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

Malta puts clear water, reefs, caves, and wrecks within easy reach, and this two-session scuba outing gives certified swimmers a full morning on the water without committing to a long boat day. The guides adjust the plan to your experience, which matters if you are newly qualified or still settling your nerves.

I like the two safety briefings and the air-conditioned transfer from the Sliema meeting point to the site. I also like the small maximum of 15 people, plus the patient, personal approach shown by guide Holly and Lee. The main catch is that the exact site and timing can shift with weather, traffic, parking, and group readiness.

Key points at a glance

• Two guided sessions: You get two recreational underwater outings, not a single short dip.
• Sites can vary: Reefs, caves, and wrecks are possible, including a WWII wreck mentioned by the guides.
• Good for newer certified swimmers: The pace and site choice can be adjusted to your experience.
• Meet in Sliema: Start at Diveshack20 on Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui-Si-Sana at 8:00 am, then use the provided vehicle transfer.
• Safety comes first: Expect two briefings, English instructions, and medical screening requirements.
• Gozo and Comino cost extra: Weekly full-day trips are available for an additional fee.

Two underwater sessions instead of a rushed taste

The appeal here is simple: you get two chances to see Malta below the surface during an outing of about five hours. That gives you more time to settle into your gear, find your breathing rhythm, and enjoy the second session with less first-time fuss.

The plan is not locked to one named reef or wreck. Your guides choose a suitable site based on your certification, comfort, sea conditions, and the day’s practical limits. You might visit a reef, enter a cave area, or see a wreck. The WWII wreck option adds a strong historical angle, though the information provided does not promise that every group will visit it.

For me, that flexibility is more useful than a fixed postcard itinerary. A new Open Water swimmer may need a calmer site and a gentler pace, while someone with more experience may want a more interesting underwater feature. The operator says each outing is tailored to your level, and one family outing was adjusted for newer swimmers.

Expect the first session to include the usual check of equipment, procedures, and site conditions. A second briefing follows for the later session. Two briefings may sound formal, but this is exactly the sort of structure I want before entering unfamiliar water, especially when the site changes or the group includes people with different experience levels.

Why St Paul’s Bay can suit certified swimmers

St Paul’s Bay is a useful base for a mix of underwater scenery. The available sites may include rock formations, reefs, caves, and wrecks, so the outing can offer more than a simple swim along a flat seabed. Malta is also known for clear water, and the tour description specifically points to visibility as part of the attraction.

Still, you should keep your expectations sensible. Clear water does not guarantee perfect conditions every day, and the exact site is not fixed in advance. Wind, waves, traffic, parking, and the physical readiness of the group can affect both the schedule and the site choice.

The most interesting possibility is the WWII wreck. A wreck session can give the morning a sense of purpose, with structure and history replacing a generic open-water route. But ask the centre about the planned site before setting your heart on wreck access, since the tour is sold as a flexible outing rather than a guaranteed wreck visit.

Caves can also be memorable, but you should listen closely to the briefing and follow the guide’s limits. The supplied details do not say that every participant enters enclosed spaces, and your certification and comfort level will help shape what is appropriate.

A calm pace for newer Open Water swimmers

This outing is aimed at Open Water certified swimmers and people with higher certification levels. It is not a beginner lesson or a first-time introduction to scuba equipment.

That said, the format can work well if you have a certification but limited real-world experience. One parent and son joined as newer swimmers, and the session was adjusted to their ability. The parent had a tendency to panic at the start, yet the instructor stayed patient and helped the swimmer continue rather than pushing too hard.

That detail is important. A patient guide can make the difference between spending the whole session fighting your nerves and actually enjoying the water. It also tells you that the centre is not treating every person as if they have the same confidence or skill.

You still need to be honest about your ability. You must be able to swim, understand English instructions, and manage a moderate level of physical activity. If you are rusty, tell the centre before arrival so the team can plan appropriately.

A certified swimmer looking for demanding technical work may find the format too basic or too dependent on the group. The experience is designed around recreational fun sessions, not advanced training, specialty certification, or a guaranteed challenging route.

What your five hours look like

Your day begins at 8:00 am at Diveshack20, located on Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui-Si-Sana in Sliema. The meeting point is not a hotel pickup, so you need to arrange your own way there. Public transport is available near the meeting point, which helps if you are staying in Sliema or elsewhere on Malta.

After meeting the team, you receive equipment and an initial briefing. The description says a complete scuba kit is provided, so you should not need to bring your own tank, regulator, or other standard equipment. Yet the inclusions also contain a conflicting note saying scuba equipment is not included. I would confirm this directly with Aquatica Diving Centre before paying, since the two statements do not match.

Transport to and from the site is included once you are at the meeting point. The vehicle is described as air-conditioned, a welcome detail after carrying equipment in Malta’s warm weather. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so do not wait at your accommodation unless the centre has separately confirmed an arrangement.

The first underwater session follows the briefing and transfer. Afterward, you should expect a pause before the second session, though the exact schedule is not stated. The full outing lasts about five hours, but the start and finish can move because of weather, sea conditions, road traffic, parking, late arrivals, and the physical capabilities of the group.

The activity ends back at the Sliema meeting point. Bring your own towel and swimsuit. These are specifically excluded, and forgetting a towel after two water sessions is an avoidable nuisance.

