physician in Malta may also provide approval, with doctors available at pharmacies each morning. Still, relying on a same-day appointment is risky. Sort this out early and send any requested details on time.

If you cannot provide the required medical consent, the operator suggests joining a snorkeling outing instead. Do not treat that as an automatic substitute unless you confirm availability and arrangements first.

You also need adequate English to understand instructions and safety information. Minors who join alone need written consent from a parent or tutor.

Practical packing and timing advice

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you are ready to change with less fuss. Pack a towel, since one is not supplied, and bring any personal items you need for the day.

The information does not specify what food or drinks are included, so do not assume refreshments are provided. Since the activity takes about five hours, ask the center what you may bring and when you will have a chance to eat.

Arrive early at the Sliema meeting point. The stated start is 8:00 am, but the operator may adjust the exact time. Traffic and parking can cause delays, and late arrival can cost you the session.

Do not fly for at least 24 hours afterward. This rule affects both your arrival and departure plans. If your flight home is the next morning, this experience may not fit your schedule.

Cancellation, weather, and seasonal planning

You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

The activity requires suitable weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you should be offered another date or a full refund. Sea conditions may also change the timing or location even when the activity goes ahead.

This is another reason to avoid placing the outing on your final available morning. Give yourself room to move the date if weather interferes, and keep your plans flexible during the high season.

Who will get the most from this outing

I would choose this experience if you already hold Open Water certification, want two sessions in one morning, and prefer having equipment and transport arranged. It is also a good fit for newer certified participants who value patient guidance rather than a fast, demanding pace.

It suits couples, friends, or family members with broadly similar abilities. The guide can tailor the outing, but a large gap in comfort or certification may still affect the group’s route and timing.

I would think twice if you are not a confident swimmer, have a medical condition requiring approval, dislike early starts, or need a fixed end time. I would also skip it if you are flying within 24 hours.

Should you book the St Paul’s Bay scuba experience?

Book it if the price works for you, you are properly certified, and you want two varied underwater sessions without arranging every detail yourself. The strongest reasons are the patient approach for newer participants, the two separate briefings, the possible mix of reefs, caves, and wrecks, and the chance to see marine life in clear Maltese water.

Before booking, confirm the equipment issue in writing and ask how the meeting time will be handled for your date. Bring a towel and swimsuit, allow a full five hours, and keep your schedule open for weather changes.

If your priority is a calm, guided introduction after certification, this looks like a sensible choice. If you want one guaranteed wreck, a private instructor, or a full day in Gozo or Comino, ask for a more specialized option instead.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for beginners without certification?

No. It is for Open Water certified participants and people with higher certification levels. You must also be able to swim.

Where does the activity start and finish?

It starts and ends at Diveshack20, Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui Si Sana, Sliema, Malta. The stated start time is 8:00 am, although the exact time may change.

Is scuba equipment included?

The experience information says a complete scuba kit is provided. However, scuba equipment also appears in the not-included details, so confirm what is covered with Aquatica Diving Centre before booking.

Do I need to bring a towel and swimsuit?

Yes. You must bring your own towel and swimsuit.

Can I fly after the activity?

You should wait at least 24 hours before flying after the activity.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the activity is canceled because of poor weather, you should be offered another date or a full refund. Sea conditions can also affect the timing and site selection.