Malta: 2 Guided Dives for Certified Divers with Diving Gear

Discover Malta’s Underwater Treasures: A Review of the 2-Guided Dive Experience for Certified Divers

Malta is often called a diver’s paradise, and for good reason. Its crystal-clear Mediterranean waters hide a tapestry of shipwrecks, caves, and vibrant reefs, making it a top destination for those with a scuba certification seeking a memorable underwater adventure. This particular experience—offering two guided dives for certified divers—stands out because of its flexible site selection and professional guidance, all at a reasonable price of $136 per person.

What I really like about this tour are two things: first, how accessible it is, with most dive sites being reachable from the shore, making logistics straightforward. Second, the focus on small group sizes—limited to just four participants—means you’re not just another face in the crowd but get personal attention from the guide, which can make a big difference for safety and enjoyment. One possible consideration is the requirement of a valid diving certification, so if you’re a beginner or non-certified, this won’t be suitable.

This experience offers a well-balanced combination of professional guidance, marine exploration, and convenience, making it a solid choice for certified divers who want to maximize their time underwater in Malta.

Key points / Takeaways

• Flexible Dive Site Selection: Choose from shipwrecks, caves, or reefs based on your interests and certification level.
• Small Group Dynamics: Max of four participants ensures personalized guidance and safety.
• Convenient Shore Access: Most dive sites are reachable from the shore, simplifying logistics.
• Professional Guides Fluent in English and Italian: Guides like the knowledgeable team at Divebase Malta are experienced and attentive.
• All Equipment Included: Dive gear, plus support such as equipment washing and sanitizing, are provided.
• Duration & Timing: The tour lasts around 5.5 hours, with available starting times that suit your schedule.

Introduction to Malta’s Underwater World

If images of Malta’s sun-dappled coast and historic wrecks appeal to you, this guided diving experience is worth considering. Malta’s waters are famously clear, offering visibility often exceeding 20 meters, which enhances the thrill of observing marine life and submerged relics. As a certified diver, you’ll appreciate the opportunity to explore a couple of sites under the watchful eye of skilled guides—most notably, Divebase Malta, which has a reputation for professionalism and tailored experiences.

Two things immediately stand out about this tour. First, the site variety—from wrecks like the famous Zenobia to caves and reefs—means you can tailor each dive to your interests or certification level. Second, the small-group format ensures you receive more personalized instructions and assistance, which is often missed in larger tour groups. The guides, including multilingual instructors, seem committed to making the experience enjoyable and safe.

That said, one consideration for travelers is that diving insurance isn’t included—so you’ll need to arrange your own coverage beforehand. Also, this tour is not suitable for children under 10 or non-swimmers, so it’s best suited for experienced divers looking to add a memorable underwater outing to their Malta trip.

Exploring the Dive Sites: What You Can Expect

The tour begins at Divebase Malta, conveniently located next to the Seaview hotel in St. Paul’s Bay. After a quick safety briefing, you’ll be transported to your chosen site. The guides provide thorough instructions, ensuring everyone feels confident before entering the water. You’ll gear up and then gently descend into the Mediterranean’s clear waters—a setting that’s often described as both peaceful and fascinating.

The first dive typically lasts around two hours, giving ample time to explore. You might encounter a shipwreck, such as the renowned Zenobia, or explore caves and reefs that host a lively array of marine life. As one reviewer noted, “The guides were very attentive and showed us the best spots, making sure we saw everything worth seeing.” Expect to see schools of fish, octopuses, and possibly even some playful groupers.

After the first dive, there’s a rest period of about an hour—plenty of time for a snack, a rest, or some sunbathing on the boat or shoreline. The second dive is usually around an hour long, allowing you to revisit or explore a different site. Many find this combination perfect for a half-day underwater adventure, leaving the rest of your day free.

The guides are attentive to your certification level and comfort, making adjustments as needed. They emphasize marine conservation, advising against touching marine life or plants, which adds an educational layer to the trip.