Guides who adjust rather than rush

The strongest personal touch in the available feedback is the guide behavior. Holly and Lee are specifically praised for being caring and pleasant company during a WWII wreck outing. Another instructor stayed patient with a nervous swimmer until that person was able to continue and see two jellyfish with a family member.

You should not assume Holly and Lee will lead every departure, but their names give you a useful point of reference. If you have concerns about confidence, experience, or medical paperwork, ask who will lead your session and explain your needs clearly.

That patient approach is especially valuable in a group activity. A maximum of 15 people is not tiny, but it is more manageable than a very large outing. The guide still has to balance different certification levels, so the exact amount of individual attention will depend on the group.

Two jellyfish were seen during one session. That is a fun possibility, not a promise. Marine life is unpredictable, and the operator itself advises avoiding July and August if you want the best chance of a calmer underwater setting with fewer people startling the fauna.

Price and what you receive for $118.35

At $118.35 per person, the price is reasonable if you need equipment and want two guided sessions with transport to the site. The value comes from combining two outings, briefings, guides, and site transport in one morning rather than arranging each part separately.

The price is less attractive if you already own all your equipment or want a full-day trip to Gozo or Comino. Those weekly outings require an extra fee, and a ferry supplement is not included. You should compare the total cost if your main goal is a full island day rather than two local sessions.

The absence of hotel pickup also affects the real cost. You need to reach Sliema on your own, and you should allow extra time so a delayed bus or parking problem does not put your place at risk. The centre warns that late arrival can mean losing the activity without a refund, especially in the busy months.

For a holiday morning, I like the balance. You get a structured plan and two chances underwater, then return to Sliema with the rest of the day available. Just confirm the equipment charge before booking, as the supplied information gives two different answers.

Medical rules you should take seriously

The health requirements are detailed because scuba pressure and exertion can create real risks. If you have a listed medical condition, you need written approval from a physician before taking part. The operator says a physician in Malta may be available through a pharmacy in the morning, but arrange this early rather than leaving it to the last minute.

The listed concerns include pregnancy, heart, lung, or blood conditions, certain eye, ear, and nasal problems, recent surgery, neurological conditions, fainting, seizures, strokes, head injuries, serious headaches or migraines, psychological or addiction issues, back problems, hernia, ulcers, diabetes, stomach or intestinal problems, and prescription medication use. People aged 45 or older who have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or smoke are also asked to obtain approval.

This is not paperwork to ignore. If you cannot provide the required medical consent, contact the centre about joining a snorkelling outing instead. The operator can refuse participation if health requirements or requested details are not handled in time.

You also need to wait 24 hours after the activity before flying. That rule matters if this is near the end of your Malta holiday. Do not schedule the outing on the same day as your flight home.

The practical details that shape the day

The activity is offered in English, and you need to understand the instructions. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transport. Minors who join without a parent or tutor need written consent.

Peak season brings more pressure on the schedule. June, July, and August can mean more people around the island, traffic, parking trouble, and greater disruption to marine life. If your dates are flexible, I would choose another month for a quieter experience.

The operator contacts you through WhatsApp before the session with key instructions and the exact starting time. If you do not use WhatsApp, contact can be by SMS or email. Keep your phone close and check for updates, since the listed 8:00 am start can change.

The cancellation terms are generous only if you act early. Cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, except that poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Who should book this Malta scuba outing

I would recommend it to:

• Certified Open Water swimmers who want two recreational sessions
• Newer certified swimmers who want a patient, adjustable pace
• People interested in reefs, caves, and possible wreck sites
• Visitors based near Sliema who can reach the meeting point easily
• Couples or family members with similar certification levels
• Anyone who wants a morning activity rather than a full-day island trip

I would think twice if you need hotel pickup, cannot swim confidently, do not understand English instructions, or want a guaranteed WWII wreck. I would also choose another activity if your medical paperwork is not ready or if you need to fly within 24 hours.

Should you book it?

Book this outing if you value two guided sessions, a flexible site plan, patient instruction, and the chance to see a reef, cave, or wreck without organizing the equipment and local transport yourself. The strongest reason to choose it is the adjustment for newer certified swimmers, backed by the calm support shown during a nervous session.

Before booking, confirm exactly what equipment is included, ask about the likely site for your date, and check the medical rules. If you want Gozo or Comino, price the extra ferry and full-day supplements separately. For a half-day near Sliema, this is a practical choice, especially outside July and August.

FAQ

Where does the activity start?

It starts at Diveshack20, Ix-xatt Ta’ Qui-Si-Sana, Sliema, Malta.

What time does the activity start?

The stated start time is 8:00 am, though the exact time may change because of weather, sea conditions, traffic, parking, group punctuality, and other practical factors.

How long does the activity last?

The outing lasts about five hours, including the transfer and both recreational scuba sessions.

Who can participate?

Open Water certified swimmers and people with higher certification levels can participate. You must also be able to swim, understand English, and manage moderate physical activity.

Is equipment provided?

The tour information says a complete scuba kit is provided, but another note says scuba equipment is not included. Confirm the equipment arrangement with Aquatica Diving Centre before booking.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Transport to and from the activity site is provided after you meet at the Sliema location.

Can I fly after the activity?

You should wait 24 hours before flying after the activity.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can be offered another date or a full refund.