Logistics, Equipment, and Practicalities

The entire experience lasts approximately 5.5 hours, making it a manageable half-day activity. The meeting point at Divebase Malta is straightforward to find, and the tour includes hotel pick-up in the St. Paul’s area or en route to the dive site, which simplifies logistics, especially if you’re staying nearby.

All necessary diving gear—mask, fins, wetsuit, and regulator—is provided, which is great because you won’t need to worry about packing or renting equipment separately. Post-dive, there’s an area dedicated to equipment washing and sanitizing, ensuring hygiene and readiness for each diver.

You’ll need to bring your diving certification, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for before and after the activity. It’s worth noting that non-swimmers or those with certain medical conditions (like back, heart problems, or pregnancy) are advised not to participate.

The cost of $136 includes guides, gear, support, and light refreshments—a fair value considering the personalized experience and the marine environments you’ll explore.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is ideal for certified divers looking for a reliable, well-organized half-day in Malta. If you enjoy small-group adventures, with guides fluent in English and Italian, and want to explore Malta’s underwater highlights without the hassle of organizing gear or transportation, this fits the bill. It’s perfect if you’re interested in shipwrecks but also want the flexibility to explore caves or reefs.

Travelers who prefer predictable, safety-conscious experiences will appreciate the thorough briefings and professional guidance. It’s also a good choice for those looking for a convenient, all-included package that takes care of logistics, equipment, and support.

However, if you’re a non-certified diver or traveling with children under 10, this experience won’t be suitable. Also, if you’re concerned about the potential need for medical clearance due to medical conditions, make sure to complete the necessary forms beforehand.

Price and Value Analysis

At $136, this tour offers good value considering the included equipment, professional guides, and the quality of sites you’ll visit. The small group size and shore access to most sites mean you avoid the crowds typical of larger tours, fostering a more relaxed atmosphere. The fact that you’re guided by experienced professionals who can show you the best spots adds significant value for both safety and enjoyment.

While it might seem like a modest price, think of it as a half-day of expertly led underwater exploration—highlighted by Malta’s unique shipwrecks and caves. For certified divers, this is a practical way to maximize your underwater time without the hassle of DIY planning, and the included gear and support reduce additional costs.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This?

If you’re a certified diver eager to explore Malta’s underwater world with knowledgeable guides in a small-group setting, this experience will serve you well. It’s particularly suitable if you appreciate the convenience of shore-based access, professional instruction, and a variety of dive sites to choose from. The balance of safety, personal attention, and marine diversity make this a worthwhile addition to your Malta itinerary.

Its straightforward logistics and inclusive approach make it a good pick for travelers who want hassle-free access to Malta’s underwater scenery, especially if you’re comfortable with diving in open water. Just remember to prepare your medical forms ahead of time, bring your certification, and pack a sense of adventure.

FAQs

Do I need to have a diving certification to join this tour?
Yes, this experience is designed for certified divers. You’ll need to present your certification and fill out medical forms before diving.

What equipment is included?
All necessary diving gear—mask, fins, wetsuit, and regulator—is provided. You also get support and assistance from guides throughout.

Can I choose my dive sites?
While the tour offers a variety of sites like wrecks, caves, and reefs, the final site choice will depend on your certification, weather conditions, and guide recommendations.

How long is the entire experience?
The whole trip lasts about 5.5 hours, including briefing, surface intervals, and the two dives.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
Yes, groups are limited to 4 participants, ensuring personalized guidance and safety.

What should I bring?
Bring your diving certification, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Remember, non-swimmers and those with certain medical conditions should consult the organizer.

In essence, this Malta dive experience is a well-organized, accessible way for certified divers to enjoy Malta’s underwater delights in a small, friendly setting. With well-chosen sites, professional guidance, and all equipment provided, it offers a safe and memorable underwater outing that fits neatly into a half-day of your Malta visit.